Credit: DisneyIt’s no secret that Walt Disney was not a fan of alcohol in environments that were meant to be family-friendly. That’s why he made sure that Disneyland Park did not serve any alcohol when it opened in 1955. While that belief continued for a while after Walt died in 1966, things took a big turn when EPCOT opened at Walt Disney World Resort in 1982. Guests could take a trip around the World Showcase and sample different alcoholic beverages from eleven different countries.
Since then, alcohol has been incorporated into every Disney theme park around the world. Disneyland Park was the last to begin serving alcohol, not doing so until the opening of Oga’s Cantina at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.
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The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World did not begin selling alcohol until 2012, and it was only available at Be Our Guest Restaurant. Now, in addition to Be Our Guest, guests can also purchase alcohol at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, Liberty Tree Tavern, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, The Plaza Restaurant, The Diamond Horseshoe, and The Crystal Palace.
You may have noticed that all of the restaurants named above are sit-down dining locations. However, beginning August 29, there will be a new lounge opening in the Magic Kingdom that will specialize in serving incredible cocktails, with the food only complementing the drinks.
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The Beak and Barrel is Disney’s newest lounge, themed after the iconic attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean. According to Disney, the new lounge was created by the legendary pirate rum-runner, Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn and her trusty parrot, Rummy.
And while Merry has taken a step back, she has left Rummy in charge, and he has everything under control!
The Beak and Barrel recently gave select guests a preview of what will come in just a few days. They were invited inside the Beak and Barrel to experience the lounge, and let’s just say, they were blown away.
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One of the more exciting aspects of The Beak and Barrel is that Rummy is not just a parrot sitting inside the lounge. He is an active animatronic who will talk to guests, and even lead a song-along to the legendary song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life For Me)!
The animatronic experience is similar to the one guests have when riding Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! at Disney California Adventure.
Walt Disney World shared a new video inside The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom! Rummy, an Audio-Animatronics parrot, will lead the tavern in sing-alongs and more. 🏴☠️
One thing that Disney Imagineers have always been great at is putting in tiny details that make an experience truly unforgettable. They put in little designs, or hidden meanings, or props that a lot of guests might overlook, but are what set the ride, restaurant, or show apart from others.
One such detail at The Beak and Barrel is the pirate ship battle. This battle does not take place between two large ships, but between two ships in bottles. Another cool aspect is that guests can see these battles at various spots within the tavern.
Here’s another fun show moment at The Beak and Barrel: The pirate ship battle. Wait for it.
The show moments happen every 7-8 minutes in various spots around the pirate-themed lounge.
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Over the past few years, Disney has been heavily criticized for its design choices. Disney used to be known for going over the top and creating completely immersive experiences, from restaurants to hotel rooms.
Much to guests’ dismay, more recent redesigns have taken a more minimalistic approach. Thankfully, Imagineers went back to their roots with the design of Beak and Barrel. Fans have noticed, and they are very appreciative.
Wow! Themed to the 9’s. No minimalist wayfair furniture. No random art deco coffee table. No easy-install giant hardware store tile. I want every lounge, every resort lobby, every hotel room to capture more of this thematic maximalism across the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Beak and Barrel will feature five distinct areas, each one as amazing as the last. Guests can dine in The Mess, the Cursed Bar, the Captains’ Quarters, the Captains’ Booths, and the Mapmakers Room.
The Mess is the largest area in the lounge, and it’s where guests will be able to sing along with Rummy. The bar area looks like part of a pirate ship, complete with an eerie glow, and plenty of delicious options for the 21 and over crowd.
The Cursed Bar is where guests will find more unique decorations, with prized possessions being kept under lock and key. Rummy has his eye on everything, and you just might hear a story or two about the strange happenings on the high seas.
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The Captains’ Quarters used to be the most luxurious spot in The Beak and Barrel, but time — and rowdy pirates — have left their mark on the space. But guests will be able to see how much the captain used to enjoy the finer things in life. The Captains’ Quarters are also where you are most likely to see a ship battle or two.
If you want to feel more like a swashbuckler instead of a captain, the Captains’ booths are where you want to be. The booths are where pirates of the past would share their stories, drink their rum, and play some of their favorite games.
The Mapmaker’s Room is the final room in the area, and it’s the best area in The Beak and Barrel for those who dream of sailing around the world. It’s full of maps, parchment, ink, and maybe some secrets hidden by a pirate cartographer.
The Beak and Barrel will open on August 29, and unlike most dining spots in Disney World, reservations are REQUIRED. Reservations only began the other day, but guests flooded the Disney World website, fighting to secure their spot.
Just like when Oga’s Cantina first opened in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests visiting The Beak and Barrel will be limited to a 45-minute stay, and there will be a two-drink maximum. Reservations can be made up to sixty days in advance and typically become available at 6 a.m. ET.
Will you be trying to snag a reservation at The Beak and Barrel for your next Walt Disney World vacation? What are you most looking forward to at the new Adventureland lounge? What do you think about the look of the new spot? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!