Cosmic Ray's & the Evolution of Its Menu

[BK2014]

23 years ago I was a College Program castmember at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. It was a huge restaurant (still is) with a large and varied menu (not so much anymore). In addition to the normal hamburgers, hotdogs, and french fries, we made and served rotisserie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, freshly made caesar and greek salads, and sandwiches including a cheese steak that I absolutely loved. And the icing on the cake was the amazing toppings bar that had loads of extras, including free nacho cheese sauce. (Although, the task of keeping the toppings bar stocked during the day was a beast of a job). Even on my days off I enjoyed going there for lunch because the menu was so varied, and you could enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking the water and the castle.

Sadly, it is now just like all the other restaurants that serve a version of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries. I know this is not the only restaurant that has gone through menu changes, especially since COVID, but this one just hits home the most. Yesterday, I had the day off of work while DW did not, so I went to the Magic Kingdom solo for the first time since I was in the College Program. I was excited to eat lunch at Cosmic Ray's until I realized that there was nothing on the menu that really excited me anymore. I am sure there are plenty of people who like the current menu, and plenty of people who don't know or remember what they used to serve, but out of all of the changes that have been made over the years, this is the one that has hit home the most.

Surely I am not the only longtime Cosmic Ray's fan who feels this way.

 

[CarolynFH]

I agree, and it’s sad. We used to eat there every visit (probably when you were there!) but it’s been years now.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

Personally, compared to 20+ years ago, I miss more the odl menu items at CHH. But to each their own.

 

[sarahrdh]

So we didn’t start going until 2015, and avoided CR bc it was just burgers and hotdogs. But I do feel like the last year or two, there’s usually something different on the menu, and my husband tends to pop in there a lot with one of the kids when they need a break. I still have never eaten there. Haha I forget what it is exactly, but when I was looking at the menu yesterday, there was something that caught my eye so I may give it a whirl this time.

I have a personal mission to never eat a burger at Disney. 1. I’m not a big burger person. And 2. I actually like hot dogs but will only get them at Casey’s. 3. I like to find other alternatives- there’s plenty!

 

[SteveH]

Sadly same can be said for the gift shops, used to be each one had some "unique items" now its just all the same "junk" at all the other shops. They've taken most the personality out and substituted with items they can move in quantity and for the greatest profit.

 

[Lilsia]

When our kids were little, Cosmic Ray's was our go to place to eat in MK. We would get the roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans meal for them to eat. It was just basic, every day cooking food that was not processed, breaded, and fried. I feel bad for those with kids now trying to find halfway decent food that is not the same 4 items at every quick service location. The topping bar was great also.

 

[kylenne]

So we didn’t start going until 2015, and avoided CR bc it was just burgers and hotdogs. But I do feel like the last year or two, there’s usually something different on the menu, and my husband tends to pop in there a lot with one of the kids when they need a break. I still have never eaten there. Haha I forget what it is exactly, but when I was looking at the menu yesterday, there was something that caught my eye so I may give it a whirl this time.

I have a personal mission to never eat a burger at Disney. 1. I’m not a big burger person. And 2. I actually like hot dogs but will only get them at Casey’s. 3. I like to find other alternatives- there’s plenty!

My first trip back since the mid 90s was in 2016 and they definitely still had the rotisserie chicken and green beans plate at that time, I remember we ended up there and I split one with my mom because she eats like a bird. Very fresh and tasty, chicken was seasoned nicely and moist. I don’t know what it is about Disney green beans tbh, it sounds funny but they really are weirdly delicious. I haven’t been back there since the menu changed to be nothing but the usual theme park fare, which is a shame because I love Sonny Eclipse.

Personally, compared to 20+ years ago, I miss more the odl menu items at CHH. But to each their own.

My poor Lighthouse Sandwich. I don’t eat seafood so it was my go to, and it hit the spot on really hot days when I didn’t want anything super heavy.

I’m honestly a bit surprised that it is still missing given the huge push for plant based menu items. This was the OG plant based at the parks!

 

[Pooh's World]

23 years ago I was a College Program castmember at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland. It was a huge restaurant (still is) with a large and varied menu (not so much anymore). In addition to the normal hamburgers, hotdogs, and french fries, we made and served rotisserie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, freshly made caesar and greek salads, and sandwiches including a cheese steak that I absolutely loved. And the icing on the cake was the amazing toppings bar that had loads of extras, including free nacho cheese sauce. (Although, the task of keeping the toppings bar stocked during the day was a beast of a job). Even on my days off I enjoyed going there for lunch because the menu was so varied, and you could enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking the water and the castle.

Sadly, it is now just like all the other restaurants that serve a version of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries. I know this is not the only restaurant that has gone through menu changes, especially since COVID, but this one just hits home the most. Yesterday, I had the day off of work while DW did not, so I went to the Magic Kingdom solo for the first time since I was in the College Program. I was excited to eat lunch at Cosmic Ray's until I realized that there was nothing on the menu that really excited me anymore. I am sure there are plenty of people who like the current menu, and plenty of people who don't know or remember what they used to serve, but out of all of the changes that have been made over the years, this is the one that has hit home the most.

Surely I am not the only longtime Cosmic Ray's fan who feels this way.

Disney greed. saving money by producing an inferior product and not caring about their loyal fans.

 

[Grasshopper2016]

I get that Covid required shrinking menus, eliminating toppings bars, and the like. But there is no excuse for making those changes permanent. Obviously, Disney has figured out that they can make (even) more money by raising prices and reducing selection and quality, given that demand seems to be through the roof. But there was a time when Disney cared about things other than short-term profits. And there may come a time when they wish that they hadn't cut so many corners so ruthlessly during the post-pandemic boom times.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

My poor Lighthouse Sandwich. I don’t eat seafood so it was my go to, and it hit the spot on really hot days when I didn’t want anything super heavy.

I’m honestly a bit surprised that it is still missing given the huge push for plant based menu items. This was the OG plant based at the parks!

Twenty years ago, I swear I ate lunch almost every day there for the vegetarian black bean chili in a bread bowl Its another plant based item I am surprised has not come back

 

[reddog21]

I still love the restaurant. Not everyone what's a fancy place to eat at sometimes you just want a basic burger or some chicken nuggets.

 

[Lilsia]

I still love the restaurant. Not everyone what's a fancy place to eat at sometimes you just want a basic burger or some chicken nuggets.

What is "fancy" about roasted chicken and mashed potatoes? It is about as basic as you can get for food.

 

[RoseGold]

Weren't there a lot less restaurants overall back then? I mean add in Auntie Gravity and Lunching Pad and all the new stuff and aren't there more choices overall?

Obviously none of them are great, but it seems like there are a whole lot of choices.

But man, black bean chili in a bread bowl sounds wonderful.

 

[Lilsia]

Weren't there a lot less restaurants overall back then? I mean add in Auntie Gravity and Lunching Pad and all the new stuff and aren't there more choices overall?

Obviously none of them are great, but it seems like there are a whole lot of choices.

I don't think so, plus back then El Pirata y El Perico was also opened as a quick service and they had a topping bar too. Not to mention Tommorowland Terrace. What was different was that there was more of a variety of foods. You used to be able to get halfway decent food that was not the typical theme park junk.

 

[Pyxie]

I agree that the menu isn't exactly varied, but I do love the spicy chicken sandwich they added recently. I make a trip there just for that.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

What is "fancy" about roasted chicken and mashed potatoes? It is about as basic as you can get for food.

Seasoning

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

But man, black bean chili in a bread bowl sounds wonderful.

It really was great. It was the summer of 2003 and the first time I had been to Disney since the mid-nineties. I was there for five days and had planned to try different stuff. But each day around lunchtime I found myself thinking "man, that black bean chili was really good; I'm going there again" lol

 

[kylenne]

I don't think so, plus back then El Pirata y El Perico was also opened as a quick service and they had a topping bar too. Not to mention Tommorowland Terrace. What was different was that there was more of a variety of foods. You used to be able to get halfway decent food that was not the typical theme park junk.

I still miss the old Adventureland Veranda from back in the day. That place had some pretty unique items by 80s theme park standards and tbh was probably a bit ahead of its time. It was always a go to on my childhood trips. Skipper Canteen being in that space is more than a worthy successor though.

 

[Robber Baron]

I have never been a huge fan of the counter service meals in MK.

I used to love the 1/2 chicken at Cosmic Ray's. Gone.

I frequently had the Croque Monsieur sandwich, (Though I called it Ham & Cheese), at Be Our Guest. Gone

Plaza, (I know it's not CS), was one of my favorites for a full breakfast. Gone

At least the Plaza still has the Meatloaf and the Reuben. I've had both a few times.

I have to admit, though, I have never had a hamburger in a Disney Park. It used to be on our MK days we would go to the Concourse Steakhouse at lunchtime to have the best burgers on property.

 

[Lilsia]

I have never been a huge fan of the counter service meals in MK.

I used to love the 1/2 chicken at Cosmic Ray's. Gone.

I frequently had the Croque Monsieur sandwich, (Though I called it Ham & Cheese), at Be Our Guest. Gone

Plaza, (I know it's not CS), was one of my favorites for a full breakfast. Gone

At least the Plaza still has the Meatloaf and the Reuben. I've had both a few times.

I have to admit, though, I have never had a hamburger in a Disney Park. It used to be on our MK days we would go to the Concourse Steakhouse at lunchtime to have the best burgers on property.

The quick service burgers are not worth the stomach space, IMO.