Where to eat dinner at Hollywood Studios

[Jersey Girl]

We leave in 13 days for out third trip to the World. I originally had Mama Melrose booked for dinner then switched to H&V when I could get a Fantasmic package with eating there. In the past we avoided eating dinner here because the restaurants didn't seem special enough to waste money or a dining credit on but this trip we want to stay there without hopping somewhere else. Our last trip we got delayed on our way to Fantasmic and ending up standing for the show. It was our last night there so we were forced to hold the kids up even though they couldn't see anything. Now with entering along with everyone else, I'd rather just do that and avoid the package but I can't decide if I want to keep H&V or not.

My kids are 9 and 8 and we did Sci Fi our last trip and I didn't like it at all.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[PictureJumpr]

If we're booking the package for fantasmic then we book hollywood & vine - it's not special or top-notch but it is decent and satisfying.

If we are not booking the package (which we have done less and less in the past several trips) we book captain's grill at the yacht club, which is a short boat ride away from the front gate of dhs, and book it early enough to allow for dinner and the return trip followed by a stroll over to the amphitheatre and standard first-come seating. It means eating a little earlier than if we just stayed in the park but we don't really love any of the restaurants in that park.

 

[Redbudlover]

Brown Derby is one of my top three favorite restaurants at WDW! I try to eat there every trip. Great seafood and service and I love the ambiance....

 

[laughinplace199]

We eat at Brown Derby every trip also!

 

[kimis]

Here is another vote for Hollywood Brown Derby. It is one of our favorites also. We eat there every trip.

 

[Bell30012]

I can't believe you let an ADR for Mama Melrose go. Talk about great food? That place is the best kept dining secret in Hollywood Studios. That chicken Parmesan over spaghetti? Absolutely delightful.

 

[irisira]

Another vote for Brown Derby! One of my faves ...

We just had a Brown Derby open in my city, and I'm *dying* to try it. Obviously "not the same thing," but still. Yum.

 

[Tam1067]

We've had very good meals at Mama Melrose, Hollywood Brown Derby, and 50s Prime Time.

 

[FormrCastMbr]

We went to 50's Prime Time on our last trip and were pleasantly surprised. I had the pot roast. It was pretty close to my Mom's. DS had the fried chicken...it was moist and delicious. It was a bit greasy but the meat was very flavorful. DH had the chicken sandwich and said it was good. We also enjoyed the brownie sundae!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Brown Derby is wonderful. ...BUT it does take 2 TS credits. IMO I think there are better dining options for the 2 TS than Brown Derby.
Normally we just do the Sci-Fi...I know you didn't enjoy it...we usually stick to the basics..burgers, onion rings & shakes , and we have always enjoyed the meal.
I have never heard anything good about H&V (except the 'experience' of the character breakfast) so we avoid that.
We have never been dissapointed by Mama Melrose. The food has always been decent, service ok. I wouldn't hurry back to it, but I wouldn't avoid it either.
We have never done 50's Prime Time...considering it for next trip. Dh isn't a fan of 'comfort' food on vacation.
I wasn't much help, was I? Unfortunately I think DHS is SERIOUSLY lacking in dining options.

 

[wilderness01]

We like the Brown Derby as well.

 

[B-Ride]

We ate at Mama Melrose for the first time in August and really enjoyed our meal. It is the only TS restaurant at DHS that we have tried.

 

[lookingforward]

I love Brown Derby. Mama Melrose is okay too. I did NOT like Sci-FI Cafe...yuck. 50's prime time cafe is okay if you want comfort food (fried chicken, meatloaf, etc). Have a great time!

 

[skipperkim]

I like 50's, but it's not part of the FDP. I'm very picky about my Italian food, so I don't eat it when going to WDW. I've been to H&V twice and love it. The food is good and the wait staff is great too. I'd asked our waiter what the melon was on buffet. The chef came out and said it was a local melon.