Extensive Renovations Underway at Pirates of the Caribbean Exit in Magic Kingdom

Aug 08, 2024 in "Pirates of the Caribbean"

Pirates of the Caribbean Exit and Gift Shop construction walls - August 8 2024
Posted: Thursday August 8, 2024 2:00pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The exit area and gift shop, Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, at Pirates of the Caribbean are now under extensive construction, with walls blocking most of the space.


Pirates of the Caribbean riders now exit through a narrow corridor of the gift shop and out through a side gate.









No merchandise is available at the exit, but select items have been moved across the walkway to Tortuga Treasures, which occupies the Tortuga Tavern location. The area restrooms remain available.



In June, 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.

It seems likely 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, which will also include the former Pirates League makeover experience.

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.

Finally, on the outside of the building, refurbishment remain positioned around the Torre del Cielo tower.

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DCBaker5 days ago

Here’s an updated look at construction in the Pirates exit area/gift shop from today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54044791189_488e1fcaf4_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54043602837_969487cd06_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54044469071_fd572ff545_k.jpg

AylaSep 03, 2024

It's going to be a poop show from the very beginning.

BocabearSep 03, 2024

a second story could be nice, but then they need elevators etc... I am curious to how they will handle the crowds with an intimate space in a park with very high demand...

QuietmouseSep 03, 2024

If Disney was smart they would make this a multi story bar like you see in Nashville. Alcohol is a great way to spur profit based off margins alone. This should easily be a 4 story bar with an elevator and balconies with live music.

BocabearSep 03, 2024

The size of Trader Sam's was a huge mistake... They could have done something larger and broken itnto different rooms like the old Adventurer's club... likewise the outdoor overflow patio shoud have been beautifully designed and themed like the interior...which would have made it a lot more pleasant. They KNEW this was going to be a hit. This was not a surprise... The one in CA is equally mobbed so there was a track record to follow. This lounge should be larger and they should limit admittance to 21 and older...

TrainsOfDisneySep 03, 2024

Disney is so weird sometimes- I went to Trader Sam’s at Polynesian - asked if they had room for 1…. And they let me stand at the bar. There were tables available but not for a party of 1…. I still had a fun time cause it’s Trader Sams but cmon haha.

doctornickSep 03, 2024

IIRC my party was 4, another 4 and then a party of 2 was added. It went from reasonably okay to kinda being on top of each other when the third party was added.

larryzSep 03, 2024

How many were in each party?

doctornickSep 02, 2024

The odd thing is that it’s easy to get reservations but they feel the need to cram parties together on the same tables/booths. When we were there last trip they put three parties at our table.

SplashJacketSep 02, 2024

There's no need to make this huge. I'd expect something similar in Villains land.

larryzSep 02, 2024

a) seems kinda small given the huge crowds they should expect b) they're using wood framing in tropically humid, termite-infested Florida c) construction ladder brought a couple of friends so you can tell they're serious about this

larryzSep 02, 2024

The rum don't care.

JoeCamelSep 02, 2024

Pre-mixed drinks......

MisterPenguinSep 02, 2024

Yes. Very much like Oga's. Mostly standing room. Drink and a bar snack. 45 minute lounging time limit. Can't carry out booze. No window service. Reservations needed. MK already serves alcohol at sit-down table-service restaurants.