Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Theisland hassets fromthe
PiratesoftheCaribbean
films, suchasWilliam Turner's
blacksmith shop, and story artifacts, such as Elizabeth Swann's love letters, tucked into
every nook and cranny. Kids exploring the caverns of Dead Man's Grotto will encounter
spooky voices, ghostly apparitions, and buried treasure. Elsewhere, a sunken chest can be
discovered by operating a hoist.
Evidently, you can't have a pirate's lair without a bunch of gore. A pop-up head and
moving skeletal arm are just the beginning. There's also a “bone cage” and, our favorite,
a treasure chest containing Davy Jones's beating heart. If your child doesn't have a play-
mate, don't worry. There's usually a gang of itinerant pirates on hand to administer the
“pirate oath” and, somewhat incongruously, lead sing-alongs.
TOURING TIPS
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island is not one of Disneyland Park's more cel-
ebrated attractions, but it's certainly one of the most well done. Attention to detail is ex-
cellent, and kids particularly revel in its adventuresome atmosphere. We think it's a must
for families with children ages 5-15. If your party has only adults, visit the island on your
second day, or stop by on your first day if you have seen the attractions you most wanted
to see. We like the island from about noon until the island closes at sunset. Access is by
raft from Frontierland, and you may have to stand in line to board both coming and going.
Two or three rafts operate simultaneously, however, and the round-trip is usually pretty
time efficient. Tom Sawyer Island takes about 30 minutes or so to see, but many children
could spend a whole day there.
Raft to and from Tom Sawyer Island
What it is
Transportation ride to Tom Sawyer Island.
Scope and scale
Minor attraction.
Dur-
ation of ride
A little more than 1 minute one way.
Average wait in line per 100 people ahead
of you
4½ minutes.
Assumes
3 rafts operating.
Loading speed
Moderate.
Sailing Ship
Columbia
(open seasonally)
What it is
Scenicboatride.
Scope and scale
Minorattraction.
When to go
11a.m.-5p.m.
Spe-
cial comments
Pirates on extremely busy days; a stunning piece of workmanship.
Duration
of ride
About 14 minutes.
Average wait to board
10 minutes.
Assumes
Normal operations.
Loading method
En masse.
