Ahoy, mateys. It’s Haley, fresh off a culinary adventure at Magic Kingdom’s official first pub.
If you’re a fan of Oga’s Cantina, Trader Sam’s or have gotten to experience The Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure, you are destined to drop anchor at The Beak and Barrel.
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There’s a lot to take in when you walk into the tavern, from the walls to the ceiling, it’s so intricately detailed with pirate decor.
One of my favorite details was being introduced to feline, Kat, who voyaged sailing with host Captain Merry on the seas and has since retired to the Beak and Barrel. Her perch is above the main entrance, and occasionally, you can find her bickering with Rummy, Captain Merry’s quartermaster parrot and first mate who roams above the Cursed Bar.
During my dining experience, I sat in the Captains’ Quarters on a high-top chair. I was served the Island Provisions plate, The Treasure Trove, and Plunder’s Punch.
I was eager to try the punch as it is a signature drink, and sipping a beverage out of a fun mug makes it all the merrier.
I didn’t have the best view of the lively ambience. Being seated in The Mess is your best bet.
Your serving wenches are well-versed in pirate talk, so I’d advise brushing up on your pirate terminology beforehand.
Like Oga’s, your dining time is limited. After 45 minutes, gather your loot and depart, savvy?
For a more elaborate first look at Beak and Barrel, click here.
Upgrade updates ⛰️👽
Prior to my Beak and Barrel preview, I was privileged to sit in on a mini D23-like panel where Disney Imagineers and creative directors shared details about reimagined attractions.
I put together some bullet points below of attraction highlights below:
Zootopia: Better Together at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Set in the iconic Tree of Life theater, this new 4D attraction celebrates unity and nature, themed around “Together Day,” a citywide celebration of life and environment.
- The show features Carrot Vision 3D technology with fun glasses that enhance the experience.
- Heidi Howler, an energetic wolf host, will guide guests through scenes from Zootopia including Tundratown, Marsh Market, Little Rodentia, and Sahara Square with captivating music and performances.
- A new gathering spot called Together Gathering Spot will open with themed costumes and original music, including a finale song “We Are United.”
- The attraction is set to open Nov. 7.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Buzz Lightyear’s classic attraction is getting a tech upgrade with new vehicles, real-time scoring screens, and interactive blasters with lighting, sound, and vibration effects.
- A charming new support robot named Buddy will assist guests with mission tips.
- Updated gameplay and targets will provide fresh challenges and fun.
- When it comes to tallying points, the limit does not exist. No more 999,999.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Aboard the Frontierland railroad, guests will experience updated scenes including the Rainbow Caverns, featuring mesmerizing phosphorescent pools and lightning effects.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard
- Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short “Once Upon a Studio,” the courtyard is transforming into a family-friendly immersive area resembling the Walt Disney Animation Burbank studios.
- New indoor play space “Drawn to Wonderland” brings Mary Blair’s concept art to life.
- New animated short films and meet-and-greet opportunities are set to delight guests.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Launching next spring, this update introduces a new mission connected to the hit Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” featuring Mando, Grogu, and exciting new destinations throughout the galaxy.
- Interact directly with characters and explore places like Endor and Coruscant in a thrilling new way.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Opening next year at Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will have a psychedelic new theme inspired by The Electric Mayhem band.
- Guests will enjoy a musical adventure with vibrant visuals and the classic high-speed coaster thrill.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Wild screams 😱
The original home to Howl-O-Scream is ready to welcome in another fright-filled year.
There are 25 scary experiences at Busch Gardens’ Halloween event.
I am most interested in that M.A.R.S. haunted house
Oversized insects 🐛
Gatorland brings Old Florida charm to its Halloween celebration.
The park announced details for its seventh-annual Gators, Ghosts, and Goblins.
The daytime event is included with park admission. Alongside familiar faces like Skunk Ape and Moth Man, this year’s lineup adds aliens, giant bugs, and the unique half-human, half-Capybara werebeasts known as Capy Creepybaras.
As a fan of the park’s capybaras, the spooky twist on these creatures definitely piques my interest.
That was a wealth of a newsletter!
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
See you next week.