Disney announced today that The Beak and Barrel, the pirate-themed bar coming to Magic Kingdom, next to Pirates of the Caribbean, will open August 29, 2025. Here’s what you need to know, including what we know so far about visiting during the holiday parties.
The Beak and Barrel Opening, Reservations Dates
In case you missed it, The Beak and Barrel is going to be a pirate-themed tavern inside the Magic Kingdom. It will be open to guests of all ages, and alcohol will be available to guests 21 and over. This will make it the first establishment other than the table service restaurants to serve alcohol in Magic Kingdom. The Beak and Barrel will be located next to Pirates of the Caribbean.
The opening date has been set for August 29 with reservations opening August 14 (presumably 6AM Eastern, but you’ll want to be checking earlier). Reservations are probably going to be a necessity for some time. Learn more about Disney dining reservations here.
Visiting The Beak and Barrel During the Holiday Parties
The Beak and Barrel is going to be open during both Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The details are a little thin on this, but here’s what we know so far.
As to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Disney says
Take a break during the party to enjoy dinner at The Plaza Restaurant—or indulge in event-exclusive offerings at Cinderella's Royal Table or Be Our Guest Restaurant. Plus, savor snacks and refreshments at The Beak and Barrel when it opens later this year. (emphasis added)
The actual event page doesn’t list The Beak and Barrel yet, but it doesn’t list The Plaza Restaurant either. My assumption is that guests attending the party should plan to get a reservation for The Beak and Barrel beginning August 14 if they expect to visit the bar during the party.
The August 29 opening means that The Beak and Barrel will not be available during the first six parties. We don’t consider this a loss, and we don’t think using your limited party time to visit The Beak and Barrel makes a ton of sense. Of course, if it’s your only time in Magic Kingdom, or the only time you can get a reservation, and you really want to visit—we get it.
As to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney somewhat cryptically says:
Want to dine at this restaurant during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Check back in September 2025 for details!
I don’t totally get the implication, and as with many Disney announcements I’m unsure if its means something substantive or is just them being awkward.
The first Very Merry date this year is November 7. Dining reservations for November 7 open September 8 for most guests or as early as August 29 (a coincidence, I believe) for Disney hotel guests under the 60+10 dining reservation perk.
So, what exactly am I expecting to learn in September? I guess we’ll see if reservations don’t open for eligible guests on August 29, maybe there will be something special at the tavern, or some sort of separate system (like a virtual queue?), during the Christmas party. Or maybe reservations will just open as usual on August 29 through September 8, and you’ll just want to be sure to book a reservation to visit during the party.
In any case, we’ll keep our one unpatched eye on this one!
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