Table Service: Reservation required
Pricing: $15-$34.99 per adult
Menu: Click here

Disney’s Hollywood Studios isn’t exactly known for its dining, but it does have two of the most fun and well-themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World: 50’s Prime Time Café and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. These are our go-to spots when we visit. Today, we’ll focus on Sci-Fi and share why we think it’s worth trying.

I had heard so many mixed reviews about this place and avoided it for years. When I finally gave it a chance, it quickly became a family favorite. Now, as requested by our teen Audrey, it’s a must-do on every trip.

What makes Sci-Fi stand out is the setting. You’re seated in vintage cars that face a giant movie screen playing old sci-fi clips and cartoons, all while dining under a “starry night sky.” The theming is so unique that it feels like more than just a meal — it’s an experience.

Disney describes Sci-Fi Dine-In as, “Do dinner and a show ’50s-style at our drive-in theater, featuring all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips.” When you enter, you’ll notice fencing along the walls and rows of classic cars facing a huge movie screen. It feels just like being at an outdoor drive-in, complete with sci-fi shorts and vintage commercials playing. The atmosphere is so much fun and totally immersive.

Sci-Fi Dine-In is a very popular table-service restaurant and requires an Advance Dining Reservation, which can be booked 60 days in advance. Sometimes we’ve gotten lucky and used the walk-up waitlist, scoring a seat at one of the “flying saucer” tables along the back wall. These seat four and are still fun, but we definitely prefer the classic cars. You can sometimes get lucky with the walk-up reservation, but if you want a car, be sure to snag a reservation.

The cars have three rows of seats and can fit six people—or possibly more, depending on the age of the children. There are also cars with rows in the opposite direction that seat slightly more. The ambiance is like no other: dark and mostly quiet, with only the movie clips playing. Because of the car setup, it can be tricky to chat with your whole group, but talking with the person next to you is easy.

For our family, Sci-Fi Dine-In is a welcome break from the busy parks. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the clips, and soak in the unique atmosphere. It’s very family-friendly, and kids are sure to love it.

If you try the walk-up option, you’ll most likely be seated at a “Flying Saucer” table.

The food at Sci-Fi Dine-In is classic American fare, including burgers, a few salads, pasta dishes, kids’ meals, and some vegetarian options. The restaurant is best known for its milkshakes and burgers. I wouldn’t call the food amazing, but it’s definitely better than the quick-service options in Hollywood Studios, and we really enjoy it. Click here for their menu. Now, let’s dive into the food!

My favorite thing to order is the Grilled Chicken Citrus Salad. It features romaine, spinach, and arugula, with rainbow tomatoes, candied pecans, cranberries, and feta cheese, all topped with grilled marinated chicken and house-made citrus vinaigrette. The chicken is warm, plentiful, perfectly grilled, and juicy, while the crisp citrus and creamy feta complement it beautifully. This is my go-to order most of the time. It’s very filling as well.

My second favorite thing to order is the Wedge Salad from the appetizer menu. It’s simple and delicious, and I sometimes add shrimp or chicken for extra protein. Highly recommend!

Edward sometimes goes for the Drive-In BBQ Burger, a burger topped with smoked pork and bourbon-bacon jam, served with fries, and he really enjoys it. I’ll warn you that none of us are fans of their onion rings because they have an odd taste, but the fries are definitely tasty.

Audrey is a big fan of the Classic American Burger, which comes with Applewood-smoked bacon and American cheese, served with their delicious fries.

Ed will sometimes order the Feature Film Burger. It’s a signature beef blend with house-made seasoning on a brioche bun, topped with shaved pastrami, lettuce, heirloom tomato, and Carolina mustard sauce, served with fries. The burger changes from time to time, but it’s always delicious!

The kids’ burger is simple but very good, and it comes with a generous serving of fries.

The cars are so cute and pay homage to the opening of Disneyland in 1955. If you stick with their burgers and salads, you’ll likely enjoy your meal—we haven’t tried the pastas. And of course, be sure to wash it all down with one of their famous milkshakes!

If you’re looking for a unique ambiance with a quieter setting, we highly recommend checking out Sci-Fi Dine-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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