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A Sneak Peek At The Edison And More At Walt Disney World

The Edison

On Wednesday, December 13, I was privileged to attend a sneak peek of three new eateries that are coming to Disney Springs. There has been a lot of buzz about The Edison, but the places connected to it are just as exciting. There is a backstory to the complex. According to the story, the space was originally an air terminal. A couple named Maria and Enzo owned a bakery in the terminal. When the terminal closed, they decided to buy the building and make their dream of owning a restaurant come true. The results will thrill Walt Disney World fans for years to come, because all three places are unique and filled with a charm from yesteryear. We weren’t allowed to take pictures indoors during the tour, so I want to thank Walt Disney World and the Patina Restaurant Group for providing the indoor photo you see below.

 

First we toured Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. This is the restaurant that the couple decided to open to make their American dream come true. Authentic dishes from Southern Italy will be featured. They are the creations of Chef Theo Schoenegger. Specialties will include Arancini di Carne, Melanzane Parmigiana, and handmade pastas. The restaurant itself is the former boarding area, and there are plenty of nods to the airline industry. There is a mural that runs around the top of the restaurant that is geographically correct; New York points towards New York, for example. One of the highlights is the globe that is near the ceiling. There are gold circles on the globe that represent the other Disney Parks across the planet, and another one for Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Dress is “casually elegant,” meaning you don’t have to change if you’ve just left one of the theme parks. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante will feature over 100 wine vintages from around the world.

One exciting feature of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is the First Class Lounge. This is a room that will be used for special events, so if you’re looking for a place to host a gathering this could be a great choice. When the lounge isn’t being used for an event, there could be a special treat. Some diners, upon checking in, will be told that they have received an “upgrade” to the First Class Lounge. The service in the lounge is exemplary, diners will truly feel like they have been upgraded. Anyone over 21 in the First Class Lounge can receive a complimentary glass of Rosetto. Children will be given a free pair of wings.

Next we moved on to Enzo’s Hideaway. This mysterious space is going to be quite popular. According to the story, after they bought the building Enzo discovered this space that was hidden away. It had been used as a speakeasy and frequented by bootleggers. Of course Enzo decided that he wanted to use the space himself. Brick walls line the entrance, and on the back wall there is a mural that represents graffiti from those who had visited previously. Enzo’s Hideaway was described to us as an “epic center for craft cocktails”. It will also feature the largest selection of rum at Disney Springs. There are going to be two special events that take place at Enzo’s Hideaway. Sunday Supper will be held weekly. It will feature meats and cheeses, as well as other items. Once a month there will be a special ticketed event known as the Smuggler’s Series. It will feature upscale drinks.

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Our last stop on the tour was The Edison. If you’re in Enzo’s Hideaway, you can take a secret tunnel to the entrance. This is the sister restaurant to the version in Los Angeles. That one was built in a former power plant, the Disney Springs version is a recreation of a power plant. Everything else is as authentic as possible. For instance, the boilers that you see were actual boilers. The place is filled with other authentic artifacts as well, they are not reproductions. There is a large working clock when you enter through the tunnels that adds to the feel. There will be live entertainment at the restaurant, you could find singers, DJs, dancers, and even aerial artists. Lunch and dinner will be served.

Starting at 10:00pm, The Edison will be strictly for those 21 and over. There will be a cover charge. There will be several bars, and each will have a theme, such as the Boiler Bar and the Breaker Bar. Each bar will also have signature drinks that are just for that bar. There will also be dancing. The hope is that after 10:00 The Edison will bring back the feel that has been missing since the closure of Pleasure Island. If you’re hungry, don’t worry. The late night menu will be called the Bartenders Breakfast, and will feature foods that you normally only find in the morning. Space is also available at The Edison for private events.

The Edison will hold its Grand Opening on New Year’s Eve. The opening dates have not yet been announced for Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante or Enzo’s Hideaway. There will also be a quick service option in the same complex, called Pizza Ponte. That is the space where Maria and Enzo originally had their bakery. Pizza Ponte will serve grab and go and quick items, whole pizza, pizza by the slice, and authentic Italian sandwiches.

After the tour, we were invited to try two new dishes that are being served at Morimoto Asia Street Food. Kimchi Ramen and Ginger Chicken Ramen are both filling dishes with plenty of noodles and meat. Either dish would be a delicious choice, especially on a cool day.

I want to thank everyone involved with the tour, and for letting me take a peek at what is going on behind the walls. Disney Springs is about to get a little more exciting!

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.