Walt Disney World has always excelled at creating unique, immersive dining experiences for guests. From the splendor of the Beast’s Castle in Be Our Guest Restaurant, to the other-worldly food and atmosphere of Satu’li Canteen in Pandora – The World of Avatar, there are plenty of places to immerse yourself in the wonderful worlds created by Imagineers in WDW. And one of the newest dining hot spots in Disney Springs recreates the world of Prohibition in an underground setting – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget! Here are 8 things we love about Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant – and we’re pretty sure you’ll love them too.
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1. Location
We love taking a break from the parks with an afternoon or evening at Disney Springs! This revamped location is extensive and chock full of fun dining and shopping experiences for all ages and tastes. Enzo’s Hideaway is part of the Edison Complex, which also includes Pizza Ponte, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and The Edison. As with Maria & Enzo’s, Chef Theo Schoenegger is at the helm of this lounge option that puts a unique spin on Italian cuisine.
2. Backstory
Like other locations in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, Enzo’s Hideaway has a rich backstory created by Disney Imagineers to explain its history, and its fantastic theming. The story is that Italian immigrant Enzo (Maria’s husband) bought the building that was the former air terminal for Disney Springs, having formerly run a bakery out of it before it closed down. He soon discovered an area underneath the terminal, connected to the abandoned power plant (better known to Disney guests as The Edison) – tunnels that were used by rum-runners as a hideaway during the years of Prohibition. Thus, the idea for Enzo’s Hideaway was born!
3. Theming
We love that the Prohibition theming for Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant perfectly dovetails with Florida’s actual history of rum-running. Walking into Enzo’s Hideaway is like walking into another era, into a speakeasy where an impressive range of delicious Prohibition-era cocktails can be enjoyed. The bar is underground, which means there aren’t any windows to be seen (while this might be an issue for some guests, it really helps to create the immersive atmosphere the Imagineers are going for). Despite the bar’s name, there’s actually only one tunnel to be found, and you’ll walk through it to get to the check-in area. The exposed ductwork, rustic brick walls, and arches in the ceiling all help to create the feeling of a by-gone era just rediscovered. You’ll have to really look to find the entrance to Enzo’s Hideaway, as it doesn’t have any oversized signage and is (appropriately) hidden under a staircase and bridge – all part of the adventure!
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4. Disney Details
Disney is known for its attention to detail, and Enzo’s Hideaway is no exception! Enzo has kept the period detail he found when he came across the old rum-runner tunnels, and you’ll want to wander around to truly absorb all of this rich detail. Check out the bootlegging newspaper articles from Prohibition, which were presumably found during renovations and then mounted on the walls for guests to see. Depending on where your table is, you may get a great view of the graffitied walls dating back to 1919. Make sure you take a few minutes to read the graffiti with its signatures, artwork, and words of wisdom from a time gone by! And while we’re talking about details, here’s one fairly important one – there’s a walkway that connects to the Edison next door, where you’ll need to venture should you need a restroom (there aren’t any in the bar itself). Consider it part of the rum-running adventure of Enzo’s!
5. Drinks
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant has the biggest selection of scotch and rum anywhere in Disney Springs, which is as it should be for a speakeasy in old rum-runner tunnels! “Enzo’s Smuggled and Stashed Collection” truly is extensive. We love the family-size pitcher drinks – they serve 2-4 people, and they’re a great option for larger groups. This place is a mixologist’s dream! Try the Limoncello Gimlet for a refreshing hit of Gin and Limoncello, or Strawberry Fields, if your tastes run more to Bulleit Bourbon, Fernet Branca, and strawberry syrup. There’s bound to be something on the “Giggle Water” list to appeal to everyone at your table – and young guests or non-drinkers can enjoy a selection of mocktails.
6. Eats
Many people come to Enzo’s Hideaway for the Prohibition-era cocktails, but this is much more than just a bar. Head here if you’re looking for a unique Italian-inspired lunch or dinner, or maybe some after-dinner snacks to enjoy with your drinks. You’ll be given your own olive oil in a dish, for dipping with the complimentary fresh bread. There’s a Dolce Vita and Appetizer Menu, where you can choose from a variety of meats, cheeses, antipasto, appetizers, soups and salads. The Suppli Alla Romana, basically meat ragu risotto balls, will leave you wanting more! There’s a pasta menu and a selection of meat and seafood. (For vegetarians, the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe is a delicious option.) When it’s dessert time, you’ll see familiar Italian offerings: Tiramisu, Cannoli, Gelato and Sorbet – make sure you try the yummy Coppe Gelati Sundaes!
7. Special Events
Looking to end your week in Walt Disney World with an unforgettable meal? Check out Enzo’s Sunday Supper. It’s held every Sunday, and it’s a specially prepared feast that includes assorted meats and cheeses, short ribs, meatballs, oven-roasted potatoes, rigatoni al pomodoro, assorted sweets and much, much more. And, to top it all off, you can bring your own wine – and there’s no corkage fee. If you’re lucky enough to be in Walt Disney World during one of Enzo’s Hideaway’s Smugglers Series events, you’ll be able to enjoy a special menu that showcases the fantastic mixology skills on site and offers even more specialty cocktails.
8. The Vibe
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant is removed from the hubbub of other areas of Disney Springs (as you’ll notice when you start hunting for the entrance). Even inside, it has less of a party vibe than a cool, casual, intimate feel – and we think this is refreshing! It’s the perfect place to head when you want to be able to talk to the people at your table without having to compete with distractions like loud music. It’s definitely low-key, and typically surprisingly devoid of children, even though it’s a restaurant as well as a bar. So if you’re looking for a cosy, hidden, adult get-away that also feels fully immersive – this is the perfect choice.