Disney Restaurant Challenge: Sci Fi DIne In vs. 50’s Prime Time Cafe | Where Should You Eat?

[@paulciavardoni8069]

Kristin giving that review at Sci-Fi was like watching a hostage video

[@yvettechristensen8315]

lol

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

😂

[@PaulKellyMacLeod-db9be]

I’d have to be a hostage to go to sci fi again

[@jays9196]

😅😅😅You win the internet today! 🤣😅🤣

[@giabarletta5929]

Sci Fi evvvvvvverytiiiime!! You can not beat that atmosphere and the food feels like that retro kind of diner food I’d enjoy at a drive in! I really don’t need my burger or fried pickles to be spectacular, they’re good and all they need to be!

[@disableddisneymom3604]

It’s Science Fi for me! I absolutely love it there!!! I love 50’s Prime Time as well (especially the shakes!) but I gotta go Sci Fi!!! Just for the pickles (sorry you didn’t get those this day)!

[@MaryJoMiller]

So how was the ice cream sundae? Thank you for the review of 50's I never go because I don't care for that kind of banter but hubs wants to try it so we have reservations in September

[@kdash7]

We came to Disney World on our honeymoon in 1997. (It was my first time in Disney.) The food back then was so good. We ate at Sci-Fi & we had one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten! Unfortunately, we have NEVER had that experience again at Sci-Fi & we have been there many times. Every time we eat there, we vow “never again!”…& then the kids say they want to eat there again by the time we are booking our next trip. I feel like going to Sci-fi is like giving birth.(but only the pain of it..not the joy) you forget the pain of it all & go again in a couple of years.😂

[@nannybeadling1227]

This is a great idea Kristen! Please do more of these. ❤

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Thanks! Which restaurants would you like to see next? Maybe battle of the Italian restaurants? 👀

[@nannybeadling1227]

@@wrightdownmainstreet oooooooooo yes! Or battle of the fried chicken. I love the fried chicken at Home Coming. It would be interesting to see if you could find better. We only visit 2 times per year, so these choices are difficult to make. 😁Thanks for your awesome, honest videos! You rock.

[@jkhegarty857]

​@wrightdownmainstreet oh yes, battle of Italian Restaurants. I hear "Ravello" is high-ranking. Perhaps pair it off with a comparable competitor? Only a suggestion. Bueno Apetito! 😊

[@yvettechristensen8315]

@@wrightdownmainstreet YES!

[@yvettechristensen8315]

@@nannybeadling1227 YES! Battle of the Italian Food and Fried Chicken.

[@cindymitcheltree7961]

I love this idea! I would love to see you do more of these comparisons! Thanks, Kristen

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Thanks! Definitely going to try to do this style of video more often.

[@lruddock3808]

Always love your honesty! ❤

[@FreeBird1707]

50s Prime Time has the best ambience in my opinion! It is always a must for my family because my 80 year old Grandma says it reminds her of her mother and the way she ran her house which makes it worth it😂❤ I agree though, the food in MGM (long live MGM Studios) is not award winning but both restaurants have great atmospheres and you definitely go for the experience!

[@yvettechristensen8315]

I agree, both my daughter and I are suckers for theming so we want to do the Diner for sure.

[@KickitwithKelly]

This is a video I’ve been wanting for years!! Specifically about how to choose between these two exact restaurants. Fantastic job Kristen!!! Thank you so much 🎉

[@muthergoose4084]

Just had lunch at sci fi and we absolutely LOVED the food. The burgers were great. There is an Asian inspired burger that blew us away. The atmosphere and the movies were a wonderful touch. If you go ask for Ray. Amazing server.

[@yvettechristensen8315]

I'm glad I watched this! We were debating which of the two restaurants to go to in October. My daughter has fond memories of the cars in Sci Fi and wanted to go. Now we will do an early lunch at the Diner and just apps and cocktails for dinner at SciFi. Thanks for taking one for the team, lol.

[@Tatsandteee]

So sci fi used to be better before covid. It was our go to spot. We went a couple months ago. I got the chicken salad sandwich and it was not good. We had people sat behind us halfway through the meal and they were loud as heck. I wish they had two people options. Also, the movie reels are on repeat. I saw the same ones twice and we were there less than 40 mins. Quick service though but feels so rushed. 50’s - we had what you said about the servers not being engaged. We had a server that did the bare minimum. It was not an ideal experience. As a kid who grew up in a household like that I had some trauma resurfacing haha. I didn’t realize it was like eating in my strict household again so for me it’s a no go. Thanks for reviewing though!

[@DCL26]

The 50s Prime Time Waitress is so funny! 😂 😅 Are there people in there? In keeping in the experience of the 50s era...That was one of my favorite places to visit. I don't remember what I ate. It wasn't memorable.

[@a_d018]

“It tastes like I’m just eating a brick of potato.” 😂

[@kevgret]

$25 Burger??? $30 Dry chicken???? $3 A WING??? DAYUM!!

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I would rather go to Cosmic Rays & get a $13 burger than that $25 Sci-Fi burger

[@GloriaHarris-y8x]

Very fun video! I think the negative reviews are so much more entertaining to watch.

[@CurlyQ227_]

Under 1 minute in and I love the concept already!!!

[@CurlyQ227_]

Wait. What if what you get has mayo? Did you tell him bring you things w/o it?

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Thank you!! Yes I told my server at sci fi that I don’t eat mayo or any creamy sauce so if it comes on it to just bring it on the side. He brought the Carolina mustard bbq sauce on the side just to be safe but we were in the clear for that! 😂😂

[@MrMkim]

Snl: Lay off, man, I’m STARVING!

[@Elizabeth-foolishmortal]

I love Prime Time. I have celebrated my birthday there and ALL my " new friends" sang. This year our waiter had us playing a g ame. We had the best time.

[@karenpetersen4293]

I'm sad about the food at Sci Fi because I agree it has some of the best theming I've ever experienced. I think the food at Prime Time is great. Can't go wrong with basic comfort meals with a cool, kitschy vibe and fun servers. Tune In Lounge is a gem too.

[@giabarletta5929]

I’m glad you mentioned the Stack Burger…do you know if you can secretly order it at dinner too or is it exclusive to the lunch menu??

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Yes, you can also order it for dinner despite it not being on the menu.

[@giabarletta5929]

@@wrightdownmainstreet awesome!! Thank you!

[@ericroll]

As a single diner on a budget, I always go to PizzeRizzo and get the Meatball Sub. It's about $12 and has a lot of meat. It's one of the best values at the Studios. It's counter service, no fuss, no muss, no waiter, no tip. And it comes with a small Ceasar Salad. Great value. The only thing to be aware of is they close early--usually at 5 PM.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Love the impossible sausage & pepper sandwich from Pizzerizzo! Try that one out next time

[@AaronIsntQualified]

For me, it’s SciFi. It’s the only restaurant that I’ve been to on every Disney trip since ‘94. I’ve personally never had a bad experience there with food but will admit it has gone down a bit since Covid and I was the options were a little more exciting. However, the ambience is the main reason I go anyway. I’ll pay the burger up charge just for that. I went to Primetime once, glad I did but the atmosphere just wasn’t for me.

[@Pilot4Life]

I agree. 50’s prime time is amazing and I had the same fun waitress you did, Kris. She was amazing and fun. Must be her area to serve. Was there last week. Great review!! ❤

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

She was so good! She did such a great job playing the part & I hope everyone that visits 50s Prime Time gets a server as into it as her.

[@Pilot4Life]

Totally! Love your reviews. I like how honest you are and do not patronize just because it’s Disney. They do make mistakes too and need to hear realistic feedback.

[@suewalton8822]

Definitely 50’s Prime Time! But without the shenanigans 😂 my elbows are going to be all over the table! 🤣

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I'll tell you, it is very difficult to not put your elbows on the table. I am always very cautious when I am dining there lol

[@cassiealyson]

oh em gee, the cornbread skillet looks soooooo delicious😍😋

[@thecoolestdad]

We have eaten at Prime Time Cafe 2-3 times since the late 80s/early 90s. The food back then was excellent and the portions were huge. I couldn't eat everything. I like the theming at Prime Time. As far as Sci Fi goes, we have never eaten there. I can't comment on the food there. Based on the visual on the foods at Sci Fi, I have to say I agree with you about the wings. They didn't look good at all. As far as the burger and fries goes, I thought visually they looked good. Now. Of course we all have different taste buds and some people may get those same items and love them. I do love your food reviews. That's why I subscribed to you. Because I want to get a "heads up" opinion about stuff, so I can decide whether or not I want to try the things that you weren't so crazy about. Your reviews give us a good foundation to build on. For the most part, I am not hard to please when it comes to theme parks foods. I realize the mass quantity that they have to serve everyday so I understand sometimes the foods are less than quality as they should be. I get that. By in large, I pretty much stay with quick service foods because I like to get in and out as quick as possible. So I am not usually disappointed with the quality of the foods. But that's just me. But I would to tell you where to get an awesome burger and fries. But make sure the burger patty is cooked fresh, even if you have to tell them you will wait for a freshly cooked patty. Go to the food court at Cabana Bay at Universal. Best burger I have ever had from a resort or theme park. I'd love to see a review on the burger and fries from you at the Cabana Bay food court. Thanks.

[@ShannonThompson-w5t]

Thank you! I am planning a trip and this really helped narrow it down. Do you have to have reservations? What about going to sci fi for just dessert? It just looks so fun!

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Definitely want to make reservations for both these restaurants especially Sci Fi

[@donnawodiuk7800]

Totally agree with your assessment! Just an additional thought. We went to Ale and Compass Lounge and server told us their burger was ranked #1 in Disney World. Would like you to try it and let us know what you think

[@francesw.6774]

To me, these are both one-time must-do places for the ambience (sort of like Be Our Guest) and are especially fun if you are there with kids. Or maybe once a decade places, if you get to go to WDW regularly. For me, the two great joys of dining out are good food and good company. Neither of these places shine for their food (particularly at Disney prices) and by the nature of the places (especially Sci-Fi), it is hard to socialize normally.

[@karenferraro9212]

Agreed! We love the ambiance at Sci Fi and will go for that on occasion. For overall experience that includes tasty food, 50’s Prime Time all the way!

[@sueanncook2472]

Thanks for the dining comparison. I agree totally. We love 50’s it’s a family ritual that we go to HS on our first day and eat at 50’s. Never gets old 👋👋

[@colleen1583]

Prime time looks like stepping back into grandmas house!

[@NessieMay]

I’ve eaten at both on recent trips and honestly I would choose neither. I’d rather eat at Docking Bay 7 before either one. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Same tbh 😂

[@colleen1583]

Agree

[@XZOL445]

When do we get to be honored with your sister Lauren's presence? Was watching an old video. I love that goofball!

[@kikimouse]

Been twice to 50s Prime time many years ago. First time the service and food were good making us want to go back. The second time the waitress did not engage at all and the food was not as good. Loved the theming!! Have never tried SciFi. Great video, loved the honesty🤩

[@robertsandybeach9990]

That was a no brainer...Prime Time I go back to often..Drive in was 1 and done..

[@jen_dinsmo]

These 2 restaurants are so nostalgic for me, went as a kid so many times. I remember at 50s prime time one time a server did the airplane with a fork full of food with my grandma 😂 we were dying it was so funny.

[@emilywynstra]

I always think of you when I see cornbread now! I love it too...have you ever tried cornbread batter like cookie dough batter?! If not, DO ITTTT bc it's totally a guilty pleasure of my mom and I😋🌽

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

NO! I have never even thought to do this but sounds incredible. Crumbl had the cornbread cookie last week so my roommate & I had to get it. So good, my fave Crumbl cookie

[@jays9196]

@wrightdownmainstreet Your Sci Fi review was hilarious. I'm sorry you had to suffer to do the review. My wife and I have been going to Disney World forever. We know the restaurants in all of Disney World have their ups and downs. Tony's is a good example. It was really bad for a while, but we were pleasantly surprised when we were there in May. Keep doing great reviews! I found a new favorite Disney Content Provider!

[@SharonMorgan-gb9qe]

Hilarious when your waitress asked you who you were talking to! 😂

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

😂😂😂

[@nickhenline1532]

You're so right, the burgers are just not good at Sci Fi, id rather have fast food burgers any day of the week, but cant beat that ambiance!

[@libraryminnie5892]

I will just have that heirloom tomato sliced on a plate served with a salt shaker on the side and a hot fudge sundae. You really took one for the team doing this review! Big thanks from everyone who avoids making a ghastly mistake at Studios.

[@tagjohnson9940]

I love this vlog! Keep up the good work! My pick is 50’s Prime Time. But if you have kids, be aware that if you’re looking around, there is a chance your kids could see the characters at Hollywood and Vine, because the restaurants are connected. It could get awkward.

[@amandagonzales4813]

Attack of the godzilla tomato!!! Awesome and fun review! That gravy from 50's looked so good! The only thing I ever eat in HS is the charcuterie board from Baseline, but I do love the themeing of the Sci Fi.

[@jkhegarty857]

Hi Kristin 👋!! A great theme restaurant pairing. Born in the 1950s, the nostalgic decor in the 50s prime time was my grandparents' house. I agree, the "personality" service is a little off-putting. Both mom & grandma NEVER talked to us that way. As for the sci-fi restaurant, great idea. Had a bit of "Jack Rabbit Slim's" feel to it. (Pulp Fiction). By looking at your food, I gave it a 3. It was easy to see the depth of the hoisin sauce on the wings and the incompatibility of the pastrami burger. I'm from NYC. One thing we have here are delis that sell EXCELLANT pastrami. The fries, meh. Sometime back, Nate from PMM did a dinner review of his experience at 50s Prime Time. As a true gentleman that Nate is, everything was very pleasing. It seemed he really enjoyed the mom-like servers. Thanks for the pairing. Good idea. Catch you on the next one. 😊

[@ChelsyLewandowski]

I agree totally! I did once eat so much at my 50s I had to roll myself back onto a friendship boat back to my hotel bed at boardwalk to recover. I’d do it again 😂 I’m all about atmosphere when in Disney though so I can deal with a mid level burger at sci-fi because the experience is pretty cool! Thanks for another great video and I loved this style!

[@allaboardblakestrainsandmore]

Prime Time reminds me so much of my grandmother's house (the tables and chairs, the nik naks, she even always had on old black and white tv shows). I'm sorry we didn't eat there on our last trip.

[@tracyrobson5175]

100% agree on your review of Sci-Fi. 50's Prime Time however, disappointed me too. Our service the 1 time we went was less than marginal. I feel it was because there was only 2 of us & the waitress was going to get a better tip from her larger tables. We had to ask passing by people for refills on our drinks. Also, the food was just ok. Not bad not great. Nothing to write home about. Honestly, I won't dine at either of these places again.

[@almitch74]

I loved 50's Prime Time...loved the chicken noodle soup, fried chicken was finger licking awesome! It was a favorite for sure.

[@theboringkaren]

Just the other day a coworker was talking about his experience at 50s Prime Time as a kid. He said he was traumatized because the server made him sit at another table with strangers after getting in trouble. 🤣 I've never been to either restaurant but I'd choose 50s Prime Time if given the choice!

[@suzannefeezor455]

Love 50's Prime Time! That peanut butter and jelly shake is the best.

[@Phantom981]

You're crazy about the fried chicken. I've been there over 5 times and it's good every time.

[@12katieclaire12]

Sci-Fi deserves more love than this! It’s so delicious!!! I would recommend to everyone!

[@bridget824]

The look on your face when you said, "Tastes like I'm just eating a brick of potato" had me cracking up!🤣Great video Kristen! 👍

[@christinenapoli5106]

Love 50s Prime Time! My kind of humor & I like the food.

[@Grahamt978]

Can we add another category, Over All Experience??? Cool idea, more please!!

[@kathleengavan1592]

The cornbread was amazing!

[@johnzartman8776]

Kristin, My family totally agrees with you the food at Sci-Fi does really suck.The atmosphere is OK , but we will never eat there again .

[@bubsmp]

Even for Sci-Fi, for us, it was one and done. The experience was cool but the screen is on a loop so it’s the same thing over and over. Just from what I could see from your video it looks like the same clips. Great video, always say you’re the real deal when it comes to reviews.

[@Mondophyl]

❤ your honesty

[@sarahr6285]

Never gotten a reservation at Sci-Fi, but I love Prime Time!

[@mikedoran4763]

I've eaten at both those restaraunts once in the past. Consequently, I don't go to either place any more, but if those were the only choices, then I too would consider Prime Time to be the least objectionable of the two.

[@wesleyhowren6116]

I just moved back to Orlando Florida. I can’t wait to run into you and get a picture one day yeah 50s primetime diners one of my favorite experiences. You should try the geyser point.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Congrats on the move! Geyser Point is one of my favorite spots! I've never made a video there, but hope to soon.

[@mele7417]

Can you get the P&J milkshake from the bar/lounge next to 50s prime or only dining

[@LisaBarker-z7n]

50s Prime Time for us every year. Love it!

[@jediturbodoc]

Timing is everything. I had the fries at Sci Fi 2 weeks ago and they were hot and crispy. But yes. Sci Fi is more for the experience. Too bad about the lack of fried pickles.

[@jakejake622]

Jeez- now I’m hungry for both places. Thanks 😀

[@Just_Nita-i2q]

This was fun !!! And useful thanks as usual

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Thanks for watching!

[@Just_Nita-i2q]

Oh man burger worse than cosmic ugh that's bad

[@lisaann3108]

Fun video Kristin. I’m all about 50’s Prime time for the fun banter when you have a server who’s really into a good time! The food could be better if it were served hot in my opinion. As for theSci-fi, well after I ate there on vacation I actually felt sick to my stomach.🤢 I’d say better food, better movies and only go there if your looking to cool off or get outa the rain. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I've had servers before who weren't super into it, but my server this visit was excellent!

[@AE-pw4bg]

Clean plate award… prime time all the way!

[@sacrosby]

I get why you're picking the most popular items but on the other hand, I feel like you should pick something that you know you might enjoy. The menu at SciFi is pretty disappointing these days, they used to have steak and nice pasta dishes there, and my beloved long lost Red Velvet Cheesecake! I'll always love the ambience there though. 🚘✨🛸

[@ClicksterVR]

I’ve eaten at both, wouldn’t go back the sci-fi but that was down to the awful service we had. Prime time cafe would 100% do again.

[@biancapassaro]

I felt like I was watching the Blair Witch Project when you were at Sci Fi 😂

[@sethshoell3020]

How dry did you want those wings

[@Claire-f3z]

Sci fi diner is the worst. My brother likes the drive in movie theme so we go there but the only thing that’s “ok” is a regular cheeseburger. Prime Time has much better food and I like the interaction.

[@rpmcobra698]

Totally agree with you Kristen I use to tell my we are not leaving DW until we eat at SIFI, we love the theme 50's cars, black & white sifi and horror but the food is awful. I wish they would just let's us bring in a pbj we'll pay a fee 😅

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

It is really such a shame that restaurants with that amazing theming wouldn't take pride in the food served. I think Sci-Fi should switch to smash burgers. Make fresh smash burgers, patty melts, and other diner style food.

[@SharonMorgan-gb9qe]

Considering the very high prices Disney charges at their sit down restaurants, you would think the quality of food would be much better than what they serve.

[@stingrayl82]

The last time I got a burger at Cosmic Ray's (around 2022) it might have been the worst thing I've ever paid to eat. So they must have either stepped up their game *a lot* or there was something amiss in the kitchen on my visit. My last time going to SciFi would have been before 2020 and I don't recall anything memorable about the food one way or another.

[@anna2991]

I went to 50’s prime time once as a child. Never again. The audience interaction mixed with trying to eat food gave me too much anxiety. I appreciate some people love it, it’s just not for me. I do love Sci Fi after finally getting to dine there as an adult a few years ago. The food is decent but I really love the environment.

[@stanmagdon6277]

We’re done with Sci fi. Stopped going years ago. Retried it this spring and same thing. Will not be back. Service was also awful.

[@moonbeammama22]

Love both restaurants...but mostly go for atmosphere. The food is not great at either. Sci fi is a favorite...but great memories at both locations!

[@meghan8969]

The fried pickles are no better lol. I ordered them and all of the pickles fell out of the batter in the fryer so they served me batter…. Sans pickles. That wasn’t the only issue. Our meal was comped.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

So maybe I didn't miss out 😂 I would rather eat fried batter than those wings though

[@angelcordero717]

Thank you, when I ate there, years ago I got food poisoning and I was throwing up on the way home pulling over an every few miles. Terrible

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

That does not sound like a good time yikes

[@WhoAteThePeach]

Tell us how you really feel 😂. No seriously, love your honesty. We have been to sci fi several times but not since 2019. Has it got worse? When I went they had steak - I remember quite liking it but it was nothing special. It looks like steak isn’t on the menu now. I have also had a burger and thought it was ok back then. However, it was on the dining plan. I do like the atmosphere. I’d be worried about the service at prime time, I think it would be embarrassing for me and esp the kids. 😅

[@Minnieme740]

We got the chicken salad sandwich and the grilled chicken citrus salad and both were really good. I never see anyone order either one 🤷🏻‍♀️ (at sci fi)

[@tamist5079]

We did prime time about 16years ago my niece(14) and nephew(13) they were not impressed at all😂😁they were told to set the table which they did not🤔I loved it food was good

[@claudiatighe514]

I’m loving these videos you have been making about the food at WDW in and out !

[@BriggsStratton11]

Have you done the Rainforest vs. T-Rex?

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

No, but that would be a good one!

[@leahpalmateer7941]

Definitely agree with you that 50s Prime Time is way better than Sci Fi. I did not like the food at Sci Fi.

[@nancycarden2469]

50s prime time. I like their menu so much better

[@ShelliMora]

I could not disagree more with you about food at either location. The wings at Sci Fi are some of the best wings I’ve ever had - and I’ve had them more than a few times. I love the pastrami burger! The pot roast and meatloaf are amazing at 50s Prime Time. Definitely deserved a higher rating.

[@allisonnorfolk5188]

I don't think I've seen Kristin get so close to throwing up on camera than she did after tasting those wings.

[@tlisalisa8926]

Maybe the oysters 😅

[@wandabradford5100]

Will 5 adults fit at the car table?

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

It would be a very tight squeeze, I'm not sure

[@amberland1229]

Do u eat all the food even if u don't like it?

[@jenniferscanlan6368]

“This is the way.” 😉😊

[@robertcreigh7778]

50s Prime Time 100%. Sci-Fi is a one and done experience. I would only go back if I was with a first timer to WDW.

[@MisterMonsieur]

Really? Four weeks and 189 comments and no mention of the "Monsters Inc." reference at 1:37?

[@aimeeguerrera2579]

I agree