When did Sc-Fi get so popular?

[sewingmolly]

I haven't been to the World since 2017, so I'm trying catch up on what's happened since then. We always included Sci-Fi Dine-In on every trip. We always thought it made a great break for lunch - a burger and a "movie". The theming is great and it's just fun. The burger isn't the best burger ever, but it was always good. But back in 2017 and prior, Sci-Fi was always getting put down for bad food by people who tried other items on the menu and didn't stick with the burger. People also complained about the seating and not being able to talk with their families, completely missing the point that it was a good place to take a break from your family. And they would gripe about the price. Yes it's expensive for a burger, but it's a theme park burger and you get great theming and a show for that price. So my question is - What made everyone wake up and realize that they were wrong and I was right about Sci-Fi? I really wish they hadn't, because now I'm going to have to stress about getting an ADR for it.

 

[DL1WDW2]

It has always been my first must book dining reservation for every trip.
And now it is the first question my grandchildren want verified :
Did grandma book Sci Fi…

 

[Krystal659]

Yep, we ate there late one night because it was “all we could get”. We loved it, but never been able to score it again despite setting alarms to make sure I’m up bright and early on my booking date.

 

[tinkerhon]

I haven't been to the World since 2017, so I'm trying catch up on what's happened since then. We always included Sci-Fi Dine-In on every trip. We always thought it made a great break for lunch - a burger and a "movie". The theming is great and it's just fun. The burger isn't the best burger ever, but it was always good. But back in 2017 and prior, Sci-Fi was always getting put down for bad food by people who tried other items on the menu and didn't stick with the burger. People also complained about the seating and not being able to talk with their families, completely missing the point that it was a good place to take a break from your family. And they would gripe about the price. Yes it's expensive for a burger, but it's a theme park burger and you get great theming and a show for that price. So my question is - What made everyone wake up and realize that they were wrong and I was right about Sci-Fi? I really wish they hadn't, because now I'm going to have to stress about getting an ADR for it.

Its always the 2nd or 3rd ADR we make--- (as far as getting an ADR) -- very tough get for years now--- its tradition for us, and a must every trip !!!

 

[Lilsia]

For the last 20 years or so. They have always been one of the harder places to get reservations. People will complain about everything but that has no bearing on if something is popular or not. I actually think that it makes it worse because some people see that it is popular and hard to get into, so they have unreasonable expectations for it.

 

[sewingmolly]

So what everyone is saying is that instead of wondering why is so hard to get an ADR at Sci-F now, I should be thanking my lucky stars that I was always able to get one in the past without any issues. I'm hoping that my luck continues to hold. I really don't remember having to worry too much about this ADR, but I have always set the alarm and made them at the first possible minute. Maybe it was just easier at 180+ days instead of 60+ days.

 

[DL1WDW2]

 

[mom2rtk]

Maybe it was just easier at 180+ days instead of 60+ days.

^^^This.

 

[Nabas]

So what everyone is saying is that instead of wondering why is so hard to get an ADR at Sci-F now, I should be thanking my lucky stars that I was always able to get one in the past without any issues. I'm hoping that my luck continues to hold. I really don't remember having to worry too much about this ADR, but I have always set the alarm and made them at the first possible minute. Maybe it was just easier at 180+ days instead of 60+ days.

Yes!

Historically, SciFi is the toughest ADR to get at DHS. SciFi has a really cool theme and its menu prices are lower than the other DHS table service restaurants.

More recently, Oga's (which only opened a few years ago) has been very tough to get. But that's a place for drinks and appetizers.

 

[PatMcDuck]

It is our #1 to book for the last 20+ years. We are not alone, many families book it every trip like us. I have used the paid services to help find us a reservation there several times in last couple years. (menawhile we are not booking character meals or some other hard to get locations).

PS never try for 2, even if your party is only 2. They appear to set algorthim to favor larger 4/6 parties. I mean TRY for 2, but if you fail to see anything, peek at party of 4. You can always check in with 2.

 

[wdw&sonny]

It’s harder to get bc HS is more popular w TS and Star Wars lands.

 

[gharter]

Don't remember a time when it wasn't popular. For the last 20 years, if you didn't have an ADR and wanted to eat regular times, it was booked solid. Off hours, you could walk in.

 

[TikiRob]

It’s harder to get bc HS is more popular w TS and Star Wars lands.

I think this has a lot to do with it. Five years ago, many considered HS a half-day park. Now with so much to do, table service options are either 50's primetime, Sci-fi or the more expensive Brown Derby and Hollywood and Vine. I find 50's Primetime even harder to find than 5 years ago.

 

[BradleyOzDisFan]

It is our #1 to book for the last 20+ years. We are not alone, many families book it every trip like us. I have used the paid services to help find us a reservation there several times in last couple years. (menawhile we are not booking character meals or some other hard to get locations).

PS never try for 2, even if your party is only 2. They appear to set algorthim to favor larger 4/6 parties. I mean TRY for 2, but if you fail to see anything, peek at party of 4. You can always check in with 2.

I've actually been using this trick on the DL app - it allows you to search for a party of four (to which more restaurants actually open up) and then, once booked, allows you to modify down to one (I'll be alone). I notice that the WDW app (because, you know, why should the WDC standardise things across the entire company???) doesn't allow this. So you're saying you ACTUALLY CAN book for a party of four and then just present as two or, hopefully one???

 

[jaysmom4285]

Yes, you can check in with fewer people than were in the original party. There is a penalty of $10 per person if no one shows up, but as long as at least one person from the party presents themselves, there's no penalty, and they'll give you the next available appropriately sized table.

 

[BradleyOzDisFan]

Yes, you can check in with fewer people than were in the original party. There is a penalty of $10 per person if no one shows up, but as long as at least one person from the party presents themselves, there's no penalty, and they'll give you the next available appropriately sized table.

That's AWESOME THANK YOU!!!!!!!

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

When did Sc-Fi get so popular?

1991.

 

[bluejasmine]

Its always been popular sometimes its easy.to get others its not

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I just wish they would refresh the movies. I have memorized them all by now. I still want the "B" movies - just some different ones. And/or make the reel longer - it always loops before our meal is done.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

We only LOVE sci fi when it's hot, cold or raining.
Seriously though - we did intentionally book sci fi in November as we had a first timer with us and thought that it'd be magical. It really was. The servers were genuinely nice and thoughtful and the food was good. I won't go back again on our next trip, unless it's requested, but I will go back.