I Have a Theory About the New Pirates Lounge That Might Disappoint Everyone But Me

If you’ve been following along with some of the trips I’ve taken to Disney World, whether that’s here through the blog or on our YouTube channel, you might know that I don’t drink.

Thankfully, a lot of Disney World restaurants have fun mocktail options to still make you feel included if your friends are drinking and you want something fun, as well. I’m a sucker for a good mocktail, and it’s gotten me thinking a lot about the new Pirates Tavern lounge coming to Magic Kingdom, because I’ve got a theory a lot of people may not like — I have a feeling this lounge may NOT serve alcohol at all.

There are a few reasons for my suspicion, but one of the biggest ones is due to where the new lounge is located — Magic Kingdom. When Magic Kingdom opened its gates for the first time in 1971, there was no alcohol served anywhere in the park, and it wasn’t until EPCOT opened 11 years later in 1982 that alcohol was served in any Disney World park.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom arrived and both served alcohol as well, but it wasn’t until 2012 when Be Our Guest opened with the Fantasyland expansion that any restaurant in Magic Kingdom served alcoholic drinks. As it currently stands, the only locations to get alcohol in Magic Kingdom are table service restaurants, and you aren’t able to take those drinks anywhere outside the restaurant with you.

Therefore, having a new lounge offer alcoholic drinks would be a MASSIVE shift for Magic Kingdom, and we have a strong feeling many guests would be opposed to it. However, it is possible that the new lounge is closer to a table service restaurant atmosphere, meaning it wouldn’t be completely out of the question to get a drink here.

HOWEVER, I have another strong reason for my theory, and it actually has to do with the new GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge coming to EPCOT later this year. Disney threw us for a bit of a loop when it was announced that this new lounge will only be available for guests 21+, meaning that families won’t be able to dine here all together.

This was met with enthusiasm from many fans, but criticism from just as many others, and THIS is the main reason why I have a feeling it may be possible that the new Pirates Tavern may only serve mocktails and non-alcoholic/zero proof options. If you’ve got two new lounges opening and one is 21+ in (arguably) the most “adult” theme park, why not make the new lounge opening in (again, arguably) the most kid-friendly and kid-centered park entirely alcohol free?

Not to mention that loads of recent studies have shown that younger generations like mine (Gen Z) aren’t drinking nearly as much as the generations that came before us. Whether that is because it’s just not of interest, health concerns, or what going out and getting a drink with friends costs in many places, this could also be a strong reason why Disney is really pushing the mocktail game. I’ve even heard from a lot of you in the comments that you’re appreciating Disney’s effort to bring more non-alcoholic drinks to the parks, and I agree!

Again, this is entirely all speculation, as Disney hasn’t announced anything of the sort, but if this were to happen…I’d be pretty stoked! I know I’d likely be the minority of people excited for an entirely mocktail-centered Pirates Tavern, but hey, a girl can dream. Regardless, I look forward to grabbing more mocktails around Disney World and giving my reviews, and be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest news on this new tavern!

This Disney World Annual Passholder Upgrade Costs $99, but Is Totally Worth It

How would you feel about Pirates Tavern being a no alcohol lounge? Tell us in the comments!

Comments (3)