PLEASE Help Me Choose a Restaurant!

[ArRzrbk]

I am working on our Novemeber trip schedule (me, my husband and our two boys age 7 and 9), and I cannot seem to choose a table service restaurant for our day at Hollywood Studios (either at the park or near our resort after we leave the park - lunch or dinner is fine). Here are the choices and current thoughts...

1.) 50s Primetime (been there before, it was fun, but I think it depends on who you get as your server)

2.) Sci-Fi Dine In (heard food wasn't good, but the boys would like the atmosphere)

3.) Captain's Grille (staying at BCV, good menu, but heard it feels like any restaurant you have back home)

4.) Flying Fish (good reason to walk over to Boardwalk from BCV, but it's expensive/2 credits on the dining plan)

5.) Yachtsman (another expensive/2 credit spot, but I know husband would like the upscale experience)

This trip is really for the children (been promising to take them back since 2005), and I want them to have a good time, but the food cost at Disney is outrageous, so I want to make really smart choices. We haven't totally comitted to getting the Basic Dining Plan yet, but I am pretty sure we will.

The places I have booked thus far for the trip include Cape May Character, Cape May Dinner Buffet, Ohana Character, Coral Reef, Crystal Palace Character, Boma Dinner Buffet, Wispering Canyon (on the fence about this one). I just want to maximize the "experience" factor for the boys, but get a good meal that I don't feel we totally wasted our money on too

Thanks so much for your help. Alternate dining suggestions and comments are also welcome!

Help!

 

[DisDiva2]

My boys are 6 & 8. We are actually going to the Sci-Fi Dine In for my oldest Bday in Oct. I also think they will love the atmosphere! I'll let you know how it goes! Good Luck deciding!

 

[TyTysMommy]

I vote for Sci Fi. I like to watch the corney horror films. The atmosphere is great. I LOVE their reuben sandwich and keep getting it each time I go back. The only thing I got there that I didn't care for was the desert that had the caramel popcorn on it. I think it might have been cheesecake or something. But the popcorn was very stale.

I've been to 50's Prime Time. The first time I went, we tried to encourage the server to do the antics with us but she wasn't having it. She was all business. It was sad because I heard such great stuff about this place. A few months later I went with a large group and we got the same server. She gave our group tons of attention, but I noticed the table beside us with a single family she pretty much ignored. I was back for a third visit and got a different server who did the antics with us. Then the 4th visit I got our stinky old server again who wouldn't do the antics with us. But she gave tons of attention to the larger tables. So it really depends on who you get as a server. If I ever go back I'll be sure to request NOT to get Aunt Cindy.

About the food. To me, its ok. I thought the mashed potatoes have a weird taste to them. The chicken pot pie had an odd taste to it also. Its not horrible food, just seems a little off in taste to me.

 

[minnie mum]

We've been to 50s Prime Time several times and have always enjoyed both the experience and the food.

But how do you feel about Mama Melrose? I noticed you haven't listed an Italian or pizza place on your choices. We're doing it this year as our F. package lunch.

 

[ArRzrbk]

I had Mama in the post and then took it out. Another one I am on the fence about. Does it have any "fun" for the kids? Is the food any better than what you can get at Olive Garden?

 

[heatherandnick]

I vote for Sci Fi. We went last year and loved it. I've heard that you should stick to burgers, fries, and shakes.

My opinion on the DDP and 2 credit meals.....If you are only doing DDP, not DxDP, you are better off to pay OOP for a 2-credit meal than to actually use 2 credits.

 

[laxchik18]

ive only been to sci fi and prime time and i say prime time. its great. the sci fi food really is not that good. thet atmosphere is cool though escpecially if uve never been since u have been to prime time. not to turn u off but my bro threw up after sci fi hot dog, but he does kind of have a sensit6ive stomach. either way your boys will love it. have a magical trip!!

 

[mousiemom]

we love sci-fi. our 10yr dd loves the hamburgers and shakes! we love the atmosphere too! this is our pick!

 

[DisFam11]

I would go to SciFi, that way you don't have to leave the park if you are not done to make a reservation. My son was 7 when we went last year and loved it. He still talks about it and says that its his favorite place to eat.

 

[dunbarfamily]

We love both Sci Fi and 50s. Food and service at each is typical of anywhere else on property. Nothing stands out in my memory of being exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. Both have fun atmospheres. Our children (currently 9.5, 6.5, 4 and 2) enjoy both places, so we alternate the two restaurants on our trip. We're up for 50s the next time we go.

 

[gymnasticsrocks]

50's Prime Time for sure. Food is better, although atmosphere at Sci-Fi is great, 50's has more selection and I find it better "home cooked" food than Sci Fi

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

sci fi is fun

if you can squeeze yachtsman in sometime--it's really really good!!

 

[xoJuicyyStarr71]

Sci Fi is really fun! Your boys will absolutetly love it!

 

[goofyintoronto]

I vote for Sci Fi. Your boys will LOVE it. The burgers and shakes are awesome. I tried the ribs, and wow they were so tasty! Not fatty at all, and the sauce was perfect. SO GOOD! Thats such a fun restaurant. Enjoy!

 

[Princess 'n LA]

Here's another vote for Sci-Fi. Only my opinion, but we hated 50's Prime Time--who wants to be fussed at while eating.

If you're on the fence about Whispering Canyon Cafe, I say ABSOLUTELY!! We loved the food and the antics.

 

[danceintherain]

Sci Fi Dine In - My DH LOVES it! Experience wise, I think it's the best on your list, though we haven't done all of those places.

The only other one we've done is 50s Prime Time, and while the theming is fun, as a picky eater and shy person in general I had a hard time enjoying the experience. We'll probably go back one day, but my DH has specifically requested Sci Fi, so it's far more likely.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Sci Fi Dine In - My DH LOVES it! Experience wise, I think it's the best on your list, though we haven't done all of those places.

The only other one we've done is 50s Prime Time, and while the theming is fun, as a picky eater and shy person in general I had a hard time enjoying the experience. We'll probably go back one day, but my DH has specifically requested Sci Fi, so it's far more likely.

I'm shy as well and I get embarrased easily. I let the host/hostess know as we're walking to the table that I am a bit shy and reserved, and to please let the server know. That way I can still enjoy the theming while being comfortable. I've never had an issue with feeling "put on the spot" or being embarrased.

 

[ArRzrbk]

I think I will try and squeeze in Sci-Fi. We have not tried that yet, and it sounds like a cool atmosphere. I do love a good burger and shake I am wondering about the "antics" at Wispering Canyon. I haven't heard about that. What are they? Is that something that goes on all the time? I was about to drop that one, but if it will be fun, it may be worth the money. Again, at Disney, the prices for food are so high that I want the dinner to not only be tasty, but a true "experience" as well. Let me know Disney experts

 

[nicki.momof3]

Your son will love sci-fi and don't believe all the reviews you read. The food is fine - amazing no - but fine.

What you don't get in amazing food is made up for in the rest. Dining in car and watching a drive in movie is great for kids.

 

[ArRzrbk]

Sweet! I can't get the reservation to go through on the Disney site, but maybe they are just having tech. difficulties. I'll try again in a bit. Thanks so much to all of you!