The Edison Disney Springs review

“Cured Wine Bar” by Mack Male is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

In the recent years, Disney World had made multiple refurbishments and expansions, but one of the more glorious is going to be Disney Springs or the land formerly known as Downtown Disney. In the early 2000’s Disney made the decision to close down Pleasure Island. This was an area that catered exclusively to Disney World for adults and make a new adventure out of the Downtown Disney experience.

Now with this came mixed reviews from the most loyal of Disney fans and even to this day, you will still hear the grumblings from some Disney fans that they miss the old Downtown Disney experience, but trust me, not only was this refurbishment needed, but Disney really did outdo themselves with this adventure.

Disney reopened Disney Springs a few years ago with not only lots of new shopping adventures, but also a vast array of new dining experiences that really has paved the way for Disney to make themselves stand out.

Disney Springs is an open air shopping, dining and entertainment experience for the entire family, but if you are looking to get away from the kids for the night or maybe have no kids with you, this is going to be the perfect to make a night for yourself. You are going to find everything from the AMC movie theaters, to multiple shopping venues and one of the newest and most exciting additions, The Edison.

What is the Edison?

Located in the Landing portion of the new Disney Springs, the Edison is not only a table service restaurant but also a bar and nightclub all rolled into one. It is the ultimate multi purpose venue inside Disney Springs. The Edison inside Disney Springs is based on the same location located in Los Angeles and once the project was officially planned, the excitement started to brew. With the recent take down of Pleasure Island, there was not very many event spaces made to focus on the adult Disney experience. Now anyone can enjoy Disney, but sometimes you just want a space without all the children.

Then came the grand opening of the Edison, and with all of the hype, this particular location does not let down anyone. It is themed with the industrial goth look as the central focus. Some have gone as far to call this look steampunk but it lacks the fantasy and focuses more on the 1920’s industrial vibe. Now this is the old Adventurer’s Club and anyone who was a frequent guest in the olden days will notice this immediately.

The Edison is open for lunch and dinner and with additional night life as well. If you are wanting to dine here with the whole family I would recommending coming for the lunch or early dinner time slots since this venue does morph as the day goes on the be a more adult friendly atmosphere. And if you do have littles or even teenagers in your party keep in mind that once ten o’clock rolls around, only adults over the age of 21 may enter.

No matter where your eyes wander throughout the Edison, you are going to notice immediately that Disney really did outdo themselves with the theming. No matter where you go throughout the entire venue you feel as if you are in a beautiful 1920’s power plant and it really is an immersive experience for anyone who chooses to enter.

Is there a Meal Service?

Yes! The Edison is open daily for meal services. Their lunch hours are 11:30am to 4:00pm and their dinner dining service is from 4:30pm to 11:00pm every day. So whether you are going to stop here for lunch during a daily outing at Disney Springs to enjoy all it has to offer or making your way over there after a day at the theme parks, you are going to be able to find a time to eat here.

Now dining reservations are a must. Due to all of the hype that came with the opening of the Edison, you are going to want to select a dining reservation in advance and plan this dining experience into your daily plans. This is not usually a place you can just drop in and hope for the best, but if you do find yourself at Disney Springs unexpected, I still recommend seeing if they have any walk up space available.

Dining reservations are accepted daily. This is going to be worth one Disney Dining credit whether you choose to come for lunch or dinner making it one of the more affordable options if you are trying to use your dining plan to the fullest for a table service option (Disney Vacation Tip: Signature dining locations are worth two table service dining credits so it is important to pay attention when booking dining reservations if you are trying to maximize your credits.).

Otherwise if you are looking to pay out of pocket this is going to run you about $15 to $34.99 per adult which makes it one of the more affordable meals at Disney Springs if you are trying to do Disney on a budget.

But What Is On The Menu?

Just like the theming of the Edison, Disney went above and beyond with the menu as well. If you are coming for lunch, there is going to be two main groups to choose from: salads and sandwiches/burgers. There will also be appetizers and sweets to begin and end the meal, but this is going to be a perfect selection for picky eaters and people of all eating habits. Some of the selections for lunch include:

The Greek
Caesar
Chop Salad
Tesla Shrimp Cobb
Fall Celebration Salad
Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese
Hand Carved Turkey Club
The Impossible Burger
FIsh Tacos
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
The Edison Burger
Chef’s French Dip and Beef Au Jus

So when I say there really is something for everyone when it comes to lunch, I mean it. I know some Disney dining locations can be overwhelming when it comes time for meal options, but no matter who in your party is coming to eat, you are going to find something here.

But maybe you want to try dinner instead? Do not worry there still have fantastic options that will appease everyone in your party including but not limited to:

All of the salads located on the lunch menu
The Edison Burger
Southern Electric Chicken
Scottish Salmon
Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese
BBQ Sirloin Steak Tips
Old-fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy
Fish Tacos
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Unibroue Beer-battered Fish and Chips
28 Day Dry-Aged Prime Rib

So if you are paying attention, you will realize that there are some duplicates on the lunch and dinner menu. If you spot something that you may enjoy during lunch or dinner then try to snag it during lunch. Lunch prices are always going to be cheaper therefore you can really save some money when you are trying to stay on budget.

Otherwise, the dinner service is exceptional and the food is divine. You are going to win with whichever service you pick up. And if you are looking for a delicious appetizer make sure you select DB “Clothesline Candied Bacon”. If you are a bacon fan like mostly everyone else is, this is going to blow your socks off!

But Wait! There is More!

Yes, that is correct. The fun doesn’t just stop at the table service dining experience. Once the clock strikes ten o’clock there is going to be an entire transformation. The establishment changes from a table service restaurant to a nightlife atmosphere.

If you are planning to go to Disney Springs, this is definitely the location you are going to want to be at. There is going to be multiple entertainment acts including but not limited to contortionists, DJs, cabaret shows, and aerialists. Now it is important to note that if you are coming on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, there is going to be a $10 cover to enter after ten o’clock. Also, no one is allowed under the age of 21 after ten o’clock as well.

Now there has been some complaints that Disney has “too many bars” and they should focus on child friendly activities or venues, but for any adult that is trying to get some alone time on their vacation, they know how much of a need this was since the ending of Pleasure Island. Instead of having to focus your entire vacation around kids you can now find some alternatives to spend some time as an adult even at the happiest place on Earth.

Now keep in mind there is a relaxed dress code to come for the evening at the Edison so make sure you make your way over to their website and check it out. Men should wear slacks, jeans or dress shorts. Jackets are optional but not necessary. There are no baseball caps, flip flops or sleeveless shirts allowed. So if you do plan on getting a night away make sure you pack some suitable alternatives to wear for your evening.

There are no reservations required if you plan on coming for a night out so just make sure you carve out some time but there is little pre planning to do when you are making your way to the venue.

Also, if you maybe do not have anyone to watch your small children in your party remember that each resort had Kid’s Club options at some and babysitting services that can really make you feel at ease about having a suitable alternative for your kids.

What’s the Verdict?

I am not going to lie, the first time my husband and I went to the Edison, I did not know what type of crowd to expect and I was worried that we would not fit in with the people who were there. We are not the costume dressing up type of couple, but we were pleasantly surprised! Not only were there people their in the late 20’s and early 30’s like us, but instead there was guests of all ages from younger kids out with their friends to older couples enjoying a fun night out.

We have eaten here multiple times for lunch and dinner. The food is absolutely fantastic and considering I am the only one out of my husband and kids who is not a picky eater, the entire family is a huge fan when we are looking for a fun meal out. And the theming is immaculate. From the moment you end through the front doors you are going to feel as if you are right in the heart of a 1920’s power plant.

No matter where your eyes wander from the tables to the light fixtures to the bathrooms, you are not going to be let down. To say Disney outdid themselves with his dining and nightlife experience is really not doing it justice.

But maybe you already ate dinner and want to spend a night with some friends or your significant other. Have no fear because Disney also has you covered at the same venue. Come for some great entertainment and fantastic music. My husband and I are not the most avid of dancers, but there is so much going on that you do not need to worry about having your best dancing shoes on (But if you do then dance away!).

Every night there is a different selection of experiences that you can go enjoy, so do not hesitate to make your way over there more than once. We go every chance we can get away from the kids.

My husband consumes alcohol and I do not. Even with my lack of alcohol consumption, I never feel out of place and my husband never feel uncomfortable to drink. It is truly the best of both worlds where the is something for everyone! So no matter who you are trying to have a great night out with, I give the Edison five out of five stars. Just on the decor alone, I could not imagine scoring it anything less, but they manage to have the whole package easily accessible at the heart of Disney Springs. And the location of Disney Springs is just an added bonus. Not only are you accessible to the Edison itself, but you can always venture around the rest of the grounds and make an entire night out and about.

So should you head over to the Edison? Yes. That is the only acceptable answer. Every vacation, every time you’re in Orlando, every chance you get. This is going to be your go to spot on Disney property for dining and nightlife for years to come. So plan it in your schedule, pack accordingly and get ready to hop in your time machine to the 1920’s for food and fun that will be a highlight of your vacation for years to come.

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