Why the NEW Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge Should Replace This Poorly-Rated Magic Kingdom Restaurant (2024)

Ahoy, Mateys! It’s time to talk about a certain lounge that’s coming to Magic Kingdom.

Since we’ve had some time to digest the news that a new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge would be coming to Disney World and even speculate about some challenges it might face, we now find ourselves thinking deeply about where it should be located. Specifically, there’s a restaurant that this lounge could just replace. Let’s talk about it!

While there’s still a lot to be known about this new restaurant (including major things like its name and when we can expect it to be opened) we have gleaned some insight from the concept art Disney provided.

Ok, already it seems that we’re in for a real roundhouse of fun! The barker bird is front and center and looks to be at the helm of the ship. Could this be a clue that the BIRD is in charge here or just really knows all the seedy happenings that may take place in this establishment? We’ll have to wait and see.

If you’re eagle-eyed (see what we did there) you also noticed the single pirate toward the middle with the red hair who looks suspiciously like the pirate Redd. Maybe she’ll make an appearance in this new place (maybe in a meet and greet?).

As we said, there’s not a lot to go off of, but we do know that this will be a “lounge”. We think that since the closest restaurant to Pirates of the Caribbean is Tortuga Tavern, it could be where this lounge ultimately lands.

Aside from the proximity to the ride and it being the “right” overall dimensions for a lounge, there’s another reason we think it might be right for the job — it is one of the most poorly-rated restaurants in Magic Kingdom.

For example, our reader BrianW rated it a 5 out of 10 and mentioned, “They messed this place up. Was overflow from Pecos Bill’s with almost same menu, now it’s Turkey leg, brisket, hot dog, or hot dog with brisket on it. They could do a lot with this location and they should. There are other places close by that are much better. Don’t be distracted by the novelty of seeing it open trust me.”

Another reader Jason V rated it a 3 out of 10 and agreed with BrianW when they said, “Very limited selection and good isn’t very good.”

Ratings and comments like these make us think that Tortuga Tavern might just be the perfect new home location for the new Pirates Lounge.

We’d recommend heading to our review page for more. Also, we’d love to read your thoughts over there too!

Now there are a couple of clues as to where Disney is planning to put this new restaurant that we need to take a look at. First — Disney just CLOSED Tortuga Tavern.

We spoke with a Cast Member nearby and they shared that Tortuga Tavern is seasonal now so it won’t be open for a few months. We’ll put on our speculation hats for a moment and guess that may be this is a clue that they will be starting work on replacing Tortuga Tavern with the new Pirates Lounge. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

BUT, Disney has also just filed a permit for construction at Caribbean Plaza — that’s just across the walkway from Tortuga Tavern in Disney World. It’s home to the Pirate’s League — a Disney World location that used to do Pirate makeovers (kind of like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique).

So, could the former Pirate’s League location be the home to the lounge? It’s important to note that this permit is for “general construction” and therefore could be just about anything — even behind-the-scenes work that won’t change anything about your Disney World experience.

In the meantime, we’ll be keeping a close watch for all any updates on the new lounge! Be sure to check back in with us soon for the latest!

Magic Kingdom’s NEW Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge Is Gonna Be POPULAR. There’s Just One Problem…

What are your thoughts on having the new Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired restaurant replace the Tortuga Tavern? Tell us all about it in the comments!