The Sci Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant is one of the most unique places to eat in all of Disney World. Step back in time, jump in the car (provided) and grab some grub. This one will bring back some memories.
This might be the coolest restaurant at WDW. Photo by Disney Photo Snapper
Sci Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant
When you walk into the theater, oops, I mean, restaurant, you find you are in a 1950’s style drive in movie theater, complete with clips from old Sci Fi movies and funny commercials. The clips end up being hilarious. You take a seat in one of the “cars” and watch the movies.
What to Expect
The food at the diner routinely gets bad reviews. Sorry, but it’s true. The hamburgers and shakes are good, but the more exotic meals don’t match the surroundings. (It has gotten better with the new menu.)
Also, some children may find the movies or the dark atmosphere disturbing.
The clips are a reel throwback (get it?). Photo by Judd Helms
Location
This restaurant is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the intersection of Commissary Lane and Grand Avenue. It’s a bit tucked away, but the easiest way to find is to come out of the Star Tours Gift Shop and look over to the left.
Dad’s Disney Hollywood Studios page
Lunch and Dinner
Open for lunch and dinner, what you’ll find here are some classic American dishes – burgers, fries, and shakes. The fried pickles also get high marks from guests. All of the other offerings aren’t well-loved, so consider sticking with a “safe” option here.
See the most up-to-date menu from Disney here.
Advanced Dining Reservations
You need an ADR if you want to dine at the Sci Fi Dine In Theater Restaurant. It’s a really popular spot. So if this is a must-do for your family, get an Advanced Dining reservation – you can make them at 180 days out for lunch or dinner.
Dad’s Advanced Dining Reservations page
The Disney Dining Plan
Lunch and Dinner are counted as Table Service credits on the Disney Dining Plan.
Dad’s Disney Dining Plan page
Fun Facts
Here are some Fun Facts –
- Servers will usually address the person in the front left seat as the driver and other guests as hitchhikers and suggest they chip in for gas money.
- The “movie” loops every 30 minutes or so and has been the same since the restaurant opened.
- The license plates all have 3 initials taken from the names of the Imagineers that worked on the restaurant.
Dad’s Bottom Line
The Sci Fi Dine In is a great place to grab a hamburger and a shake. Don’t stray too far from the basics and you’ll have a great meal. You can’t help but have fun.
