Listen, we ALL have regrets in Disney World.
We’ve each had at least one mortifying experience, we’ve made some mistakes, and we’ve forgotten to pack the essentials we’re constantly telling YOU not to forget — we’re human after all! But when it comes to deciding where you should stay and eat, you want to make the right decision for you. After all, it’s NOT cheap! So today we’re sharing some of the restaurants that AllEars readers said they would never eat at again in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Now, we’ve already covered Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but it’s time to talk about the busy Hollywood Studios. We asked our readers on Facebook to answer the question: Which Hollywood Studios restaurant will you NEVER eat at again? We’re sharing those answers and some alternatives below!
Which Hollywood Studios restaurant will you NEVER eat at again?
Posted by AllEars.Net on Friday, June 21, 2024
We had several restaurants with several votes which brings us to the first answer. Jamie said, “I think in general they should rethink their dining in that park” and that sentiment was shared by many. But let’s get into some specifics because there ARE some good eats hiding in Hollywood Studios — you just have to know where to look.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Unfortunately, this is not the first time we’ve seen this restaurant on a least favorites list in this park. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater had the most votes by far in the comments.
AllEars reader Misti said, “While the theming was fun, our service was subpar, it was SO dark, the food was nothing special, and the seating incredibly uncomfortable. I know that the last point could be resolved by asking for one of the regular tables, but that kinda defeats the point of going here. We both wanted to try it, but now that we have, I don’t have a reason to return.”
A lot of the complaints were about the seating. Most of the tables in this restaurant are actually in cars and each row seats two people. This can make it difficult to have a conversation if you have a bigger group. Reader Jen said, “We got seated too close to the screen and felt nauseous” and Jan mentioned that the “seats in the cars are too tight.”
There are a few picnic tables near the back, but most of the tables here have the car seating.
The menu at Sci-Fi serves up classic American fare like onion rings, burgers, and milkshakes, and since it is a sit-down restaurant, the prices are not cheap. In our experience the food is okay, but we can see the dilemma with the quality vs. price.
Reader Erica said, “The theme and ambiance is great but the food is not good. The “cool” factor of the experience does not make up for the subpar food and the price that goes with it.”
Michael, another AllEars reader, described it as “not bad, but not worth eating it more than once.” The atmosphere is the biggest draw, so if that’s something you enjoy, it’s worth checking out. You could just order a snack or a milkshake here instead of a full meal to save some cash.
If you’re looking for another unique restaurant inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head over to 50s Prime Time Cafe. This is another spot that isn’t for everyone as the waiters heckle you like family, however, we’re big fans of the food here.
Sci Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
There were a few mixed reviews on Mama Melrose’s, located in the Grand Avenue area. Some say it was a terrible experience while others say it’s simply not memorable enough to go again.
Reader Liz said, “Mama Melrose…not because it awful or anything … it’s fine just not worth the time.” We’d have to agree — it’s fine and usually easy to walk up to if you’re desperate for a sit-down meal in the air conditioning, but it’s not a standout in the park.
On the other hand, it’s some people’s worst dining experience in all of Disney World. Reader Michelle said, “Worst food, service and experience I’ve ever had at WDW and I’ve been going since 1982…”
Another common complaint is that it’s “expensive for basic Italian food.” Entrees range from $19 to $36 with most appetizers over $12 each and desserts costing about $10 each.
Let’s face it, Hollywood Studios is not the place to go for Italian food. With Mama Melrose and PizzeRizzo, we highly recommend satisfying those cravings elsewhere. That includes Via Napoli in EPCOT or Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk if you want to avoid the parks.
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano Restaurant
Services: Table Service
Hollywood and Vine
There are several character meals around Disney World…but they can’t all be winners. And according to you, Hollywood and Vine is NOT one.
Apparently, Hollywood Studios has two strikes in the “worst dining experience ever” department, because Reader Karen said, “Hollywood and Vine was the worst dining experience we have ever had at WDW. It 20 yrs ago and it still makes me sick thinking about it. Never again.”
Why? You guessed it — “Expensive and not worth the money.” Reader Lori did share this caveat saying, “I will say the character interaction was amazing, but the food was horrible and the price was outrageous.”
Some of you mentioned that it’s a good option for kids because of the characters…but we have a few spots with better food in mind to recommend. We did recently try the breakfast and it wasn’t quite what we were expecting — check out that full review here!
One of our favorite character meals is at Garden Grill at EPCOT. There, you’ll meet Mickey, Pluto, Chip, and Dale, and eat delicious food, with some of it even grown inside the Land Pavilion!
Looking for a solid character breakfast option? Just a Skyliner ride away from Hollywood Studios is Topolino’s Terrace. It is a bit pricier than other options, however, it continues to get amazing reviews for its food and adorable themed character costumes.
Hollywood and Vine Restaurant
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat
Hollywood Brown Derby
To round out our list of “never again” Hollywood Studios restaurants, we have Hollywood Brown Derby. This one had a lot of votes in the comments from you all!
Several readers said the food was amazing, so what’s the problem? For many, it was the service on their visit. Stacey, an AllEars reader, said, “We have tried twice several years apart and food was just okay. Second time was last year and our server was not good. It was our Anniversary dinner sadly bad service and just okay food but expensive check.”
Reader Tara shared her experience: “Went tried it a few times over the years and – meh… doesn’t justify the prices. I do love their grapefruit cake martini though and we’ll still sit out front in their lounge area and get some apps and drinks once in a while.”
She’s not alone in recommending the lounge. The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is attached to the main restaurant and you can get many of the same beloved menu items including the Cobb Salad, the Grapefruit Cake, and the Grapefruit Cake Martini. You can join the walk-up waitlist for the lounge on the My Disney Experience app!
Don’t want to worry about service? Head to a quick service spot. We recommend BaseLine Tap House for a refreshing drink and a quick bite…like this amazing Bavarian Pretzel for only $10! There’s also a California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate for $13 — that’s $10 cheaper than the one at the Hollywood Brown Derby.
Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant
Services: Table Service
We want to hear YOUR thoughts! Leave a review right here on AllEars for the restaurants you’ve been to so you can help out fellow Disney lovers planning their next trip!
In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for more.
The 2 Disney World Hotel Restaurants That Experts Always Try to Gatekeep
What do you think? What is your favorite and least favorite restaurant at Hollywood Studios? Tell us in the comments.
The article is half right. Brown Derby is wildly overrated and overpriced. Hollywood and Vine is garbage.
But Mama Melrose has a new menu and the food, service, atmosphere, and even prices are solid.
The Sci fi criticisms are laughable. You can converse at your restaurants back home. A Disney park restaurant like this one is about theming and entertainment, not conversing lol. And yeah the food is average but again this is about immersion… it’s one of the rare restaurant experiences that is like being in an actual attraction while eating.
I loved the atmosphere and food at Sci-fi Diner, and am eating there again next trip!
We went last year in July. The was horrible and our server was rude and not very professional. I spoke to the manager after I went outside. I’m sure she didn’t even talk to the server.