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Credit: Inside the MagicDisney World is changing, in big ways.
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Disney theme parks are famous for their long list of classic rides and attractions, but dining also plays a big part in a Disney vacation. From Magic Kingdom to Tokyo Disneyland, guests can rest assured they will have dozens of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
This rings especially true at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, a resort that has continued to add on and expand its list of restaurants and fast-food locations. Entertainment and food go hand-in-hand, especially at the Disney parks, though Walt Disney World has recently shifted even further toward adult-oriented options.
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Walt Disney World has always been a family-friendly vacation destination, though it is quite a bit different from the original Disneyland Park in California. For decades, one of the biggest differences between the two locations was alcohol, as Disneyland did not serve any adult beverages until 2019. Disney World, on the other hand, has served up cocktails and shots for years.
Alcohol continues to be a controversial aspect of the Disney parks, but Disney World has doubled, even tripled down on its offerings as of late. The best example of this is Disney World’s two new lounges, both of which are aimed at older travelers.
The first of these new lounges is GEO-82, a modern bar where guests can grab some small bites and savor an array of cocktails. Once open, GEO-82 will be located at EPCOT, a park already infamous for its selection of alcoholic beverages.
While it is not surprising that EPCOT is getting another bar, GEO-82 is limited to guests 21 and older, an exclusion rarely seen at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom will soon also be home to a new bar/lounge, one based on Pirates of the Caribbean. Officially named The Beak and Barrel, this new tavern will give pirates their own place to sit back and relax. The bar will be located just next to the park’s Pirates of the Caribbean dark ride, continuing the story of what is perhaps Disney’s most famous theme park ride of all time.
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The Beak and Barrel will blend the worlds of Disney’s dark ride and the live-action Pirates film franchise, allowing guests to immerse themselves in their own high-seas adventure while they enjoy some savory snacks and sweet treats.
Of course, a pirate hangout wouldn’t be complete without some rum, and there will be plenty inside The Beak and Barrel.
Both of these new bars/lounges are set to open at Walt Disney World this year, though they haven’t been met positively by everyone. It seems inevitable that Disney would add alcohol to its menus, even at Disneyland, though there has been considerable pushback against Disney World’s two new bars.
A considerable chunk of the Disney park community thinks that alcohol simply does not belong in places like Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Some argue Disney is bringing too much alcohol into the parks, while others think the parks should be places for everyone, adults included, to enjoy. This debate will likely continue forever, though, regardless of backlash, Disney seems keen on expanding its alcohol-oriented options, and with the rise of “Disney Adults,” this makes a lot of sense.
What do you think about the drink options at Walt Disney World?