Even if the studios theme park doesn’t get the fan attention that is awarded the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, in one area it excels.  It has two excellent restaurants that, in addition to good food, are the most immersive on property.  It’s a difficult distinction, but for me the Sci-Fi Drive-in is an experience first, a restaurant second.  Even more so is the 50s Prime Time Café.  Diners are thrust confidently into a 1950s household where Mom rules the kitchen, and the kids each have their own chores… in this case, serving tables.

The restaurant is designed around a multi-room home, each room – and in some cases each table- has its own unique décor, firmly from a 1950s household.  Black and white art deco television monitors pepper the home, running short bits from classic television shows – Prime Time, of course.  The servers… err kids may be out front taking food orders and bringing stuff around, but it’s obvious that Mom is in charge.  She remains out of sight, busy in the kitchen.  Grandma assists her with dessert.  But Mom’s presence is felt, and the kids let you know, ‘reminding’ you of Moms rules.

Today I was eating alone, and they still made me set the table for myself.  After a restroom break several of the family asked me if I washed my hands.  When I verified I had, they persisted, questioning whether I used soap.

The menu is, of course Mom’s home cooking.  Roasted Peppers, Pot Roast, Chicken Pot Pie… Lunch entrees range from $12.99 up to $16..  So I chose a nice meatloaf ($14.99) and a generous helping of vegetables.  (And you better eat those!)  I topped it off with a Chocolate Shake ($4.99) that was off the charts delicious.  I actually left half a cup of shake behind as the serving was so large.

The dessert menu is brilliantly presented using a viewmaster.   

They are all in the $5 to $6 range and include nice gooey S’mores.

When it was time for me to pay the bill, Mom had sent a reminder “No tower for at least an hour!”

The 50s Prime Time Café may not have the kitchen of the Brown Derby or anything in the World Showcase of Epcot, but it has a dining experience that is most enjoyable.  I have never eaten there when I wasn’t surrounded by consistent laughter…  Just like Mom wants it.