Sci-fi vs. Brown Derby

[AP1209]

Have a lunch booked for the Brown Derby but thinking about switching to sci fi. There is no availability at sci fi on the day we are going but hoping something will open up. How kid friendly is Brown Derby? I'm guessing lunch wouldn't be as bad as dinner. The theming at sci fi is part of the reason we are thinking about switching. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Its me, DW, DD11 and DS1.

 

[supersnoop]

The theme is definately different between the two. Sci-Fi is certainly more immersive. And they have great shakes. But the food is much, much better at Brown Derby. I try to get in there every trip just for the chopped Cobb, and my 12 year old seems to really like the menu, too.

 

[gzmtlock]

Ate at HBD for dinner earlier this month - there were lots of families with kids. I've enjoyed my meals the 2-3 times I've eaten there. And I enjoy the atmosphere - high ceilings, lots of light, tables don't feel overly close together. It's a fairly relaxing meal.

Went to SciFi a few years back with our then young-teens. Didn't care for it. Food wasn't very good, and they got bored with the looping movie reel. We haven't returned, and they are fine with that.

That said, 50s Prime Time is our favorite HS restaurant - a must-do for us every trip!

 

[401Disney]

I've never eaten at HBD but have eaten at both Sci-Fi and 50's Prime Time. If your kids are younger then I would suggest switching to either Sci-Fi or 50's because they are much more of a fun atmosphere than HBD from what I understand.

Sci-Fi is more burger and fries type of menu but I feel like the teeming well makes up for the lack of variety on the menu. Who wouldn't want to eat in a drive in movie and watch all the cool stuff on the screen.

50's is by far one of the most fun meals on property. Every time I've been there I have a blast. I especially love Jason there he comes around with family albums and even has little Disney quiz's to see how well you know your Disney trivia! The food is more classic home cooked meals like fried chicken, meat loaf, and others along that line.

 

[AP1209]

Thanks for the replies everyone. You guys have almost convienced me to go in a different direction and try 50's Prime Time! Decisions, Decisions!

 

[JZCubed]

Have a lunch booked for the Brown Derby but thinking about switching to sci fi. There is no availability at sci fi on the day we are going but hoping something will open up. How kid friendly is Brown Derby? I'm guessing lunch wouldn't be as bad as dinner. The theming at sci fi is part of the reason we are thinking about switching. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Its me, DW, DD11 and DS1.

Brown Derby may be the most casual of all the Signatures because there is no way to prevent folks from feeling out-of-place in Park attire.

Children are everywhere.

Other than Victoria & Albert - all Disney establishments are kid-friendly. That's why some of us go to Disney.

With a 1 y.o., you run the risk that Sci-Fi is too dark and potentially frightening. Also, the car set-up for dining can be either a good or bad distraction for a 1 y.o. Others may suggest otherwise, but you know your child best.

Your 11 y.o. will find Sci-Fi 'way cool'.

 

[samsteele]

Better food? Brown Derby. Fun, unique atmosphere? Sci-Fi. Most kids would prefer Sci-Fi (as well as a few adults). Only you know if your 1 yr old would deal well with a dark restaurant, booths set in 50s style cars and classic 50s Hollywood black & white alien and monster movies with loud soundtrack.

 

[disnut8]

Your kids are 11 and 1. Do they even know what a drive in movie theater is? If not, take them to Sci Fi. It's just like the real thing and you can have a conversation about what the old times were like. I'd stick to the burgers and shakes so nothing fancy but just a chance to have them experience this. And the movie clips are fun. A PP mentioned the nonstop loop but we've never had to wait through it more than one full cycle (about 45 minutes) and in some cases, have had to "extend" our time (with another beer) to watch the entire thing.

 

[AP1209]

Your kids are 11 and 1. Do they even know what a drive in movie theater is? If not, take them to Sci Fi. It's just like the real thing and you can have a conversation about what the old times were like. I'd stick to the burgers and shakes so nothing fancy but just a chance to have them experience this. And the movie clips are fun. A PP mentioned the nonstop loop but we've never had to wait through it more than one full cycle (about 45 minutes) and in some cases, have had to "extend" our time (with another beer) to watch the entire thing.

My 11 year old has been to a drive in and loved it. Sci-fi really seems like fun. I think I am leaning toward trying to get a ressie at Sci-fi.