Sci Fi or 50's Prime Time

[ktink]

My BFF & I are going down for MNSSHP & a long weekend. We are in our late 40's & early 50's. She hasn't been to DHS ever & it's been years since she's been to WDW. Which of these has the most "wow" factor for our DHS day? I've been to Sci- Fi but never to 50's.

 

[SeanWM48]

I've only done 50's between those two. The food was fine and honestly I wasn't crazy about the 'in-character' server we had but it's all part of the performance there so that's my problem, not theirs.

If your friend has never even been to Hollywood Studios before you may want to think twice about a lengthy sit-down meal no? Maybe grab quick service instead. DHS has some seriously must-do attractions that you wouldn't want to miss due to dinner reservations

 

[Chupaca bruh]

Sci-Fi is our favorite at WDW for atmosphere. It is relaxing and fun and so different. Food has been okay to great. 50’s Primerime is really fun and much more lively if you get involved CM’s. Food is generally better for us here. Either one would be great.

 

[weather_lady]

We enjoyed both immensely, but found that the uniqueness level of Sci-Fi has made it our primary choice for repeat visits. (For us, the menus are dead even: both offer standard, passable-to-good American fare, with decent portion sizes.)

The only "downside" at Sci-Fi, if you'd consider it one, is that the seating at Sci-Fi isn't as conducive to conversation (sitting side-by-side, 2x2,facing the movie screen) as the tables at 50s Prime Time. However, our teens love getting a little break from conversing with their parents.

(Also, a tip: if you do end up choosing 50s Prime Time, request a "TV table" (foreground of the photo below) even if you have to wait longer. It's such a cool experience to feel like you're in the middle of an old-timey kitchen. If you're seated along the sides of the room at the lesser-themed tables -- like those in the background of the photo below -- it's much less immersive.) Ditto for Sci-Fi, if they try and seat you at the "picnic" tables in the back (which I think is generally done only for walk-ups, but you never know) -- hold out for a car.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

Id say scifi. Even if you don’t get a good server the ambiance is neat, 50s is very dependent on the server. Last time we went we got a very serious server who spoke very poor English and it made the experience like just a normal restaurant.

 

[Steven G]

For pure food, I probably wouldn't go to either, Mama Melrose and Brown Derby are better.

So that leaves the experience.

As others have mentioned, to really enjoy 50's prime time, you need a great server. Also, you have to like the experience and interacting with someone you don't know and pretend they are your cousin or family member. For Sci Fi Diner, it's whether you think you would enjoy sitting in a "car" watching shorts on a huge screen.

If I had to choose, it would be Sci-Fi diner, partly because I haven't done that in a while,, and we more recently did prime time, and partly because I'm more of an introvert and thus don't really get the most out prime time.

 

[Marthasor]

Sci-Fi - it's arguably the best themed restaurant in all of WDW. I also think the food is better. I think the food at 50's PT is gross.

 

[Karin1984]

Scifi, food is better than at 50s and I do not like the role playing. My own complaint about scifi was the A/C, it was soooo cold. I went to the bathroom to warm up.

 

[weather_lady]

Scifi, food is better than at 50s and I do not like the role playing. My own complaint about scifi was the A/C, it was soooo cold. I went to the bathroom to warm up.

I'd forgotten this, but you're absolutely right! Bring an extra layer, especially if you plan on having a milkshake!

 

[Skippyboo]

I would go for Brown Derby, get the Cobb Salad maybe a martini flight, spilt a grapefruit cake.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

We prefer Sci-Fi especially for the experience. It brings back so many nostalgic memories when they play videos from days of long ago, lol. It's dark and nice and cool in there also. I would say food is even. 50's can be very fun but sometimes we just need to sit and chill. 2 adults you can be in and out in about 45 mins which sometimes is a nice break or linger longer if needed.

 

[Micca]

My own complaint about scifi was the A/C, it was soooo cold. I went to the bathroom to warm up.

That's a feature! Keeping it cold makes it conducive to cuddling up with your partner Seriously Sci-Fi is a ton of fun, def choose that over 50s.

 

[KPeterso]

We have been to both and much prefer 50s Prime Time. It is one we go to ever trip whereas I only go to Sci Fi every few years.

 

[CynBeth]

We are not crazy about Sci Fi but love 50’s PTC have dinner there every trip.

 

[Lumpy1106]

If you can't get Woody's Backyard BBQ, then I'd pick 50s PTC. We were not impressed with Sci-Fi. The food was meh, especially for the price. Would rather go to the ABC Commissary.

 

[PDXmouse]

We’re on our way out and ate at both. I think food quality is similar at both… enjoyable but not amazing. I vote Sci Fi and DH votes 50’s. We’re in your age bracket. So I think it just depends which appeals to you.

DH was wow’d by how much 50’s looked like his grandma’s kitchen IRL. He also got a kick out of the tv show clips they ran on the TV’s.

I preferred the “travel back to the 50’s drive in movie” setting. It was nice and cool and dark… a great respite from the July heat. The only issue was that it was dark and kind of hard to see your food.

 

[Justrose]

We personally love 50s.

 

[Princess Merida]

I would go 50’s Prime Time. Both have excellent theming but I thought the food was far better at 50’s.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

Both restaurants are good choices, but I liked the 50s food better.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I vote Sci Fi !