Disney World Delays the Reopening of Tortuga Tavern Indefinitely

Tortuga Tavern at Magic Kingdom: Reopening Uncertainty for Pirate-Inspired Eatery

Tortuga Tavern at Magic Kingdom has been a favorite spot for swashbucklers to refuel with hearty pirate fare during high-crowd times, offering menu items like the Barbecued Slaw Dog and the Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, and Banana Sandwich. However, recent updates on the Walt Disney World website have left guests puzzled about the eatery’s status as the New Year approaches.

Related: Free Disney World Dining is here for 2025!

Earlier reports, based on the operating calendar on the Tortuga Tavern page, suggested that the eatery would reopen on January 1. This seemed like good news for those hoping to enjoy its unique menu in the new year. However, the website has since been updated, and all operating hours for Tortuga Tavern have been removed. Unlike other closed locations, there is no disclaimer noting that the eatery is currently unavailable, leaving the reopening date—and its future—uncertain.

A History of Limited Operations

Tortuga Tavern has historically operated seasonally, typically opening during high-traffic periods to handle increased demand. The last time it served guests as an eatery was in June 2024. Since then, the space has been repurposed for a variety of temporary uses:

• Summer 2024: It hosted a Captain Jack Sparrow meet-and-greet experience, providing a pirate-themed character encounter for guests.
• Fall 2024: It functioned as a gift shop while Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, the exit store for Pirates of the Caribbean, underwent refurbishment.

These shifts in purpose have added to the speculation about whether Tortuga Tavern will return to its traditional role as a dining location.

What’s on the Horizon?

Looking ahead, the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge is slated to open in late 2025 in the space formerly occupied by the Pirates League. This new lounge will undoubtedly bring fresh pirate-themed offerings to Adventureland, but its opening date is still nearly a year away, leaving a potential gap in themed dining options for guests.

For now, fans of Tortuga Tavern’s signature dishes can only speculate about its fate. The lack of an official closure/reopening announcement and the removal of its operating hours leave the future of this Magic Kingdom staple shrouded in mystery. Whether it will reopen in its original form, remain a flexible-use space, or transition to something entirely new is anyone’s guess.

Related: Disney World Extends Theme Park Hours at Magic & Animal Kingdoms in January

Pirate Fare Worth Waiting For

If Tortuga Tavern does reopen, here’s a reminder of some of its beloved menu items that guests have enjoyed in the past:

• Barbecued Slaw Dog: An all-beef hot dog topped with barbecued pork and slaw, served with house-made chips.
• Orange Chicken Strips: Tossed in a sweet orange-soy glaze and topped with green onions.
• Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread, and Banana Sandwich: A sweet and savory favorite for adventurous eaters.
• Desert Pear Lemonade Pirate Slushy: A refreshing, pirate-inspired beverage made with Minute Maid® Premium Lemonade.

For now, fans will need to stay tuned for updates from Disney. Whether it reopens as a full-service eatery, remains a temporary venue, or transforms into something entirely new, Tortuga Tavern’s next chapter is sure to be an intriguing one for Magic Kingdom visitors.

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