The Beak & Barrel First Look

Captain Jack said it best when he said, “Always be yourself. Unless you can be a pirate. Then always be a pirate.” You’re going to feel like you’re part of a real pirate crew inside of The Beak and Barrel in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. We were lucky enough to get a preview today, so let’s review!

Even Pirates Have Rules

When you arrive for your reservation, you’ll check in with one of the pirate hosts outside. All members of your party must be present to check in. Once you’re ready to head inside, you’ll be given the rules:

• 45 minutes per party. This one is strict, just like at Oga’s Cantina in Hollywood Studios, and your clock starts as you’re seated.
• Each person in your party has a two-drink limit. Your check will be broken down by seat number.
• You sit where you’re sat. Talk to the Cast Member at check-in if you know you physically cannot stand for the full 45 minutes. There are no guarantees, but we’re happy to report that there are many wonderful seating options here.
• Everyone is welcome. You must be 21 years of age to drink, but the menu has a few items that are geared for the little pirates in your party.

Some Spectacular Decor

This coveted spot near the fire is going on our Disney bucket list. Not only does the fire sound like the burning scene in Pirates of the Caribbean next door, but the ships in a bottle have a neat performance every 20 minutes or so.

If you’re lucky enough to be seated at this booth and run into trouble – this IS a bar full of folks who pillage, plunder, rifle, and loot for a living – you’ll want to lift the bars to unpin the hinges.

We know the 45-minute rule is going to feel fast – and it is! – but take a moment to have a look around! Notice the metal work on the guard of the sword in the picture above! That’s the Kraken coming out of the sea to claim the Black Pearl! What a fantastic scene from this beloved franchise. The best part of this vignette is the happy little painting of Tortuga crossed by the sword. Genius theming!

Don’t miss seeing the Dead Man’s Chest on your visit! If your back is to the bar, the chest is located at eye level on the bookshelf ahead and to your left against the wall.

The Grub and Grog

The food was just fine, but you’re not coming here for the Corn Cakes. The food is a great understudy to the wonderful drinks, the truly remarkable setting, and the ruckus that explodes every few moments. Let’s review anyway.

We tried all of the “From the Galley” items.

• Island Provisions – $16.00
  Plantain Chips, Blue Corn Tortillas, and Toasted Flatbread served with Mango Chutney, Garlic Chimichurri, Spiced Guava, and Zesty Culantro Cream Dips
• Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Chipotle-braised Chicken – $14.00
  Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija
• Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes with Roasted Corn and Poblano Peppers – $12.00
  Warm Corn Cakes stuffed with Melted Cheese, Lime Sour Cream, Chili Peppers, and Cotija
• Kraken’s Catch – $18.00
  Octopus Tentacles marinated in Lemon and Lime Juice with Olives, Bell Peppers, Avocado, and Piquillo Pepper-Almond Foam
• Treasure Trove – $13.75
  A mysterious Ube, Lemon, and Coconut Concoction served with a Vanilla Cake Plank, Chocolate Cannonball, and Golden Caramel Popcorn

There was nothing wrong with the food. Truly. It just isn’t necessary unless you’re coming in on an empty stomach. The Kraken’s Catch was surprisingly fresh and bright, although it looked more like a giant spoon of seafood salad in a glass than Disney’s gorgeous ad for it. If you need a little nibble with your rum, we suggest the Island Provisions. There is an enormous pile of plantain chips, blue corn tortilla chips, and toasted flatbread to nibble on. The dips were nice with the Zesty Culantro Cream Dip being the real standout.

If you have a wee one with you, we’d recommend the Treasure Trove, pictured above. The drink is refreshing, and the treats are presented well. It’s a nice way to include the younger folks in your party.

The Rum is Not Gone

The Beak and Barrel also has a limited wine selection, a small but serious rum menu, a few beers on tap, and a couple of bottled and canned options, too. We tried several different mixed drinks! Here are the highlights:

• Cursed Treasure – $7.75
  An indulgent blend of Coconut Milk and Cookie Crumbs topped with Vanilla Foam and Pirate’s Gold
• Plunderer’s Punch – $46.00
  The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, Blackberry, Lime, and Vanilla served in a Souvenir Pirate Skull Mug
• Port of Call – $19.00
  London Dry Gin, Ruby Port, Lemon Juice, and Spiced Cranberry
• Siren’s Whisper – $20.00
  Pot & Column Still White Rum Blend, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, Combier Crème de Pêche de Vigne Liqueur, Lime, and Cinnamon
• Lit Fuse – $18.50
  Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej Mezcal, Tempus Fugit Crème de Banane Liqueur, Coconut Water, Lime Juice, and Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters
• Salty Seas mARRRgarita – $20.00
  Lalo Blanco Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Ube, and Lime
• Hibiscus Rum Punch Royale – $19.00
  Don Q Reserva 7 Puerto Rican Rum, Hibiscus, Demerara, and Lime topped with Prosecco

The Plunderer’s Punch seemed to be popular if the smattering of pirate skulls around the room was any indication. We just needed the mug, but it helped that the spiced rum was tasty. If you’re looking for a bit of theater with your drink, try the Siren’s Whisper. We won’t give it all away, but the tears at the end are a nice touch.  We didn’t have any complaints at our table about any of the drinks, so order according to your usual preferences or just opt for a non-alcoholic beverage. There is no minimum spend here – just a max time limit.

When Len was presented with the bill (Thanks, Len!), he was also given this Piece of Eight! Does this mean that Len is a Pirate Lord? Does this mean that he is part of the Brethren Court? If you’ve ever been on a Disney Cruise with Len (and many of you have!!), you’ll remember that he never snorkels past where he can stand so he can bolt quickly. Like if he saw something or someone. It’s all coming together now.

Just like at Oga’s where the time limit is firm, and at GEO-82 where they don’t say there is a time limit but you’ll absolutely get your check at the 45-minute mark, The Beak and Barrel will wrap things up firmly but with more fun. If you’re lucky (or cursed?) you’ll get your check and a Piece of Eight. If you aren’t speedy enough to pay up, you’ll also get the “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, It’s Time For You to Go” song! It’s all part of the fun.

The atmosphere and pirate parrot quartermaster, Rummy, are much too loud and energetic to describe in print. Check out the TouringPlans Instagram and TikTok accounts for videos of The Beak and Barrel. There are songs and chants and thunder and all manner of fun pirate commotion happening every few minutes. We cannot wait to go back!

What say you? Were you able to snag a reservation to The Beak and Barrel? We can’t wait to hear what you think!