Don’t Pass Up Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island

By Renee Cuessy

When planning a Disneyland trip most people plan for rides, churros and souvenirs. If you are anything like me you’ve planned an entire itinerary for each day like what rides you will go on, what order you’ll use your FastPasses and when your dining reservations will be. It’s go, go, go from rope drop to the last firework and it’s all magical. Except when someone gets tired and has a complete meltdown. It never fails someone starts dragging behind and we parents are not ready to call it a day (we paid so much money for this trip we are going to enjoy every second darn it!) Sound familiar? 

There is a simple solution for this that does not involve leaving the park or shelling out any extra funds. Head over to the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Walt Disney created this attraction himself and over the years has been a saving grace for parents.

Located in Frontierland is a little island across the Rivers of America. In New Orleans square near the Haunted Mansion you will find log rafts waiting to take you across. There’s rarely a line to board and it’s not a timed attraction, stay as long as you need. If you have little ones who need to get the wiggles out, a bored teenager or a member of your party that just needs a break from the crowd this island is where you need to be. Here your family can hunt for pirate treasure, cross tipsy bridges and explore the Smugglers Cove. Kids can wander through Dead Man’s Grotto and check out the fort while the adults relax in the shade and give their feet a break. Everything is meant to be explored and touched on this attraction which makes it a fun play area for littles. Rumor has it Cast Members hide paint brushes on the island. If you are lucky enough to find a paint brush, turn it in to a Cast Member and get a prize (usually a FastPass). There are restrooms and benches so your family can sit back and enjoy the views of the park and watch Mark Twain Riverboat cruise by. You may even get a chance meeting with Captain Jack Sparrow or the new Captain Redd.

Don’t be surprised if this quick pit stop ends up being a long afternoon reprieve. It may even be your kids favorite attraction. So don’t pass this little island by, you will leave feeling ready to take on the rest of your day at the park.

To book your dream Disneyland trip contact me at [email protected]. Follow me on Facebook at fb/ReneeRopeDrop and on Instagram @butterbeer_mickeyears.com. To read more of my articles head to RopeDropTravel.com