The Beak and Barrel, Walt Disney World’s new pirate-themed lounge, officially opened on August 29. To get a look at the overall experience—from the food to the decor to the immersive elements—I had the chance to preview the pub before it opened to the public.
If you know Disney, you know pirate theming is a big deal, especially for the fans. So it’s no surprise that this highly anticipated dining spot is already booked solid for months. What makes it stand out, though, is that it feels unlike any other Disney restaurant. During the media preview, I explored the space, sampled the food and drinks with my family, and spoke with Disney representatives—and I can honestly say it’s worth the hype. Here’s everything you need to know about this interactive new tavern.
Overview
The Beak and Barrel is an interactive lounge inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean (both the ride and movie franchise). It’s located right next to the ride in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. While it has all the vibes of a classic pub—and is one of the rare places to order alcoholic beverages inside Magic Kingdom—it’s still family-friendly, with plenty of options for kids.
Reservations book you into a 45-minute immersive adventure. Keep in mind that seating includes some communal tables, so you may be sharing the experience with other groups.
Menu
The menu is pub-style, with appetizers, desserts, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
We started with Island Provisions, a combo of plantain chips, blue corn tortillas and flatbreads served with assorted dips. My favorite was the mango chutney, though every dip was a hit. The portion was generous and perfect for sharing.
For drinks, my husband and I tried the Plunderer’s Punch, a sweet rum cocktail served in a pirate skull mug. It was delicious—and strong! Meanwhile, my kids had the Cursed Treasure, a coconut milk–based drink topped with vanilla foam, cookie crumbs and a chocolate gold coin.
Dessert was definitely the highlight. The Treasure Trove came with an icy-cold ube lemonade in a metal mug, a vanilla cake bar “plank,” a rich chocolate “cannonball” truffle and "gold" caramel popcorn. My husband even said the cake bar was his favorite Magic Kingdom dessert, ever.
Decor & Immersive Elements
The concept art Disney released set high expectations, but the real space is even better. Every detail feels authentic, from the wall art and hand-carved booth scenes to the flickering candlelight and rustic tavern décor. Guests are encouraged to wander so they don’t miss the hidden details scattered throughout.
The cast members, fully in pirate costume and character, added to the fun and kept us laughing. Behind the bar sits Rummy the parrot, who pops out every 15 minutes for a short show that delighted both kids and adults.
Final Thoughts
Even though my family isn’t the biggest group of pirate superfans, we were blown away by both the space and the food. The Beak and Barrel is more than a restaurant—it’s a full Disney experience worth planning for.
To score a reservation, you can book 60 days in advance. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can book reservations for your entire trip starting 60 days before check-in, which gives you better chances toward the end of your stay. If you miss out, keep checking back for cancellations—especially as your visit approaches—or use an outside reservation alert service like MouseDining, which notifies you when a table opens up.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
