Man, I love Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I hardly ever go, because it’s next to impossible to review the place since it’s SOOOO dark (you guys would laugh if you knew what I did to get good lighting for these shots); but I really do enjoy it. And I couldn’t wait to head over to try out the new menu on my trip to Disney World last week!

And this review experience comes just in time for the super busy Star Wars Weekend time of the year — as well as the newly announced Star Wars-themed character meals that will be available for a limited time at Sci-Fi and Hollywood & Vine. It will be breakfast here — but at least you’ll get a feel for the place. AND — they’re changing up the film reels in a super fun way for the occasion!

If you haven’t had the chance to take in dinner and a movie here, allow me to show you around a bit. I’m pretty sure you’ll be booking a table — er, car — on your next Disney World visit.

Atmosphere

You’ll find Sci-Fi Dine-In at the corner of Commissary Lane and the Streets of America. It’s just a stone’s throw from the counter service spot, ABC Commissary, and next door to Writer’s Stop (of Carrot Cake Cookie fame)!

Enter and head to the totally tubular — sorry, but it’s completely 80s at the entrance — check-in desk, and give them your name.

Because we were a very small party, my wait time here was minimal. (It’s usually been a wait for me in the past, though. Keep that in mind if you decide to book an advance dining reservation here. And the waiting area is teensy, so there’s rarely anyplace to sit and relax before your buzzer buzzes.)

Beyond the hostess stand, take some time to look at the cool retro posters, which definitely give you a better sense of the 50s feel they’re going for.

While the main dining room looks like an open-air drive in theater, the waiting area and the walkway to the dining room feels like you’re behind the scenes on a soundstage. Is it a movie, or real life?

You never know what crazy “props” you might spy here.

This rocket pack would be perfect for a quick getaway during the Indiana Jones show, don’t you think?

I just love the bowl of eyeballs. I can never resist snapping a pic.

Beware of the flashing light. You might wreck the scene! (No pressure or anything.)

After your short walk from the waiting area, you enter this room. And it’s a little, you know, spectacular.

Because it really does look like every drive-in movie theater you’ve ever seen (even if you’ve only seen them in the movies).

So, yes, most of you will sit in the cars as you see. But if you’d rather, you can also request one of about six picnic tables in the back! This is handicap accessible, and perfect for those with little guys in high chairs, car seats, and the like.

 

But as completely awesome as the atmosphere is, there are a couple of [Read more…]