Oh, Magic Kingdom. I do love you — but we need to talk.
Your food options are seriously lacking, and one restaurant tends to stand out as being even worse than the rest. There is just one redeeming quality about this spot, and even though I love Sonny Eclipse, I want to demolish Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Here’s Why.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is one of the many quick-service restaurants at Magic Kingdom. You’ll find it in Tomorrowland, and it’s often packed with people — yet I can’t seem to figure out why. Sure, I may be the world’s biggest Sonny Eclipse fan, but there are still plenty of reasons why I want to demolish Cosmic Ray’s.
Lack of Seating
Picture this: you’ve finally picked up your meal and have a tray full of food in your hands. Surely there must be ample seating in a place like this, right? Right? WRONG. It’s not uncommon to see people wandering around the dining areas, trays in hand, waiting for someone to get up from their table.
Essentially, what I’m saying is that there may be a decent amount of tables at Cosmic Ray’s, but you might still find have trouble finding a seat. This is the biggest quick-service location in Tomorrowland, so it often draws pretty big crowds. If you’re looking to cool off in the air conditioning while you eat, Cosmic Ray’s can be a good option, just keep in mind you might have to wait.
RIP Toppings Bar
In the before times (A.K.A. Before the pandemic-related closures) some quick-service locations had a leg up even if the food wasn’t that great — toppings bars. Two of the most popular toppings bars were found at Pecos Bill’s and — you guessed it — Cosmic Ray’s. There were quite a few different options for zhuzhing up your food.
But, that’s no longer the case. Instead, there are a few different options for modifying your meal. You can make certain modifications on the My Disney Experience app when ordering via Mobile Order, or you can ask the Cast Member who takes your order if doing so in person. From what we’ve seen, though, the toppings aren’t quite as extensive.
Outdated Theming
Okay, this one could potentially be argued for all of Tomorrowland, but come on, let’s not act like the theming for Cosmic Ray’s is…trendy. In fact, it’s pretty outdated. (Not you, though, Sonny — you’re perfect just the way you are.) The overall atmosphere is a bit “blah” and it’s almost giving hospital cafeteria vibes — not exactly a cheerful theme park eatery.
It’s supposed to be a somewhat futuristic, space-themed restaurant (as evidenced by the alien lounge singer) but what little theming there is doesn’t really wow us. With so many other incredibly immersive places to eat around the park, Cosmic Ray’s isn’t winning any awards in the theming department.
Food Is Meh
Listen, I can forgive crappy theme park food for a number of reasons. Food sucks but you get to meet characters? Fine. Your meal wasn’t great but you got to eat in Cinderella’s Castle? Cool. But, your food is lackluster, and cold, and you didn’t get anything else out of it? Welcome to Cosmic Ray’s!
Sure, it’s not all bad, but you’ll find your typical Disney World park fare here. Think burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and more. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Disney World chicken nugget now and then, but a few folks on the AllEars team have reported that their meals have been picked up — and they’ve been cold. But, it can be a decent spot for picky eaters and those not looking to change things up from what they might expect in the parks.
The only thing I ask is that Disney World does not harm a hair on the head of the most iconic crooner the universe has ever seen — Sonny Eclipse is a treasure and we must protect him at all costs. Maybe Sonny belongs in a store, serenading customers, or perhaps a Sonny dance party is really what we need.
I just hope whatever happens, we get a better dining location out of it! For the latest Disney World news and more, stay tuned to AllEars.
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What do you think should replace Cosmic Ray’s? Tell us in the comments.
I do agree with you Fry about lack of seating! As someone with a couple of picky eaters in the family, it’s one of our faves. Maybe, bring back the toppings bar (don’t know why they haven’t yet!) and figure out more seating! An update would be good! (but Nick Jonas likes it, I know!!)
A Space 220 type restaurant (or Halcyon) would be nice. Sonny Ecliose can stay on and it can fit in Tomorrowland.
I agree – in fact so many places at MK and other parks at WDW are ripe for an overhaul (which they could totally capitalize on) or are currently empty – looking at you stitch ride! – and they could redo. I’m confused when they decide to build totally new when they have existing buildings underutilized. Then we have the dreadful new theme for Splash Mt. Don’t get me wrong, I think Tiana is a GREAT new theme – but this weird co-op bakery nonsense?? Come on – who’s thinking up this stuff?