Magic Kingdom

Shuttered Disney World Location Blocked as Work Continues on New Pirates of The Caribbean Expansion

Refurbishment begins on a once-popular Disney World location.

A wooden entryway sign reading "Adventureland" adorned with tropical decorations such as masks, spears, and tiki torches welcomes visitors. People stroll underneath it towards a lush, green area on a sunny day, while a nearby cart serves delicious spring rolls in the heart of Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Becky Burkett

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Tortuga Tavern, a beloved quick-service restaurant in Magic Kingdom, closed its doors last year for an extended refurbishment. Initially shut down last June, the tavern’s renovation efforts have continued, leading to speculation about the exciting changes that await guests. As of now, the official Walt Disney World website indicates that Tortuga Tavern will remain closed through March 22, 2025, offering a glimpse into the extensive work being done in Adventureland.

During this refurbishment period, guests have noticed some adjustments in the tavern’s layout. Rolling planters have been introduced as barriers around the seating area, restricting access while still allowing patrons to walk through where orders were once placed. This signifies that the refurbishment is not just limited to the dining area, as Disney works diligently to enhance the overall experience in this part of the park.

New life is being breathed into the Pirates of the Caribbean area as Tortuga Tavern undergoes these major upgrades. The presence of planters as barriers highlights how extensive renovations are taking place around the tavern, emphasizing Disney’s commitment to improving the experience in Adventureland. These changes come alongside other refurbishment efforts, such as the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar storefront, which has also seen its share of updates.

Disney appears focused on enhancing the overall theme of the area. That commitment has kept fans eagerly awaiting the reopening of both the tavern and its neighboring attractions. The continuous work in this iconic section of the park symbolizes the company’s dedication to maintaining and elevating the guest experience.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Credit: Disney Dining

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All this work comes as Disney gets ready to introduce a brand-new Pirates-themed lounge to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. This unique addition will serve as a complement to the existing Pirates of the Caribbean ride, allowing fans to further immerse themselves in the swashbuckling world created by Disney. The lounge aims to tell stories related to the ride while enhancing the overall ambiance of Adventureland.

While details about the lounge’s exact opening date remain under wraps, it is anticipated that it will open in tandem with Tortuga Tavern’s renovations. This expansion is viewed as a critical step in deepening the connection to the Pirates of the Caribbean experience, offering guests a themed dining and lounge area that matches the spirited atmosphere that Adventureland is known for.

Historical Context of Pirates of the Caribbean

Since its inauguration in 1973, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride has become a cornerstone of the Magic Kingdom experience. Cherished for its intricate storytelling and immersive environments, the ride has remained a favorite among visitors for decades. The legacy of Pirates of the Caribbean showcases not only the imagination of Disney but also the skill of the talented Walt Disney Imagineers who have continually contributed to its evolution.

With various upgrades throughout the years—most notably the inclusion of Captain Jack Sparrow and other characters from the film franchise—the ride has maintained its popularity. These enhancements are a testament to Disney’s commitment to keeping the experience fresh and engaging for both new and returning guests. Recently announced plans for a new Pirates-themed lounge align perfectly with the assortment of transformations occurring in Adventureland, reaffirming the ride’s role within a larger narrative that Disney is eager to expand.

The refurbishment of Tortuga Tavern signifies more than just a temporary closure; it represents a broader vision for Adventureland and its attractions. As the Magic Kingdom continues to evolve, guests will soon find themselves enjoying a more enriched pirate experience, full of storytelling and adventure, that honors the legacy of one of Disney’s most iconic rides.

Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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