Disney Revamps Pirates of the Caribbean Before Magic Kingdom’s Latest Launch

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is known for its nostalgic attractions, many of which have become iconic parts of the Disney experience. From the thrilling drops of Space Mountain to the eerie charm of the Haunted Mansion, the park is filled with experiences that resonate with visitors both young and old.

One attraction that has stood the test of time is Pirates of the Caribbean. Its lively animatronics, captivating storytelling, and swashbuckling adventures have made it a beloved ride for decades. But as Disney prepares to open the first-ever public lounge at Magic Kingdom, it seems that Pirates of the Caribbean is receiving some major updates that fans won’t want to miss.

Related: June 30 Is a Special Date for Magic Kingdom–Here’s Why

Disney is gearing up for the grand opening of The Beak and Barrel, a lounge that promises to offer both young and old guests the chance to enjoy a pirate-inspired drinking experience. Excitement around the opening is palpable, but what makes this launch even more intriguing is that it’s closely tied to updates at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Earlier this year, Disney revealed that they were planning a few changes to the Magic Kingdom, including the opening of two new lounges: Geo-82 at EPCOT and The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom. While these lounges will offer different experiences, The Beak and Barrel is especially noteworthy due to its interactive elements, which include storytelling, sing-alongs, and “enchanting surprises.”

Related: Disney World Confirms Opening Timeline for New Pirates of the Caribbean Makeover

The new lounge, slated to open in late 2025, will be open to all guests, making it a significant addition to the Magic Kingdom. But the transformation goes beyond just the lounge itself. Disney has been working hard to enhance the attractions surrounding the lounge, particularly Pirates of the Caribbean.

As of now, Pirates of the Caribbean is already showing signs of significant improvement. Fans have noted that many of the animatronics have been given more life, with increased movement in nearly every figure.

One Disney fan, Belle (@FiBelleFi), shared her recent experience on X, commenting on how much more dynamic the ride looks.

I want to acknowledge how incredible Florida’s Pirates currently looks. There is so much movement in ALL the figures, more than I can recall seeing in my adulthood.

This was accomplished over a period of time and appears complete to me, coinciding with bar opening soon.

I want to acknowledge how incredible Florida’s Pirates currently looks. There is so much movement in ALL the figures, more than I can recall seeing in my adulthood.

This was accomplished over a period of time and appears complete to me, coinciding with bar opening soon. pic.twitter.com/xD78ohX3z9

— Belle (@FiBelleFi) June 26, 2025

Related: Disney Announces New ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Attraction After 33 Years

This positive feedback from guests shows that Disney’s efforts to revamp the ride have not gone unnoticed. Belle’s tweet quickly garnered attention, with many agreeing that the attraction was looking better than it had in years. However, not all aspects have received glowing reviews.

Some fans mentioned that certain figures, such as the dog holding the keys in the prison scene, still need some attention. One guest noted that the dog looked “mangy,” which detracts from the overall experience.

Something has happened to the hair on the dog holding the keys in his mouth at the end of the ride! It looks nangy, a lot of hair is missing! It was so awful, I had to look away, just couldn’t stand seeing my favorite, (since I was a child) scene looking so sad!! This was 6/27.

Although some minor details still need fixing, it seems clear that Disney is on the right track. Improvements to the animatronics are just one part of a broader overhaul that will likely extend to other areas of the attraction, including smaller effects like the running chickens and the flower pot being shot at.

The opening of the first public lounge at Magic Kingdom represents a major shift in Disney’s approach to the theme park experience. The Beak and Barrel will offer something new and exciting for adult guests, providing a pirate-themed atmosphere with a twist.

Disney’s decision to enhance Pirates of the Caribbean right before the launch of this lounge shows their commitment to making sure everything, from the attractions to the dining experiences, is up to par.

So, what can guests expect from The Beak and Barrel? According to Disney, the lounge will feature a mix of delicious food and drinks, many of which will be themed around the adventurous spirit of pirates. The interactive nature of the lounge will allow guests to become part of the story, making for a truly unique experience.

While Disney has not yet announced an official opening date, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the lounge’s opening and the improvements being made to Pirates of the Caribbean.

As Disney continues to enhance the Magic Kingdom experience, we’ll keep you informed about the latest developments, including the grand opening of The Beak and Barrel and the full scope of improvements to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Are you excited about Disney’s new lounge and the improvements to Pirates of the Caribbean? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!