50's prime time cafe/ sci drive in...past their prime

[drosenbe]

I'm not sure if i've missed the announcement, but I feel that the 50's prime time cafe and the sci-fi drive in have both passed their prime.

Have new restaurants been announced for those locations?

When the park opened, our kids were pretty young, but I had definitive memories of watching the black and white Lucy's and Father Knows Best on our Black and white TV. But our kids really had no idea. Same thing with the Sci-fi drive in. Our kids never experiences real drive-in theaters.

Now, 20+ years later, probably very few people going to the parks have any relationship to those themes.

What does anyone else think?

[BrerGnat]

I agree with you. However, these two places continue to be very popular. I guess nostalgia is a strong Force, and remember who is the one making the plans and paying for the meals.

[Jeff]

I think tradition and history have a place in the world and at WDW. I would be saddened by a change!

[WishingStar2006]

I thought I read somewhere that 50's prime time will close when they start Star Wars land in 2016....I will miss it terribly!!!!

[Basket Mommy]

I can't ever get an ADR at either one, so somebody is going. My kids still talk about Prime Time and would love to eat there again, but I can't ever get in, even at 180 days.

[Speedy1998]

I thought I read somewhere that 50's prime time will close when they start Star Wars land in 2016....I will miss it terribly!!!!

I had heard that too, but I think it was speculation from Disney fans/bloggers. I do not think I have seen anything official from Disney.

[baldburke]

I seem to have missed the announcement. What was the source? We're big fans of both and would miss both. I could see Prime Time being re-themed as the Cantina, but maybe Sci-Fi could be re-purposed to a Star Wars theme? With that said, two Star Wars themed restaurants seems excessive. We'd sure miss the kitsch and shtick of Prime Time.

[John]

Still have never eaten in Prime Time (been inside but never sat down) - with Candlelight Processional now off my list of things I haven't done - it may be time to tick this box as well ;)

[Stu29573]

I don't think you have to remember when those things were around to enjoy them. How many people remember the American old west? Frontierland should be shut down!

[EeyoresBestFriend]

I agree with previous poster - you don't have to know it to enjoy it. Give your children the opportunity to see / learn something that didn't come from movie or TV show.

It is a theme and atmosphere - no different than Hoop de Doo, Liberty Bell Tavern or T-Rex.

And, after all, vinyl records are making a comeback! ;)

[JerseyDad]

......some ....no ....actually ....MOST ...of our best meal experiences were had at 50's Prime Time. We had great interactions with the waitstaff ...and enjoyed the food each and every time.

......sometimes ....(actually most times) ....Change Is Bad!!

......I'd be deeply disappointed if 50's Prime was given the heave-ho.

[MNNHFLTX]

When the park opened, our kids were pretty young, but I had definitive memories of watching the black and white Lucy's and Father Knows Best on our Black and white TV. But our kids really had no idea. Same thing with the Sci-fi drive in. Our kids never experiences real drive-in theaters.

Now, 20+ years later, probably very few people going to the parks have any relationship to those themes. All the more reason to promote them, IMO. I have no doubt that 80's and 90's-themed restaurants will gain in popularity as time goes by, but nostalgia is is not limited to personal experiences. When I was a kid, I enjoyed the TV show Happy Days, despite the fact that it was about the 50's and I was born in the 60's. Prime Time and Sci-Fi have unique themes that I think will continue to pull in people of all ages. At least I hope so.

[DizneyFreak2002]

I thought I read somewhere that 50's prime time will close when they start Star Wars land in 2016....I will miss it terribly!!!!

I believe that area is safe, from some people who have slowly leaked out some of the POTENTIAL area for Star Wars... But with nothing "official" yet, I guess anything can still happen...

[CaptSmee]

Rumors are that Sci-fi will close when St a r Wars Land opens, it's still a must do for us because most the rest of the food options stink at DHS

[cer]

And, after all, vinyl records are making a comeback! ;)

Not only are they making a comeback, they are selling them at WDW! Surprised to see them at the Contemporary gift shop! They are beautiful and are more than just your black vinyl. They have different images on each side. Look for them!

[Terra]

I love Prime Time! I need to take my kiddos there just in case! But like another poster it is wildly popular and even living local it's hard to get an ADR!

I have to chuckle because again it seems like no matter what Disney does someone is not going to like it or complain.
You have those saying "Ahhh they are changing all the old/good stuff" Yet stuff is "out of date". Darned if, Darned if not ;)
All a matter of preference!

[Speedy1998]

Still have never eaten in Prime Time (been inside but never sat down) - with Candlelight Processional now off my list of things I haven't done - it may be time to tick this box as well ;)

Just be sure to eat your veggies, or "Mom" might send them back to you with whip cream on them as dessert.

[Priority Four]

I'll be there in a couple of weeks with three "Noobs". So much fun. We would miss it for sure.

[i'm grumpy]

I haven't been to Sci-Fi, but would love to go back to Prime Time.

[DizneyRox]

Prime Time has lost a little over the years. With the popularity of the dining plan, they seem to be in a hurry to turn over guests to get credit for the next set of meal credits. Used to be a lot more lively in there, but now it seems a little spiel from your cousin when you sit down in more the norm.

SciFi seems to fly under the radar. Used to get panned a lot, but lately I don't hear much, good or bad. That's probably a good thing...

[i'm grumpy]

Prime Time has lost a little over the years. With the popularity of the dining plan, they seem to be in a hurry to turn over guests to get credit for the next set of meal credits. Used to be a lot more lively in there, but now it seems a little spiel from your cousin when you sit down in more the norm.

SciFi seems to fly under the radar. Used to get panned a lot, but lately I don't hear much, good or bad. That's probably a good thing...

:( We had a dud server and then a long wait the next time. When we went to the desk, they said they had called us. We would have heard it.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Just dined at 50's Prime Time on Sunday... place was still fun, food was still decent (not great), and the servers were excellent...