Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom continues to be a place where cherished memories are made, offering experiences that take guests back to their childhoods. Among the iconic attractions, Pirates of the Caribbean stands tall, captivating visitors with its swashbuckling story, unforgettable characters, and immersive setting. But Disney is not resting on its laurels.
As part of ongoing efforts to refresh the park, Disney has been making improvements to Pirates of the Caribbean, especially in preparation for the grand opening of a highly anticipated new lounge: The Beak and Barrel.
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Located in the heart of Magic Kingdom, The Beak and Barrel is set to be the park’s very first public lounge, and it is drawing plenty of attention for its pirate-themed ambiance. This lounge is more than just a place to grab a drink—it will be an interactive, storytelling-driven experience that blends Disney magic with the timeless allure of the high seas.
In fact, the lounge’s connection to Pirates of the Caribbean makes it even more exciting, as Disney works to ensure the attraction itself is as lively and captivating as ever.
Earlier this year, Disney teased the opening of The Beak and Barrel alongside another lounge, Geo-82, at EPCOT. However, The Beak and Barrel will be particularly special for all visitors to Magic Kingdom, as it will be accessible to guests of all ages.
The lounge will feature unique pirate-inspired drinks and mouthwatering bites, with some offerings sure to appeal to guests 21 and over who are eager to drink like a pirate.
While The Beak and Barrel is still months away from opening (officially slated for late 2025), Disney is ensuring the surrounding attractions meet the same level of excitement and quality. Notably, Pirates of the Caribbean has undergone substantial improvements, with some fans already noticing significant changes.
Disney fan Belle (@FiBelleFi) shared her observations on social media after a recent ride on Pirates of the Caribbean.
I want to acknowledge how incredible Florida’s Pirates currently looks. There is so much movement in ALL the figures, more than I can recall seeing in my adulthood.
This was accomplished over a period of time and appears complete to me, coinciding with bar opening soon.
I want to acknowledge how incredible Florida’s Pirates currently looks. There is so much movement in ALL the figures, more than I can recall seeing in my adulthood.
This was accomplished over a period of time and appears complete to me, coinciding with bar opening soon. pic.twitter.com/xD78ohX3z9
— Belle (@FiBelleFi) June 26, 2025
Related: New ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Attraction Set to Debut at Disney Park, Decades After Original Ride
Belle’s tweet quickly gained traction, as other visitors also commented on the enhanced animatronics. The improvements seem to have breathed new life into the attraction, with increased movement and more dynamic figures that make the experience feel fresher than ever before. However, the ride is not entirely free of criticism.
Some fans pointed out that certain aspects, like the dog holding the keys in the prison scene, still need attention.
Something has happened to the hair on the dog holding the keys in his mouth at the end of the ride! It looks nangy, a lot of hair is missing! It was so awful, I had to look away, just couldn’t stand seeing my favorite, (since I was a child) scene looking so sad!! This was 6/27.
Related: Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Dark Stories Behind the Attraction
Despite these minor critiques, the feedback overall has been positive, and it’s clear that Disney is investing time and resources into revitalizing the beloved attraction. The enhancements to Pirates of the Caribbean are in line with the opening of The Beak and Barrel, signaling Disney’s commitment to offering an immersive experience that ties together the theme of pirates and adventure.
The Beak and Barrel is sure to be a popular destination for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their Disney vacation. The immersive nature of the lounge—complete with pirate-themed drinks and interactive elements—will add a fresh dimension to the Magic Kingdom experience.
As the Magic Kingdom’s first public lounge, it will also be an exciting new addition for guests of all ages.
So, what can guests expect from the new lounge? While Disney has yet to announce an official opening date, The Beak and Barrel promises to offer a dynamic experience with pirate-themed cocktails, a unique atmosphere, and even live storytelling and sing-alongs. These features make it clear that Disney is taking every step to ensure that the opening of The Beak and Barrel will be a must-see event in late 2025.
In the meantime, Pirates of the Caribbean will remain a major draw for visitors to Magic Kingdom, with updates that make it even more of a highlight for fans of the ride. The combination of a refreshed attraction and the opening of the Beak and Barrel lounge will bring a new level of excitement to the park.
Are you looking forward to the grand opening of The Beak and Barrel? What improvements would you like to see at Pirates of the Caribbean? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
