Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater: One Out of this World Restaurant

Everyone has that one attraction, resort or restaurant that brings back fond memories of childhood vacations to Walt Disney World.  For me, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater does just that.  I have such wonderful memories of this restaurant that it continues to be on my Must Eat list.  I promise that my feelings of nostalgia for this restaurant will only slightly influence my review.

One of the most appealing attributes of the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is its theme.  The atmosphere in the restaurant is nothing short of amazing.  As soon as you are taken to your table, you are transported to another era; the 1950s.  Perhaps the neatest part of your table is that it isn’t just a table, it’s a car!  Take a step back in time to a 1950s Drive-In Movie Theater, complete with cars and concession stand.  Dine under the stars as you watch old Sci-Fi movie clips on the big screen.

There is no doubt that the food at Sci-Fi takes a back seat to the theme but that’s not to say that you can’t have a great meal at this restaurant.  On a recent trip, my family and I had a fabulous meal with some real standout items on the menu.  The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and, as with most table service restaurants in Walt Disney World, it is highly recommended that you make advanced reservations.  Reservations can be made up to 60 days before your trip.

The Amazingly, Delicious Chicken Wings

For appetizers, the big hit was the chicken wings with honey-chipotle barbeque sauce.  My husband still talks about those wings!  Never underestimate the power of a really good chicken wing.  Some other favorite appetizers were the buffalo popcorn chicken and the onion rings.  It’s hard to resist the simple, yet deliciousness of an onion ring.

Shrimp Pasta

Entrees consist of American classics like the burger, ribs, turkey sandwich and the Reuben.  I order the burger just about every time I go, and while it’s good, it’s nothing to write home about.  It’s a typical burger and that’s fine with me as I enjoy typical burgers.  One of the surprise favorites was the shrimp pasta.  We thought we were taking a risk when we ordered it but it proved to be a solid choice.  It was delicious and the serving size was huge!

It’s not a trip to Sci-Fi without a little dessert!  The peanut butter chocolate cake is a constant favorite of my family’s and it is rare if the plate isn’t wiped clean.  And if you didn’t get a milk shake to go with your meal, dessert if a perfect time to try a chocolate, vanilla, solar flare or Oreo cookie ice cream milk shake.

If you’ve never eaten at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, I say give it a try at least once!  Although the food isn’t anything spectacular, except for the chicken wings (you musn’t forget the chicken wings!), the theme and décor is Disney magic at its finest.  So “let’s all go to the lobby to get ourselves a treat.”

Ashley Lehman

Ashley has been a Disney Parks fan from an early age and loves anything vintage Disney. You can email Ashley at ashley@kingdomkonsultant.com.