Dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios

Dining at the Hollywood Brown Derby

The entrance to the Hollywood Brown Derby

If you want a taste of old Hollywood while at Disney world be sure to reserve a table at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios on your trip. We have had the pleasure of dining with them twice and it has now become a staple of our Disney vacations.

The Hollywood Brown Derby is a replica of well, the Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood California. This restaurant is a perfect place to dine when at Hollywood Studios since this park combines the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with the sleek and flair of current Hollywood.

Caricatures of Old Hollywood’s Famous Celebrities

The interior is filled with browns, golds, shades of white and the restaurant has wall after wall of these caricatures of the Hollywood greats of yesteryear.

Once seated we were greeted with this beautiful display of gold glittery stars and complimentary champagne, it was our 1^st trip to Disney together and our one year wedding anniversary which I had added to our reservations in hopes of a little “pixie dust” and once again Disney did not disappoint!

      The extra “Pixie Dust” for our Anniversary Celebration

Do you see the Mickey?

This trip we tried the Andouille crusted shrimp and grits as a started and the filet with red wine reduction compound butter for our main course.  They were the best dishes I have had on Disney property. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the grits were creamy and rich. The steak just melted in your mouth and the presentations were beautiful.

Andouille Crusted Shrimp and Grits

Chargrilled Filet with Red Wine Reduction Compound Butter

 The menus at Disney are always changing and evolving at Disney and they are always adding new amazing things to try. That being said I must say if these were a constant on the menu I may never pick anything else these were so good!

Having the Happiest 1^st Anniversary at the Happiest Place on Earth!

The Hollywood Brown Derby is classified as a Signature Dining restaurant which means it is a one of a kind, high end dining experience. The cost ranges from $$($15 to $34.99 per adult) for lunch-$$$($35 to $59.99 per adult) for dinner. If you are on the Disney Dining plan or the Deluxe Dining plan this restaurant is worth 2 credits. Reservations are recommended to be made at least 180 days in advance.

Tips or Tricks?

I highly recommend you have your travel planner mention any special even you are celebrating when they reserve your table. You never know what kind of magic awaits you!

Hubby being surprised with special Birthday dessert on our last trip!

Anything else?

The Hollywood Brown Derby is famous for their Cobb Salad and if you ask they will provide you with the recipe on these super cute little brown derby hats. They make a great FREE souvenir as well as the perfect prop for your photo ops!

Cobb Salad Recipe Card

Excited to try Disney’s The Hollywood Brown Derby?! Contact one of the Travel Time Travel Planners today to start booking your dream vacation.

 By Kris 

Kris@traveltimetravel.com

Let us make your vacation even easier!  We'll help you plan from the start and can advise you and handle your arrangements, including dining, fast passes, room requests, discount application, and celebrations.  We are the same price or less than if you book on your own, and you get us for FREE!  Have an expert on your side at zero cost to you and contact one of our agents today!

50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios

50’s Prime Time Café is the quintessential Disney dining experience. Great food, fun décor and theming, interactive cast members, and of course, milkshakes. That’s right, milkshakes (more on those later).

As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re in between Dad’s Living Room, which serves as the waiting area, and Mom’s Kitchen, which is the main dining area. After you’ve checked in and are waiting for your table, head on over to the Tune-In Lounge and grab a beverage of your choice. Dad’s liquor cabinet is stocked with just about anything you’re in the mood for. Glow Tini’s, draft beer, red, white, and sparkling wines, and of course soft drinks. If you’re traveling solo, or you don’t have an ADR for the restaurant, you can sit at the bar and order right off the full menu, although reservations for this very popular restaurant are always recommended!

            

You’ll know your table is ready when you hear your named yelled out by the host/hostess. “Johnson kids! – it’s time for dinner!” Once you make it to your table, you’ll meet your server. Your server will most likely introduce themselves as your cousin, your Aunt, or Uncle (remember, you’re eating in Mom’s kitchen). While you’re seated, make sure to look around at some of the 50’s style knick knacks, theming, even the black and white TV’s playing old sitcoms. A few things to remember when dining in Mom’s kitchen: no elbows on the table, eat all of your veggies, and don’t chew with your mouth open! Don’t let your server catch you breaking any of the rules, because you could end up sitting in a corner, or singing for the entire restaurant! If you enjoy fun interaction with the servers, you’ll really get a kick out of the experience. On our last trip, I mentioned to my cousin Emily (our server), that I needed a straw. About 3 minutes later, I had about 30 straws thrown in front of me.

You’re probably wondering about the food, right? If you enjoy good ol’ fashioned comfort food, you came to the right place. The entrees provide a generous portion of food, but if you’re in the mood for stuffing yourself silly (which is ok because you’re in Disney World), there are some nice options to get you started. Appetizers include Crab Cake, Seafood Salad, Chicken Noodle Soup (delicious), Onion Rings, and Iceberg Lettuce Wedge. The entrees consist of Dad’s Traditional Meatloaf, Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken (my personal favorite), Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie, Mom’s Old Fashioned Pot Roast, the list goes on. Most entrees run between $13 and $17. If you’re like me, and you aren’t a fan of green beans, just stuff them in your napkin when your server isn’t looking. It help makes more room for the milkshakes and dessert!

Probably my favorite part about dining at the 50’s Prime Time Café are the milkshakes, and the desserts. I could probably live on just the Peanut Butter & Jelly Milkshake. That’s right…Peanut Butter & Jelly MILKSHAKE. Maybe I love ice cream way too much, or Disney puts some kind of magic elixir in the milkshake. Either way, the PB&J milkshakes are what legends are made of. 

You’ll notice that your dessert menus are old viewfinders. Some of my family’s favorites are Dad’s Brownie Sundae, Apple Cobbler, Cheesecake, and of course S’mores. 

Probably the second greatest invention after the Peanut Butter & Jelly milkshake is the one and only S’mores. They are served hot with plenty of chocolate, and no sticky fingers. The serving is definitely enough for two people to share…unless you’re like me and sharing isn’t an option.

            

The 50’s Prime Time Café is definitely a great choice if you enjoy comfort food, fun interaction with cast members and guests, and great theming. Compared to other options throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios, 50’s Prime Time Café is also very reasonably priced. Though it’s not 5 star quality cuisine, 50’s Prime Time Café always provides a really fun family experience that you just can’t get anywhere else.