Shh! We’re going to let you in on one of our favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World Resort… an underground lounge that no one talks about.
Walt Disney World is loaded with great dining locations. From food carts to fine dining restaurants and just about everything in between, there’s no way you can visit Disney and go hungry. And while we love a good Disney restaurant, Disney World also boasts some of the most exceptional lounges for all those thirsty travelers out there.
Chances are you’ve heard of Trader Sam’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with its refreshing drink menu and fun atmosphere. Or how about Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? You can’t go wrong dining among Star Wars friends! From Disney Parks to Resorts, finding a Disney lounge is a breeze.
And while Disney Springs is known as being THE dining district on Walt Disney World property, you’ll need to go underground for our top pick for Disney Springs lounges.
Located in The Landing portion of Disney Springs, Guests will have to look, but can find a little-known lounge called “Enzo’s Hideaway”. This isn’t the typical Disney lounge you may hope to stumble across. Instead, you’ll want to look for it on the map or may even ask a Cast Member to help guide you there.
Enzo’s Hideaway is tucked away under the main strip in The Landings, which holds favorites such as The BOATHOUSE, The Edison, and The Ganachery. You can actually spot signage for Enzo’s Hideaway that is typically missed when crossing the bridge from the West Side of Disney Springs (near the Aerophile Balloon) to The Landings entrance near Pizza Ponte.
Located somewhat under STK Orlando, you can head down the stairs to find the doorway into Enzo’s. Why the secretive entrance? Well, it all plays into the spectacular theme of the lounge.
It’s the 1920s, and it’s time to sip on prohibition-era cocktails and enjoy delicious bites! Known as a “tunnel bar”, Enzo’s Hideaway is themed to match an intimate 1920s speakeasy vibe when drinking alcohol was kept quiet.
Truly known as a “Clandestine Gem,” the lounge was inspired by Florida’s secretive “rum-running” past. The drinks here are made from the finest as it specializes in barrel-aged cocktails and has the largest selection of rums and scotches than any other restaurant at Disney Springs! Pretty impressive, right?!
The lounge can also be reached from the table-service Italian restaurant, Maria & Enzo’s, if Guests go through a secret hall which is created to make diners feel like they are entering a bootlegger’s hideout.
Disney’s story about the theme of Enzo’s says Enzo discovered the legendary speakeasy after he purchased a terminal (Maria & Enzo’s Restaurant) in which a network of tunnels was the center of the Springs’ social life during the “dry years” of prohibition.
If you’re hungry, you’ll find an excellent list of lunch and dinner selections from the menu, all with Italian-inspired flavors. A favorite of ours if we aren’t looking for a heavy meal is the Dolce Vita (Cured Meat and artisan Cheeses). From Calamari Fritti to Spaghetti e Polpette, you can’t go wrong with the heavenly entrees either!
Of course, don’t forget to save room for the paramount tiramisu and/or gelato. Plus, and probably most importantly, the endless drink menu is the star of the visit.
A couple of our favorites at the full-service bar include Enzo’s Smash (Monkey 47 Gin, Limoncello, Simple Syrup, Soda Water), Gentleman’s Sour (Gentleman Jack Whiskey, Lemon Juice, Bitters, Simple Syrup), and Paloma Italiana (Herradura Blanco Tequila, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Agave, Orange Bitters). Plenty of beer and wine selections are also available.
Even though Enzo’s Hideaway opened in 2017, it still remains a quiet, almost secretive lounge keeping true to its prohibition-era theme.
Ready to check out Enzo’s? While typically, it’s easy to walk up and sip/dine at this quiet lounge, reservations are available as well. You can call the Patina Restaurant Group at (407) 560-ENZO. Take note: reservations are not allowed on the day of dining.
Happy sipping and dining, Disney travelers!