50's Prime Time or Sci Fi to eat?

[serenitygr]

Looking for any and all advice from those of you with experience at both places. First our family: We are 2 families, that include 4 adults and 9 children ranging in age from 8-13. Some of our kids are quieter, and some are more outgoing- same with the adults. One of the families has been to Disney twice- the other family has never been there and we are trying to help "show them the ropes" so to speak....

There's a broad range of likes/dislikes for food, as well as some picky kids and some who will try anything. One of the adults (in the family who's never been there) "only" wants to eat a good cheeseburger LOL but because his wife likes other things (and she and I are doing the planning) we aren't stuck on just cheeseburgers. Our other reservations we have during their week there are Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom, Whispering Canyon, Trails End (we are staying at Fort Wilderness). We also have a reservation at 50's Prime Time, but I'm just trying to decide if everyone would enjoy that or Sci Fi more. We've never been to either one...Not sure if the food or atmosphere/experience should weigh more heavily in our decision....

So if any of you have opinions that might help me decide I'd appreciate hearing them.... Because they only have a 4 day ticket for parks, and want to try each park at least once, we have to choose between the 2- we are only doing one Hollywood Studios day. Thanks to everyone who responds!

Don't know if this matters, but we are going in the beginning of October....

 

[GF Girl]

Are your reservations for lunch or dinner at 50's Prime Time? If it were my choice, I would go with Prime Time. The home style comfort food always hits the spot, and it's different than any other venue at Disney. It's entertaining for adults and kids as well. I have tried both restaurants. Sci Fi is okay. Though it may be harder to keep an eye on kids with the seating and lighting there. That's just my thought though. It's real tough to get a really good burger in Disney. If you go that route, some may end up disappointed.

 

[brinkley07]

With the size of your party I would go with 50's PT. We prefer the food and atmosphere there over Sci-Fi. Sci Fi is fun, but the car/table set up would not allow for much interaction between families and may be difficult with watching all of the kids.

 

[Newsies]

I love the 50PT. It's definitely worth going to at least once. I say go for it!!!

 

[sharadoc]

I like 50's PT a lot. Plus they could seat you all together there and if your party is into the fun antics, you'll have a great time! Sci Fi seating in the cars feels really separate, we won't even do it with our family of 4.

Can you go after park closing? It's a great experience to walk out of DHS when it's closed - it's beautiful. We are doing a dinner ADR at 7:30 when the park closes at 7 this year. Even if they extend hours, we'll still be there after closing. It's cool!

 

[UnderTheRialto]

Sci Fi has an amazing burger!

I really enjoy SciFi but others apparently don't. We are trying 50s for the first time later this year.

 

[xipetotec]

Looking for any and all advice from those of you with experience at both places. First our family: We are 2 families, that include 4 adults and 9 children ranging in age from 8-13. Some of our kids are quieter, and some are more outgoing- same with the adults. One of the families has been to Disney twice- the other family has never been there and we are trying to help "show them the ropes" so to speak....

There's a broad range of likes/dislikes for food, as well as some picky kids and some who will try anything. One of the adults (in the family who's never been there) "only" wants to eat a good cheeseburger LOL but because his wife likes other things (and she and I are doing the planning) we aren't stuck on just cheeseburgers. Our other reservations we have during their week there are Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom, Whispering Canyon, Trails End (we are staying at Fort Wilderness). We also have a reservation at 50's Prime Time, but I'm just trying to decide if everyone would enjoy that or Sci Fi more. We've never been to either one...Not sure if the food or atmosphere/experience should weigh more heavily in our decision....

So if any of you have opinions that might help me decide I'd appreciate hearing them.... Because they only have a 4 day ticket for parks, and want to try each park at least once, we have to choose between the 2- we are only doing one Hollywood Studios day. Thanks to everyone who responds!

Don't know if this matters, but we are going in the beginning of October....

I like the atmosphere at Sci-fi. But bottom line, we like 50's Prime Time over sci-fi any day. Food is way better and it's more accomodating for big groups imho. ( We've been with as many as 19 people ). My son is super picky ( hot dogs and hamburgers with NOTHING on them ) and he likes this place.

 

[vicb]

I'm not a fan of 50's, been there twice found the food underwhelming. Had bad table locations both times and lack luster servers. Been to Sci-Fi three times and really like the atmosphere. It is so nice to sit in the cool, dark restaurant to regroup for the afternoon. I really enjoy the turkey sandwich, my DH and son like the burgers. Last trip DD made a meal off the appetizer/soup/salad menu. The movie clips are a hoot!

 

[ReluctantDisaholic]

I vote Prime Time. We like both, but prefer Prime Time's menu. And the cool part of Sci-Fi for us is eating in the cars - with that many people it doesn't really work as well.

 

[Ceryssa]

I didn't like 50s at all (the friend I was with did so maybe it was just me). My husband vetoed it without even trying it based on the menu and theme so I haven't tried it with my family. We all loved Sci-Fi though.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

I like SciFi way better, but given the size of your party, I'd vote 50s.

 

[Nikole Wyles]

I have been to both, and I honestly enjoy both a lot. But, as other people have mentioned, 50s would be better for the size of your group. I prefer the food at 50s, but the atmosphere at SciFi. Have a great trip!

 

[mrsclark]

I would vote for Sci-Fi. We liked the atmosphere better and while the food wasn't the best on property, the fun of sitting in the dark and watching old movie clips made up for it. We felt good enough about it that we would eat there again (although it is over priced). We did 50's last year and we basically said meh and don't plan to go back.

 

[Disney Mom 7272]

I would prefer sci fi over prime time. The atmosphere is so cool there but with the size of your party and the way Sci Fi is set up I would probably choose Prime time. The food is good at prime time to so I think that you will have a great experience either way!

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

We really prefer 50's Prime Time for the food. The fried chicken is GREAT. Sci Fi has a unique atmosphere that everyone should experience at least once. BUT, we do prefer the 50's PT cafe for the food.

 

[Lucius Best]

We've always liked 50's Prime Time Cafe, but were disappointed in the food last time and the CM interaction was toned down, not sure if it was an off night or normal. Both have cool/interesting atmospheres, but like others have pointed out, Prime Time dining area probably makes more sense given you're a large group, compared to being split into different cars at Sci-Fi.

 

[cheezNE1]

I like them both. Stuffed Pork chop at 50's Prime is excellent.

 

[tmws66]

I have to agree with most of the other posters, I would go with 50's Prime Time Cafe. Though I love Sci-Fi, for 13 people you really won't feel together. Six people fill a car at Sci-Fi so your party will be separated. And 50's can be a lot of fun.

Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[mom2of2]

Either one is good. I will say that Sci-Fi will be the quietest meal you will eat the whole trip! Kids will be watching the movies the entire time

 

[Terra Nova guy]

The food at both is fine, not outstanding but decent quality. I think for the size of OP's party, Sci Fi will be difficult because you sit in cars with fixed number of seats and low lighting will make it hard to see a large party party. 50's PT has a better chance of getting a larger table.