Table for Three at Sci Fi

[disnut8]

I think it's just that people actually call those put in the odd row out from their party "hitchikers" that I find off-putting.

Well, don't plan on being in the front row with another person and sitting on the right side. Then you will be called the driver and get all the bills for the entire car. My grandson, five years old at the time, was seated there and the look on his face when presented with the bill was priceless. Of course, his parents were seated in the back seat and some comments were directed their way as well.

 

[disnut8]

My MIL thinks Sci Fi is a horrible idea but can hopefully be talked down somewhat.

If your mother-in-law is going in with a bad attitude, I would highly and I mean HIGHLY advise you get a small pen flashlight to take with you. It's very dark and she will probably complain about not being able to read the menu so it won't start off right. The flashlight will be good. Or, use the flashlight on your phone but the pen flashlight would work better since you can just click and pass it to her.

 

[Meriweather]

I think it's just that people actually call those put in the odd row out from their party "hitchikers" that I find off-putting.

The people in your party aren't called hitchhikers........just the if someone is added in the last row....another party of 1 or 2. Those are the hitchhikers.
We are usually a party of 2 and always get seated behind a family......we are the hitchhikers

 

[Dug720]

The people in your party aren't called hitchhikers........just the if someone is added in the last row....another party of 1 or 2. Those are the hitchhikers.
We are usually a party of 2 and always get seated behind a family......we are the hitchhikers

That is what I was referring to. The non-part of your party being called a "hitchiker". Definitely has a connotation of not being wanted and being an intruder.

They seem to have no issues filling the place, so one person feeling that this set up is just rude and not going clearly isn't hurting them.

 

[Dug720]

Well, don't plan on being in the front row with another person and sitting on the right side. Then you will be called the driver and get all the bills for the entire car. My grandson, five years old at the time, was seated there and the look on his face when presented with the bill was priceless. Of course, his parents were seated in the back seat and some comments were directed their way as well.

I actually don't plan on going at all now with this full understanding of the seating. I tend to avoid DHS because there is so little I'm interested in there it is a waste of time getting there to do 2 or 3 things then leave. I was considering it for a meal at Sci-Fi since I have never done it, but now understanding it I am glad I've never bothered.

 

[Kimosabe]

That is what I was referring to. The non-part of your party being called a "hitchiker". Definitely has a connotation of not being wanted and being an intruder.

We had "hitchhikers" in our car and both parties just appreciated that it was part of the joke. Nobody felt unwanted, and the way the car-tables are set up, it is no intrusion whatsoever. Could always ask for one of the other types of tables if the menu is otherwise appealing. It's definitely a fun atmosphere, regardless of where you are sitting, and worth giving it a shot at least once.

 

[Meriweather]

Agree with above poster.
We have been hitchhikers many times and it was no problem for us or the others. No different than sitting in a table next to someone. You don't talk to them or interact. It is just a separate little table.
We have also been in the first 2 rows with hitchhkers and they didn't mind either. We did talk to them a bit because they were newlyweds and were talking to DGD.
But, if you don't want to go....don't, easy for the rest of us that love it to get ADRs

 

[HopperFan]

I think it's just that people actually call those put in the odd row out from their party "hitchikers" that I find off-putting.

But it's Disney World. Everything is based on imagination, creative story lines, playing parts like "Cast Members" and how they act "on stage" etc. Sci Fi is the most imagineered restaurant at WDW. There is nothing rude about it, it's just another part of no detail left untouched in the story. (Hitchhikers are not unwanted, just catching a ride with strangers.)

 

[DisPup75]

If your mother-in-law is going in with a bad attitude, I would highly and I mean HIGHLY advise you get a small pen flashlight to take with you. It's very dark and she will probably complain about not being able to read the menu so it won't start off right. The flashlight will be good. Or, use the flashlight on your phone but the pen flashlight would work better since you can just click and pass it to her.

Thanks for the excellent tip! I don't mean to make her (or me) sound as awful as this post probably did but planning this trip is starting to be a strain on the MIL/DIL peace treaty. Sci Fi is definitely on the list and I'm glad for extra tips that will help her enjoy it as well!

 

[disnut8]

Thanks for the excellent tip! I don't mean to make her (or me) sound as awful as this post probably did but planning this trip is starting to be a strain on the MIL/DIL peace treaty. Sci Fi is definitely on the list and I'm glad for extra tips that will help her enjoy it as well!

Has your mother-in-law ever been to a drive in movie theatre? If so, ask her to tell you what is was like. If she hasn't been, then gush over how it's going to be great enjoying this with her.

However, if she doesn't want to share her experiences with drive-in movie theatres, well, you might learn more about your mother-in-law than you wanted to!

 

[mom2of2]

I actually don't plan on going at all now with this full understanding of the seating. I tend to avoid DHS because there is so little I'm interested in there it is a waste of time getting there to do 2 or 3 things then leave. I was considering it for a meal at Sci-Fi since I have never done it, but now understanding it I am glad I've never bothered.

There are tables that seat 3 or 4 pple only....simply ask for one of those at the podium

 

[loves to dive]

We went for lunch in May without an ADR and got seated in the back at a 4 top table, not the little ones way in the back with the umbrella. It was perfect for the three of us. You don't face the screen, it is to your side, you face each other just like any 4 top. We just walked up on a whim right before opening and asked if there were any openings and they said it was first come first serve for wait list and you wouldn't be in a car, since we didn't want to be in a car, we put our name on the list and were the first people in, even before some people who were waiting on their ADRs.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Wow. Thanks for the information about odd parties out being made to be hitch hikers in cars with other parties. Seals the deal that I will quit bothering trying to get a reservation there.

It's one thing to have communal seating at Biergarten or on a cruise - communal tables are the traditional rule there. But in a sit-down restaurant like that? Pass with gusto.

SciFi is nowhere near the same as Biergarten. At SciFi you dont even look at the other party. Everyone is facing forward watching the screen. I actually find the seating at Le Cellier much more crammed than the seating at SciFi.

I've never talked to or noticed the others in the car. I've actually found it much less awkward than Biergarten. We are friendly there but have had table mates that were ......

Exactly this. You dont notice the others in your car at all. Its not awkward. You dont even look at each other. You simply watch the screen.

I actually don't plan on going at all now with this full understanding of the seating. I tend to avoid DHS because there is so little I'm interested in there it is a waste of time getting there to do 2 or 3 things then leave. I was considering it for a meal at Sci-Fi since I have never done it, but now understanding it I am glad I've never bothered.

If youre offended that easily, then yes perhaps its best that you skip SciFi. I agree with you about HS though. There's not that much to do there. Im not even wasting FP's on that park this year.

 

[branv]

If I'm remembering correctly, hitchhiker isn't a term created on DIS. This is something the waitstaff says as they introduce you to a table that already has people seated up front. It's just one of the cute, playful things they do around Disney.

And I will never ever do communal seating restaurants. I even avoid the dining room on DCL bc I find it so awkward. But sitting with people behind us at Sci Fi was no different than having someone in a booth behind us.

I loved my SciFi experience. The ambience is awesome (and so restful on a hot day). It's a shame you're passing it up over what seems to be a misreading of the situation.