food IS a theme park
Be sure to check out our list of restaurants in the Magic Kingdom.
Aarg! If you’ve been dying to walk the plank into the new pirate-themed lounge in Magic Kingdom wearing your biggest captain’s hat and parrot, then you’re in the right place.
Rummy!
We recently went aboard The Beak and Barrel and experienced what it’s like to be a pirate. We dined on incredible eats, drank up the rum, and this spot truly feels like a hidden treasure. While we visited, we discovered three takeaways you should know before you hop in.
There’s a “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” coming to the Magic Kingdom…
Carousel of Progress
At the 2025 Destination D23 event, Disney shocked the fanbase with a somewhat out-of-nowhere announcement that one of the Magic Kingdom’s most legendary shows – and one of my all-time favorites over 30 years of visiting Disney theme parks – the Carousel of Progress is getting a massive refurbishment.
Disney has a lot on the horizon for its theme parks, cruise line, and more! From new lands in Disney World like Pueblo Esperanza and Piston Peak National Park, to new cruise ships joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
But what will be the biggest changes for Disney in 2026? We turned to the experts, and we are predicting what changes will be the most impactful in 2026. Let’s dive in!
Snagging a reservation at Disney World can feel like the ultimate treasure hunt.
The Beak and Barrel
Disney’s newest lounge — The Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland — just opened on August 29th, 2025, and guests are already clamoring to get inside. With its pirate backstory, interactive atmosphere, and specialty menu, this spot is one of the hottest reservations in the parks right now. If you’re trying to figure out how to score a table, we’ve got you covered with the best strategies, tips, and tricks. Let’s break down everything you need to know so you can step inside this pirate hideout.
In case you missed it, Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom is getting a new paint job! The pink is fading away, and blues, grays, and gold accents are making a comeback, with fans showing almost nothing but praise for the original colors returning.
©Disney
The colors changed shortly before Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and while the 50th medallion was taken down after the celebration, the colors remained the same, with pinks that some people said reminded them of the Sleeping Beauty castle at Disneyland. Now that the colors are changing, what are the benefits?
A NEW lounge is open in Magic Kingdom!
The Beak and Barrel
For the first time, Magic Kingdom has its own bar! The Beak & Barrel is a new pirate-themed dining location where you can order drinks and eats, and it’s already SO popular. But some people are actually avoiding going to this restaurant right now! [Read more…]
We’re LIVE at this year’s Destination D23 in Disney World, and a major Disney castle question was just answered! (FINALLY!)
Cinderella Castle
Destination D23 is the ultimate Disney fan weekend in 2025, and is being held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from August 29th through the 31st. During the expo, we’ve gotten to learn about upcoming projects, hear from special guest speakers, and even get some insight into Disney history. In fact, a secret was revealed about a previous (and controversial) castle change!
If you’ve ever been to Disney World during a busy season, you know the feeling — shoulder-to-shoulder walkways, long lines for snacks, and unbearable waits for rides. Unfortunately, we could see a lot more of that next year.
Main Street, U.S.A.
It may not seem apparent, but if you’re planning a trip in 2026, brace yourself for a potentially rough reality. Crowds might be heavier than usual, and we’ve thought of three big reasons why.
STOP THE PRESSES!
©Disney
Disney just dropped a major castle-related update, and we’re FREAKING OUT. If you were a fan of the old castle, look at the Magic Kingdom; you’re going to want to book a visit soon.
We’ve done nothing but think about food and drinks all week. That’s because the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival has officially kicked off, AND The Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom has officially opened.
Frozen Rose at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
So yeah, we’ve got food and drinks on the brain (but, really, when do we NOT have food and drinks in mind?). Well, while we’re thinking about it, we’re going through all the Disney World restaurant menu changes we spotted this week. Now, we’ll warn you, we’re a little sad that this round of updates saw one of our favorite snacks disappearing: the Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie in EPCOT.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
