NEW STORE Opens in Magic Kingdom

Changes conține to come to Adventureland!

The area of Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland near Pirates of the Caribbean has been in flux for months now, as Disney works on the upcoming pirate-themed lounge that’s been announced for the land. A few months ago, the popular Tortuga Tavern quick-service dining location closed unexpectedly. Now, just as unexpectedly it’s reopened, but not how anyone imagined. 

The Tortuga Tavern has in fact reopened as Tortuga Treasures, a retail space selling Pirates of the Caribbean-themed merchandise (or, as a sign outside the shop puts it, “a fine selection o’ pilfered and plundered loot”).

The treasures available include apparel…

… toys… 

… and of course, pirate flags. 

Meanwhile, the former counter space and ordering windows for Tortuga Tavern have been not quite inconspicuously covered. 

And the Pirates of the Caribbean’s previous merchandise location — Plaza del Sol Caribe — has been stripped almost bare, with ever-expanding construction walls.

As we reported last month, Disney has filed several construction permits for this exact area, leading us to speculate that the upcoming lounge will be located somewhere in the vicinity. 

Originally announced at Destination D23 in 2023, the new lounge is going to “extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean” and serve as a location where “pirates of all ages gather to tell their tales.” 

Concept art for the lounge also shows the return of the Barker Bird. This animatronic was a key part of Walt Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean for decades, originally appearing at the ride’s exit before being moved to a spot near the entrance. It was removed in 2006, and spent several years on display at Disney Springs. 

It remains to be seen what will happen to this area of Adventureland when the lounge is completed. Could Tortuga Treasures remain the primary Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise location, or is this a temporary overlay to satiate the desire for pirate souvenirs during construction? How much of the former Plaza del Sol Caribe will the lounge overtake, if it is indeed being built there? We don’t know yet, but we’re hoping to find out some answers at next months’ D23 event. Stay tuned to AllEars for full coverage of this year’s Disney Experiences Showcase on August 10th.

I Stood in the WRONG Place at 9PM in Magic Kingdom. Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend.

What are your thoughts on the transformation of Adventureland? Let us know in the comments below. 

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