Another change has come to Magic Kingdom, and its timing is pretty interesting.

Tortuga Tavern

We’ve seen LOTS of changes around Disney World lately, from newly-opened restaurants to complete menu overhauls and even closing attractions that will make way for some new updates. But these two important changes we just spotted have Disney fans talking, and we knew you needed to know about it, too! 

During a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, we came across two big changes in Adventureland. For context, lately, there’s been a lot of construction in Adventureland around Caribbean Plaza near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and its former gift shop.

Construction walls in Adventureland

Disney’s popular pirate-themed gift shop closed shortly after construction walls went up in the area (possibly due to construction for a new pirate’s lounge set to debut in Adventureland). Around the same time, a nearby restaurant called Tortuga Tavern also closed.

What things looked at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar

Tortuga Tavern was a solid stop for seasonal quick-service food, and its availability seemed to depend on the crowd levels in Magic Kingdom. When it was open, the hours of operation were typically shorter compared to some of its neighboring restaurants, like Golden Oak Outpost, Westward Ho Refreshments in Frontierland, and even Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe.

Tortuga Tavern Full Spread

However, when the gift shop merchandise needed to be moved out of the exit to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, we noticed that Tortuga Tavern closed to make way for a temporary new gift shop. This was when we noticed a banner renaming the former Tortuga Tavern space as Tortuga Treasures.

Tortuga Treasures

While the newly revised “shop” may have only been a temporary option, it offered similar pirate-themed merchandise and souvenirs previously sold at Plaza del Sol Caribe.

Lots of stuff from across the street

However, it seems that all has changed once again! We’ve once again noticed a BIG change in this area, and it seems that Disney World may not be completely done with Tortuga Tavern just yet. The banner hung on Tortuga Tavern’s sign has now reverted back into its original form…

Tortuga Tavern is back

…and the merchandise has also been moved back to its former shop area. While the construction walls remain, there seems to be enough room to shop around for all your pirate-y souvenirs.

Merchandise has returned across the walkway

It’s interesting to note that while we’re winding down some of the major fall holidays and getting ready to say goodbye to Halloween soon, Disney World has already been preparing for Christmas. In years past, Tortuga Tavern has joined the lineup of stops for free cookies and beverages during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, but we may just have to wait and see at the first party if this location decides to rejoin the festive fun or if this treat stop will be relocated in the park.

Cookie stop at Tortuga Tavern

For now, only time will tell if Tortuga Tavern will reopen seasonally soon and if they’ll offer the same menu they did before their brief closure. Either way, you know we’ll be keeping a close watch over this restaurant and its potential return!

We’re constantly keeping you updated about all the changes and construction happening around Disney World! Be sure to follow along with us at Disney Food Blog for all the latest.

A New CHAMPAGNE BAR Has Opened in Disney World!

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How do you feel about the construction in Adventureland for the new pirates lounge? Leave your thoughts on it in the comments below!