MickeyBlog Restaurant Review: Space 220
I wrote about Space 220 for the first time in July 2017. MickeyBlog didn’t even debut until the following month!
That’s how long a saga the construction and opening of Space 220 was. So, I couldn’t help but feel like I reached the end of an era last week.
After more than five years of discussion, I finally ate at Space 220! Here’s my review of a genuinely stunning meal experience.
About Space 220
You’ll find Space 220 at EPCOT’s World Discovery. It shares a space with the popular thrill ride, Mission: SPACE.
Credit: Disney
In fact, you’ll discover the entrance to the ride and the restaurant in the same general space. They’re separated by maybe 75 feet.
Both locations highlight outer space travel in unique ways. On Mission: SPACE, you’ll simulate travel to Mars or an orbit around Earth.
With Space 220, you ride a Stellarvator beyond Earth’s atmosphere to a space station that overlooks the planet.
Just to be clear, Space 220 does include a kind of ride element. You don’t sit down for it, but I would describe it as a ride nonetheless. Here’s what it looks like:
As you can see, you enter a small chamber that simulates a space elevator, the so-called Stellarvator.
This contraption elevates you from your current location at EPCOT to the space station 220 miles above you. And it’s remarkably believable.
Photo: Disney
In a nice touch, Imagineers have simulated the view from the ground floor of EPCOT until you’re 100+ miles above Florida. It’s stunning to watch.
Also, Disney doesn’t forget the theme afterward. When you exit the restaurant, you once again take the stellarvator back to EPCOT.
Credit: Disney
During this journey, you’ll admire the perspective of EPCOT approaching at a rapid rate. The entire Stellarvator experience is a 10 out of 10 and maximum Disney magic.
Eating at Space 220
We intentionally waited a while before we dined at Space 220. It was actually open during our most recent visit, but we passed on the option.
Ambitious Disney restaurants like this often dial back their menus after a few months. We watched it happen with Be Our Guest and Skipper Canteen.
Also, experiences like this sometimes change over time. However, Space 220 proved wildly popular from day one. So, Disney has largely left it as is.
When you dine here, you’ll notice digital displays everywhere you look. They simulate the immersive theme that you’re eating on an outer space station.
You’ll watch as asteroids go by, watch as metal objects approach/leave the station, and admire astronauts performing spacewalks and job assignments.
Credit: Disney
There’s even an outer space dog who makes occasional appearances! And yes, the dog wears a puppy space suit, complete with an adorable helmet!
The oddity of Space 220 plays out in two ways. First, when you sit down, you probably won’t hear anyone else talking. You’re too distracted by what’s happening “outside” the station.
Later, once you start your meal, you’ll likely forget the outer space theme save for a few stray glances. However, normalcy does become a factor during the meal.
I dined with a party of five, none of whom had visited Space 220 before then. Yet, we all shared both of these behaviors.
At first, we couldn’t keep our eyes off the outer space displays. But, once the servers brought our courses, it turned into a more standard dining experience.
I mention this because the knowledge could impact the repeat value of Space 220. It’s incredibly immersive at first.
After a while, you accept that you’re still eating at a Disney restaurant, though.
The Meal at Space 220
We dined here for dinner, which meant we enjoyed a three-course prix fixe meal. At lunch, Space 220 only serves two hours, but it’s a cheaper meal.
The price is $55 per adult guest at lunch as opposed to $79 at dinner. It’s a pricey meal, to be sure.
You’ll also find upsell options like novelty drinks and dining add-ons. One member of our party ordered a fizzy drink, the Atmospritz.
Everyone loved this drink, which somehow tasted like liquid cotton candy. Also, it came with a pack of novelty trading cards, which is fun.
As for the meals, we had a wide array of menu options. We actually tried almost everything on the menu.
The appetizer course offers four options, while the entrée includes size, and the dessert features three.
So, the five of us worked together and sampled everything but one entrée. I feel weird about reviewing any of it, though.
Here’s the thing. When you pay this much for a meal, you’re visiting for the experience more than anything else.
Photo: skillastics.com
I can assure you that eating at Space 220 is one of the most remarkable things you will do in your entire life. It’s that groundbreaking.
Meanwhile, a Big Bang Burrata or Neptuna Tartare will delight your palate. It’s just not on the same level as the view because, well, nothing could be.
I ordered the 24-Oz. Bone In Ribeye, which costs $20 more than the Flat Iron Steak. There’s honestly no need to upgrade, as the ribeye wasn’t anything special. It also came in a marinade I could have done without.
To my shock, the Smashed Fingerling Potatoes were about the tastiest thing I’ve ever had at Disney, though.
Seriously, I could have had an entire meal of just them and been perfectly satisfied. Similar praise went to the Florida Red Snapper and the plant-based Terra-Bolognese.
Summarizing Space 220
Friends, you’ll like the food just fine. Whether it’s worth $79 per person is a matter of personal preference.
However, the undeniable reality is that you’ll never forget your first time at Space 220. We discussed this many times during what proved to be a two-hour dining experience.
Nobody ever grew bored, even though we grew accustomed to the outer space backdrop. Instead, we marveled at the intimacy of the overall setting.
This restaurant feels exclusive and refined. It’s a premiere destination for a significant meal with loved ones.
Having said that, I wouldn’t suggest Space 220 as a milestone event restaurant. It’d be too distracting for such moments as anniversaries and graduations.
This is more of a “we want an unforgettable immersive meal” option. Notably, Disney is lacking in those.
Photo: Disney
The shortlist is probably California Grill, Coral Reef Restaurant, (arguably) Be Our Guest Restaurant, and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.
Space 220 immediately jumps to the top two of the list for me. It’s in the conversation with Sci-Fi Dine-In as the best escapist dining option overall.
Photo: Disney
Frankly, I was in awe of the place. We may have waited five years from the announcement until we finally ate here, but it was well worth the effort.
I cringe a bit at that $79 price point. But, other than that, everything about Space 220 is utterly delightful, especially for NASA fanatics like me.
