When Epilogue opened inside the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, it remained a little-known wonder bar. And that was very much by design.
Phones and cameras are forbidden here, making the enclave’s adults-only cocktails and bites immersive in ways that have led many guests to reminisce about simpler, less documented times, while others enjoy a device-free existence for the first time in their lives.
As the name might suggest, Epilogue can serve as the final reveal in your Four Seasons story, and its subtle library theme, with a nod to Florida history, offers an intimate backdrop for a seasonal twist — Epilogue: The Hidden Chapter.
In this holiday scenario, Epilogue becomes a library that’s been shuttered for decades, but after hours, entertains ghostwriters whose books’ final chapters are yet to be written.
Epilogue was introduced at the Four Seasons Orlando as an intimate, camera/phone-free space so that guests can immerse themselves in the experience. The Haunted Library is no different, so you’ll have to unpack your adjectives for the friends who miss out. (Courtesy Four Seasons Orlando)
Its mid-century modern-meets-art-deco space is elegant, a fitting venue for delicate cobwebs and other small details that further transform it into something ethereal and otherworldly.
And of course, these touches come with a roster of temporary cocktails with memorable presentations.
The Painted Lady draws inspiration from the legendary May-Stringer House in Brooksville, Florida, a haunting place if ever there were one. The Ulele conjures the spirit of this Tampa-area indigenous princess, who reportedly lived here in the 1500s and connects guests to the stories woven throughout the Epilogue experience.
Smoked cocktails are extra ethereal at Epilogue: The Haunted Library, a Halloween speakeasy at the Four Seasons Orlando. (Courtesy Four Seasons Orlando)
This is a ticketed event ($85, evenings only by reservation); each includes two adult cocktails per person. Reserve on OpenTable. The experience is offered Thursday through Saturday until Oct. 31.
More info: Located inside the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. in Lake Buena Vista, 407-313-7777; opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=1380625&restref=1380625&experienceId=804294&utm_source=external&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=shared)
At The Edison, the Alleycat is made of Dos Hombres tequila, orange juice, agave nectar, lime juice and a beet juice float. That last bit might sound extra scary for some. (Courtesy The Edison)
The Edison
The Edison has already transformed its 1920s speakeasy venue into a spooky house of haunts with three tantalizing cocktails you can check out the next time you’re at Disney Springs. The Alleycat ($19) features Dos Hombres tequila, orange juice, agave nectar, lime juice and a beet juice float. Hallowed By Thy Grove ($18) showcases Dos Hombres mezcal, Dos Hombres tequila, creme de mure, barrel-aged maple syrup, lemon, lime, cardamom bitters and blackberry. And Blood Donor ($20) is made up of Bacardi Superior, Aperol, Solerno blood orange liqueur and lime juice.
More info: Located at Disney Springs, 1570 E. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, 407-507-WATT; theedisonfla.com)
Put down that espresso, it’s Fall! This pumpkin spice martini is on the menu at ICEBAR Orlando. (Courtesy ICEBAR Orlando)
ICEBAR Orlando
They’ve got plans for the big holiday at ICEBAR, of course, but the bar is already on fire (figuratively speaking) with five seasonal “Deadly Sips.” These include the Pumpkin Spice Martini ($13) with Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Kahlúa and pumpkin spice cream, finished with a cinnamon-sugar and graham cracker rim. Purple Poison ($11) with Bacardi Dragonberry Rum, blue curaçao, grenadine and Starry comes together in this vibrant potion, served frostbite bubbling dry ice style, and Nightmare on Bourbon Street ($12), a spirited twist featuring Bulleit Bourbon, apple bitters, simple sugar and an apple garnish, infused with oak smoke and served smoked style.
More info: 8967 International Drive in Orlando, 407-426-7555; icebarorlando.com
Boo’s Bag ($13), an IV-style drink bag filled with Bacardi, orange juice, pineapple and cranberry, will be available from Oct. 12 -31 at Kings Orlando. (Courtesy Kings Orlando)
Kings Orlando
Kings Orlando has the kiddos and the grown-ups covered on Halloween, going from day to night with trick-or-treating, themed drinks and plenty of reasons to dress up. From 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., families can make their way through the venue for a building-wide trick-or-treat experience. After 8 p.m., however, the fun shifts to adults-only, with hidden “Trick” and “Treat” cards placed throughout Kings. Tricks might include bowling a frame with a non-dominant hand, while treats can include free appetizers and other prizes. Costumes are encouraged for both experiences. And at the bar from Oct. 12 through Halloween night: the Boo’s Bag ($13), an IV-style drink bag filled with Bacardi, orange juice, pineapple and cranberry.
More info: 8255 International Drive in Orlando, 407-363-0200; playatkings.com/location/orlando
Groups of 4-8 can make reservations for Nightmare on Orange at The Courtesy in Winter Park, which runs now through Halloween but books up fast. Walk-ins always welcome! (Courtesy The Courtesy)
Nightmare on Orange at The Courtesy
It’s that time of year again: the scary season that leads into the sparkly season. And The Courtesy, as usual, will be your happy hosts for both. Its sinister side is on display now with Nightmare on Orange, a Halloween-themed pop-up with fun decorations, specialty cocktails from some of the best barkeeps in town and ongoing through Nov. 1. It’s also the gateway to the cheeriest season: when The Courtesy even opens on Mondays, all the way through the end of the year.
More info: 1288 N. Orange Avenue in Winter Park; thecourtesybar.com
Sugar Factory Orlando
Now through Oct. 31, I-Drive’s Sugar Factory location, a colorful favorite for every holiday, has undergone its Halloween transformation, offering up “Monster’s Bash” to guests of all ages. So while the kids (and adults with an appetite and a sense of whimsy) can tackle their 20-scoop Pumpkin King Kong and its mountain of candies, sauces, cookies and more served inside a giant jack-o-lantern, guests 21 and older can enjoy a roster of cocktails including the Devil’s Margarita, the Toxic Zombie and the shareable Witches’ Brew, plus more.
More info: 8371 International Drive in Orlando, 407-270-7082; sugarfactory.com
Wait, there’s more!
Apothecary at Crafted Concoctions: The BTW menu (burgers, tacos, waffles) is firmly in place, even as this seasonal spook-easy hits full swing. Running now through Halloween and featuring dark humor, dark potions and perhaps a little dark magic, they’re ready to let the spirits manifest in all their guests. More info: 115 E. Main St. in Tavares, 352-508-9287; brutaphouse.com/spookeasy
“Haunted” Mangoni: Ghostly pizza has possessed the ovens at this Winter Garden trattoria, where the “Haunted Mangoni” pop-up returns through Halloween. Ten themed drinks and loads of fun, themed eats (mummy cannoli! pumpkin gelato soda floats! more!) will help inspire you as you plan your costume. More info: 251 Tremaine St. in Winter Garden, 321-291-8866; mangoniwg.com
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.