What it's like to eat at Disney World's '50s-themed restaurant, where every table has a retro TV

Bar table Disney World 50s Prime Time cafe Hollywood Studios
There's a TV near every table inside the '50s Prime Time Cafe restaurant at Disney World.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

During my first-ever trip to Disney World, I knew booking tables at the coolest restaurants was a must. After reviewing the dining experience at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater ( an indoor movie theater-themed restaurant) and the coveted "Beauty and the Beast"-style eatery Be Our Guest, my next stop was the '50s Prime Time Cafe.

Keep reading to see what it's like inside the unique restaurant designed like an old-fashioned home.


The '50s Prime Time Cafe is in Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

The rotating neon sign outside promises a throwback experience.
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The building seems nondescript from the outside.

The simple white building is supposed to mimic a mid-century house.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

When you walk inside, you're greeted by a fake kitchen display. Complete with a TV, of course.

People mill around the kitchen area while waiting for a table.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

Behind the "kitchen" are several seating areas all styled like a 1950s dining room.

So much linoleum.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

Each table has TV nearby, along with decor you might expect to see in a retro household.

Kim Renfro/INSIDER

We were seated by a server (or as Disney calls them, "cast members") who was in character as a terse but friendly diner employee.

The cast members also yell your name for the table as if they're your mom calling you to dinner.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

First thing was first — I needed a selfie with the TV, which was flashing snippets of old shows like "Leave it to Beaver."

The buttons and knobs on the TV were just for decoration.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

As I was posing for my selfie, a server walking by stopped and said "Let me help you with that." He took my phone, crouched next to me and snapped a selfie of the both of us.

This was honestly the highlight of the meal.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The menu is comprised of classic "TV dinner" foods like chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and meatloaf.

We tried a sampling of the recommended dishes.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The fried chicken was a bit greasy, but felt in line with the overall experience of a 50s diner/TV dinner meal.

The 50s Prime Time Cafe does not skimp on the salt.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The classic vanilla milkshake was absolutely divine. Served up in the iconic diner-style metal container, this was everything we hoped it would be.

Thick, sweet, deliciousness in a cup.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

I'd return to this restaurant just for a milkshake and the onion rings.

I chose to pretend like the blender behind me had just whipped up this milkshake.
Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

We also tried out one of the few meatless options, spaghetti and vegetarian meatballs. This dish left a lot to be desired.

This tasted much more like a microwaved meal than homemade pasta.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The mini basket of onion rings was greasy but satisfying, especially when paired with the milkshake.

It came with a side of horseradish sauce.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The TV kept us entertained throughout the meal with rotating clips of black and white shows and old Disney park footage.

My parents never allowed TV on during dinner, so this felt oddly "rebellious" to me.
Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

The clock above our "dining room" table was set permanently to 4:20, even though it was only noon.

We were having a very late lunch, according to this room's decor.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The real treat came after our lunch, when we went to the bar.

The "Tune-In Lounge" doesn't require reservations.
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The Tune-In Lounge bar is situation in a staged living room. Anyone can come in for a drink or to eat at the bar.

Yes, there were more TVs here.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The main attraction at the bar is the eclectic cocktail selection.

The neon theme continues in the drinks.
Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

We decided should try the full rainbow of options. "Electric ice cubes" are added to the already-vibrant cocktails to create a neon effect.

The fake ice cubes, called "glow cubes" are reusable, so it's a neat souvenir.
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We tried "Dad's Electric Lemonade," which is made from Skyy Vodka, Blue Curaçao, sweet-and-sour mix, and Sprite.

Plus the "glow cube" to make it extra blue, of course.
Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

The lemonade was surprisingly refreshing, and very strong. On a hot Florida day, I highly recommend it.

One of these will leave you feeling cool as a cucumber.
Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

We also ordered the "Magical Star Cocktail," made from X-fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and pineapple juice.

This was a solid cocktail, though we liked "Dad's Lemonade" even more.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

The bar will transfer your cocktails into a reusable cup if you need to take them to-go, so we switched to plastic cups and headed out into the Florida sun.

The service at the bar was excellent.
Kim Renfro/INSIDER

Overall the experience in the 50s Prime Time Cafe made for a fun lunchtime meal. The food was just OK, but the cocktails and atmosphere compensated for this with a fun flair. If you want to save money, just head to the cafe for a drink or two and skip the full meal.

For more peeks inside Disney World's restaurant, read our review of the Sci-Fi Dine-In theater and Magic Kingdom's Be Our Guest.

SEE ALSO: What it's like to dine at Disney World's indoor drive-in movie restaurant

DON'T MISS: I ate at Disney World's most coveted restaurant — here's why it didn't live up to the hype

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