Greetings fellow Rope Droppers,
Here's what folks aren’t talking about: 2025 is starting to feel a lot like the excitement of summer 2023. The new Pirates tavern opening at Magic Kingdom next month? That was announced at Destination D23 back in September 2023…along with the Test Track redo, Dinoland's closure, and the Bug’s Life eviction.
Sight lines are clear now: Disney's averaging about two years on these medium-weight projects. The land-level stuff is taking longer (no shock there), but we're finally seeing that D23 keynote come to life.
Today we're covering the first bar ever to open at Magic Kingdom. We sifted through 574 news stories to bring you this week’s 3-4 minute rundown.
-Gabe
Disney Parks Blog
Avast ye mateys! The Beak and Barrel (via Disney Parks Blog) will open at the Magic Kingdom on August 29. Reservations will open August 14 (our best guess is 6 a.m. ET, but you know Disney, could happen earlier or later, savvy?). Given this is the first bar and lounge at Magic Kingdom, batten down the hatches because we do expect these spots to fill up faster than the Black Pearl at full sail.
For your planning:
If you’ll be in the park during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, it does appear the lounge will be open. (via WDWNT) No word how reservations will for MHSSHP, but the WDW website does now say there will be details for the Christmas Party process coming in September
There’s quite the assortment of drinks for buccaneers of all ages (via Disney Food Blog). At RDR, we’re fully planning for these to be pre-batched drinks given the formula we’ve seen at Oga’s and the latest DCL lounges (so don’t expect to customize your cocktail).
Snacks include treasures like a corn cake and a chip and dip platter, but the thing that’s really causing folks to shiver their timbers is this salad with an octopus tentacle. Listen, I for one like seafood, but find this an odd choice for the Magic Kingdom. (As DFB points out, definitely not Davey Jones approved.)
Between this and other new openings like GEO-82, we’re into this lounge era. But what do you think about the first real lounge coming to Magic Kingdom?
How do you feel about the first bar/lounge opening at Magic Kingdom?
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin closed this week (BlogMickey) for what may seem like infinity. (Disney says it will reopen sometime in 2026.)
This was a Lightning Lane Multi Pass option, so you may need to re-think your strategy. (via AllEars)
Buzz was one of the Tier 2 attractions (meaning one from the group of which you could make two picks). Is this a big deal? Of course if you loved blasting your way through space.
Our view: Buzz was never one of my Tier 2 picks (my faves are Haunted Mansion and Pirates). Even if I needed a “throwaway” I’d go for PhilharMagic or Little Mermaid. We’ll see how much having one fewer Tier 2 option really impacts the overall Lightning Lane experience.
Disney Parks Blog
The mission: The exciting news about this though is that when Buzz does reopen, we’ll get brand new blasters, ride vehicles, and what’s being dubbed as “interactive targets.”
That's it, I'm covering my eyes! Muppets fans may want to skip this one. The demolition on Muppets Courtyard is going full steam ahead.
Aerial photo of the demolition of a former shop in the Muppets Courtyard of Disney's Hollywood Studios.
A structural frame for a facade also removed at top center. past the gate posts.
Some pavement demolition also seen outside the former Muppet*Vision 3D theater.
— #bioreconstruct (#@bioreconstruct)
4:09 PM • Aug 1, 2025
Don’t get scared: If you’re thinking about MSSHP but haven’t yet decided, may want to sort that out. Some dates are starting to sell out. (BlogMickey)
Resort refurb update: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas are scheduled for their next refurb. Kidani Village is up first, this October through next May. Jambo House will follow. (DVC Fan)
Resort refurb update: Meanwhile Port Orleans Riverside construction is taking a little longer than expected - the end date pushed from January to February. (Disney Food Blog)
Resort refurb update: And finally in hotel news, Pop Century’s lobby refurb is getting under way. The resort-wide project is scheduled to go through February, but the lobby is now through October. All amenities are expected to be available. (AllEars)
Keep your eyes peeled passholder dudes! If you’re going to be on property any time soon, the next magnet is out now. It’s Crush! You can get it at Animal Kingdom now through September 27. (Disney Tourist Blog)
No age limit: You’re never too old to meet Mickey for the first time. This 58-year old woman proves we’re all kids at heart. 😭 (Today.com)
Home schooling at the parks? There’s even a term for it: “Disneyschooling.” You say, Pirates of the Caribbean, they say: economics lesson. (WSJ, subscription required)
We always like to wrap up with something fun, interesting or inspiring. For today, Photo Pass pics start to look a little different, this might be why…
Know something we should feature? Hit reply and let us know!
How'd we do?
Was this email forwarded to you?
Join us for all the weekly updates. Subscribe here.