Disney Imagineers built a new animatronic parrot for the Beak and Barrel lounge – and it steals the show

If you’ve ever wished you could step into one of the Pirates of the Caribbean films or linger a little longer on the iconic Disney attraction, the newest experience at Disney World will let you do just that.

The Beak and Barrel has all the classic elements of a Disney space – immersive lighting and theming that pulls you right in – but you won’t be boarding a boat. Instead, you step into a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed restaurant and lounge for an almost hour-long experience.

Yes, there are themed provisions and libations – light bites plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks – but where The Beak and Barrel truly shines is in its show elements. Walt Disney Imagineering packed the space with impressive touches: a mind-bending battle between two ships in a bottle, intricate carvings across walls, floors, and ceilings, and perhaps most notably, a brand-new audio-animatronic inspired by Disney’s earliest figures.

Perched above the bar, on what’s likely a hidden track, Rummy the Parrot is the latest creation. He’s lively, with an impressive range of motion, especially in the head and beak, and features detailed articulation powered by compact motors and actuators.

Disney’s history with bird animatronics stretches back to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair and the Enchanted Tiki Room. Rummy carries that legacy forward with far more lifelike movement and realism.

Ken Ricci, Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, told us that much of the leap with Rummy is thanks to smaller electric motors that can now all be packaged inside the birds.

Ricci explained the process as the “Development starts with figuring out what functions, movement we want, to make it look like a bird, and packaging that into a shell.”

Rummy doesn’t just perch – he leads the action, often guiding the cast members playing pirate crew as they serve guests. In one particularly spooky moment that combines spatial audio from hidden speakers and lighting effects embedded throughout the room, Rummy drives off “spirits.”

Without giving too much away, the experience unfolds as a 45-minute interactive show. Guests are seated or standing in one of three themed rooms: a map room filled with intricate design details, a lively mess hall, or the more intimate captain’s quarters. I tried the latter, settling into a weathered leather chair by a fireplace.

Image 1 of 5

It turned out to be the best seat in the house, thanks to the ships in bottles above. These vessels spring to life in a miniature battle, firing cannonballs and artillery at each other. Effects crash and clank – sound and light – until one ship finally sinks in a stunning bit of Imagineering magic that completely fooled me.

So while The Beak and Barrel isn’t an “attraction” in the traditional sense, it’s very much a flex of Disney’s technical and storytelling chops. It represents the company’s ongoing push to redefine what an attraction can be. Ahead of the launch of the Disney Treasure cruise ship, for example, Imagineers told TechRadar how they designed the Haunted Mansion Parlor to ensure show elements work no matter where you stand in the space. The Beak and Barrel follows that same philosophy, as you’re not locked to a track inside.

It also recalls past immersive projects like the now-closed Galactic Starcruiser or the still-thriving Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge. Even though it’s technically a restaurant, it functions as a show-driven attraction. Yes, you’re assigned a seat, but you’re also encouraged to wander and explore.

When Rummy bursts into Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me) straight from the ride and films, you’ll want to join in. On my visit, before the official debut, I even spotted what looked like Jack Sparrow’s compass floating in the Map Room.

The Beak and Barrel officially opened on August 29, 2025, in the Adventureland section of Magic Kingdom at Disney World, right next to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Reservations are required, and each visit runs about 45 minutes with food and drink available for purchase.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney expands this format further. If you’re not planning a trip to Orlando, you may still get your chance: a Pirates-themed lounge is already confirmed for the forthcoming Disney Destiny ship, which sets sail in November 2025.

You might also like

• One of my favorite Disney World rides is getting a major tech upgrade – and I got a sneak peek
• This new 4K laser projector is so bright, it really could replace a TV – and it has both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
• Dyson just released the vacuum we actually wanted – an upgraded V8 that costs basically the same as the original