Okay, hear me out—while Disney has already announced that the new Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern will open in 2025, I hope they’re thinking beyond just cocktails. There’s no doubt that themed alcoholic drinks will be a major draw, but this is still a family-friendly theme park, and not everyone is looking for a boozy beverage. Kids, non-drinkers, and guests who just prefer something unique deserve more than the standard lineup of juice or basic sodas. That’s why I think dirty sodas would be a perfect addition.
For those unfamiliar, dirty sodas are non-alcoholic drinks made by adding flavored syrups, juices, or cream to soda—similar to a soda float but without the ice cream. They’ve gained massive popularity in recent years, especially in Utah, where chains like Swig and Fiiz turned them into a cult favorite. The trend has started spreading to other states, including Florida, which saw a Swig location open in Clermont late last year.
Some of the most popular dirty sodas include drinks like the Dirty Dr Pepper, made with Dr Pepper, coconut syrup, and lime, or the Dirty Coke, which combines Coke with coconut syrup and lime. Another fan favorite is Rocket Fuel, a blend of Mountain Dew, raspberry purée, and coconut cream, while the Dirty Root Beer mixes root beer with vanilla syrup and cream for a smooth, sweet twist.
Now, imagine how easily Disney could transform these into pirate-themed, family-friendly grogs served in decorative mugs with names like “Blackbeard’s Brew,” “Mermaid’s Elixir,” or “Captain’s Nectar.” A tropical, coconut-infused soda could become the “Castaway Cooler,” while a rich, vanilla-cream root beer could be called “Buccaneer’s Bounty.” Instead of non-drinkers being stuck with basic options, these drinks could provide a fun, immersive experience where everyone feels like they’re getting something special
What makes this even more exciting is that Disney thrives on capitalizing on trends, and dirty sodas are still fresh enough that most guests haven’t tried them before. That exclusivity makes them feel like an extra treat within the park. Plus, they allow for customization, where guests could mix and match flavors to create their own personalized pirate potion.
Realistically, I doubt this will happen, and I’m sure the mocktails will be fine—but let’s be honest, mocktails are already everywhere at Disney. This is a missed opportunity to bring something new and exciting to the parks. A Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern should be full of adventure, and that includes the drink menu. Instead of playing it safe, Disney has the chance to introduce a trending treat that’s just as fun as the cocktails, making every guest—regardless of age—feel like they’re part of the pirate life.
