A Pirate’s Life for Me: A Review of The Beak and Barrel
When you step into the swashbuckling world of The Beak and Barrel, the new pirate-themed tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland that opened Aug. 29, you can’t help but start talking like a pirate, elongating your “R’s” and saying “Aye” to everything.
This experience is a welcome addition to Walt Disney World, offering a lively and immersive break from the park’s hustle and bustle. From the moment you enter, you’re transported to a pirate’s hideout, complete with rousing sea shanties and a buzzing atmosphere.
The experience is similar to Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where guests either stand or sit at a bar or table. However, what sets The Beak and Barrel apart is its engaging, family-friendly feel, largely thanks to its pirate theme. Unlike the more niche Star Wars lore, pirates are universally known and loved, making this spot accessible to everyone.
The star of the show is Rummy, a pirate parrot with an eye patch who emerges every few minutes to interact with patrons, firing off pirate “dad jokes” that are sure to make you laugh.
All around the bar, you can spot some delightful Easter eggs. Look up to see a set of dirty toes dangling from the rafters, a familiar sight for anyone who has ridden the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. When you enter The Mess, the ship’s bell is rumored to be a gift from Captain Redd to the tavern’s founder.
In the Cursed Bar, be sure to look for the Enchanted Rum Bottle, a beautifully ornate bottle of grog that sits in a place of honor. Gifted by a powerful enchantress, it’s said that the tavern’s barrels and the pirates’ cheer will never run dry.
In the center of the Captains’ Quarters is an elegant fireplace with miniature ships resting in glass bottles on the mantel. At times, these ships magically come alive and wage war on each other within their bottles.
The Mapmaker’s Room is filled with rolled-up maps, parchment, and spilled ink, holding treasured secrets that belonged to a crazed pirate cartographer. Be careful, as you might need to cover your ears to protect yourself from the “siren’s song.”
A cast member told us to keep an eye out for treasures from Magic Kingdom attractions past, including 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Beyond the atmosphere, the food and beverage offerings are a highlight. The menu features creative bites and themed drinks that cater to all ages. We enjoyed the Island Provisions, a shareable dish of plantain chips, blue corn tortillas, and flatbread with a variety of dips, including Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, and Spiced Guava. The Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken was delicious and something I would definitely try again. While this isn’t necessarily a place you’d book for dinner, you can absolutely make a meal out of the small plates here.
For drinks, I had to get the Plunderer’s Punch, a delicious mix of rum, blackberry, and vanilla served in a pirate skull mug that you get to take home. For those not looking for alcohol or who want a little dessert, try the Treasure Trove, a concoction of Ube, Lemon, and Coconut served with 3 small desserts: a Vanilla Cake Plank, a Chocolate Cannonball, and Golden Caramel Popcorn.
Remember, you must finish your drinks in the bar as you are not allowed to bring them out into the park. If you can get a reservation, you will enjoy it!
Beak and Barrel Know Before You Go
Reservations are highly recommended for this 45-minute experience. Remember that you’ll need a valid park admission and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom on the same day. For those 21 and older, there’s a two-drink limit on alcoholic beverages. Disney is no longer taking reservations for parties over eight people.
