Why Disney’s Hollywood Studios Actually has Some of the Most Underrated Restaurants at Walt Disney World

It’s time we show the restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios the love they deserve!

With headliner rides like Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and Slinky Dog Dash, there’s no shortage of hype over the attractions at Hollywood Studios. But the restaurants in the park don’t generate nearly as much buzz.

Here’s why we think Hollywood Studios has some of the most underrated restaurants in all of Disney World.

Table Service Restaurants

When you think of nearly impossible to get Advance Dining Reservations in Disney World, Hollywood Studios’ restaurants rarely come to mind. While guests will clamber over reservations at places like Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios eateries usually aren’t nearly as hot of a ticket. And we think there are some seriously overlooked options here.

Let’s start with ’50s Prime Time Cafe. This restaurant does have a devoted fanbase, but it’s far from one of the most buzzed-about places on property. Which is a shame because it has a lot to offer. Between the diner-style menu and retro decor, this place has a nostalgia factor off the charts. Plus, the servers here are all “members of your family” which leads to some hilarious and memorable interactions. It might not be completely off the radar, but we think it’s still deserving of the title of underrated!

If we’re talking truly hidden gems, we have to mention Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. We know longtime Disney World vets who have still never stepped foot in here! Granted, Italian food doesn’t always sound the most appetizing on a hot Florida day. But if places like Via Napoli can consistently draw in a crowd, then we think there’s hope for Mama Melrose. In our experience, this restaurant has good food, great service, and little to no crowds! On second thought, maybe we shouldn’t be sharing our secret spot… .

And we also have to give a shout-out to Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, the restaurant where guests can dine in vintage cars while watching clips from 1950s-era science fiction “B” movies! The food here can be hit-or-miss, but the theming is what really sets it apart. There are plenty of hot-ticket reservations across Disney World that are driven by the restaurant theme rather than the food, so it seems odd that Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater is still so under the radar.

There are definitely a few Table Service restaurants at Hollywood Studios that get some love — Hollywood Brown Derby in particular. But overall, Table Service reservations in this park are surprisingly easy to come by.

Quick Service Restaurants

There are a few Quick Service restaurants in Hollywood Studios that we also have to talk about. Let’s kick it off with Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land. While it’s true that this location is pretty much always busy, that comes with the territory of the high-traffic area of Toy Story Land. But we think this restaurant has some incredible options that make it destination-worthy all on its own! The breakfast menu features standouts like the Breakfast Bowl, Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich, and S’mores French Toast Breakfast Sandwich. And the lunch/dinner menu offers up favorites like the Totchos, BBQ Brisket Melt, and Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich. Again we say it’s worth taking a trip to Toy Story Land just to grab food at Woody’s Lunch Box!

Another underrated Quick Service spot in Hollywood Studios is Backlot Express. We love the atmosphere here; it’s decorated with movie props and has both indoor and outdoor seating. And while the menu has standard fast-food fare like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, there have been some serious standouts. Most recently, we’re loving the Wookie Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich!

Rounding out our list of underrated restaurants in Hollywood Studios, we have BaseLine Tap House. This is technically classified as a bar/lounge, but we still think it deserves a mention! They serve a few small plates including a (gigantic) Bavarian Pretzel and California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate. We do enjoy the few food options here, but the real standout at BaseLine Tap House is the drink menu! They have a huge selection of California beer, wine, and cider on tap, and they offer a few specialty cocktails as well. This is a great spot to sit and relax while enjoying a delicious drink.

Even though these Hollywood Studios restaurants don’t get nearly the hype we think they deserve, they still hold a special place in our hearts. Hopefully you’ll be inspired to give one of them a try on your next trip to Disney World. You might just find a new favorite spot!

Which Hollywood Studios restaurant do you think is the most underrated? Let us know in the comments!

 

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