Pirates of the Caribbean Bazaar Renovation Hints at New Pirates Lounge in Magic Kingdom

Gallery / 3 Photos
Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

Posted: Tuesday June 25, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Construction walls are now up at the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, the gift shop at the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom.

Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

The walls surround the central area of the bazaar, which is currently open to the sky.

Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

Earlier this month, Disney filed a construction permit for the Pirates of the Caribbean area, assigned to long-time Disney partner Whiting-Turner Contractor Company, which has previously worked with Disney on numerous major projects across Walt Disney World. The default 12-month permit validity period has been extended until August 31, 2025.

Pirates of the Caribbean June 2024 Permit Location

While we don't know for sure what this permit is for, it would seem possible that Disney is making changes to the gift shop to allow for the construction of the previously announced Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge. One theory is that the open area is being enclosed with a new roof to allow more effective use of the space.

When announced in September 2023, Disney said this first-of-its-kind experience will extend the story of Pirates of the Caribbean. While information is scarce so far, Disney did reveal one small detail—the Barker Bird animatronic (pictured in the concept art) will make a welcome return.

Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge concept art

The most likely location for the new lounge is the former Pirates League makeover experience space, with some expansion into the gift store area.

The Pirates League space is no longer used

Entrance to the Pirates League near to Pirates of the Caribbean

We expect to hear more about Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge during August's D23 event in California.

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larryz7 days ago

Love to see the crews working toward hitting theoretical capacity!

dmc4938 days ago

idk when I was there last week I started being a huge nerd at a few different rides and tracking boat release timing (I'm bad with words tonight don't judge me but you know what I'm trying to say). Props to the CMs there, there was a boat launching every 30 seconds almost like clockwork and every single one packed. Good attraction with some real good capacity :)

peter114358 days ago

Running even a couple less boats could cause that, but they definitely aren’t running half. The difference between the most and least boats you’ve ever seen operating on the ride is in the low single digits. The more likely catalyst to what you witnessed was not the number of boats on the attraction but rather how efficiently they were dispatching them.

DisneyRoy8 days ago

I think they changed something. I used to remember always being backed up past Johnny at the end of the ride. But the last couple of times I've been on it there has been no boats in the unload area. Seems like there are less on the ride then their used to be.

peter1143511 days ago

ummmm… no

CAlexander11 days ago

Feel like that could warrant its own thread. That ride needs a refurb, they often only run half the boats recently.

wdwmagicMar 06, 2025

Pirates Tavern Progress: Disney Files Permit for Signage Work at Caribbean Plaza in Magic Kingdom https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/pirates-of-the-caribbean/news/06mar2025-pirates-tavern-progress-disney-files-permit-for-signage-work-at-caribbean-plaza-in-magic-kingdom.htm

JMcMahonEsqMar 05, 2025

Well obviously. But from a risk management perspective I don't let any of our sites/operations be videoed while active operations are ongoing, just so that we don't inadvertently provide evidence for OSHA violations, improper workplace maintenance, or ammunition for owners. By videoed i mean for third party distribution not for documenting progress or internal use.

lazyboy97oMar 05, 2025

It’s in a caption that her role is Assistant Producer.

solidyneMar 05, 2025

...how young people speak. I am ageist not sexist. In my line of work, I encounter many young men with these speech patterns, perhaps even more men than women.