Credit: DisneyDisney’s Magic Kingdom has changed forever.
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Today is a big day, with The Beak and Barrel officially opening its doors at the Magic Kingdom. The new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed bar and lounge marks a turning point for the classic theme park and Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean brand as a whole.
To celebrate The Beak and Barrel’s August 29 debut, Walt Disney President Jeff Vahle shared photos from its grand opening, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday morning.
“Ahoy! Three cheers for the opening crew of The Beak and Barrel,” said Vahle in a new post. “We are so proud of the teams who helped create an incredible immersive experience fit for a pirate. Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who had a hand (…or hook) in this fun addition to Adventureland!”
The Beak and Barrel
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The Beak and Barrel offers patrons pirate-themed food and drink, complete with an incredible atmosphere full of life, adventure, and buried treasure. During their time inside, guests can try a number of cocktails and treats, most notable of which is a beverage served in a souvenir skull cup.
Like Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, guests are given a set amount of time (45 minutes) to enjoy The Beak and Barrel.
The theming goes far beyond drinks and decor. The new location also features an impressive parrot animatronic named Rummy. At certain times, Rummy greets guests, making the whole place come alive.
This is hardly the only significant development happening in Walt Disney World right now, with other areas of the park changing too. This summer, Magic Kingdom closed its Rivers of America and, in turn, Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat to make way for a new expansion: Piston Peak.
Inspired by both Pixar’s Cars franchise and real-world national parks, Piston Peak will be located in the center of Frontierland, marking one of the largest transformations Magic Kingdom has ever seen. The project was officially unveiled during Disney’s D23 event last August, an announcement that immediately struck a nerve among veteran Disney park fans.
Tom Sawyer Island was undoubtedly a staple of Magic Kingdom, whether it was popular or not, and closing it is a very, very big deal. The same goes for The Liberty Belle, which stopped offering tours of Magic Kingdom’s Rivers of America in July.
Piston Peak is expected to open by 2027, which will be one of the biggest years Walt Disney World has ever seen. Alongside Magic Kingdom’s new Cars area, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will also get new lands of their own.
Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas is coming along nicely, with construction and demolition taking place inside DinoLand U.S.A. over the last few months. The rest of DinoLand, including DINOSAUR, will close permanently in 2026.
Muppets Courtyard closed permanently this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to make way for Monstropolis, the park’s new land based on Monsters Inc. When complete, Monstropolis will feature a suspended roller coaster and several new places to explore.
What new Walt Disney World project are you most excited about?