younger kids at sci-fi?

[kissafrog]

DH and I would love to try the Sci-fi diner, but I am curious about the ages of kids that enjoy it. My boys will be 6 1/2 & 3 1/2, have others with little ones this age had a good time, or are they bothered by the dark, movie clips, or other?
Also, ordering 'drive-in' fare of sandwiches and shakes, about how long are you usually there, average? is allowing about an hour to an hour and a half reasonable?
TIA, I appreciate the input!

 

[dreamalittledream]

We ate there in Feb at an early PS 4:30 since it was all I could get at MGM for that day. We sat in one of the front to back cars but should have asked to be changed, it was tough dealing with the kids and the food in that set up. The baby had to sit in a high chair parked next to the car. There were other cars with tables that were "normal" which would have been better for us.
That said, our 3 yr old liked it but didn't "get" it. She likes princess's not monsters. Your boys might think it is cool though. She didn't mind the dark at all and our server was funny. The food was really good, I had a pasta dish with HUGE shrimp. Her mac n cheese was very tastey.

 

[disnut8]

We sat in the back of a car with another family (we didn't know them) with children about the same age. They were fine with everything. It's not really that dark (although it's hard to read the menu), the movie clips are more funny that anything else (really stupid stuff), and surprisingly, it's not that noisy.

I'd say your estimate of an hour and a half is way over. Normally takes us about 45 minutes. Service is very quick. The loop of clips is about 45 minutes and I think they try to get you out in one cycle. Not that you are rushed or anything but the service is fast. We even lingered over some drinks after we were done eating and were out of there in 45 minutes.

 

[TheBeast]

Probably depends on your kids - we have twins and they can be a bit ansty. Our car was very small and crowded, so it was tough dealing with two kids who of course wanted to sit together (our mistake I guess). We're trying to lean over and deal with all the usual kid stuff... including a spilled milkshake. Was dark enough that we couldn't see menu or food...

We just didn't enjoy it. I think kids were around 6 or 7 at the time.

 

[tazleiten12]

DH and I would love to try the Sci-fi diner, but I am curious about the ages of kids that enjoy it. My boys will be 6 1/2 & 3 1/2, have others with little ones this age had a good time, or are they bothered by the dark, movie clips, or other?
Also, ordering 'drive-in' fare of sandwiches and shakes, about how long are you usually there, average? is allowing about an hour to an hour and a half reasonable?
TIA, I appreciate the input!

My kids love this place, and they are always so good there. I think it is because of the atmosphere and the movie clips they can watch while waiting for there food. I would have each child sit with a parent, makes it a lot easier. its not scary at all.

 

[Viki]

When my kids - a boy and a girl, now 16 &17 - were young, Sci-Fi cafe was always one of their favorites. In fact, it still is and se'll be there in December.

We love the clips!

 

[snowmouse]

This is one of my kids favorites. It did scare my dd(now9) when she was younger. The dark and the movie subject matter.

 

[KLAIT]

This is my sons favorite restaurant in Disney. He loves the cars, the "stars" on the ceiling, the funny movie clips and the glowing ice cube drinks..

He was 3 the first time we took him and every year it is the one place he requests.

 

[Brightsy]

We took our kids there in May. T'was my elder DSs 6th b-day and my younger DS is 3 1/2 yrs. old (kinda like your kids!)

Anywhoo, they enjoyed themselves quite a lot! They both loved sitting in a "car" and eating while watching 'toons and stuff. The glowing ice cubes were a huge hit, too!

Sara

 

[gopack]

My son loved this place as a 4 year old. He has a tendancy to be easily frightened. He was not bothered by the clips at all. Also, it is not very dark. It is still a favorite of the whole family.

 

[lisamomof3]

Hi, just wondering. We are a family of 5 Dh, and 3 dd's. (12,9,7 on next trip) Will the girls be able to sit in one seat by themselves or will one of us be split up?

 

[rcraw45425]

The have some cars that have three seats to accomodate 5 or 6.

 

[marcyinPA]

We ate here last year when my boys were 9 and 5. They LOVED it!! My dh and I sat in the middle seat of a car, the boys sat together in the front seat (and were given "drivers licenses"), and another couple sat in the last seat behind Dh and I.

It's dark inside, but not pitch dark. The movies clips are goofy...not scary.

We were there for about an hour or so...it was my ds's 9th birthday, so they brought him dessert and a phone call from Goofy, so we were there longer than we would have been normally.

My boys LOVED the cookies and cream milkshake. They shared one, but asked if "next time" they can get their own!

 

[kissafrog]

Thanks everyone! Looks like this is definately on our list. I showed my older ds the pictures, and he was excited, told dh all about it, so we should enjoy it! Younger ds only cares about eating with Tigger, but I think he'll like it, too. The ice cubes sound cool, they love those "glow" sticks and bracelets, (already packed some of those!) so this ought to be a hit with them.

 

[Hanover]

We are a family of 4...will we have to share a car with another family? Our boys are 4 and 8

 

[shellybaxter]

We took two "non-adventerous" children to DW last January. We weren't thinking at all and made Sci Fi their first expirence (the very first thing they did). This was not smart. They were very freightened of the dark. They didn't even want to go inside. Eventually we got them in the door but they didn't do that well. No crying or anything, just quite and always looking scarred. We were really stupid and took them to Indiana Jones next and then the Great Movie Ride. After that day they were learry of all things Disney. The first ride I think they FINNALLY enjoyed was Figment the next day at Epcot.

 

[jac199]

My niece (4) was afraid of the spider in The Incredibles, do you think SciFi would be a bad choice?

-Janine

 

[jeanyusjean]

My .02.....
I also was considering dinning here but I opted for 50s Prime Time Cafe instead. From all the different reviews & menu selection I've read DD4 probably wouldn't enjoy this as much.

 

[jac199]

I'm thinking 50's Prime Time as well, but we have one adult in our party who I think would really get a kick outta SciFi. Everything else is being done with my niece in mind, so thought doing at least one thing for him would be nice.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I think your neice would like this just fine.
I am with another poster this is a must do for all my kids, ages 4,4,10 and 18. We all love it here. My twins have been coming here since thier first Birthday and have never been afraid in the least. The only challenge we had was when they werew both in Hi-chairs at the end of the table that was a little tricky. but other than that It's a must do.
We are traveling in August and not doing Sci Fi but are doing it twice in October and all the kids are mad. They want August as well.

The only thing I can suggesst is to bring a pack of crayons or markers with you. They give the kids a coloring menu but nothing to color with. Every flipping trip. I run out and purchase 3 packs of markers at teh book store that is connected to Sci Fi. Its a big family joke. How I always say NEXT time I am bringing them.
I am remembering them in October!!! Yeh, right.