Review: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is a quick service restaurant located in Tomorrowland of the Magic Kingdom.  It is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Ambiance:

Cosmic Ray’s has a vintage space-age Tomorrowland feel to it.  The theme is carried out well throughout the restaurant with its aqua, purple and brushed chrome color palate.  The focal point at Cosmic Ray’s is entertainment by Sonny Eclipse.  Sonny is an audio-animatronic, alien nightclub singer who will serenade you with hits like “Space Angel” for 23 minutes.  The act is a little corny, but it is also catchy and fun.

Menu

There are three different bays that you can choose from at Cosmic Ray’s.  The first bay consists of chicken entrees (such as 1/2 Chicken and Rib Combo, Barbecued Rib Meal, 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken, Barbecued Pork Sandwich, Chicken Breast Nuggets, or Grilled Chicken Sandwich).  Bay 2 features burgers (including Ham and Swiss Deluxe Burger, 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, Barbecued Pork Sandwich, Hot Dog, Deluxe Chili-Cheese Dog, or Vegetable Burger).  Bay 3 gives guests sandwich options (such as 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, Barbecued Pork Sandwich, Hot Dog, Turkey Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Vegetable Sandwich, or Greek Salad)  All three bays offer a children’s menu as well (Turkey Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, or Smuckers Uncrustables).  You may have noticed, some of the bays overlap their selections in order to try to make it a little easier on families who all want different food selections.  There is also a self service condiment station as well.

Food and Drink

Anytime I see a quick service restaurant that offers more than the usual burgers, hot dog, and fries, I get excited.  I opted for the 1/2 chicken and rib combo.  I was actually kind of impressed with it.  The chicken was a little greasy, but it was better once I removed the skin.  The ribs were pretty good, although not as good as Flame Tree Barbeque.  The mashed potatoes and carrots were both done perfectly and were a welcomed break from fries.  It was a lot of food and a great value if you are on the Disney Dining Plan and using a quick service credit.

Service

Since this is a counter service restaurant, there isn’t much service here.  You order your food from a cast member at a podium at one of three bays, then you pick up your order from a window.  The three different bays do make the line move very quickly.  Seating is first come first serve.  There are two different seating areas inside (in front of Sonny Eclipse or in a quieter area) and seating outside.

Overall

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is a unique, fun restaurant that is a great value.  The entertainment is cheesy buy catchy.  The food is different  from your typical theme park food and the portions are large.  Overall, it’s a great restaurant to take a break for good food and still be entertained!

 

Alexia is a fan of all things Disney, especially the food!  When she is not helping plan magical vacations you can find her on Facebook or Twitter.