Sci-Fi Drive in Theatre or 50's Prime Time?

[friedela]

For our first time at Disney, first sit down meal which would you recommend for dinner?

 

[Livelovedance]

For our first time at Disney, first sit down meal which would you recommend for dinner?

I would recommend Sci-Fi, but only because it’s one of our favorites. We went to 50’s Prime Time once after receiving a strong recommendation from a friend. As a whole we thought it was okay, but I personally didn’t find one thing on the menu that I actually wanted to eat!

To be fair, it was the first time we did table service in Disney, ever. After that experience I learned to check the menus online before trying a new restaurant! All the theming in the world won’t help if there’s nothing for you to eat!

We love Sci-Fi and make it a must do meal every trip, but we go for the atmosphere, the burgers, and the milkshakes. I wouldn’t say the food is phenomenal, but it’s a very filling meal and we enjoy the whole experience. Good luck with your decision! I’m sure you’ll have a great time at either place!

 

[kiramay]

We love Sci Fi. The food has always been good and the ambiance is great.

 

[PolyRob]

They both have great theming, but I would have to agree with Sci-Fi!

Good solid choice with a larger variety of options IMO.

I think 50's could also be a little too much to take in as a first meal on a first trip ever to Disney.

 

[Marc D]

I’ll throw my vote in for 50’s. We love the concept and the food is good. We always find something we want and like. We’ve never been fans of Sci-fi for some reason. Look up the menus online before choosing, as others have said.

 

[vallygirl0221]

Both have pros and cons we go to both almost every trip and I think a case could be made for either one, it comes down to preference and age group IMO.

If you are mainly adults and are interested in cocktails I would say Prime Time, you can go and have a drink at the bar while you are waiting, you get to sit around the table so it is easy to chat and share food and the menu will more than likely remind you of some dish your grandma or mom made. Every time I take my mother or aunt that is always their favorite place to go. When we took my nephew (4 at the time) he was far less impressed.

If you have kids in your party go to Sci-fi, there is car out front they can play in while you wait and if it isn't busy there is also a star wars photo-op you can make use of while you wait. They will love sitting in the cars and and seeing all the old movie clips. Make sure to ask your server about the kids getting driver licenses. When we took my nephew back (now 5) it was the only restaurant he requested we go back to, and we did multiple character meals etc the first time.

 

[OhThePain]

We like the food at 50's better, but the theming at Sci-Fi is by far the best on property. In fact, I almost say not to do Sci-Fi for your first meal because it will set your theming expectations way too high. Also, it depends on who is in your party. There have been people who have said that sometimes the movie clips can be a little intense for very young kids. If you are planning on 2 days at DHS, I'd go with 50's first and then Sci-Fi. If you are only spending one day at DHS, go with Sci-Fi.

If you haven't made ADRs yet, if you are picky about timing you may not have too much of a choice.

 

[hllb]

I debated trying 50's this time (we normally go to Sci-Fi) but the kids are very excited to go to sci-fi again.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'd go for SciFi for sure. The theme is fantastic and quite unique. Its a super quiet place to eat, actually one of the quietest restaurants around. Keep in mind you are in a car eating watching movie clips....so you'll be facing forward, as thats how cars usually go. And keep in mind that because you are watching movie clips, the place wont be well lit. And yes if you have a very young child that scares easily, be ware. But the clips are extremely cheesy. There are some animated clips in there too. You can find the clip on youtube....here it is: MOVIE CLIP

FYI, They do have a few REGULAR tables within cars that seat 6 i believe. See pic below.

As for 50's, the atmosphere is cool but not as unique as scifi. Food is comfort food style, pretty good. if you get a good server that plays the part and scolds you, it can be fun. If you get a regular server, well, it can be boring. lol. My DS didnt like the place when he was younger...he didnt find all that scolding amusing at all. Kids normally don't.

 

[TrishaK]

How much interaction do you want with your wait staff? The 50s one is very in your face, and you'd have to be a person who's comfortable with the back and forth banter kind of thing. If you're not up for it, then Sci Fi.

 

[Leeba]

We loved Sci Fi! It was so much fun, and the food was decent too.

 

[KenHutch]

Sci Fi is my favorite restaurant in Hollywood but the girls have made me select their favorite at Hollywood for June's trip which is 50's. If you get the right waiter at 50's it is a hoot. We went there went daughter was 12 and she did not clean her plate. A CM/waiter fed her the rest of her green beans. I thought she was going to die.

 

[cristen72]

This has been an interesting thread. We love Sci Fi, but we’re trying 50s for the first time later this month.

Can we somehow tell our sever that we don’t want to play along with the “game”? I know my father in law won’t be amused at all.

 

[AllthingsDisMom]

I haven't done either, but we've always wanted to do the Sci-Fi Drive In!

We spend so much of our budget on toys/souvenirs that I always forget to leave room for the restaurants Mommy wants to try! Goodness.

 

[vallygirl0221]

This has been an interesting thread. We love Sci Fi, but we’re trying 50s for the first time later this month.

Can we somehow tell our sever that we don’t want to play along with the “game”? I know my father in law won’t be amused at all.

usually most of the servers play off the energy of the group and they have their opening set up thing where I am sure they are able to gauge who is in to it and who is not. It is part of the what they do there though so if you think it is going to be a big issue you may want to reconsider.

 

[bluejasmine]

I say Sci Fi for first timers, the theming is incredible, then on your next trip go to Prime Time!

 

[bbak30]

We didn't care for 50s PT at all, I may be in the minority. We have had a few good experiences at Sci-Fi though. Food is decent and my girls love sitting in the cars.

 

[closetmickey]

I would only chose Prime Time if you are going for the interaction. We did not enjoy our meal there on our last trip.

 

[Princess_Lisa]

I had the same choice recently and chose to go back to 50s as I felt the Sci-Fi menu was too Burger/Sandwich heavy and I wasn't feeling it. I do want to try Sci-Fi some time, though.

 

[Mazz519]

50s Prime time best fried Chicken and a great place to eat !!!!