I almost exploded Part 2: Sci-fi, 50’s Primetime, and Chefs de France

[dpic]

I had planned on including Cali Grill in this review. When I started putting it together, I realized I wanted a few more photos and it would have made a long, bandwidth intensive, post, so I decided to post that one separately. So, here goes Sci-fi, 50’s Primetime, and Chefs de France. Again, we are a family of four: myself, DW, DD (14), DS (red-headed and 11).


Sci-Fi Drive-in: With the photo in my sig, it is not hard to guess we like this place. Sci-fi is a family tradition—we always hit it at least once during our trips. Many, though, really dislike it saying the food is expensive and not very good. I think the way to view Sci-fi is an attraction with food more than a fine dining experience. It is themed as though you are in a drive-in theater showing b/w movie trailers of 1950’s era Sci-fi movies. I love old, cheesy sci-fi movies, so this place is perfect. We normally go for lunch. The kids got the children’s meals (even though DD is 14, they were fine with this), and my DW and I spilt a burger. We all got milkshakes. The kids loved their meals. Our burger was separately plated (“more fries this way,” our server said), and tasty. The total bill was $43.19. Grade: A

50’s Primetime Café: We tried this our last trip and loved it. The interaction (i.e. abuse) from the servers was very fun. It was easily our children’s favorite from our last trip, and they still talk about Cousin Chris. Unfortunately, this year our server just wasn’t up to the task. It was dinnertime, and she said a few of the lines, but she really didn’t seem to care about it. When my DW and I said we wanted to share the pot roast, her subtle reaction was “cheapskates.” When the meal came it was not separately plated, and we rarely saw our server after this. We have always split our meals when we go to MGM since we eat at two sit-down restaurants within about 4 hours, and we always like to have desserts. This was the first time we were ever treated like this. I can’t blame 50’s for one of their servers having an off night. The restaurant was still themed very nicely (love the Jell-O molds on the wall), and the food was good. My DW and I split the Dad’s Super Sundae (you could almost hear the “sigh” with this order), and the kids each got a dessert. All in all, though, easily our most disappointing dining experience. Total bill: $48.74. Grade: C

Chefs de France: Since my DW and I met in French class in college, all things French have a sweet spot for us. This was our first time in “Chefs,” and we loved it. It was very elegant without feeling stuffy. We went at noon opening for lunch. We were seated promptly, and our server was, indeed, French. She was the best server we had at WDW. She was very friendly, and extremely attentive. My soda glass barely hit the table half empty, and she was there with another. Both DK’s had kid’s meals (chicken fingers, fries). My DW and I each had the French Menu: French Onion Soup, Grilled Ham and Cheese, and Crème Brulee. The French Menu was probably the best value we enjoyed during our trip. It was simple, generous portions, and very good. One of our best dining experiences. Total bill: $58.57 Grade: A

That’s it for this review. Next up—California Grill (with fireworks!)




I almost exploded! Part 1: Reviews of O'Hana, LTT, and Boma

 

[tweetylori]

Love your reviews! I agree with you about Chefs de France and their lunch special!

 

[phillybeth]

The French Menu for lunch is the best meal deal in the World. DH and I always get it. Soup, sandwich, salad and dessert for $15? Can't be beat.

 

[Cameo]

Is the kids meal at Chefs the same as all over the World? Are the chicken strips the same as other places, or are they prepared there? Thanks!

 

[margiemc]

Thanks for the reviews! I'm sorry about your disappointment with your experience at 50's Prime Time. We are going for the first time next month and have been looking forward it.

Great pictures!

 

[Stini228]

Hehe, I love your reviews, thanks for posting them

 

[hAm53]

the pics of sci-fi look like something you'd see on the disney website. great job!!! what camera and light settings did you use? it must be really tough to take photos in there.
hopefully our meal thursday is a s good as yours was. it'll be our first time at sci-fi.

 

[dpic]

Originally posted by hAm53
the pics of sci-fi look like something you'd see on the disney website. great job!!! what camera and light settings did you use? it must be really tough to take photos in there.
hopefully our meal thursday is a s good as yours was. it'll be our first time at sci-fi.

Hi hAm53,
As soon as I saw your name on the other thread, I remembered your advice about the Cali Grill--"just do it." We really did have a great time, and I appreciated your advice. I really think the filet would have been better if my wife hadn't asked it to be medium-well--takes the best flavor right out.. However, we had a wonderful time there. The fireworks were awesome.

Thanks about the photos. I use an Olympus 5060 5.1 megapixel. I got it about 5 months ago, and I've really been pleased with it. For night shots, I set it for ISO 400 and use a little tripod I can carry with me (often I just hold it and toss out the ones that blur--gotta love digital).. Below is my favorite night shot from our trip. It's Tomorrowland during MNSSHP--notice the spider to the upper right. For this shot, it was nearly midnight, and I used the tripod and set it on the sidewalk. I process with Photoshop and also use a program called Neat Image which takes out noise from digital photos--a great little program.

Enjoy your trip coming up. I envy you. I'm already planning our next trip--MVMCP 2006-- a long way off. Enjoy, too, your trip to sci-fi. Remember, while it's no Cali Grill, it does have 50 foot high women in bathing suits running around on the screen.

 

[Minniespal]

Great reports ~ Thanx for sharing.