In an unexpected development that has left Magic Kingdom visitors scratching their heads, Walt Disney World has officially removed the operating hours for Tortuga Tavern from their website. Just hours after confirming its planned reopening, Disney has reversed course, leaving fans and patrons in suspense about the tavern’s future. The initial announcement, which suggested the restaurant would reopen on January 1, 2025, has now been wiped from the site, and no further details have been shared as to why the change was made.
The quick-service dining spot, located in Adventureland and nestled near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, has been closed since June 2024. Originally, guests were expecting Tortuga Tavern to resume operations for the new year, staying open until at least February. However, following the sudden removal of its operating hours from Disney’s official pages, it now appears that the tavern’s return is no longer set in stone. Our team reached out to Walt Disney World for clarification but has yet to receive an official comment.
Tortuga Tavern has long been a fan-favorite spot in Magic Kingdom, known for its pirate-themed ambiance and proximity to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Over the years, it has served as both a quick-service dining option and a place for parkgoers to enjoy a fun, casual meal amid the swashbuckling atmosphere of Adventureland. However, its closure in June raised questions about whether the location would be reimagined or transformed, especially with reports suggesting it might be revamped into a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge.
A few months ago, Chris Beatty, Chief of Walt Disney Imagineering, teased the concept of a brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge in Adventureland. This would be the first of its kind in Magic Kingdom, expanding the story of the popular attraction in a way that no other space in the park had before. This would not only offer fans a more immersive experience but also provide an opportunity for Disney to enhance its food and beverage offerings by tying them directly to the pirate theme.
In addition to the rumors surrounding the tavern, there were also signs that a larger overhaul of the area was underway. Disney had already closed the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar gift shop at the Pirates of the Caribbean exit and temporarily shifted merchandise into the Tortuga Tavern location. This change led many to believe that the transformation of Tortuga Tavern into a pirate-themed lounge was all but confirmed, as Disney took steps to move towards a more cohesive storytelling experience.
As part of the ongoing refurbishment, the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar was closed for construction in July 2024. In its place, Disney opened a temporary pirate merchandise shop in Tortuga Tavern, rebranded as Tortuga Treasures. The store has become a popular spot for fans to pick up exclusive Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise, further fueling speculation about the future of the tavern space. Guests can still shop for pirate-themed treasures, but there’s no clear indication as to whether the tavern’s role as a dining location will ever return.
Currently, the Tavern remains closed, but many still hold out hope that Disney is simply taking extra time to plan the new lounge concept, which could offer guests an even more unique experience tied directly to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Disney has a long history of adding immersive spaces that complement their most popular attractions, and the addition of a themed lounge seems like a natural next step in the evolution of Adventureland.
While the confusion surrounding Tortuga Tavern’s future is certainly disappointing for those hoping to revisit the spot soon, it’s worth remembering that Disney is working on several other major updates throughout its parks. From major expansions like the overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to a planned reimagining of Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland, Disney is far from slowing down when it comes to enhancing its guest experiences. Still, the lingering question remains: will Tortuga Tavern return, or is it destined to become a completely reimagined, Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge?
As we continue to track this story, it’s clear that the changes to Adventureland are only just beginning. Disney has long prided itself on its ability to expand the stories of its most iconic attractions, and this project is likely part of a much larger plan to make the Pirates of the Caribbean experience even more immersive. For now, fans will have to wait and see whether Tortuga Tavern is truly closed for good or if Disney is simply taking its time with the reimagining.
Stay tuned for updates, as more details are expected to emerge soon. Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean and Tortuga Tavern alike will be eager to learn if the much-loved spot will reopen in the near future, or if the plans for a new lounge will be the next big thing to come to Adventureland.
