50s diner of sci-fi diner with 5 y.o. , which one?

[KIS]

I've been reading the boards for a couple weeks now as I plan our itinerary as a first timer to wDW.

I've noticed there are those who think Sci-Fi is not optimal for kids and other who rave about it. The same holds true for the 50's diner. Are these both restaurants that folks either love or hate or something?

We have a 5 y.o. daughter. Someone pointed out how the 5 y.o. won't "get" the 50s scene. Others pointed out how much fun it is to see your parents "scolded". Some point out how the Sci-Fi is cool because of the cars yet others complain because the experience required dining without facing each other, like you were actually at a drive-in.

So, I'd love to address such experiences directly. I'll have to decide and others who are unfamiliar would appreciate hearing you out as well about these two restaurants.

Thanks,

KIS

 

[CRCrazy]

IMHO - you will find the 50's to be a lot more friendly to a 5 yo.

My now 6 year old went to DW when she was 5 - she is a high energy - thrill ride kind of kid - but 5 year olds are just starting to process those scary types of fears - I think the sci-fi movies and monsters might be a little too scary! She loved Space Mountain and all the fast rides - but HATED the 3D movies with the bugs and snakes, etc. And she is an outdoor kid!

She loved the 50's - the humor there - follow the manners rules, wash your hands, set the table - is very funny to a fiver, even if they don't know it came from a specific era! They also give you fun games to play, and the dessert menu is on a viewmaster - very cool!

We went back this year when she was 6, and she seems to have conquered a lot of those fears - loved Haunted Mansion (which she Hated last year.) Only you know what your child can handle - but don't force her to do something she's scared of - it's supposed to be fun!

 

[zcomic]

We ate at SciFi on our first 2 trips and loved it. DD was 4 and DS was 9 the first time and thought it was great. They actually liked the fact we we'rnt facing each other and that they had their own little car. We were behind them and got some very cute video of them watching the movie and eating.

On the last trip we did 50's and were disappointed but it wasn't the fault of the restaurant, we just had a dud server. He acted like any waiter in any restaurant, no playful interaction like we'd heard about and saw at other tables. I don't think the kids, now 8 & 14, appreciated the nostalgia but liked watching TV during the meal. I'm guessing that if you get a good server your 5 year old would enjoy it too.

 

[KLAIT]

We have taken our 5 yo to both the Sci-Fi and 50's and he definately preferred the Sci-Fi. As mentioned, a lot of the humor and detail of the Prime Time was lost on him.

At the Sci-Fi, on the other hand, he thought it was so cool to sit in a car and eat in the dark......he thought the movie clips were funny...

 

[TarraLee]

KIS,
I keep thinking of five year old questions (we are borrowing two, we don't have kids, and so I have no idea what five year olds like or don't like)-- and when I go to ask them, its like, poof! you've already asked it! So thanks!!

I'm also trying to choose between the SciFi and the Prime Time. I don't know if these kids will think its funny at PT bc we're not their parents?

Anyway, thansk for asking the question I was wondering about too!

have a wonderful trip.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

We've been to both with our kids....DD is the youngest - she was 4 when we went to 50's Prime Time, and 6 at Sci-Fi.....

50'sPT was ok.....food was ok, server was ok (not the greatest, but not bad....) but IMO the best part was while we were waiting to be seated, Francis came in and created quite a scene! (street entertainer....gotta love Francis...he's AWESOME....hope he's still there in Dec.... )

Sci-Fi....I had resisted going there for many-a-trip because it just didn't interest me. We went for milkshakes (oh by the way....chocolate milkshake with a shot of peppermint schnapps....life just doesn't get much better than that I tell you! ). We all loved it. Had a great time. The kids all thought the movie scenes were a riot....rather cheesy old-time horror movie/godzilla stuff. We practically had to d-r-a-g them out of the place!

If in doubt, why not try one or both of them for a dessert or snack instead of a meal?

 

[K and K's Mommy]

My DS 4 loved Sci-Fi. Because of some of the food reviews on this board, we stuck with cheeseburgers, and they were fine. It is definitely a place you go for the atmosphere, not the food. I thought it was a great escape from the hot sun because it is dark and cool. We had one of the first PS times (11:05) so our service was excellent.

I cannot compare it to the Primetime because we have not been there.

 

[KIS]

Your kids look so cute in that picture.

you know who I might want to include in this equation? Me and my husband. We might enjoy one over the other. That might even tip the scales seeing as how we're focusing almost every choice on my daughter's preferences.

We will mostly delight in watching her delight. But, may be this choice needs to be ours since it seems to be anyone else's guess which of these two a kid might like.

KIS