Author: Pirate Diva

The first time I went to the 50’s Prime Time Café at Hollywood Studios, I thought I’d just stepped into my grandmother’s house. It is full of 50’s kitsch, with tchotchkes and knick-knacks at every turn.

The waiting area looks more like a living room in someone’s house than the entry way of a restaurant. There are even antique style televisions that play old Disney shorts. The tables are also themed. The areas look like the seating you’d find in a 50s kitchen, complete with windows, period wallpaper, and lots and lots of authentic decorations, such as cookie jars and built-in sideboards. Once, we were seated at a table with a tiny television that played shorts from the Mickey Mouse Club and Father Knows Best.

We’ve eaten here twice and loved it both times. All of the cast members are called “family” at this restaurant.

On our first visit, we were served by “Cousin Diane”, who was perfectly in character the entire meal. She took my friend to task, repeatedly for having his elbows on the table and kept calling him Scooter. She made him terribly nervous and he kept looking for her every time he put his arms down. The last time she caught him, she made him stand in the corner and hold a sugar packet to the wall with his nose. He fought it and even tried to buy his way free, but Cousin Diane stood firm. Then she announced to the entire restaurant how he’d been naughty and had everyone say “Shame, Shame, Shame.” My sister, niece and I were cracking up!

On our second visit, we were served by Uncle Mark. He was hilarious, teasing my niece with just the right amount of humor to keep her laughing. She ordered the Mickey’s BeeBop Drink, which is like a Shirley Temple made with Sprite, and comes with a glowing ice cube. When the drink first arrived, she decided it wasn’t “pink enough”. Uncle Mark took her back by the kitchen and had her say “when” as he added extra cherry syrup. By the time she finally said “when”, the drink was bright red, but she loved it! I had ordered the Glowing Character Punch, which is Minutemaid Light Lemonade in a souvenir cup, with a light-up character clipped to the top (I got Buzz Lightyear!) I had asked to have Pomegranate syrup added to my lemonade, which Uncle Mark was happy to do. Later, when he brought me a refill, he also brought me a second glass with cherry lemonade, as red as the drink my niece had ordered. It was really funny.

My niece is a bit of a picky eater, so she ordered chicken nuggets, which originally came with mashed potatoes. The second time it was part of the Kids Picks, so she ordered the chicken noodle soup and fries instead. The meal also came with a kids’ Build Your Own sundae. She liked everything, except the mashed potatoes, a lot.

They also have healthier options, such as Grilled Chicken Strips with Macaroni & Marinara, or Grilled Fish with Whole Grain Pilaf. My sister had Dad’s Traditional Meatloaf and said it was wonderful. I have had both Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken, and Cousin Eric’s Char-grilled Chicken Sandwich. I loved the sandwich, but the fried chicken was just basic fried chicken, nothing special. Overall, the food is 50’s style family fair, with a large selection of specialty drinks, with and without alcohol. Prices range from $14 to $20 for adult entrees and $8 for kids meals. And don’t forget the dessert menu, which you will find on a Viewmaster.

If you don’t have a good sense of humor, this restaurant may not be for you. The cast members will pick on you to eat your veggies, keep your elbows off the table, and mind your manners, but it’s all in good fun. On occasion, you may be startled by the tricks the cast members play; I have had a 5 foot straw poked into my hair from around a corner on more than one occasion. At first, I was a little annoyed, until I realized that it wasn’t the kids at the next table, but an adult “Cousin” who worked at the restaurant, so definitely expect the unexpected. The experience seems to be completely dependent on your waiter. If they’re not “into it” its really no different than any other sit down restaurant.

If you do eat your entire meal, you can get a“Clean Plate Club” sticker. My niece loved this because she adores stickers and it may help you to convince your child to finish their meal. The best part of the 50’s Prime Time Café is the atmosphere, both the authentic decorations and the zany “Family Members”. So, if you want to take a quick trip back in time, make a reservation for the 50’s Prime Time Café.

Amy, the Pirate Diva, also shares her Disney obsession on the Disney at Heart blog. http:disney-at-heart.blogspot.com