Why does Disney put up with the Sci-Fi Drive In?

Montyboy

Montyboy

New Member
Original Poster
There seems to be a common theme in the reviews of the Sci-Fi Drive In... The experience is good, but the food is hit or miss at best. Even if you like the food, it looks like many people are disappointed.
I'm singling out Sci-Fi because it is American cuisine and should be pretty easy to get right.
 
sbkline

sbkline

Well-Known Member
I only had one problem with Sci-Fi:

I ordered the strip steak and after it arrived and we were eating, I kept noticing a stench. I finally figured out it was the mushrooms that they put over my steak. No biggie, I just scrapped the mushrooms off and the steak was delicious. I don't even think of that as much of a negative thing since that is just how they prepare the steaks. Many people love the mushrooms, but I'm just not a mushroom kind of guy.

Other than that, we loved the atmosphere and the food was great. We would definitely eat there again. So I don't know what everyone is complaining about, but that's just two people's opinions, I suppose.
 
Captain Hank

Captain Hank

Well-Known Member
Eh, I've never had much of a problem with Sci-Fi. While not the best restaraunt on property, I've always had decent food and pretty good service (though the last time, the service wasn't quite up to "Disney" standards). However, I really love the atmostphere, as I'm a big fan of the old sci-fi movies (go MST3K!).
 
4

4parks1world

New Member
We have eaten there one time and i will never eat there again..MGM needs to upgrade the dining in the park and this would be a great place to start
 
B

BeanSz

Member
4parks1world said:
We have eaten there one time and i will never eat there again..MGM needs to upgrade the dining in the park and this would be a great place to start
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I understand there are very mixed reviews regard Sci Fi, but as long as folks think of this place a burger and milkshake joint with cool atmosphere, you should be fine. Regarding the statement above about MGM (DHS) I don't agree that Disney "needs to upgrade the dining in the park". DHS I think has a great variety of food for the park. Brown Derby IMHO is one of the best restaurants in WDW, and one of our favorites. There are some decent sit downs, Prime Time, Sci Fi, and Mama Melrose, all serve their niche and price bracket and meets expectations. Toy Story Pizza is always a favorite counter service; however, I think if there are any upgrades, maybe another counter service option since these always seem to be way too crowded. We did the Hollywood an Vine Disney Playhouse meal, and very much enjoyed it. Not as good as Crystal Palace, but I thought much better than Chef Mickeys (IMHO).
 
raven

raven

Well-Known Member
Sci-Fi is good for desserts. That's about it in my opinion. The film loops about 45 minutes into your meal.
 
Purple413

Purple413

New Member
While I'll agree that the Sci-Fi is not my favorite restaurant at MGM, I do still enjoy eating there every now and then. I've never had a bad experience there, and I've always enjoyed my meals. I guess it depends on your experience and your personal taste! I say let it stay!
 
G

garettd

New Member
I have been going to the SCI-FI every time we go dating back to 89'. I have noticed that the quality has been going down hill every visit. Originally you could get one of the best burgers in all of WDW, now it barely passes as a burger.

The overall theming is still one of the best but it is time to change the movie loop. I do not believe there has been one change in 18 years.
 
typhoon22

typhoon22

New Member
Our family has eaten at sci-fi many times and have not been unhappy. We treat it as good place to get a decent burger and shake. Our trips always include nicer restaurants like California Grill, LeCellier, BOMA ect..., so I save my fish and steak dishes for these places. Many would agree that even the burgers are overpriced, but we think the theme of the restaurant makes up for that.
 
redfive13

redfive13

Active Member
They probably put up with it because that place packs 'em in every day!! The food may not be the best, but people love it there. I agree with you about the food, it's only OK. But the atmosphere wins you over...
 
Jimmy Thick

Jimmy Thick

Well-Known Member
The atmosphere makes up for the food quality, which comparing it to other dining establishments, is really not that bad.

Jimmy Thick give's Sci-Fi- 3 out of 5 stars.
 
hooters dude

hooters dude

Banned
My wife and I love the Sci-fi, we go before fantasmic every trip. The food seems ok to us, the real reason we go is for the atmosphere. With it being fairly dark and having booths it's one place in Disney where you can cuddle up while you eat :o
 
janni518

janni518

New Member
hooters dude said:
My wife and I love the Sci-fi, we go before fantasmic every trip. The food seems ok to us, the real reason we go is for the atmosphere. With it being fairly dark and having booths it's one place in Disney where you can cuddle up while you eat :o
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Hee! Good info to have. My hubby has a tendency to forget he's in public sometimes. Either that or he's just trying to embarrass our teenagers. Always an added bonus to canoodling.

We ate there last time we were at WDW. I have to go with the general consensus. It's to me more of a lunch place than a dinner place. True gourmands will most likely be disappointed but it's fine for a quick meal and the theming is fun.
 
unkadug

unkadug

Follower of "Saget"The Cult
Montyboy said:
There seems to be a common theme in the reviews of the Sci-Fi Drive In... The experience is good, but the food is hit or miss at best. Even if you like the food, it looks like many people are disappointed.
I'm singling out Sci-Fi because it is American cuisine and should be pretty easy to get right.
Click to expand...

I think this is the whole problem. Eveybody has a different opinion of how American cuisine should taste. Perhaps they base their opinion on their Mom's cooking, and we all know nobody does it like Mom!
 
Montyboy

Montyboy

New Member
Original Poster
unkadug said:
I think this is the whole problem. Eveybody has a different opinion of how American cuisine should taste. Perhaps they base their opinion on their Mom's cooking, and we all know nobody does it like Mom!
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Fair enough - tastes vary. Nothing can be done about that.
There are still posts that say the atmosphere makes up for the food (and in some cases the service as well.)
So it's okay to have so-so food as long as they have a killer concept?
I didn't say anything about hating the place, or that it should be closed, just that there is a missing piece to the dining there (for years) and it hasn't been addressed.
 
unkadug

unkadug

Follower of "Saget"The Cult
Montyboy said:
Fair enough - tastes vary. Nothing can be done about that.
There are still posts that say the atmosphere makes up for the food (and in some cases the service as well.)
So it's okay to have so-so food as long as they have a killer concept?
I didn't say anything about hating the place, or that it should be closed, just that there is a missing piece to the dining there (for years) and it hasn't been addressed.
Click to expand...

Good point, but I guess they are of the school "If it ain't broke..." and just don't realize that it's broke! :shrug:
 
flynnibus

flynnibus

Premium Member
the menu choices are way too limited...
the film loop is way too short... you can easily see the loop 2.x times in a single sitting

Expand the menu (something that is the complete opposite of what is happening in Disney dinning these days :mad:) and lengthen the film loop
 
TOTGuy

TOTGuy

Member
Sci Fi is by far one of my favorites. The themeing is wonderful and the food is just fine. I don't go there looking for cuisine, I go there looking for something to give the energy to make it through the rest of the day. On my days off that I spend at DHS I always try to stop there with my fellow CM's. I did have a seater that had a monotone voice during her short spiel but other than that I have never had bad service. I don't ever think I've seen a carhop write and order. They always memorize it and it is delivered to the T. The loop is just fine too. I think it has a nice balance of trailers, cartoons, and commercials. It may be no Victoria and Albert's but come on, it's just a fun place to grab a bite.
 

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