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Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrAfter last week’s false start, Disney has officially confirmed a new reservation date for The Beak and Barrel, the highly anticipated pirate-themed tavern opening inside Magic Kingdom later this month. Beginning Tuesday, August 20 at 6:00 a.m. ET, guests will finally be able to book their seats at the park’s first-ever alcohol-serving lounge — a moment that is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive reservation scrambles of the year.
The Beak and Barrel is slated to officially welcome its first patrons on Friday, August 29, 2025, marking a historic milestone for Magic Kingdom. For decades, the park has kept alcohol off its menus outside of table-service restaurants, but this new lounge, steeped in Pirates of the Caribbean lore, changes that tradition in a major way.
A Bumpy Launch
Disney had originally planned to open reservations last Thursday, August 14. But when the clock struck 6:00 a.m., thousands of eager fans were greeted not with confirmation emails, but with error messages. Both the Walt Disney World website and the My Disney Experience app went down, and although dining reservations across the resort came back online later that morning, The Beak and Barrel remained inaccessible.
By the afternoon, Disney posted a message on the tavern’s official page noting that “due to technical difficulties, reservations for Beak and Barrel will not launch today,” leaving fans frustrated but undeterred. Social media filled with speculation, memes, and plenty of warnings that whenever the new booking date was announced, competition would be fierce.
Now that Disney has circled August 20 as the official reset, guests are already prepping strategies — from multiple browser windows to team efforts across family accounts — to score one of the coveted tables.
A Pirate’s Retreat in the Heart of Magic Kingdom
The Beak and Barrel isn’t just another themed eatery. Disney Imagineers have designed the tavern as a storytelling experience in its own right, pulling directly from the world of Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests will encounter Captain Merry Goldwyn, the tavern’s eccentric hostess, alongside her parrot quartermaster, Rummy, who help spin a narrative filled with songs, shanties, and swashbuckling mischief.
Themed décor, parchment-style signage, and moody lighting set the stage for an experience that blends dining with entertainment. Much like Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, The Beak and Barrel promises to immerse guests so thoroughly that sipping a cocktail feels like stepping into a scene.
What’s on the Menu
Pricing details released this week give us the clearest picture yet of what guests can expect once seated inside the tavern. Small plates range from $12 to $18, offering shareable options that lean into global flavors inspired by seafaring cultures. While Disney hasn’t released the full menu yet, early previews suggest Caribbean-seasoned bites, smoked meats, and fresh coastal influences.
The drink menu, however, is where The Beak and Barrel truly shines. Signature cocktails and mixed drinks fall between $18.50 and $20, and themed mugs are part of the draw. The standout offering is the Plunderer’s Punch, made with Kraken Black Spiced Rum, blackberry, lime, and vanilla. Served in a souvenir skull mug, it’ll run thirsty pirates $46 — but comes with both a strong pour and a collectible treasure to take home.
Other beverage options include:
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Non-alcoholic creations ranging from $7.75 to $13.75
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Beer priced between $10 and $13.50
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Wine by the glass from $14 to $17
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Premium reserved rum pours (two selections), each priced at $45
In short, whether you’re seeking a playful mocktail or a serious rum indulgence, there’s a tier of experience for every type of guest.
Seasonal Timing and Extra Magic
The tavern’s debut also coincides with the return of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which runs on select nights from August 15 through October 31. Party guests with valid event admission will be able to access the tavern, giving them an extra way to enhance their evening with themed drinks or bites. That timing almost certainly adds another layer of demand, as partygoers look to pair the park’s candy-filled festivities with a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience.
Lessons from Oga’s Cantina
If history is any indicator, The Beak and Barrel is poised to become one of the hardest reservations to secure at Walt Disney World. When Oga’s Cantina opened in 2019, it instantly became a must-do for Star Wars fans, with reservations vanishing within minutes each morning. The same pattern is expected here — compounded by the fact that Magic Kingdom has never offered an alcohol-serving lounge before.
Travel planners are already advising clients to log in well before 6:00 a.m. on August 20, refresh browsers, and move quickly once slots open. And just like Oga’s, The Beak and Barrel is expected to use strict time limits for seating, meaning this isn’t the kind of place you linger for hours.
A New Chapter for Magic Kingdom
With the clock ticking toward opening day, anticipation for The Beak and Barrel has never been higher. Fans who were disappointed by last week’s technical issues now have a new date circled on their calendars, and Disney has every incentive to ensure the rollout goes smoothly this time.
Between its immersive storytelling, menu of adventurous flavors, and landmark role as Magic Kingdom’s first true lounge, The Beak and Barrel is shaping up to be more than just a dining option — it’s a statement about the park’s evolving identity.
Reservations will open August 20, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. ET. For anyone hoping to raise a glass of Plunderer’s Punch or share a plate of pirate-inspired bites, set your alarms early. This is one treasure that won’t stay buried for long.