How long do we allow to eat at Sci-Fi?

[need2go2disney]

We are visiting DHS on 12/22. There is only 1 performance of Fantasmic at 6:30 p.m. We have ADR's for Sci-Fi at 4:15 p.m. Do we have enough time to enjoy our meal without being rushed and still get to Fantasmic to find seating? We are a large party of 18.

 

[PrincessMonkey]

You probably have time if your group doesn't mind getting seats outside of the center section. The queue starts filling up to 2 hours early, which is too early IMO, so it could impact your seating in the Fantasmic! stadium seating (they are benches, not actual seats in the amphitheatre) if you have a large group.

We've dined at Sci Fi several times over the years, for lunch and dinner, and the same movie reel loops every 45 minutes... just so you know.

It's one of the few places where we dine pretty quickly and get out. Try to arrive a half an hour early, say 3:45pm so you're seated first.

Maybe you can show everyone the actual Sci-Fi menu in advance on Allears.net, so they know what they're going to order. That can save time.

 

[TaraPA]

It's never taken us longer than 45 min. in Sci Fi. I think you'll be fine, even with your large group.

 

[jeffdlong]

We were there last Tuesday. The food was mediocre & for our party of 8 it probably took a good hour and 15 minutes to get out of there. I'd recommend against going to Sci-Fi, we were disappointed. I know you have the ADR, but I would not get my hopes up of a good meal or quick service. Perhaps it was just bad service that we had but we will not be going back to Sci Fi again.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Honestly I think you'll be pushing it. Not that I don't think you'll be able to get out and actually get over to the Fantasmic area but with it being the week of Christmas, only having one showing, and with your large group if you were able to get seats I wouldn't imagine they would be together by that time.

We've eaten at Sci-Fi 7 times and the time has greatly ranged on our server. The last two times went we had to wait 30 minutes past our ADR (we even arrived 20 minutes early both times) and then the meal took about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 and 30 minutes. If that happens to your group then you're looking at getting out of Sci-Fi at around 6-6:15. That's cutting it too close (just IMO) especially if it's your only chance to see Fantasmic.

Also, is your ADR for a group of 18 or do you have separate ADR's all for 4:15? If you have one for 18 you may be waiting awhile for them to clear out enough cars/tables(they don't have many tables) to seat your group at the same time.

 

[Chelley00]

We just did this 2 weeks ago. Our seating was a 5:20. We did arrive 15 minutes early, and had to wait a little while to be seated. It was just DD and I, and we already knew what we wanted so we were able to order quickly. Our server was pretty quick, but still by the time we ate, paid, walked to the arena, Fantasmic was starting. Our seats were way to the right hand side, but we made it. However, it was just DD and I, and it was during a slow time of the year.

 

[djp0630]

Arrive early so they can seat you early. With 18, it will take longer to seat you and for everybody to order, eat etc. Maybe they will add another showing of Fantasmic since it's the week of Christmas. I know they added shows of Fantasmic for the week I went and it wasn't a peak time.

We ate at Sci-Fi and I think it was under an hour.

 

[Alesia]

With a party of 18 and no rushing, not likely. At best, you can expect to be there at least 90 minutes. It will probably be closer to 2 hours. You'll need to be at the fantasmic theater no less than 1 hour before the show.

 

[crabbygal902]

We were just there last Wednesday night for dinner, and it took us an hour and 30 minutes to get seated, order, and eat. We had an ADR for 5:35, before the big dinner crowd came in. We had good service, very friendly and attentive. We were not in a rush, but we were keeping an eye on the time so that we could enjoy the Osbourne Lights.

As an aside, our food was disappointing. Stick to the basics: burgers, fries, milkshakes and you'll be okay. The atmosphere is really fun, though.

If you are concerned about making it to the Fantasmic show, maybe you should think about a counter service location instead. I think that the burgers would be just as good! JMHO

Good luck!

 

[need2go2disney]

Thanks for the replys. We have 2 ADR's - 4:15 (party of 8) and 4:25 (party of 10). We all don't have to sit together for F! But would not like to be in the very back on the outside edge. 14 of the 18 have never been to Disney . There are 8 kids in all and I choose Sci-Fi because I thought they would enjoy sitting in the car to eat. Maybe I should switch our meal to a late lunch to allow us plenty of time. If I could switch, what should I consider? 50's Prime Time, Hollywood and Vine, Mama Melrose, Sci-Fi? My family has only eaten at Sci-Fi once before.