Since Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened (originally under the name “MGM Studios”) at Walt Disney World in 1989, it has been bringing Tinseltown magic to central Florida. While the park is mainly known for its amazing rides, The dining options in this park certainly don’t disappoint, with a variety of choices for families on every budget. We’ve got a breakdown of the best Hollywood Studios restaurants. If you are looking for quick service options check out Hollywood Studios Quick service guide here
Top 5! The Best Restaurants in Hollywood Studios!
5) Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano –
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is a cozy establishment with fairy lights hanging from the ceiling and worn-in wood tables where your family can gather for a delicious meal. Featuring authentic Italian favorites alongside pizza, hand-selected wines, and spiked coffees, you can’t go wrong with dinner here!
It really is a perfect place to dine for when you want to have a little homestyle Italian food in your stomach. The one thing I love about this restaurant is their kid’s menu is much more extensive than most restaurants at Disney. Your kids can get a chicken parmigiana, whole wheat spaghetti and so much more. (Check out the Full Menu Here)
Reservations are recommended for this table service restaurant.
4) Hollywood & Vine – Hollywood Studios Character Dining
A popular dining establishment, Hollywood & Vine is inspired by the Golden Era of Hollywood. The restaurant is most well-known for its character dining experiences, including seasonal meals with Minnie Mouse, but is also a great spot for a special buffet meal your entire family is sure to love.
During Halloween, you will love how they spruce up the restaurant for a character dining experience where all the characters are dressed in Halloween Costumes. Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
3) Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant –
Definitely considered one of the best restaurants in Hollywood Studios, The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre Restaurant has something of a cult following among Disney fans. With booths modeled after vintage cars and a real movie screen, diners can enjoy burgers, fried pickles, and other traditional drive-in movie food while catching a vintage flick. Reservations are pretty much a must for this table service restaurant.
I have to admit the movies that are shown are a little bit odd, as they were some very old sci-fi movies. I would prefer something more up to date, but since this place is always booked up, people must love it. Your kids will love the popcorn and M&M’s served before you even sit down.
2) 50’s Prime Time Cafe –
If you want dinner with an attitude then this is the place for you. Modeled after a traditional 1950’s diner, the 50’s Prime Time Cafe features TV-dinner-style food (yes, this is true), including mashed potatoes and gravy, chicken pot pie, and incredible milkshakes. While you might not be craving a pot roast they do have a ton of delicious meals available (Check menu Here)
This place, in my husband’s opinion, is the best restaurant in Hollywood Studios, mainly for the entertainment. The best part of this restaurant is the wait staff. Your waitress will most likely make your kids eat their veggies and give you quite the attitude while you are ordering your meal. Everybody is treated like family and your kids will have a blast. The kitschy, retro atmosphere is fun for family members of all ages! Reservations are a must for this table service restaurant.
Tune-In Lounge –
The Tune-In Lounge is the bar side of the 50’s Prime Time Cafe. In addition to soft drinks and a full bar, you can order anything from the 50’s Prime Time Cafe menu. Don’t forget to request the establishment’s fun light-up ice cubes! No dining plans are accepted at this location.
The Hollywood Brown Derby –
Arguably the most famed dining establishment in Hollywood Studios, The Hollywood Brown Derby in Florida is an exact replica of the California location where the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, and numerous others loved to dine.
A signature dining restaurant, The Hollywood Brown Derby features an upscale menu and fun touches, including caricatures of famous patrons. You have to try the Famous Cobb Salad with Finely Chopped Greens, Turkey Breast, Bacon, Egg, Tomatoes, Crumbled Blue Cheese, Avocado, Chives, and Cobb Dressing. My husband’s personal favorite is their pork chop. (Check out the Full Menu Here!)
If you are interested in the establishment’s special Dine With an Imagineer package, remember to book it separately! Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
Enjoy a cocktail before dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge –
The bar at The Hollywood Brown Derby, The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge is reminiscent of Tinseltown’s best spots to see and be seen. Here, you can enjoy a variety of gourmet appetizers and drinks, including a full range of specialty cocktails. No dining plans are accepted at this location.
Special Events at some Hollywood Studios Restaurants
Fantasmic! Packages –
Unique to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic! is a truly spectacular outdoor extravaganza featuring a light show, classic Disney music, and favorite characters. To see Fantasmic, you have to spend quite some time in a long line.
However, three table service restaurants, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood & Vine, and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, offer “dinner and a show” packages that include a meal and VIP seating for Fantasmic! showings. That’s No Wait! Delicious Food! The Best View! I book this package everytime we go.
If you would prefer to indulge your sweet tooth, consider the dessert package instead. This offer features the same VIP seating as the dinner option, but a veritable smorgasbord of desserts and snacks, including chocolate covered strawberries, specialty cheeses, and dirt pudding for kids, will be available. Everyone who purchases the dessert package will also receive a Fantasmic! cup to take home.
Bonus Places to check out:
BaseLine Tap House –
BaseLine Tap House is fast becoming one of Hollywood Studios’ most talked-about establishments. Featuring an urban, California-cool vibe, craft beer flights, and small plates (including amazing soft pretzels and charcuterie options). It’s a fun spot for a nightcap or a leisurely lunch. No dining plans or reservations are accepted at this location.
The beer flights are pretty exceptional and they have a wide variett. So, I would definitely recommend stopping by if you are in the mood for some craft beer.
Market –
The Pixar Place Market is a quick service location where your group can snag soft drinks, cocktails, beers, or snacks, usually with little wait. Serving a variety of Disney favorites, such as churros and Mickey-shaped soft pretzels. It’s a great spot if you need something to hold you over until mealtime arrives!
Neighborhood Bakery – With an Incredibles-themed treat menu, the Neighborhood Bakery features some of social media’s current Disney favorites. You can’t go wrong with Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookie, a Frozone-inspired slushie, or the Incredible Hero Sandwich
Star Wars Galaxy Edge Eats!
Everyone is waiting for the newest addition to Disney World, Galaxy Edge. While Galaxy Edge does not have any table service restaurants, they do have a couple of great places you will want to visit
Oga’s Cantina
Looking for a refreshing cocktail that is out of this world? Oga’s specializes in fantastical drinks sourced with ingredients from across the galaxy and enticing concoctions that will delight even the youngest crew members.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
At this restaurant housed in a working hangar bay, choose from a variety of dishes prepared with ingredients from across the galaxy. We don’t know much more about this restaurant but once it’s open we will share more details
Overall
Remember, no matter where you decide to eat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Reservations can be booked 180 days in advance. If, for example, you are going to be using a Disney dining plan during your upcoming trip, make sure the restaurants you’re considering will accept it. The most important thing, though, is for you and your family to have fun, whether you’re spending one day or ten days at the parks!
If you have any questions about Disney Dining. Please feel free to ask in the comments or message us on our Instagram Page.
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