Pirates of the Caribbean Bazaar Renovation Hints at New Pirates Lounge in Magic Kingdom

Gallery / 3 Photos
Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

Posted: Tuesday June 25, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Construction walls are now up at the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, the gift shop at the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom.

Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

The walls surround the central area of the bazaar, which is currently open to the sky.

Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar construction walls - June 24 2024

Earlier this month, 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. The default 12-month permit validity period has been extended until August 31, 2025.

Pirates of the Caribbean June 2024 Permit Location

While we don't know for sure what this permit is for, it would seem possible 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.

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.

Pirates of the Caribbean themed lounge concept art

The most likely location for the new lounge is the former Pirates League makeover experience space, with some expansion into the gift store area.

The Pirates League space is no longer used

Entrance to the Pirates League near to Pirates of the Caribbean

We expect to hear more about Magic Kingdom's Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge during August's D23 event in California.

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Bocabear5 days ago

Adventureland had many fountains...actually the whole park did back in the 70s...most have become planters....I REALLY wish they could bring back the Gull-Wing waterfalls at thentrance to Tomorrowland... or something equally futuristic and impressive... The technology now exists to make those waterfalls work properly now... but they are long gone...

ToTBellHop5 days ago

Yes. As to recycling water—all water features do. But Central Florida Sun is no joke, so you also need fresh water supply, as well. Have they fixed the fountains inside the POTC queue? The plumbing is still set up there so they should work. Always thought it was a fun little feature.

UNCgolf5 days ago

He was being sarcastic -- there used to be fountains in Adventureland that Disney replaced with planters.

wdisney90005 days ago

Just out of curiosity, is there not any type of system that is a tube(s) with water being pushed into a fountain that recycles itself? I would think that in a raised planter it would allow for the system to work without digging? Is there no water running in the utilidors? Again, just asking as I'm not sure how it works?

MisterPenguin5 days ago

Like how Muppets fountain was going away, but it was just being refurbed... ;) It's just hard to characterize WDW's stance on fountains when they come and go. Tho, I'll admit, there's definitely less. But, clearly no regimen to get rid of them all. Another data point: The EPCOT fireworks in both Harmonious and Luminuous both got big fountain upgrades.

Disstevefan15 days ago

Water features in Cars land in the concept drawings. That’s funny. Like the fountains seen in the early concepts of the EPCOT future world (renovation?). 😉

JoeCamel5 days ago

I thought it was the drainage. With the constant sewer backups any extra load would be too much..... Sigh, I miss the fountains.....

MisterPenguin5 days ago

You mean after the fountain outside Ratatouille and the Journey of Water water-features, and the water features seen in the Cars Land concept art and the fountain seen in the Tropical Americas concept art?

JMcMahonEsq5 days ago

Not sure how widespread it is, but i know our building group in North American market are not seeing alot of water features in architectural/design drawings in large commercial or residential developments. I don't know if its for saving on plumping and other related costs, or not wanting to showcase the "use" of water in areas where water is scarce, or just for PR on water usages/savings purposes.

ToTBellHop5 days ago

It is entirely impossible to install fountains in Adventureland due to the water table. They’ve never been able to build fountains in Adventureland and never will be. You get flowers in fountains today like you did in 1971 and you had better like it.