Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is an Indiana Jones themed lounge in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. It has been on our radar for some time and we finally made the journey. Our review features food & drink, thoughts on the ambiance, and the backstory to Jock Lindsey’s. Join us as we venture out and explore.
If you’re wondering who Jock Lindsey is or what he has to do with Indiana Jones, you’re not alone. Many guests wander into this waterfront hangout with no idea of the gem they have uncovered. I suspect someone at Imagineering is a big fan of the franchise and had a desk full of ideas waiting to bring Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to fruition. Fans of Raiders of the Lost Ark can’t forget Indy’s easygoing pilot Jock Lindsey, owner of a pet snake named Reggie. His cameo appearance in the beginning of the first film is short lived, but memorable none the less. But how did Jock arrive here?
How did Indiana Jones’ sidekick and pilot Jock Lindsey end up in Disney Springs? The backstory is that the two globetrotters stumbled on Disney Springs in 1938 while chasing down the Fountain of Youth in central Florida. Attracted to the towns natural springs and lush terrain, Jock bought some waterfront property and eventually settled down, piloting seaplane tours across the fast-growing Sunshine State. Jock eventually built an airplane hangar, air tower and runway, and invited fellow members of The Society of Explorers and Adventurers to pay him a visit. His home base soon became a popular stopover and watering hole for world travelers and locals alike.
In terms of the menu, we’d like to point out that it is “Lounge” food, so it consists of appetizers, small bites and some local specialties. The drink menu is much more lucrative with a variety of signature themed cocktails and souvenir mugs available. If the drink menu is any indication, Jock’s “signature” is theming. We ordered two non-alcoholic libations, the Antidote (Sprite and Maraschino cherry juice) and Teddy’s Tea (Green Tea with Mint and Tangerine). Understandably, these drinks were pretty basic and are not indicative of how creative the menu actually is. It was hot out and they were refreshing, very similar to a Starbucks Refresher.
We ordered the Adobo Chicken Tacos (Adobo-braised Chicken, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco, Lime Crema, Jalapeño, Red Cabbage, Grilled Corn Tortilla). These had a lot going on, except meat. It was something I would expect from a Happy Hour serving but not at full price of $12. We often express our opinion of food by answering one question: “Would you order that again?” The answer is simply, no. We would prefer to try something else on the menu. Next, we tried the Snakebite Sliders (Gourmet Beef Sliders with Tomato-Bacon Jam, House-made Pickles, Shredded Lettuce, and Cheese). There were two sizable sliders with ample toppings and at $12, a good value. The flavors were simple but work well together and the portion will definitely satisfy. Check out the full menu here.
Theme and atmosphere is where Jock Lindsey’s scores big on our chart. Thrill-seekers and Indiana Jones fans can soak up the rugged charm of this artifact-strewn hangar bar, with its spare airplane parts, salvaged equipment and dusty mementos of glory days gone by. There are many references to the Indiana Jones franchise. Tributes such as the Fertility idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark on a shelf, or Marion Ravenwood’s medallion is seen in the lost and found. On the wall is a map with red lines highlighting the different places Indiana adventured in the films. Even Jock’s boat is named after his pet snake Reggie.
Sometime before the opening of the bar, Jock Lindsay had been inducted into the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, and uses the club as a gathering place for his fellow members. There are artifacts and correspondence throughout the bar paying tribute to the S.E.A. and its members. Among the Lost and Found items within the club is a passport belonging to Samantha Sterling, a member of the Adventurers Club. Members of the Club can also be seen in a photograph taken on the bars opening night. Much of the memorabilia ties the S.E.A to other entities such as the Nautilus, The Rocketeer, Jungle Cruise and The Adventurers Club.
Both the inside and outside have a bar and seating area, offering a 150 seat capacity altogether. The outdoor area is relaxed and comfortable, offering a more laid back atmosphere. More covered seating is available on Jock Lindsey’s dry-docked boat, named after none other than his beloved pet, Reggie. Staying true to the theme of the waterfront hangout, there is a view of Village Lake from every seat, including the nice-sized outdoor bar. Happy Hour runs every weekday from 11-3 pm, giving patrons a chance to sample several different items. Make note that Jock Lindsey’s does not take reservations and is walk up only.
This waterfront outpost is a prime destination for explorers to refuel for their next adventure. We highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the mythos created by Disney Imagineering that links attractions, characters and films to one another through the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. You’ll also be surrounded by vintage aviation ambiance and memorabilia inspired by Indiana Jones. Suffice it to say, the Hangar Bar might be giving Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto a run for its money with the insane amount of detail and design. Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar is definitely worth a visit.
As for us, we plan to travel back soon once the weather is cooler and sit outside on the waterfront to enjoy lovely views of Disney Springs. I am certain that every visit will yield more discoveries and increased intrigue. Will you visit Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar on your next trip? Let us know what you think of the theming and design in the comments below. You can always follow our adventures on Facebook and Instagram.