If you have an advance dining reservation to Space 220 in Epcot, consider yourself lucky. In terms of desired table service dining options at Walt Disney World, this place ranks as one of most desired on the resort property. This themed dining experience functions with a prix fixe menu. The lounge/bar area enables guests to order a la carte, however. This relatively new restaurant resides near the Mission Space attraction. The anticipation and fanfare for this place opening was impressive.
If you display the proper balance of skill and luck to get an advance dining reservation at Space 220, there exist a few things for you to know before you arrive. When you arrive, you may find a queue awaiting you. However, once you get inside, you get your boarding pass for your trip to “space.” From there, you are escorted down a hallway to the elevator to go to space. Be prepared at this point to be asked if you have eaten in space before. If you came up with a funny answer, I would love to hear them. While traveling in this elevator, you can view down toward Epcot or above to see where you will end up in “space.” The theming builds on you travelling 220 miles into space thus the name Space 220.
Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast
At the end of your space elevator ride you will “dock” with the space station. At this point, a Space 220 agent will meet you as you leave the elevator. You then take your boarding pass down to the space agent at the end of a corridor. At this point, you have arrived at the “Centauri” space station in this thematic presentation.
Whether you enjoy this theatre style presentation of you taking an elevator to space or not, you must compliment the skill at which it is done. The screen technology could be better. Still, it serves this restaurant very well.
Once you are seated, you should be able to casually view the “video screen/windows.” The screen technology functions as quality entertainment. Some guests felt that the characters periodically floating by “outside” take away from overall theme after a little while.
Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com
Okay, so, how does the food taste? Just to be clear, a common narrative about Space 220 has developed online that the food tastes poor. That narrative qualifies as unfair. The key question involving Space 220 relates to price point. This place will hurt your bank account. The lunch option cost $55 and the dinner cost $79. Remember, these prices reflect quality table-service dining with the price fixed menu. The lunch comes with an appetizer and entrée. The dinner also includes a dessert. If an alcoholic beverage is desired, you should plan on paying top dollar. In simple terms, plan on spending a significant amount of money for your space meal.
Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast
The flavor quality of the appetizers (they call them liftoffs here) rates above average. The most mentioned standouts are four-fold. They are:
Big Bang Burrata (Burrata di Mozzarella, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, Arugula, and Sunflower Seed Romesco)
Starry Calamari (Fried Calamari, Italian Cherry Peppers, Spicy Marinara, and Roasted Pepper Citrus Aioli)
Blue Moon Cauliflower (Tempura Fried Cauliflower, House made Hot Sauce, and Blue Cheese Dust)
Neptune Tartare (Yellowfin Tuna, Yuzu Ginger Miso, Soy, Avocado, Radish, Mango Coulis, Micro Greens, and Sesame Crackers)
Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast
At least in terms of value with the prix fixe menu, the entrées struggle a bit in terms of being worth the money paid. In my opinion, the lunch entrées fail to measure up. They taste good but nothing special overall. For example, you can select burgers, steak salad, pasta dishes, chicken, and steak & frites. The dinner entrées reflect the higher price. Still, most guests find the price paid not worth the money spent even on the theming. Once again, the food here tastes good. However, you will wonder if the steak, duck, or salmon you ordered was good value. On a more positive note, I have only heard good things about the desserts at Space 220.
Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com
As you can tell, I find it tough to recommend the Prix Fixe menu table service dining here. However, I suggest you make a reservation for the Space 220 Lounge. Of course, MouseDining can help with that. Still, the lounge dining option allows you to just order what you want. I have heard very few complaints about dining at the lounge. The only real criticism involves not being able to see the “windows/screens” very well since facing the bar.
Photo Courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast
In my opinion, for most people, this restaurant qualifies as a one-time experience. I doubt many people will desire to come back for the table service dining prix fixe menu very often. I can see people enjoying the lounge options often though.
On the positive side, this place offers great air conditioning, excellent theming and video technology, great service, food arriving quickly at the table, and above average food quality. On the negative side, I see questionable value of prix fixe menu, high beverage prices, and the setting is dark making reading menu tough.
Photo courtsy of Main Street Magic Podcast
If going here, get yourself a lounge reservation or try walk-up there. You can enjoy the “space” experience for way less money that way. As always, eat like you meant it!
