50s Prime Time or Sci-Fi, with a baby

[sbkline]

We plan on taking our newborn on our next trip in May. She will be around 8 months old by then, and I plan two evenings at DHS. We definitely want to eat at Mama Melrose, but as for the other, we are trying to decide between 50s Prime Time and Sci-Fi Drive Inn. My wife seems to prefer Sci-Fi, which would be fine with me, except she is afraid the layout might not be very conducive for a baby in a High Chair. Since the tables are enclosed on three sides by the "car", the high chair would have to be placed right where the waiter/waitress would need to be to take the order and place the food, whereas it would be easier for the server to work around the high chair if we are at a regular table, as in 50s Prime Time. Has anyone eaten at Sci-Fi with a baby? How did it go? Are we correct in thinking that 50s Prime Time may be the better choice with a baby in a High Chair, for the reasons I gave?

 

[lebeau]

We ate at the Sci Fi with an 11-month old. She did not sit in a high chair. She had just discovered walking and was more mobile than an 8-month-old would be. So, it's not exactly your situation.

Long story short, the layout and the darkness made eating there a bit challenging. We much prefered the typical table layout at a place like 50s. Everyone was facing each other and we could see. Sci Fi is great. But the layout and darkness do present some obstacles. Especially with very young children.

Someone else can probably give you the answer you were looking for with high chairs specifically.

 

[BrianV]

They have some regular tables at the sci fi restaurant. You could ask for one.

 

[slappy magoo]

They have some regular tables at the sci fi restaurant. You could ask for one.

While I think the food is tastier at 50s, BrianV is right about there being some more traditional tables at Sci-Fi. They're located near the back of the restaurant, almost like the picnic tables a real drive-in might have had near the concession stand. Last time at WDW, my then 3 year old was too scared at what was on the screen to be able to face it. We offered to leave, but then she saw the milkshakes and her heart was torn between fear and treats (if only all our dilemmas were like that). So we "compromised" by sitting in the back, her back towards the screen, and I'd tell her when it was a cartoon or something less scary so she could turn around and watch. Eventually she felt emboldened to pretty much watch anything and move around to my side of the table.

Of course, the only problem with this is, there's no guarantee the tables would be available when you arrived, unless you opted for lunch and were amongst the first people there. I suppose another options would be this - if you can get to sic-fi at some point in the afternoon, perhaps you could ask them to note your situation and you'd prefer a table and maybe (MAYBE) they'd be able to arrange prior guests in a way that a table would be left available for you when your ADR time came.

 

[cw1982]

I too think 50's would be a better option. There might be more room for a stroller between tables at SciFi (seemed like the aisles between cars were pretty wide if I remember correctly) but then again it's dark in there, so I would think a stroller might present more of a hazard for the servers if they can't see it as well in the dark.

 

[Mr Anderson]

To keep it short, I agree; I think the layout at Sci-Fi might be a bit tough for ya. Go with 50s Prime Time.

 

[lebeau]

I too think 50's would be a better option. There might be more room for a stroller between tables at SciFi (seemed like the aisles between cars were pretty wide if I remember correctly) but then again it's dark in there, so I would think a stroller might present more of a hazard for the servers if they can't see it as well in the dark.

Stroller parking is outside.

 

[cw1982]

Stroller parking is outside.

Ah, so if they can't even bring a stroller in there, then there is definitely a gamble in regards to whether or not they could get a table that would work with a high chair, as opposed to a car, without waiting too much longer. Definitely makes 50's even better of an idea then!

 

[lebeau]

Ah, so if they can't even bring a stroller in there, then there is definitely a gamble in regards to whether or not they could get a table that would work with a high chair, as opposed to a car, without waiting too much longer. Definitely makes 50's even better of an idea then!

That's my thinking. I like both restaurants for atmosphere. But with really young kids, 50s is a safer bet. They'll enjoy Sci Fi more when they are older anyway.

 

[sbkline]

Thanks for all the input, folks. You have confirmed what my wife and I already suspected, hat which is that between those two places, out better bet would be 50s Prime Time.

However, I just realized today that I may have a better idea. I am already planning a breakfast at Hollywood & Vine, as I was very excited to see that they have added Sofia and Doc McStuffins. My daughter loves those shows (hopefully she will still love them 11 months from now!), not to mention that I have made that breakfast sort of a tradition for our trips anyway. And Mama Melrose is a must, also. But then I realized that since I like to do at least one new dining experience each trip anyway, and since we will be going during Star Wars weekends, the best option may be to do our second DHS supper at Hollywood and Vine, especially if they are doing the character meal again next year where Chip and Dale dress as Ewoks. That would get us a new dining experience, since we have never had supper there, as well as another character meal, as well as a Star Wars themed character meal (if they are doing it again next year like they did this year).

Before I put that plan in stone, can someone verify that I have that correct...that it was the Sci-Fi restaraunt that had a character breakfast with actual Star Wars characters, and Hollywood & Vine which had the supper with Chip and Dale as Ewoks?