Disney World Dining Review; MGM-Studios’ Sci-Fi Dine-In
To review the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater at the Disney MGM-Studios is perhaps the most difficult of all the dining reviews we will write. Unless you read the final paragraph below, you will think this place is terrible and not even worth consideration.
Located across from the Ewok village in front of Star Tours, the Sci-Fi is unassuming on the outside. A nice marquee and a nifty sign do not elevate the buildings exterior charm much above bland. The interior, however, is a different story. The theme is that of a 1950’s drive-in movie theater, complete with classic cars for booths and a giant movie screen showing trailers of campy old science fiction b-movies.
The food quality at the Sci-Fi is never more than average, even on a good day. I have been here dozens of times and can not once remember ever thinking the food was great. It’s bland, small, and rather run-of-the-mill. But it certainly is expensive nonetheless. As far as value is concerned, the Sci-Fi is horribly bad. For example, you pay over $14 for a barbecue chicken sandwich that is only slightly larger than a fast-food equivalent. $12 gets you a cold turkey sandwich, half the size of the typical $5 deli version that is twice as large. Despite all that money, these sandwiches are rarely something to remember.
The service has also been less than stellar the last few times I was at the Sci-Fi. This seems to depend partially on where you sit. If you are in a “car”, the chances are your service will be good…decent. Every time I have been relegated to a table, however, the service has been so slow I watched many of the same films twice. This also leads me to the conclusion that the loop is not long enough, but that’s the least of my concerns.
But after all that complaining about the food and service, I still have to recommend this to first time visitors. Why you ask? Because the place is so visually interesting and immersive, you can’t help but like it. Every idea they had for the theme of this place works. From the movie screen, to the interior lighting, to old time cars, it all blends perfectly. No other restaurant in Walt Disney World even comes close to it in the regard. In fact, it is so good I often go back. Despite the iffy service and over-priced mediocre food, I find myself wanting to go to the Sci-Fi every time
Staff ratings
Brooke= B-ticket
Dave= A-ticket
Mike= C-ticket
Matt said,
January 30, 2007 @ 9:02 pm
Duuuuuude….how can you recommend the Sci-Fi? You’re right on about the below average, expensive food and not-so-hot service but the redeeming quality of the film and scenery are worth it? I agree the theming is wonderful but I go to restaurants to eat and enjoy it and can’t say that happens at the Sci-Fi.
I will say, if you are a fan of the decor and such, go for dessert or a few drinks in mid afternoon and that I could condone. But you’re crazy to drop your hard earned cash here for a real meal unless this blog takes in more money than I’m aware of, in which case it’s time for me to start http://www.mattextra.com.
David said,
January 30, 2007 @ 11:35 pm
You win the award for the best comment yet! I didn’t say I recommend it. I said I recommend it to first time visitors. There is, I must say, a big difference. Just because I blow my hard earned and woefully limited cash at the Sci-Fi over and over again just to see cheesy 50’s movie trailers, does not mean I expect the rest of the world to be so crazed. LOL!
You need to see this place, just once. But, perhaps your idea of drinks and desserts is a better one…
MJMcBride said,
February 1, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
I find the food to be average, the milkshakes great, and the entertainment a blast. I find the place a nice experience, just not a culinary one. Compare that to the 50s Prime Time Cafe which is the most annoying place in the world (not just Disney) to have a meal.