Exploring Space 220: A Galactic Dining Adventure at Epcot
During our New Year’s Eve trip to Epcot, one of the experiences we were most excited about was dining at Space 220. This restaurant promises to transport guests 220 miles above Earth for an out-of-this-world meal. After hearing mixed reviews online, we were cautiously optimistic. Thankfully, our visit turned out to be a highlight of our trip, blending immersive storytelling with surprisingly good food.
The Journey Begins: Boarding the “Space Elevator”
The adventure began right at the entrance with the boarding process. Each guest receives a “boarding pass” to board the “elevator” that takes you up to the restaurant in space. Eli was instantly intrigued by the concept, and the elevator ride did not disappoint. The circular display on the floor showed us “leaving” Earth’s surface and zooming into the stars, while the ceiling display mirrored the ascent. Eli was mesmerized, and I’ll admit, I felt a bit of childlike wonder myself.
When we arrived, the immersive experience continued. We walked through a hallway designed to look like the inside of a spacecraft, complete with displays of futuristic hydroponic gardens growing various vegetables. Eli excitedly pointed out the veggies, asking if astronauts eat food grown like that in space. These small, thoughtful touches set the stage for what would be an unforgettable meal.
Walking into the “spacecraft”
A Table with a View
Once inside, we were quickly shown to our table. The restaurant’s massive “windows” offered a breathtaking “view” of Earth from space. The illusion of floating in orbit was incredibly well done, with astronauts and spacecraft occasionally drifting by to add to the ambiance.
As we walked to our seats, Eli loudly proclaimed that the display was “just a cartoon” and not real. The cast member immediately joined in on the fun when I responded, "What do you mean? We're in space right now!" She assured Eli that sometimes it takes first-timers a little while to adjust to space. Her quick wit and willingness to play along completely sold the illusion, and Eli didn’t mention the “fake” display again. Instead, he spent the rest of our meal happily pointing out all the cool things happening outside the “windows.”
The Menu
Space 220 features a pre-fixe menu: one appetizer and one entrée for adults, and an entrée with dessert for kids. Additional sides are available for an extra charge. For our appetizers, we chose the Starry Calamari and Centauri Caesar Salad. Our entrees were the Interstellar Steak & Frites and the Gemini Burger, while Eli ordered the Smash Burger with a Strawberry Sorbet Scoop for dessert.
The food, a common point of contention in Disney dining, exceeded our expectations. While we’ve had disappointing meals at some of Disney’s most popular table-service restaurants, Space 220 offered above-average quality. The calamari was perfectly crispy, and the Caesar salad had a fresh, tangy dressing that felt light yet flavorful. The steak was cooked to perfection, paired with fries that were just the right balance of crispy and fluffy. The Gemini Burger was juicy and packed with flavor, and Eli enjoyed his sorbet.
One small hiccup occurred when Eli’s burger arrived. Unbeknownst to him, it was actually a cheeseburger. Eli, who despises cheese, was on the verge of a meltdown. Fortunately, our server was exceptionally kind and immediately offered to remake the burger without cheese. This quick and accommodating response turned what could have been a disaster into a minor blip. Eli’s replacement burger came out quickly, and he was back to enjoying the experience.
Exploring the Spacecraft
While waiting for our food, we took some time to explore the restaurant. The immersive environment was filled with captivating details. Eli loved spotting astronauts performing various tasks and spacecraft drifting by on the “windows”. The displays kept him entertained and added an extra layer of excitement to our meal. The restaurant’s open layout made it easy to wander around without disturbing other diners.
Our reservation was at 11:30 a.m., and we noticed the restaurant was relatively empty when we arrived. This early time slot gave us a more relaxed experience, as we avoided any potential crowds. If you’re planning a visit, an earlier reservation might be a good strategy for a quieter and more enjoyable meal.
After our meal, our wonderful server handed some cool space cards for Eli, leaving a long-lasting impression of the experience.
Bottom Line
From the seamless storytelling to the delicious food and exceptional service, our visit to Space 220 was a galactic success. Here are a few tips to make your experience even better:
Book Early: Reservations for Space 220 fill up quickly. If you’re staying off-property, consider using a third-party reservation alert service to snag a last-minute spot.
Arrive on Time: The “elevator” boarding process is part of the experience - make sure to arrive on time to minimize any waiting.
Explore the Restaurant: Take some time to walk around and enjoy the immersive details. The interactive displays are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Speak Up About Preferences: If you or your kids have specific food preferences or allergies, the staff is incredibly accommodating. Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications.
Space 220 offers a unique dining experience that’s perfect for families, especially those with space enthusiasts. While it’s on the pricier side, the combination of immersive storytelling and above-average food quality makes it well worth the cost. For us, it was a standout meal and a memory we’ll cherish from our trip to Epcot. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World, don’t miss the chance to dine among the stars at Space 220.