It goes without saying, that the Disney parks are well known for their both incredible and infamous dining offerings. From the divisive pizza at Pizze Rizzo to a delectable steak at one of the signature dining locations, the Walt Disney World dining options offer something for every palate.
Walt Disney World offers some fantastic table-service dining experiences. However, you do not need to pay steep prices for a buffet or character dining meal to have a great experience. There are a few underrated gems when it comes to extraordinary dining experiences at Walt Disney World, and one of those gems is 50’s Prime Time Café at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
1. Excellent Atmosphere
50’s Prime Time Café is located on Hollywood Boulevard, near Echo Lake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The restaurant’s overall theme is set to a large home from the 1950s with décor such as antique plates and knickknacks that you probably once saw in your parents’ or grandparents’ kitchen. Some of the tables include a classic black and white television that shows episodes of old shows like Dennis the Menace. You will truly feel like you have stepped back in time.
The atmosphere at 50’s Prime Time Café is made not only from the décor, but also from the waiters. They will treat you like family and aren’t afraid to speak to you like such. I was reprimanded several times for being on my phone at the table. We were also told not to put our elbows on the table, and when one person in our group didn’t finish all their food, they were lightly scolded. It is all in good fun though, and the more you play into the shenanigans the more fun the experience is. Additionally, if or when you “clean your plate,” you can get a sticker certifying you as an official clean plate club member.
2. Delicious Food
Of course, a dining location can’t be a gem without good food, and boy does 50’s Prime Time Café offer up A LOT of good food. The portion sizes are somewhat large, and the price point is lower than many of the other themed dining locations. It makes for a good value, but also a very filling meal.
This is something to weigh when at a theme park. The menu offers home-cooked classics like meatloaf, deviled eggs, chicken pot pie, pot roast, and fried chicken. Our group ordered fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast. There were no complaints about the food, and nearly every member cleaned their plate.
For dessert, they offer both unique and classic milkshakes. We tried the Peanut Butter and Jelly milkshake and the chocolate milkshake. If you have room after your meal, I highly recommend trying the PB&J milkshake. You can also choose from warm apple crisp and lemon meringue pie among other sweet treats.
3. A Variety of Great Drink Options
50’s Prime Time Café also offers many fun drink options for adults and children alike. There are several non-alcoholic options such as Mickey’s Bee Bop Drink that comes in a souvenir cup with a glowing cube. If you prefer something more adult, you can try something from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet.
They have special drinks like Grandma’s Picnic Punch made with vodka, peach schnapps, crème de cassis, lemonade, and pineapple juice. They also offer Dad’s Electric Lemonade, the Chocolate Martini, Mowie Wowie, and more. In addition to the cocktails, they offer wines and beers.
4. It May Be Easier To Get A Table Than At Other Restaurants
If you are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or plan to be, 50’s Prime Time Café is a great table service dining option. You get a lot of food for the price point, the food is good, and the ambiance is quirky and unique. You can make an advance dining reservation, or you can join the walk-up waitlist.
Hollywood Studios was very crowded (probably the most crowded I have ever seen) on the day we were there, but we were still able to join the waitlist and waited about 40 minutes for our table for which we were not required to stay at the restaurant, but simply nearby. This allowed some of our party to do a quick ride on Star Tours, and others to do some shopping.
Have you eaten at 50’s Prime Time Café? What was your experience? Let us know in a comment below or on our Facebook page!
