Duel of Disney Lounges: Beak & Barrel vs. Oga’s Cantina
By: Maggie Ballantyne, Travel Advisor
October 14, 2025
If you love Disney’s immersive lounges, creative cocktails, and impeccable details / theming, you’ll want to set sail for the NEW Beak & Barrel in Magic Kingdom. This Pirates of the Caribbean–themed tavern officially opened in August 2025 and has already made waves among Disney adults. I was lucky enough to snag two reservations during my September trip so I could try some new drinks, get a feel for the new spot, and really enjoy what I am sure will be a regular spot on future vacations. From the moment I stepped inside, I caught myself doing what I think many other Disney fans are also doing: comparing it to another favorite: Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
So, which bar truly reigns supreme: the pirate port or the galactic watering hole?
It’s no surprise that Disney has once again done what they do best: created a story around each lounge through immersive experiences, incredible décor, and thoughtful attention to detail.
The Beak & Barrel sits just outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. Moody, candlelit, and packed with nautical charm, the tavern’s story centers on Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn and her feathered first mate, Rummy (a sassy, sarcastic animatronic parrot who interacts with guests throughout their visit). From the outside, the tavern appears to be small, but I was surprised at how big the tavern is inside and how much space there is to explore and spread out.
Meanwhile, Oga’s Cantina has been serving up cosmic since Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Step inside, and you’re transported to the planet Batuu, surrounded by bounty hunters, smugglers, and travelers from every corner of the galaxy. DJ R-3X (a repurposed Star Tours droid) keeps the music pumping, giving the cantina a high-energy vibe.
Verdict: Beak & Barrel feels like a storybook brought to life, while Oga’s delivers a pure Star Wars spectacle. It all comes down to which world you want to step into and for me, it’s pirates every time!
Drinks & Menu
Let’s be honest, guests like me come to these lounges for the drinks, the experience, fun interactions with cast members, and creative photo ops.
At Beak & Barrel, the menu feels like a treasure map leading you to some of the best drinks and bites in the park! Signature cocktails include the Salty Seas mARRRgarita, Plunderer’s Punch, and Siren’s Whisper to name a few. For those skipping the spirits, mocktails like the Treasure Trove, a creamy coconut-ube concoction, are just as fun. Draft beer options include the exclusive Pirate’s Paradise Blonde Ale, and small bites like Kraken’s Catch ceviche and Cook’s Corn Griddle Cakes make the menu feel more complete than most lounges. Personally, I loved my mARRRgarita, and the Pirate’s Paradise Blonde Ale was a standout.
Fun Fact: This brew was crafted just for this location, so craft beer lovers should give it a try.
Meanwhile, at Oga’s Cantina, the drinks are the real star. From the fizzy, tongue-tingling Fuzzy Tauntaun to the smoky Jet Juice, each cocktail is a showstopper. But food? Not so much. “Batuu Bits,” a small snack mix, is about as far as it goes. This lounge is all about sipping, not snacking.
Verdict: Beak & Barrel takes the crown for a more complete food-and-drink experience, while Oga’s remains the go-to for inventive, out-of-this-world cocktails that you can’t find anywhere else.
Atmosphere & Storytelling: Swashbucklers vs. Smugglers
The Beak & Barrel leans hard into showmanship. Cast members stay in character as members of a pirate crew, Rummy the animatronic parrot cracks jokes, and every corner tells part of the story. Whether you are looking at the maps on the wall, the bottles above the fireplace, or secret symbols etched into the walls, don’t blink! You never know what might move or change in a flash! It feels like a full-on stage set that you just happen to drink in. I also love when Rummy leads the tavern in a chorus of “YO HO A Pirate’s Life for Me!” song.
Oga’s Cantina, on the other hand, is all energy all the time. The lights pulse, the music is loud, and the alien décor makes you forget you’re still in Florida. It’s less narrative-driven and more about ambiance. To me this is a Star Wars dive bar that never sleeps. Whether it is 10:30 am or midnight, the vibe remains upbeat.
Verdict: Beak & Barrel brings the richer story; Oga’s brings the party.
The Logistics: I Know Because I Go!
As a trusted travel advisor, I will remind my clients about these logistics. Both lounges operate under similar rules:
Reservations are highly recommended (and at this point, essential). Don’t worry, by booking your vacation package with me, I will be up to secure reservations for you!
Time limits are 45 minutes per party.
Drink limits: 2 alcoholic beverages per person.
Family-friendly: Both spots welcome all ages and offer non-alcoholic drinks.
Where they differ is in crowd flow and comfort. Oga’s is famously packed, with limited seating and mostly standing tables. Beak & Barrel offers more defined spaces like The Mess, Captain’s Quarters, and Mapmaker’s Room creating a slightly calmer, more segmented experience. Guests should know that at either location, they may be sharing tables with other parties.
Which One Should You Visit?
If you’re a Star Wars fan, Oga’s Cantina remains a must-do. The theming is instantly recognizable, and DJ R-3X is still one of Disney’s most entertaining characters. It’s a classic for a reason.
But if you crave fresh Disney storytelling with food to match, The Beak & Barrel might just raise the bar. Between the animatronic parrot, the detailed sets, and the menu that invites you to linger (if only for 45 minutes), it delivers the next evolution of Disney’s immersive lounge concept.
Both lounges are Disney magic at its finest, but for different reasons. I would tell any of my clients to give both a try at least once for a unique experience. But if I had to choose just one, I would go with Beak & Barrel!
For more food and drink recommendations, please follow along at www.facebook.com/wishesfamilytravelmaggie . If you are looking for a travel agent who will make recommendations based on your interests and personal experience, I am happy to help. My services come at no extra cost to you. I can be reached at maggie@wishesfamilytravel.com
All dining experiences mentioned in this blog were reserved on the consumer website and paid for at rack rate (same rate available to the public).