Restaurant Review: Disney's Sci-Fi Diner

The Sci-fi Diner is located inside Disney's Hollywood Studios and features retro style drive in movie dining in car themed booths in a darkened theatre.  I was excited to land advanced dining reservations even though one of the only available lunch times landed us eating at 3:10.  Okay, our reservations were at 3:10 - we were not actually seated and eating until around 4:30. I will say that although it was worth our wait, waiting that long to eat made me glad that I had only booked 2 advanced reservations. 


The waiting area was cramped, uncomfortable and not very well themed. It was pouring rain, so at least we were able to wait inside. Once seated in the car themed booths the experience certainly improved. We were seated by our car hop. Each car contains 3 booths. As a group of four we were seated in the first two booths and a third couple was seated behind us. It is an unusal seating arrangement but we enjoyed it. In some reviews that I had read before my visit some people had noted that this type of seating doesn't work well for conversation for eating and I can see how that could be an issue. However, it worked well for us! We were there for the food and movie experience. 

Now....about the food....

Smoked Turkey Sandwich Smoked Turkey, crispy Bacon, Lettuce, and Vine-ripened Tomatoes with Avocado Mayonnaise on Multigrain Bread served with Cucumber Salad 13.99

The food is all american style cuisine.  I opted for the Smoked turkey sandwich. It was a nice sized sandwich on a tasty thick multi grain bread with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and a Avocado Mayonnaise with a cucumber salad on the side. It was a good sandwich although I would have preferred a bit more of a avocado taste in the mayo. I chose a cherry coke for the drink and I must say I slurped down several glasses. I had read on a few blogs that drink refills were extra at many dining locations but I did not find this to be the case here.  D.C. opted for the create your own burger and fries which looked yummy and had me second guessing my choice. The little ones had kids meals which came with desert. My 2 year old ate very little of her food. She ate her desert (apples) and her brothers ice cream. 

Popcorn Chicken Choice of one (1) Beverage and one (1) Dessert 8.99

Atmosphere, movies, and service......

The atmosphere is really what makes this dining experience. I loved the darkened room, city and night-scape details on the walls and ceiling. It is a small dining area but it doesn't feel cramped. The small size played into the length of our wait time. Don't plan on eating here without a reservation during the busy season.


The movies were a mix of your typical B grade sci fi flicks with a few cartoons tossed it. We enjoyed the space themed Tom & Jerry. 


The Service was great. The car hops were attentive, stayed true to their car hop roles and offered prompt refills. Our car hop even took photos of us together. 

Screen shot of a movie playing during our visit.

Conclusion.... value vs cost.....................

This was an enjoyable meal and experience if you factor out the ridiculous wait time and poor waiting area. ( I hate waiting to eat!) The total for lunch ended up being around  $65 after tips and taxes. The food was good, the portions were large, and refills were free. Outside of Disney, I would not rate this as a good value if strictly looking at food and price, but when you factor in the experience and service It was worth it. 


The big question for me when doing a review is always... would I eat here again? The answer here is yes but I would book earlier in advance to get a better time slot.

Sassy Diva enjoying her coke!

The boy's deeply engrossed in the show!