I Did an Imagineering Deep Dive—Here’s Every Pirate Lounge Addition I’m Endorsing for Magic Kingdom

Ahoy mateys!

Unless you’ve been marooned on a deserted island, you likely know that a brand new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is set to open at the Magic Kingdom later this year. According to Disney, this “rambunctious watering hole will offer a welcoming haven for all pirate-kind, big and small, and everyone in between. Here, bandits and buccaneers-to-be from every corner of the seven seas are welcome to join together and raise a toast to the pirate life!”

As a huge fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean rides, I’m incredibly excited for this new ride-based eatery, especially if Disney includes some of the following touches!

A Hearty Drink Menu

Let’s start with the obvious. Given that the lounge is essentially a pirate tavern, an appropriate drink menu is a MUST. Yes, this would mark a change for the Magic Kingdom, which until now has only featured alcohol on the menus of table service restaurants, however I think an exception can be made here. When it comes to the menu specifically, I would like to see some rum-centric cocktails that channel the types of flavors typically associated with pirates in popular culture.

However, I also think there should be a unique menu of mocktails for those who don’t drink alcohol. Specifically, these mocktails should eschew Disney’s typical lemonade-based approach to alcohol-free drinks, instead trying to mimic the taste and textures of rum-based cocktails.

A Captain’s Feast

While the Pirates Lounge won’t be a full-fledged restaurant, there will be food offerings, judging by Disney’s other lounge offerings. With that in mind, we’re hoping for a menu with offerings in a similar vein to Disneyland’s Blue Bayou or Disneyland Paris’s Captain Jack’s – Restaurant des Pirates. Both offer creole dishes that once again channel the popular culture around pirate lore and mythology.

A Comfortable Environment

Moving on from the menu offerings to the physical space, I’m hoping to see something slightly different for this lounge. While I’m a big fan of Oga’s Cantina at Galaxy’s Edge, for example, the space can feel a bit hectic and cramped thanks to a bevy of standing room-only tables. I’d like to see some seated options, particularly some that are in corners or a bit isolated, where I can people-watch and enjoy the space without feeling surrounded by a crowd. Perhaps the restaurant’s Captain’s Quarters room will offer this type of service.

Interactive Elements

As a big of fan of the classic dearly departed Adventurer’s Club at Pleasure Island, as well as both versions of Trader Sam’s, I’m hoping this new Pirates Lounge captures some of that energy. Cast Members in character, embracing the story, interactive props and activations for certain drink orders, etc.

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“Treasures” for Ride Fans

Finally, I’m hoping that the lounge is chock-full of easter eggs and references to all versions of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction (especially Disneyland’s, which remains the best of the classic versions), including props, maps, decorative choices, and etc. The fact that Disney World’s classic Barker Bird animatronic is supposed to play a major role in the attraction is definitely heartening in this regard.

The Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Pirates Lounge has a chance to be my new favorite place in the park, as long as Disney incorporates some of these much-needed elements. Stay tuned to AllEars for more thoughts on Disney World’s upcoming additions.

Marc Davis: The Imagineer Who Crafted Modern Disney Parks

What are you hoping to see in the Pirates Lounge? Let us know in the comments below.