Magic Kingdom’s Beak and Barrel – What Can Kids and Families Enjoy in the Pirates Lounge?
Stepping into The Beak and Barrel, the new pirates-themed lounge inside the Magic Kingdom, is an experience only Disney could deliver. The incredible atmosphere, playful and slightly raucous Cast Members, and spectacular effects all hooked me immediately. And then I quickly wished my husband and my son were with me.
I’m the type of Disney fan who prefers relaxing rides and soaking up the vibes rather than thrills. And this place feels like an attraction rather than just a refreshment spot.
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The Beak and Barrel is a must-see. Here’s what families can expect and enjoy in the swashbuckling pirates’ lounge inside Adventureland.
Kid-Focused Elements at The Beak and Barrel
The Beak and Barrel is designed as an immersive lounge perfect for anyone who appreciates Disney’s legacy with pirates. Adults on a Disney date night will have a lovely time, but families are perfectly welcome, too.
I spoke with some Imagineers who emphasized that families, and especially children, have plenty to enjoy.
“It’s a really great space for entire families,” said Chris Weck, Senior Creative at Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s friendly for the little ones. We’ve got moments for them, but it is also a great date night space too.”
Rummy the Parrot, Effects, and Decorations
Some of those moments come alive through the design of the space itself. The lounge features multiple themed rooms: the Crew’s Mess, Captain’s Quarters, and Map Maker’s, each with its own sense of discovery.
Within two minutes of setting foot inside Beak and Barrel, Rummy the parrot made an appearance, while I waited my turn to speak with two Imagineers. As a longtime Disney fan who has faithfully learned the history and legacy of Disney attractions and storytelling, Rummy and the many effects inside this space are marvels.
Ken Ricci, Executive Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, added that kids will especially love the surprises built into every corner. “Throughout the space, we have special effects and a barker bird that comes to life,” he explained. “In your 45-minute time here, you will not experience all of the effects. That gives guests, especially families, a reason to come back again.”
One of the most exciting features for younger visitors is Rummy the Barker Bird, a next-generation Audio-Animatronic parrot. Chris Weck, Senior Creative at Walt Disney Imagineering, grinned from ear to ear as she shared more about Rummy with me.
“Bringing Rummy to life was my favorite part,” said Weck. “If you look back to the early days of Walt Disney and his fascination with audio-animatronics — and birds in particular — Rummy is that next iteration. He looks very lifelike and adds a playful presence in the lounge.”
With ever-changing effects, interactive storytelling, and a talking parrot to meet, The Beak and Barrel offers children their own share of adventure while parents sip on swashbuckling cocktails.
Sensory Sensitivities Note
None of the effects are inherently scary or alarming; however, there is one storm effect with lightning flashes and storm sounds. Another effect involves the enchanting, yet dangerous, song of sirens.
Refreshing Grogs for Everyone
During my visit, I also spoke with Evan Roshal, Food and Beverage Concept Development Manager.
OP: I heard you mention a little bit about having something for “Little Buccaneers” like the non-alcoholic drinks. Can you tell me what details people should be looking for in these drinks?
Evan Roshal: The beverage program here is really designed for guests of all ages. That’s what excites us most. We have a beautiful cocktail program with a varied selection of spirits, flavors, and ingredients inspired by travel. There are also distinctly different rum serves, each with its own “rum journey”, for everyone who wants rum, since, of course, this is the Beak and Barrel, a pirate’s den.
Then you have the non-alcoholic specialty drinks. These can be enjoyed by anyone, but they feel like they were made for the younger buccaneers.
- Cursed Treasure – A blend of coconut milk with cookie crumbs, topped with vanilla foam and an edible gold coin. Our younger guests love it—they say it tastes like cookies and cream.
- Treasure Trove – A pairing of a sip and a bite. A refreshing drink with flavors of coconut, lemon, and ube, plus what I like to call the “Buccaneer Bites”: a vanilla cake plank, a chocolate ganache cannonball, and golden nuggets of popcorn. Very fun and very fitting for the Beak and Barrel.
I had the opportunity to try both of these special drinks. The Cursed Treasure is delightful, though a bit too “desserty” for my liking. I love non-alcoholic specialty drinks, but not ones that are overly sweet.
The Treasure Trove is an interesting combination. The drink itself is the type of NA drink I prefer; however, all the accompaniments are sweet and don’t pair all that well with the bright and refreshing drink. I could easily go for an extra serving of a chocolate ganache cannonball.
Bring Me That Horizon
Young or old, shy or old, any fan of pirates or Disney storytelling will love this space. Keep in mind, you’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy the experience.
There are a variety of seating areas, many without views of the main area, The Mess. A few of the seating areas are communal spaces where you may make friends with other nearby buccaneers. And as the wonderful Imagineers told us, you will not experience all the effects in one visit.
Reservations are essentially required, but there can be limited same day availability, you will need to check the availability of the Walk Up List on the My Disney Experience app, rather than chcekcing with the greeter.
The entrance to this pirates’ pub is right next to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction entrance. So keep a weathered eye out and set expectations with your crew, because The Beak and Barrel is worth the voyage.
