Out of This World Dining at Walt Disney World's Space 220

Out of This World Dining at Walt Disney World's Space 220

The hottest reservation at Epcot is a space station simulator where you can have a meal with a view of the stars.

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Space 220
Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

Get ready for lift off in this look inside Space 220 in Walt Disney World. io9 was invited by Disney Parks to try out lunch at Epcot’s immersive dining experience, which simulates a trip to a space station where you can have lunch, dinner, or drinks with a view of Earth and the stars.

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Here’s a galactic gallery glimpse at the cosmic delights you can expect during your mission.

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How hard is it to book?

How hard is it to book?

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

Very. The space books out at least three months in advance of trips. So if you plan on going for Valentine’s Day or spring break, I hope you already have a reservation. If not, there’s always the chance to walk over at the right moment and see if there’s any last minute cancellations for a table, or you can try your luck with stand-by for the bar—with a limited food menu.

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Chart a Space Cuisine Course

Chart a Space Cuisine Course

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

This isn’t Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; the menu here takes a more accessible and global approach to its offerings, rather than presenting food that’s cosplaying as alien grub.

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Lift-Off!

Lift-Off!

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

The simulator experience begins with an elevator that gently takes you up to the station. Don’t worry, there are no thrill ride g’s that will make your tummy turn.

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Goodbye, Earth

Goodbye, Earth

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

You see the state of Florida get smaller as you get closer to your table.

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Space Garden

Space Garden

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When you walk out of the elevator, you go through a hallway that conceptualizes what a fine dining space station could be like and how they’d grow produce for the meals.

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The View

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

When you enter, the highest level of immersion is the massive viewport to Earth; depending on the time of day you visit, it reflects day or night. It’s really the centerpiece of the experience, but if you’re looking for a full-on ARG this is not the place.

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Earth Horizon

Earth Horizon

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

It’s definitely reminiscent of those retro-futuristic rotating restaurant concepts, like the one at LAX.

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Floating in space

Floating in space

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Among the views are various space ships and people doing space walks, which aren’t a feature you can participate in.

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Rare Sights, Rare Appetizers

Rare Sights, Rare Appetizers

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

The selection of appetizers includes standards with a cosmic twist. Here’s the Neptuna Nicoise—we love a pun name.

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Atmospheric Spirits

Atmospheric Spirits

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

The drinks also have some subtle yet effective theming, like the blue drink, the Planetary Punch—which did indeed pack a punch, and had some great dry ice smoke effects. The gold drink was magical in a different way.

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Stargarita Surprise

Stargarita Surprise

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It changed colors!

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Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Beet Salad

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

The goat cheese was brûlée’d! Something to note: if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, Disney Parks dining locations are incredibly accommodating. A dedicated chef will come out to inquire about your needs in order to make sure you eat safely. Everything comes marked with paddles to differentiate from the regular food. It’s how food everywhere should be.

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Video Preview of Space 220

Video Preview of Space 220

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Look at the experience above, which if you’re an immersive ARG enthusiast you’ll find more on the subtle side in interactivity, but the setting is still breathtaking. It’s like ARG lo-fi in space, with dining and not over the top theming. It’s honestly like taking a breather from how busy the parks are “down” on Earth.

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The Presentation

The Presentation

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The salmon is delivered in a smoky dome.

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This salmon plays it safe

This salmon plays it safe

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Photo: Sabina Graves/Gizmodo

The smoke show of the miso glazed salmon is less galactic than I hoped, but if you want a well cooked meal that’s not too adventurous this hit that spot. You’re paying for something you’d actually eat in a more elevated form.

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Cosmic Chocolate Cheesecake

Cosmic Chocolate Cheesecake

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I claim this chocolate cheesecake by the stake of my fellow allergy citizens. Again, mine’s slightly adjusted, but it’s just so nice to be included. It was almost too pretty to eat.

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Overall, with the accommodations, drink options, and break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, this cozy slice of gateway immersive dining offers a sweet escape for a date or parents needing a kid break while at the parks.

Book a table at Space 220 here.


Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

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