“Unfortunately Sci-Fi Just Ain’t What She Used to Be” — 5 Restaurants That Are Going Downhill, According to Disney World’s Harshest Critics

Disney World is full of restaurants — some that people love and honestly, some that people strongly dislike.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Recently, we asked our readers “Which Disney World restaurants do you think have gone downhill?” and they were quick to respond! We were shocked at how many popular restaurants our readers say have gone downhill and we think you will be surprised too.

Sci-Fi Dine In

Sci-Fi Dine-In

We recently saw a review for Sci-Fi and it caught our attention…

“Sci-Fi had been a family favorite for years. Its fun atmosphere, good food at a decent price put it at the top of our list. I finally had success at getting a reservation after several unsuccessful attempts the last few trips.
Unfortunately Sci-Fi just ain’t what she used to be. The old movie trailers are still great so the atmosphere is unchanged. The food is ok… My husband got the prime rib sandwich and it wasn’t good at all. It was very dry and lacked flavor. Our waiter wasn’t bad fine but he seemed disinterested and didn’t check on us much.”

Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant

Sci Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Rating: 7.30 / 10 Recommended By: 81%
Menus: Lunch/Dinner, Children's Lunch/Dinner
Services: Table Service

‘Ohana

‘Ohana is a very popular restaurant and it can be difficult to secure a dining reservation for here. So it surprised us that this was our readers most popular answer! One reader wrote “Ohana since covid. Quality not anywhere near as good, meats were very fatty, sides served cold“.

‘Ohana

Several more posters agreed that meats were tough and they felt rushed here. If you are wanting that same style of food, but in a different way, we suggest heading to Tambu Lounge. This is the bar located directly beside ‘Ohana however you can find the ‘Ohana noodles, chicken wings, and pot stickers here. Now this bar is popular as well so you might have to wait, but our last experience here was good!

Tambu Lounge outside of ‘Ohana

'Ohana Restaurant

Rating: 8.14 / 10 Recommended By: 82%
Menus: Dinner, Breakfast
Services: Table Service

Coral Reef

Coral Reef is another restaurant we saw often as a reply. A recent reviewer on our site wrote ” Coral reef has never recovered from covid-19. Mahi-mahi was dry and rice was with coconut but they could not provide rice without, all premixed. Menus is limited. We were there at 12:30, place was only half filled.

Coral Reef in EPCOT

This one has such a great atmosphere with the huge windows into the tank of the Living Seas. But many readers agreed that the food is lacking, especially since the closure in 2020. 

We LOVE the atmosphere

Coral Reef Restaurant Restaurant

Rating: 6.96 / 10 Recommended By: 71%
Menus: Lunch/Dinner, Children's Lunch/Dinner
Services: Table Service

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey’s is a character meal located inside of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is a VERY popular meal as you can meet Mickey and his pals. But it is not known for great food. It is also one of the most expensive characters meals there are. 

Chef Mickey’s

While it is a great place to knock out a bunch of main characters, readers complained about feeling rushed, the quality of the food, and the atmosphere as a whole. If you are looking for a breakfast to meet Mickey and pals, check out Cape May or Topolino’s Terrace.

You can meet Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey's Restaurant

Rating: 7.39 / 10 Recommended By: 77%
Menus: Breakfast, Dinner
Services: Buffet/All You Care to Eat

California Grill

This one was also at the top of our readers’ list, California Grill. The views of the Magic Kingdom and surrounding areas are breathtaking and the lounge or outer balcony are perfect spots from which to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. However, since 2021, the restaurant switched to a pre fixe menu and that is the main complaint here. 

California Grill

The menu changed for Disney World’s 50th anniversary, however it never changed back and stayed a pre fixe menu. One reader wrote… “California Grill was just ok for the outrageous prices.” If you want to get a limited menu and not do the pre fixe, you can still check out the lounge. While it is first come, first serve, you can still get that great atmosphere and food without that hefty price point.

California Grill

California Grill Restaurant

Rating: 7.55 / 10 Recommended By: 74%
Menus: Dinner, Children's Dinner
Services: Table Service

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2 Replies to ““Unfortunately Sci-Fi Just Ain’t What She Used to Be” — 5 Restaurants That Are Going Downhill, According to Disney World’s Harshest Critics”

  1. All of the restaurants have jacked prices to the point where the food quality is not even close to being what one should get for the cost. The butchered post-COVID menus are shameful. As for Sci-Fi it is time to update the show.

  2. Unfortunately the Disney restaurants have out priced their food and ambience. Why pay the price for food barely above the quick service level? Seems like lounges and quick service are now better options. My family still enjoys Biergarten and Whispering Canyon. You do feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. I know Whispering Canyon gets a lot of criticism, but we’ve never been disappointed.