The Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant

There are some of us out there that still remember the day when drive-in movie theaters were more than just abandoned parking lots hosting swap-meets every weekend.  Today, most of those old places are dead and gone, though it’s really no wonder - I mean, the sound was horrible and if you didn’t have a date to make out with, why were you even there?  But seriously, the folks at Walt Disney World Resort have put together the next best thing.  The Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant is a place where you can get the feel of a drive-in and the proper service of a restaurant.

The restaurant is indoors, naturally, removing the need to check the weather before you head down there.  Customers sit in booths that have been designed to look like classic cars from the 1950s, albeit with slightly more table added to them.  If cars aren’t your thing, you can always have a seat at one of the benches in the back (closer to the bar).  While enjoying the environment, you’ll also get a chance to enjoy a string of movie clips on a big screen.  They’re all sci-fi themed of course (or else the name of the place wouldn’t make much sense) and pulled from old school, B-movies.  Be vigilant, else you’re likely to spit coke out of your nose in the middle of the meal - some of these old flicks are truly awful (in a funny way).

Of course, the most important thing at any restaurant is the food, and this drive-in eatery has gotten some pretty decent reviews.  The portions are big and feature “classic” American food such as burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches.  For the more refined meat eater, they also offer up steaks.  With the food comes the milkshakes or flavored sodas, another staple of the forgotten 50s.  If you need something harder, they offer cocktails, beer and wine, which is way cooler than any drive-in I ever remember going to.

The place can get pretty packed, so they recommend getting reservations, especially if you’re set on sitting in a car.  And, of course, Walt Disney World Resort is right around the corner, so it makes a nice place to get something to eat for those on vacation.

Sci-fi Drive-in photo courtesy of family.go.com