The biggest upgrades across all domestic Disney parks right now including Disneyland and Walt Disney World involve something Walt himself famously wanted to keep out: alcohol. In a Saturday Evening Post article from 1956, Disney stated, “No liquor, no beer, nothing. Because that brings in a rowdy element. That brings people that we don’t want, and I feel they don’t need it.”
Of course, that was nearly seven decades ago—long before the company bearing Walt’s name grew into the massive corporation it is today. Under Bob Iger’s leadership, that corporation seems to have one primary objective: profit. Apparently, what’s more lucrative than simply amusing and entertaining families is making sure the adults in the group are well-lubricated. The latest venue being upgraded to attract even more drinkers is Disneyland Hotel’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar to Become More Intoxicating
“Plussing” is the term Disney uses to describe updates coming to Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. Building permits filed by Disney with the City of Anaheim indicate both exterior and interior remodels, including replacing outdated tiki torches and upgrading the air conditioning system.
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“The biggest changes, though, are coming to the ‘enchanted’ part of the space,” writes Julie Tremaine of SFGATE. She continued, “The building permits also include plans to ‘replace interior show effects, show lighting, and lighting systems.’”
The permits are currently under review by the city, with no start date yet announced. Still, the company’s intent seems clear—entice more visitors to come and drink. And this is just the latest in a string of alcohol-related “plussings” across Disney’s domestic resorts.
Gaudy Carpet and a Birdcage Bar Invade a Grand Lobby
Once a model of elegance, the entrance to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando recently lost some of its charm. The beautiful, classic carpeting has been replaced with a brightly colored, out-of-place floral pattern. It’s part of an extensive remodel that includes—of course—a bar.
Concept art for the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Lobby – Disney Parks Blog
Because nothing says “welcome to your family-friendly vacation” quite like a giant bar in the middle of your hotel lobby! And how necessary is this libatious addition to the Grand Floridian? With the Enchanted Rose lounge just one floor up, overlooking the lobby, the answer is—not at all. Yet this new lobby bar, currently under construction, is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Disney’s growing bar scene.
GEO 82 — Drink Enough to Witness “Shape Language”
EPCOT welcomed a new bar, GEO 82, on June 4, 2025. According to Imagineer Sachi Handke, the design was inspired by “shape language.” Of course, any guest who indulges enough might start seeing plenty of that “shape language”—hopefully stopping before the shapes start moving on their own.
Spaceship Earth in Walt Disney World at night – Photo Credit: That Park Place
It’s also worth noting that while this bar sits inside a family park, it’s not open to guests under 21. This location caters squarely to the “DINK” crowd—dual income, no kids.
A Beak, a Barrel, and Booze
Then there’s the flagship park of Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom. “The most magical place on Earth” was built under the leadership of Walt’s brother, Roy Disney. For decades, the magic here was fueled by pixie dust, not alcohol.
Plunderers Punch drink at the Beak and Barrel in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog
That changed in 2012 with the opening of Be Our Guest restaurant, the first Magic Kingdom location to serve alcohol. It marked the beginning of a slippery slope—one that’s now led to a full-fledged bar in the park.
At the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean sits The Beak and Barrel, a pirate-themed bar that doesn’t prohibit children. So now, families can watch Dad morph into Captain Jack on a bender! Is this really the kind of “magic” Bob Iger’s Disney wants to promote? What kind of environment does that create for children who just want to enjoy a day in the park?
Disney Has Strayed Far from Walt
While it’s understandable that adults might want a drink while relaxing at a hotel or enjoying a fine meal, Disney’s growing focus on alcohol is worth questioning. The company built its reputation on being safe, family-friendly, and distinctly wholesome.
The statue of Walt Disney in Dreamer’s Point in EPCOT at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Under Bob Iger, it feels as though Disney has strayed from its core values and is now on a new mission—one aimed not at delighting families, but at loosening wallets. And what better way to do that than by encouraging a little more drinking along the way?
How do you feel about alcohol in Disney World and Disneyland? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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