Disney Imagineer Keeps Plussing The Disney Magic for Drinkers

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As a lifelong Disney fan, it’s pretty wild to see alcohol now being rolled out across both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. You know, Walt Disney himself was famously against it! I was just reading an old article from a 1956 *Saturday Evening Post* where he explained his reasoning. He basically felt that serving alcohol would attract a rowdy crowd – people he didn’t want in his parks, and people who, in his opinion, didn’t *need* it. It’s a big shift from his original vision, that’s for sure.

That happened almost seventy years ago, before the company Walt Disney founded became the huge business it is now. Today, under Bob Iger’s direction, the company seems focused on maximizing profits. It appears they’ve discovered it’s more profitable to cater to adults with alcoholic drinks than to simply provide family entertainment. The latest example of this is the expansion of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel to attract more drinkers.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar to Become More Intoxicating

Disney is updating Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California, a process they call “plussing.” Recent building permits show they’re making changes both inside and outside the bar, including replacing old tiki torches and improving the air conditioning.

According to Julie Tremaine of SFGATE, the most significant updates will be made to the attraction’s magical elements. Permits show plans to overhaul the interior effects, show lighting, and all lighting systems.

The city is still reviewing the necessary permits, so a start date hasn’t been set yet. However, the company clearly wants to attract more guests to enjoy alcoholic beverages. This is part of a continuing trend of adding or expanding alcohol service at Disney’s resorts in the United States.

Gaudy Carpet and a Birdcage Bar Invade a Grand Lobby

The entrance to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort in Orlando, once known for its sophisticated style, recently underwent a change that many find disappointing. The elegant, traditional carpet has been swapped for a bold, floral design that doesn’t quite fit the resort’s classic look. This is just one part of a larger renovation project, which, predictably, includes a new bar.

Is a large bar really what families want when they arrive at a Disney hotel? Especially when the Grand Floridian already has the Enchanted Rose lounge just upstairs? Apparently, Disney thinks so. This new lobby bar, currently being built, is just one sign of Disney adding more and more bars to its resorts.

GEO 82 — Drink Enough to Witness “Shape Language”

EPCOT gained a new bar called GEO 82 on June 4, 2025. Imagineer Sachi Handke explained the bar’s design was based on distinct shapes. Hopefully, guests will enjoy the atmosphere – and won’t see those shapes start to move after having a few drinks!

Although the bar is located within a family park, it’s exclusively for patrons 21 and over. It mainly attracts couples with disposable income who don’t have children.

A Beak, a Barrel, and Booze

Magic Kingdom is the main park at Walt Disney World, famously known as “the most magical place on Earth.” It was originally built under the direction of Roy Disney, Walt’s brother. For many years, the park focused on creating a fantastical experience through imagination and wonder, rather than offering alcoholic beverages.

Things began to shift in 2012 when Be Our Guest restaurant opened, becoming the first place in Magic Kingdom to offer alcohol. This was the first step in a series of changes, and now the park has a full bar.

Right at the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, there’s a pirate-themed bar called The Beak and Barrel that allows children inside. This means families might see parents overindulge while dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow! Is this the atmosphere Disney, under Bob Iger, wants to encourage? It raises questions about what kind of experience this creates for children who are simply trying to have a fun day at the park.

Disney Has Strayed Far from Walt

It’s not surprising to see adults ordering drinks at hotels or restaurants, but Disney’s increasing emphasis on alcohol is something to consider. The company has always been known as a safe, family-oriented, and generally wholesome place.

Recently, under Bob Iger’s leadership, Disney seems to have shifted its focus. Instead of prioritizing family entertainment, the company appears more interested in increasing profits, and promoting alcohol sales seems to be part of that strategy.

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2025-10-18 16:57