Cask & Cannon is one of the most richly layered spaces aboard the Disney Destiny. During the media voyage, I spoke with Imagineer Beth Burkhardt, who worked on the interior design. Their insight revealed just how much history, tribute, and storytelling were woven into this pirate haven at sea.
The team leaned fully into the idea that a pirate pub belongs aboard a Disney ship—where Pirate Night is a tradition. But the goal was bigger than a themed bar. Imagineers created a space that honors every Pirates of the Caribbean attraction around the world. This also includes the film franchise, while grounding the experience in nautical authenticity.
A Tribute to Every Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction
According to the Imagineer, one of the core design goals was to represent each Pirates attraction worldwide. The ceiling map became the anchor piece—a sprawling Caribbean chart featuring original Marc Davis sketches pulled from the Walt Disney Archives. These are the same drawings that inspired the first Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland.
Those sketches appear throughout the pub, referencing scenes guests may recognize from parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo, Paris, and Shanghai. Look closely, and you’ll see drawings tied to iconic show moments. These range from skeleton tableaux to jail scenes.
Seven Pirate Ships for the Seventh Disney Ship
In one of the most charming details, the ceiling map includes seven pirate ships—a playful nod to the Disney Destiny being the seventh ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. It’s the kind of detail that even frequent cruisers might miss unless they look up at the right moment.
The map also includes both Disney islands, subtly connecting the pub to Disney Cruise Line’s real-world destinations.
Nods to Film and Attraction Lore
Throughout the lounge, Imagineers embedded props that reference pirate stories across parks and movies. Lanterns above the bar draw inspiration from Disneyland Paris’ version of Pirates of the Caribbean. The ropework, weathered crates, and mismatched furniture suggest that pirates scavenged and assembled the space themselves.
There is even a set of 13 drawers filled with treasure maps. Each is labeled with a different scene representing global parks and attractions, including The Ghostly Grotto, Port Royale, Talking Skull Bay, Blue Bayou, and Treasure Cove. Meanwhile, the stacked treasure chests that make up the bar front nod to the treasure rooms and Captain’s Quarters in the films.
Look for musical instruments, chickens, and scattered treasure—each one tied to scenes from the attractions around the world.
A Space That Had to Do More Than Tell a Story
While Cask & Cannon is a deeply themed environment, it also had to function as a flexible space. The Imagineer explained that the lounge hosts daytime activities such as drawing classes and trivia. Later, it transitions into a sports bar in the evening.
The challenge was blending these practical needs with immersive storytelling. Every functional element, from monitors to sightlines, had to feel intentional within the pirate aesthetic.
A Pirate Pub at Sea — The Perfect Fit
As the Imagineer put it, there’s no better place for a pirate-themed lounge than on a ship at sea. The pub blends nautical reality with Disney fantasy in a way that feels natural and fun.
And of course, guests should always stay alert—you never know when Captain Jack Sparrow may wander in to stir up a little trouble.
Our Take on Imagineering Cask & Cannon
The Imagineering behind Cask & Cannon is thoughtful, layered, and full of surprises. By blending attraction history, film references, and original Marc Davis artwork, the team created a space that rewards curiosity.
It’s a must-visit venue for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney history, or anyone who appreciates immersive design. And as Disney Destiny coverage continues, we’ll take deeper dives into more lounges, restaurants, and experiences from the ship right here on Sam’s Disney Diary.
The wooden carvings framing the portholes appear to be charred, just like the attractions’ burning village scene. The distinctive lanterns are reminiscent of the namesake attraction in Disneyland Paris.
