The area opened in 1956, one year after the opening of Disneyland Park.Prior to the debut of Fantasmic! in 1992, when the south end of the Island was re-built to facilitate the nighttime show, Tom Sawyer Island saw very little change. The Island received major upgrades, new show elements, and a complete re-theming in 2007 when it re-opened as Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. The re-theming eradicated much of the previous Tom Sawyer theme in favor of characters and elements from and inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. A justification behind connecting the Tom Sawyer and pirate themes came in the form of a chapter from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer where Tom, Huck and Joe Harper go off to play pirates on a nearby island, the idea being that all of the Pirates of the Caribbean elements added to the island are all a part of their imaginative play.Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Islands opening coincided with the theatrical release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.On January 11, 2016, Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, along with the other attractions and shows along the Rivers of America, closed temporarily for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxys Edge.Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyer Island reopened on June 16, 2017.

They layered the pirate theme over Tom Sawyer island. Both elements are still there so thats good. Still its a great consolidated area for kids. Lots of interactive elements for the family here.

The island is an excellent place to explore with your kids and escape the crowds during the day. Take a snack and enjoy yourselves for an hour, relax and be merry!

My kid Love to go explore this island! I often will take a little break while they are running through all the different things on the island. You have to take a little boat that is right next to the hunted mansion. There is restrooms on the island. There is lots of lil places to rest.

One of my favorite places to visit in the park.Not that exciting for people who have never been to Disneyland but for people who have been coming here for 40 plus years it brings back great memories.

Very beautiful place

Not sure if this was worth the trip on its own, but the rest of the island is a nice diversion from the rest of the park

It’s a good workout lol

We visited the island early in the morning with only a couple other visitors that we quickly lost sight of. It was an eerie experience waking through the caves and fort and I couldnt help but recall the feeling of being a boy again, like Tom and Huck, and discovering a mysteriously deserted island. A great tangible supplement to the stories and fun for anyone.

Save your feet and energy! Unless you love Tom Sewyer and want to waste some precious energy essentially walking around in a mini nature park this one is a total miss. I was so tired from all the stairs with no pay off, the views were mediocre and most of the exhibits were just props no animatronics. The most exciting part was the raft ride over and back. I didn’t see any spiders but there was real webs everywhere so be careful. I felt disappointed for the new people being boated over to this as it frankly was a waste of energy. No wonder this had a 5 minute wait time. Definitely wouldn’t wait anything over 5 minutes for this.

Really good becuase they are many attractions and also they is space for people to explore the place

Originally opened in 1956 as Tom Sawyers Island it is now known as Pirates Lair on Tom Sawyers Island. Rethemed in 2007.Many elements are still there from Tom Sawyers days plus added pirates stuff. A good place to let the kids run around and explore. Caves, bridges, treehouse. Fort Wilderness is closed.You cross the Rivers of America on a raft. The island closes before dusk.The caves can be scary for little ones. Pretty dark. Also not recommended if you have claustrophobia. The caves are tight!The restrooms are located on the east side of the island, across from Mark Twain landing.Escape the crowds, and heat, and venture out to Pirates Lair. Youll be glad you did!

I loved being on a real island in the middle of an amusement park. And my kids liked it too.

There is something special about going to a little isalnd in the middle of the hustle and bustle and slowing down for a while. And while you so that the little ones will have a ball playing pirate on one of the many caves, forts and buildings.

Very fun park area to explore with bridges and more. Great to get away from the bustle of the park and into the outdoors.

Underwhelming to say the least. Sound and fury but in a cheapish veneer. Hurts to see this at Disneyland. Shame that Tom Sawyer Island is not really Tom Sawyer Island anymore. RIP Fort Wilderness.

Favorite spot at the park. It has remained one of the most relaxing areas to get away while at the park.

Pretty Cool Walk Through, nothing too special if you miss it!

Only thing I really only need to see once. Wish they would do more for the realistate it takes up.

I love Disneyland cant wait to go back..

Ok

Fun place to Learn About Tom!

Very cool experience away from everything

Great spot to slow down and check out the area. No rush here.

Underrated.

Stinky

Closed temporarily along with the other Rivers of America features, such a the canoes, as construction continues on Star Wars land directly behind the river.

Jose

Love this island in the park.

Wow