Calling All Cool Cats: 8 Reasons You Need to Dine at Disney's 50's Prime Time Café

Kathryn Mayer

I love Walt Disney World and all things 1950s, which is why Disney's Hollywood Studios is where I could happily spend all of my time. Why? Well, in addition to having an Old Hollywood feel to it, it's also home to the 50's Prime Time Café. The scene? Mom's kitchen circa 1955. The food? Classic Americana dishes. The style? Everything a vintage-loving gal could ever want.

Complete with retro decor, cheeky service (be warned: you just may be force-fed your vegetables!), an array of cocktails, and TVs tuned to classic 1950s sitcoms, the restaurant is a must when vacationing at Walt Disney World no matter who's in your group. Keep reading for eight reasons you need to put dining there on your next visit at the very top of your priority list.

01

The Retro Decor

The whole restaurant makes you feel like you've stepped back in time in the best way possible. Vinyl seats, black and white checkered floors, wood-paneled walls, and an array of kitschy items are all part of the retro atmosphere.

02
The Delicious Homestyle Cooking
Disney

The Delicious Homestyle Cooking

The 50's Prime Time Café is comfort food at its finest. Mom's old-fashioned pot roast, grandma's chicken pot pie, Aunt Liz's golden fried chicken, and dad's stuffed pork chop are some of the delicious items you'll find on the menu.

03

The Throwback TV Time

True to its name, there are TVs throughout the restaurant broadcasting clips from classic black-and-white shows circa 1955, including Leave It to Beaver, I Married Joan, and The Mickey Mouse Club. It gives the term "TV dinner" a new (or old) meaning!

04

The Fun Cocktails

As if the menu wasn't already enough, there are plenty of classic cocktail options to enjoy, too. From a Godiva Chocolate Martini to a Magical Star Cocktail (mango and passion fruit liqueur, coconut rum, and pineapple juice) to Dad's Electric Lemonade (vodka, blue curaçao, sweet-and-sour, and Sprite), you'll find tons of tempting options in dad's liquor cabinet.

05
The Milkshakes (and More)
Disney

The Milkshakes (and More)

The non-cocktail list is just as tempting as the boozy options. Although root beer floats and specialty drinks like Mickey's Bee Bop Drink (cherry-flavored Sprite with glowing ice cubes served in a souvenir cup) are on the list, the restaurant's milkshakes are not to be missed. While classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are all options, 50's Prime Time is famous for its peanut butter and jelly milkshake.

06

Mind Your Manners

Be prepared to be on your best behavior here! If your hands aren't washed, your napkin isn't on your lap, your elbows are on the table, or you don't finish your vegetables, get ready for servers to scold you about it (and maybe even feed you your peas and carrots!). Visitors are bound to hear "Elbows off the table!" at least once during dinner. It's the '50s, after all, and rules are strict.

07
It Feels Like Family
Disney

It Feels Like Family

Like I mentioned before, the scene is mom's kitchen (and yes, the servers will tell you that!). Secondly, all the servers (dressed in their best '50s garb) introduce themselves as "cousins," and there is always talk of aunts, uncles, and other relatives roaming around. If you want a real feel of nostalgia and family, you've come to the right place.

08

There's Another Area to Drink and Dine

As if the diner wasn't enough, attached next door is the Tune-In Lounge, a full-service bar serving specialty cocktails and the 50's Prime Time menu items (no reservation needed!). And, yep, it also has TVs tuned to old-school shows.