There is one quick-service restaurant that probably gets the most hate, but some of us actually like it, and it is finally time to share our truth.
Cosmic Ray’s
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a quick-service option in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland. Here, you will find quick American bites like cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. We have posted about how our readers say to skip Cosmic Ray’s, but we have four reasons why we actually love to eat at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.
Cosmic Ray’s is actually a pretty popular place to grab a bite to eat at Magic Kingdom, especially during the lunch rush, and while people may just visit Cosmic Ray’s for the convince of a quick Magic Kingdom meal, some of us actually seek out Cosmic Ray’s for a meal.
Cosmic Ray’s
Cosmic Ray’s is a Good Place to Eat for Picky Eaters
Cosmic Ray’s menu may not be spectacular, but it does offer many safe options for picky eaters. As we mentioned, it serves dishes like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and fries. But there are also more elevated options like Greek Salad and a spicy chicken sandwich.
Chicken Tenders at Cosmic Ray’s
If you want to know you are going to like the food, then Cosmic Ray’s is the place to go because you can’t go wrong with the classics that they serve here. Although it may not satisfy super adventurous eaters, everyone in your party should be able to find something to enjoy. There are even plant-based options here as well.
Plant-based Patty Melt
There are Always Mobile Order Windows
Cosmic Ray’s is a very big dining location and can take in a lot of orders both in person and on the My Disney Experience app through Mobile Order.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Mobile Order Pick-Up
Since it is a larger dining location, it is usually pretty easy to find a Mobile Order window for Cosmic Ray’s. You may have some issues finding the exact time you want during the lunch rush, but most other times, it is not difficult to find a Mobile Order window.
Mobile Order Pick Up Area at Cosmic Ray’s
This makes Cosmic Ray’s a quick option for ordering, especially if other quick-service Mobile Order windows are already taken. It is not always guaranteed that a Mobile Order slot will be available, but in most cases, you will be able to find one.
Cosmic Ray’s Mobile Order
Cosmic Ray’s Gets Fun Holiday Offerings
During Party Season and during the holiday season, Cosmic Ray’s is usually home to a few fun specialty items.
Full Spread of Christmas Party Offerings at Cosmic Ray’s
For example, this year at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you can find the Sinister Satay Burger, a Cocoa-rubbed All-Beef Patty with Bacon, Lime Pickles, and Thai Peanut Sauce, and the Halloween Pot Roast Sandwich with Cheddar and Horseradish Mayonnaise served on a Black Bun at Cosmic Ray’s.There are even three other specialty offerings at Cosmic Ray’s during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which makes it a great place to stop to get multiple party exclusive offerings in one place.
REVIEW: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe DID NOT MISS at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World
2023 Offerings
In past years, at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and sometimes even during regular park operating hours, you can get your sandwich or cheeseburger with a Santa Mickey Mouse toasted on the bun!
Santa Mickey!
You Get Serenaded by the Man Himself, Sonny Eclipse
Alright, this is probably the top reason to dine at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Resident entertainer Sonny Eclipse can serenade you.
It’s Sonny Eclipse!
Sonny Eclipse is an animatronic vocalist who performs throughout the day at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. If we are able to find a table in the dining room where he is located, that is always our go-to spot to see him perform!
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
While we know that this is a very controversial take, you can’t deny that Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a safe, go-to, quick-service location in the Magic Kingdom.
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I like this place, too!! I eat GF and I’ve always been able to find good food here. It’s very basic, but it is good and filling!!
I ❤️ CR food because they offer plain options. I have many food allergies, but able to eat a variety here compared any other restaurant. Also when I was searching for the Donald Duck slipper a few years ago, a cast member noticed all my Donald Duck clothing/gear stopped us to talk. She let us know how to quickly get there. I ran and got one of last three before it was completely sold out of the entire park.
Haven’t been in a while but if what I have heard and read is true, my fam will definitely be dropping by to see Sonny on our next visit. (I actually love Mr Eclipse but I’m an 80’s kid with a twisted sense of humor). Anyway, since the Pecos Bill menu changed this may (if I’m right) be one of the only places in the park to get a Disney burger. (The angus burgers at Pecos Bill’s were a family tradition for us. Just delicious! (and underrated I think).) So, a little change in the Wolfking Family’s routine, but it must be done. There’s just no way around it.
I don’t know why this place constantly gets picked on as not being a good place to eat. It’s almost always crowded, so obviously most people enjoy it. The burger is the best and although expensive, it’s not as bad as say, Red Robin or Five Guys, etc., so that is saying a lot for a burger being cheaper and better at MK. The atmosphere is fun and is a nice and cool place to eat out of the heat. We eat there a lot of our trips. Love it.
I love Cosmic Ray’s, because sometimes you just want a burger or a chicken sandwich, and this is the place to get it. I love the kid’s grilled chicken sandwich, and I hope they leave it on the menu for a long time. I also love that when you pick up your mobile order, you can ask for extra lettuce, tomato or onions for your sandwich and they’ll put some in a little bowl for you. Add the loads of indoor seating, and how can you go wrong?
I agree. Sonic Rays is a must for every trip. Sonny Eclipse wasn’t working the last time we were there and it was so traumatizing. Part of the reason our 2021 trip was horrible.