Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
There’s something about the holiday season at Walt Disney World that just makes you want to raise a glass. Between the twinkling lights, festive music, and seasonal menus popping up across property, it’s one of the best times of year to settle into a cozy lounge and order something special. And if you’ve ever wondered what makes a holiday cocktail feel truly magical, Disney bartenders are now sharing their secrets.
Four bartenders from Disney Springs and EPCOT recently opened up about what goes into their holiday cocktails, and their tips go well beyond a recipe card. From finding the right balance to choosing great ingredients, treating mixology like an art form, and making every guest feel welcome, these pros have a lot to say about what makes a festive drink memorable. They also touched on some of the trends shaping the season, including the growing popularity of zero-proof spirits and creative takes on rum and gin.
The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for celebrating, whether you’re out with family, meeting friends for a night out, or treating yourself after a long day in the parks. Seasonal creations with warm spices and inventive pours are everywhere, so it makes sense to hear from the people mixing them every night. Here’s what each bartender had to say, plus where you can find them during your next Walt Disney World visit.
Jensly Camacho at Enzo’s Hideaway
Enzo’s Hideaway is one of the most unique bars at Disney Springs. Tucked away in an underground tunnel, it has a hidden, speakeasy-style feel that makes it a fun place to visit any time of year, especially during the holidays.
Bartender Jensly Camacho describes himself as part chef, part artist, and part storyteller. In his view, a great bartender does much more than mix drinks.
His number one secret for the perfect holiday cocktail is balance. But Jensly isn’t only talking about what’s in the glass. He believes the ingredients, the food on the table, the atmosphere, and the occasion should all work together. When everything comes together, the whole experience stays with you long after your last sip.
That’s a great reminder for anyone planning a holiday night out. A good drink is even better when it fits the moment.
Lara McClelland at The Edison
Over at The Edison in Disney Springs, Lara McClelland is one of the longest-serving bartenders on the team. She’s also a Bartender Bash Fan Favorite winner, which gives her some serious credibility behind the bar.
Lara’s philosophy is simple. Great cocktails start with great ingredients. She focuses on carefully chosen flavors that come together into one cohesive drink, rather than piling on as many elements as possible.
She’s also excited about the growing popularity of zero-proof spirits. These alcohol-free options are a great fit for holiday celebrations, since they let everyone at the table join in the toast. Whether someone doesn’t drink, is the designated driver, or just wants something lighter, zero-proof cocktails make the celebration feel more inclusive.
Francisco Obregon at Morimoto Asia
At Morimoto Asia, also at Disney Springs, Francisco Obregon treats every cocktail as an art form. He draws inspiration from the creativity behind each drink and from the moment guests light up after their first taste.
When the holidays roll around, Francisco likes to work with rum and contemporary gins. He uses their unique flavor profiles to put a creative spin on seasonal favorites. If you usually stick to classic holiday drinks, his approach is a good reason to try something a little different this year.
Alec Chase at Space 220
The last stop takes things out of this world. At Space 220 in EPCOT, bartender Alec Chase says the secret to a great holiday cocktail goes beyond the drink itself.
For Alec, it all starts with hospitality. Making every guest feel welcome matters even more during the busy holiday season, when lounges and restaurants are packed. He also emphasizes mastering technique and staying consistent, so your second festive drink tastes just as good as your first.
That focus on consistency is something guests will appreciate, especially at a popular spot like Space 220, where the experience is as much a part of the visit as the menu.
What These Secrets Mean for Your Next Visit
Each bartender has a different approach, but they all share the same goal of creating a drink, and a moment, that guests will remember. Here’s a quick recap of their holiday cocktail secrets:
- Jensly Camacho: Balance between the drink, food, atmosphere, and occasion
- Lara McClelland: Great ingredients and the rise of zero-proof spirits
- Francisco Obregon: Treating cocktails as art, with rum and contemporary gin
- Alec Chase: Hospitality, technique, and consistency
These tips aren’t just helpful for understanding what goes into your drink at Disney. They’re also good ideas to keep in mind if you’re mixing your own holiday cocktails at home.
Plan Your Own Holiday Cocktail Crawl
If you want to experience these bartenders’ work for yourself, it’s easy to put together a festive cocktail crawl. Enzo’s Hideaway, The Edison, and Morimoto Asia are all at Disney Springs and within an easy walk of each other, making them a great lineup for a holiday night out.
Space 220 makes a fun addition to your next EPCOT day, especially if you want to pair your drink with one of the most unique settings at Walt Disney World.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, catching up with friends, or treating yourself after a long park day, the holiday season is the perfect time to sip something special. And now you know a few of the secrets behind what’s in your glass.
