Walt Disney World Dining System Experiences Technical Issues
As of Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Walt Disney World dining reservations system has experienced a significant technical outage. This disruption occurred just before 6 a.m., leaving many guests unable to access their usual booking tools. The issue affects both the Walt Disney World website and the My Disney Experience app, with users encountering error pages when attempting to make reservations.
The timing of the outage is particularly inconvenient as it coincides with the opening of reservations for The Beak and Barrel, a new bar located in the Magic Kingdom. This establishment, part of the Pirates of the Caribbean experience, is set to open on Friday, August 29, 2025. Guests hoping to secure a spot at this unique venue have faced repeated challenges due to the system’s instability.
Reports indicate that around 7 a.m., some users were able to initiate the reservation process for The Beak and Barrel. However, the system crashed again before the bookings could be finalized. Attempts to contact the reservation center via phone resulted in long wait times, with one reporter being placed on hold for approximately two hours. During this time, the call was unexpectedly disconnected, leaving another reporter still waiting on hold.
When the team attempted to call back, they received a pre-recorded message stating that dining reservations were currently unavailable. The message emphasized that the website was experiencing technical difficulties and encouraged guests to check back later. This situation has left many fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise frustrated, especially with the upcoming openings of special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
The Beak and Barrel: A New Addition to Adventureland
The Beak and Barrel is located next to Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland, occupying the former Pirates League space. It will operate during the after-hours events of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Reservations for the Christmas party are expected to open in the coming weeks.
Similar to Oga’s Cantina, The Beak and Barrel offers a 45-minute window for guests to enjoy a selection of bites and beverages. This includes cocktails tailored for guests aged 21 and older. The bar introduces a new character named Rummy, who serves as the first mate to Captain Meridian “Merry” Goldwyn. Rummy takes over the bar while the captain is away, sharing tales of piracy and leading guests in rousing toasts as he moves along the bar in The Mess, the venue’s central space.
In addition to the main bar area, The Beak and Barrel features the Captain’s Quarters room. This space includes miniature bottled ships that come to life and engage in battles, adding an interactive element to the experience.
Challenges with the Dining System
As of 8:13 a.m. on August 14, the technical issues with the Walt Disney World dining system remain unresolved. While other parts of the Walt Disney World website and My Disney Experience continue to function, the inability to make dining reservations has caused inconvenience for many guests.
Visitors who attempted to reach Guest Relations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also reported similar problems with the system. This widespread issue highlights the importance of reliable technology for managing reservations, especially for high-demand attractions and events.
Final Thoughts
The Beak and Barrel promises to be an exciting addition to the Magic Kingdom, offering a unique blend of storytelling, interactive elements, and themed drinks. However, the current technical difficulties have made it challenging for guests to secure their spots. As the system continues to experience issues, it remains to be seen how long it will take for the problem to be resolved.
Have you encountered similar issues while trying to book a reservation for The Beak and Barrel? Share your experiences in the comments below or on social media. For the latest updates on Disney Parks, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
