Sci fi diner how to ensure a car instead of picnic table.

[MDH]

Hi, we are going to the sci fi on Feb 1st at 8 PM. Group of 7, 4 adults, 3 small children that I've been told can all fit in front row of a car. My question is how to we ensure we get a car rather than a picnic table. The whole point of us going there is because the kids will absolutely love sitting in the car, sitting at a picnic table will just be a waste. thanks!

 

[BrianL]

I think you'd just have to ask when you check-in. It might require a slightly longer wait. I agree that the picnic tables are lame.

It will be a tight fit to get you all in one car. The little kids could get one row, but 2 adults is pretty much it in the back seat. There are two rows per car. I am sure they can figure something out for you guys though.

 

[DVC Jen]

I have seen cars with 3 rows

 

[BrianL]

I have seen cars with 3 rows

You know, you're right. I looked up some pictures and they do have 3 rows. It's been a long time since I was in there!

 

[MDH]

you scared me for a second! Yeah,2 rows wouldn't work, but 3 rows is what I was thinking of. And I'd certainly wait a little longer for a car. That brings me to my second question. We get there, request that they we want a car, they say "ok, 40 minutes". Are we free to step outside and catch the fireworks? Of do you have to sit tight right there.

 

[nursejackie]

Don't mean to hijack your thread, but while people are answering seating questions at Sci Fi, where would they sit a lone diner? I'm dining there next week for the first time (no one else wants to dine there!).

 

[Dug720]

Don't mean to hijack your thread, but while people are answering seating questions at Sci Fi, where would they sit a lone diner? I'm dining there next week for the first time (no one else wants to dine there!).

From what I have heard they will put you in the back row of a car and call you a hitchhiker.

Enough to make me NEVER go there. So insulting.

 

[MrsHammer]

you scared me for a second! Yeah,2 rows wouldn't work, but 3 rows is what I was thinking of. And I'd certainly wait a little longer for a car. That brings me to my second question. We get there, request that they we want a car, they say "ok, 40 minutes". Are we free to step outside and catch the fireworks? Of do you have to sit tight right there.

They would probably give you a pager that would buzz when your table is ready. I'm not sure how far outside of the building those work though.

 

[HopperFan]

Hi, we are going to the sci fi on Feb 1st at 8 PM. Group of 7, 4 adults, 3 small children that I've been told can all fit in front row of a car. My question is how to we ensure we get a car rather than a picnic table. The whole point of us going there is because the kids will absolutely love sitting in the car, sitting at a picnic table will just be a waste. thanks!

Plenty of three row cars where you can sit 2/2/3 kids. Make sure you tell them you want a regular car, and not the cars that the front and back are just bookends to a table. (lower left in photo)

Picnic Tables are for walk ups and won't fit your group anyway.

you scared me for a second! Yeah,2 rows wouldn't work, but 3 rows is what I was thinking of. And I'd certainly wait a little longer for a car. That brings me to my second question. We get there, request that they we want a car, they say "ok, 40 minutes". Are we free to step outside and catch the fireworks? Of do you have to sit tight right there.

They have used buzzers for years but we have also just had them text our phone that table is ready. Yes many wait outside because inside is to tight ... you could back up away from restaurant and catch slight angle of fireworks but I wouldn't walk away to them. They may pass you up for the next group waiting at restaurant. We have seen them call out a couple times then return to the podium for a new name.

Don't mean to hijack your thread, but while people are answering seating questions at Sci Fi, where would they sit a lone diner? I'm dining there next week for the first time (no one else wants to dine there!).

Probably back seat of a car with three seats, you will be called a hitchhiker.

 

[MDH]

From what I have heard they will put you in the back row of a car and call you a hitchhiker.

Enough to make me NEVER go there. So insulting.

How is that insulting? I'm not meaning to start anything honest, but what else should they do? I guess a table? You can't have a whole car to yourself. And if you get the entire back row it's like having your own table anyways. Is it the term hitchhiker you find offensive? I think that's just a pretty accurate term for what a stranger would be who tagged along for a ride in some families car.

 

[nursejackie]

Mmmm I don't really want to dine with other people. I didn't expect to get a car to myself but I definitely do not want to sit next to a stranger. I think I'll cancel

 

[Dug720]

How is that insulting? I'm not meaning to start anything honest, but what else should they do? I guess a table? You can't have a whole car to yourself. And if you get the entire back row it's like having your own table anyways. Is it the term hitchhiker you find offensive? I think that's just a pretty accurate term for what a stranger would be who tagged along for a ride in some families car.

The term is insulting in and of itself.

IMHO they *should* have some smaller cars that are two-tops and/or reserve the tables for solo or one couple groups.

 

[Dug720]

Mmmm I don't really want to dine with other people. I didn't expect to get a car to myself but I definitely do not want to sit next to a stranger. I think I'll cancel

It’s not next to one, but in the empty row in a car with another family in the front rows.

But I’m with you. It is just off-putting. And them calling you a hitchhiker makes it truly seem like you are an intruder.

 

[nursejackie]

It’s not next to one, but in the empty row in a car with another family in the front rows.

But I’m with you. It is just off-putting. And them calling you a hitchhiker makes it truly seem like you are an intruder.

Will have to mull it over. I've got until 16th December to decide. I just wish the other 3 in my group wanted to come along, then we could all share a car. Oh well

 

[MDH]

Sorry, hitch hiker must have different connotations where I live compared to where you live. No derogatory or veiled meaning in the word here.

 

[Dug720]

Sorry, hitch hiker must have different connotations where I live compared to where you live. No derogatory or veiled meaning in the word here.

It implies an intruder or outsider. Someone who doesn’t fit in as part of the rest of the group. THAT is insulting and off-putting.

 

[MDH]

I disagree. It accurately describes the situation AND sticks with the theme. But that's ok. We can disagree on this, no big deal.

 

[Dug720]

I disagree. It accurately describes the situation AND sticks with the theme. But that's ok. We can disagree on this, no big deal.

Except I highly doubt drive-in theaters were putting random people in other people’s cars, ergo a hitchhiker doesn’t even exist for the theme. There ARE, however, two-seater cars so perhaps they should have put those in for couples or solos.

 

[Disneylover99]

I disagree. It accurately describes the situation AND sticks with the theme. But that's ok. We can disagree on this, no big deal.

I had no idea that a lone diner was called a hitchhiker. I love it! If I ever dine solo, I'd consider the SciFi now. I'd happily sit in the backseat and watch those cheesy movies.

 

[Hopefully]

From what I have heard they will put you in the back row of a car and call you a hitchhiker.

Enough to make me NEVER go there. So insulting.

IMHO you must have very thin skin if that insults you

The term is insulting in and of itself.

IMHO they *should* have some smaller cars that are two-tops and/or reserve the tables for solo or one couple groups.

I always laugh at the use of the word “should”. I “should” clean my house tonight but I am not going to.

It implies an intruder or outsider. Someone who doesn’t fit in as part of the rest of the group. THAT is insulting and off-putting.

I agree with the OP. I don’ See it that way at all. But we can agree to disagree. We are each different.