It was an eventful weekend for those of us who LOVE the Disney Parks.
Disney World
Yes, this weekend, we tuned in to the Destination D23 event where we learned all sorts of news regarding things coming soon to the Disney Parks. We learned that Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will open on October 16th, some new meet and greets would land in the parks, and we even heard about an all-new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT. For those of you who love Magic Kingdom and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, you’re probably most excited about the new Pirates tavern coming soon!
While Disney didn’t release a whole lot of detail pertaining to the upcoming lounge, they did reveal some concept art for the new space. We dove right in and started hunting for Easter eggs within the concept art.
©Disney
There were a few things we noticed that we believe could be clues regarding the space. The most obvious thing we noticed is the Barker Bird. This guy used to greet guests as they entered the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and was also featured at the end of the attraction for a bit. He’s a bit of an icon!
The Barker Bird used to greet guests at Pirates of the Caribbean
So, will the Barker Bird make a reappearance at the all-new Pirates lounge? We’ll see! The next thing we noticed was some fiery red hair among a sea of sepia. You know who else has some fiery red hair? Redd! From the ride! Nearby, you can also spot the sleeping man from the ride. Oh, and a pig even makes an appearance! From the characters featured, we have a feeling that the lounge will take on the atmosphere of a village tavern.
Redd!
The art also shows a table and barrels used as chairs with a bar-like area to the side. Could this be a hint at the style of tables and chairs used as well as a potential layout of the space? Disney could be filling the room with tables for groups and lining the walls with bars and nooks for smaller parties.
Pirates of the Caribbean
So, where will this lounge go? Well, we’re not sure. Disney hasn’t given insight on that either, BUT, a lot of folks are guessing that there could be a reimagining of Tortuga Tavern, which is across from Pirates. We have another guess, though. Since Barker Bird greeted guests at the ENTRANCE of Pirates of the Caribbean, and since, in the concept art, he once again seems to be greeting guests, we were wondering if the lounge might be placed in the former Pirates League area.
Pirates League
From what we know, Pirates League is currently being used as a sort of break/lounge area for Adventureland Cast Members. It’s also RIGHT NEXT to the Pirates ride. Tortuga Tavern seems a bit large for a lounge space, but Pirates League seems intimate and exclusive enough — if maybe a few walls are knocked down inside.
Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom
What do you think? Do you have any theories of your own? We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, and even our own speculations like this. 😉 Make sure to follow along for more!
Looking for more D23 news? Click here!
What do you think of these potential Pirates of the Caribbean lounge hints? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Ii am wondering if they are going to re open restaurant area that was there in the 80’s
Love this!
I would dearly.love it if it became the Blue Bayou of Florida! My favorite spot in Dis neyland!
I would dearly.love it if it became the Blue Bayou of Florida! My favorite spot in Dis neyland!
Please Disney, do not make this another lounge with no seating (Looking at you Oga)! When one is looking for an adult beverage and an escape from the Florida heat – we want chairs with our a/c. Yo ho! I’ll be looking forward to this.
If it’s going to be like Oga’s with parties of two stuffed standing at the bar, I’m going to give it a miss.
Just what Disney needs – another bar ! No thanks
Both possible locations (Tortuga Tavern or the former Pirate’s Legue) sound like excellent ideas.
I agree with Greg. I hadn’t thought about it being like Oga’s but if it is, I too will skip it. Unfortunately, Disney tends to think they have a winner and runs with it without reading their customers.
I hope it’s not just another bar/lounge type place. I hope people can eat a little bit of a quick service lunch or dinner here and cool off while they do it.