When planning a dream holiday to Walt Disney World, there's one Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) that consistently tops every UK fan's wishlist: Space 220 in EPCOT. Next to Mission: SPACE (don't ride it straight after dining!) in World Discovery, this one-of-a-kind venue pretends to blast you 220 miles above Earth to the Centauri Space Station for a very unique dining experience.
However, with prix-fixe menus carrying a hefty price tag and table reservations getting snapped up in seconds, many British travellers are left wondering: Is Space 220 genuinely worth the money and hassle, or are you just paying for the space theme?
Having boarded the "Stellar Elevator" myself, here's an honest UK review of Space 220 — covering the food quality, the massive difference between the Restaurant and Lounge, and insider tips to bag that elusive table.
⚡ Key Takeaways:
- The Atmosphere: The "Stellar Elevator" ride and panoramic 250-foot digital viewport overlooking Earth are unmatched in Disney theme park dining.
- Pricing Structure: The main dining room is strictly prix-fixe: lunch is 2 courses ($55/£43+ per adult), dinner is 3 courses ($79/£62+ per adult), plus US tax and 18-20% tip.
- The Budget Version: Space 220 Lounge offers the exact same panoramic views and atmosphere, but lets you order à la carte small plates and cocktails without being locked into the expensive full meal.
- 60-Day Booking Strategy: Reservations usually open 60 days out at 6:00 AM EST (11:00 AM UK time). If you're staying on-site at a Disney Resort, place Space 220 towards the end of your 60+10 booking window for the highest chance of success.
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The Stellar Elevator & Centauri Space Station
As the doors close, dynamic viewport screens in the floor and ceiling display your departure from EPCOT, watching Spaceship Earth shrink below you while the Centauri Space Station comes into focus above. It's a fun illusion that really sets the scene.
Space 220 Restaurant vs Lounge: What's the Difference?
When you search for tables on My Disney Experience, you'll see two distinct options: Space 220 (the main dining room) and Space 220 Lounge. Choosing the right one can save a family hundreds of pounds.
The seating in the lounge area is situated away from the "space" windows, but elevated to get a nice panoramic view. You can also sit at the bar (facing away from the space views). The tables are smaller as they're not designed for large family meals.
Restaurant tables are in the area immediately in front of the windows, so you can get the best view of the earth on the giant screen, and all the space shenanigans.
Expect similar service in both areas; though you'll likely get more attention in the restaurant area.
Lunch's prix-fixe (no à la carte) consists of a Star Course (main) plus one option from Supernova Sweets (desserts). The pricier dinner prix-fixe consists of one option from Lift-Offs (starter), one Star Course, and your pick from Supernova Sweets.
Neither the restaurant or the lounge are covered by free dining plans.
💡The Mouse Observer Tip: Previously, you could get collectable cards at Space 220. These illustrated cards had real space facts, and were pretty fun to collect. According to the restaurant, these are currently on hold.
Is the Food Actually Good?
Because Space 220 is operated by the Patina Restaurant Group (the same team behind EPCOT's Via Napoli and Tutto Italia), the food quality is comfortably above typical theme park fare, even if it falls short of true high-end signature dining like California Grill or Topolino's Terrace.
I don't feel that the food is anything special or particularly memorable, so really you're paying for the atmosphere. There are lots of other (non-dining) exciting experiences in EPCOT already included in your ticket.
Servers here have always accommodated for my vegan diet, but this usually involves modifying a dish. You should always let them know if you have any dietary preferences or allergies.
Lounge Menu (Subject to Change)
The lounge features a condensed menu compared to the restaurant version. You can order the full prix fixe menu, but bear in mind you'll be charged the restaurant price without the full experience of sitting near the windows!
- Starry Calamari: Fried calamari, Italian cherry peppers, spicy marinara, and roasted pepper citrus aioli.
- Apollo 16 Shrimp Tacos: Marinated shrimp, tomato, shallots, and crispy wonton shell.
- Titan Crater Flatbread: Slow-roasted strip loin, caramelized onion, arugula, tomato, parmesan, and truffle crème.
- Blue Moon Cauliflower: Tempura fried cauliflower, housemade hot sauce, and blue cheese dust.
- Saturn Reuben Sandwich: Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and rye bread.
- Astro Cluck and Comet Crisp: Buttermilk fried chicken, waffle with spicy maple syrup, and spicy pickles.
- DLR Curry Wurst: Bratwurst, curry ketchup, and fries.
- Cosmic Lobster Bao: Lobster, celery, tobiko, lime-mayo, and crispy bao bun.
- Short Rib Sliders: White cheddar cheese, red pepper citrus aioli, lettuce, tomato, and butter pickles.
- Solar Flare Pork Belly: Slow-roasted pork belly, spiced apple sauce, and pickled radish.
- Cocktails and Beverages: You can order the same selection as you can in the restaurant.
The Restaurant Menu (Subject to Change)
The Space 220 menu gets updated fairly regularly. Here's a sample of what to expect:
Starters (Lift-Offs)
- Blue Moon Cauliflower: Tempura-fried cauliflower tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with herb garlic dip. Easily the standout starter on the menu — crispy and packed with flavour.
- Big Bang Burrata: Fresh burrata cheese paired with roasted peppers, arugula, and balsamic glaze. Refreshing after a hot morning trekking through EPCOT.
- Starry Calamari: Tender fried calamari served with spicy marinara and citrus aioli.
- Neptuna Tartare (Dinner Only): Bluefin tuna, wasabi avocado, pineapple, mango, and panipuri.
- Apollo 16 Shrimp Tacos: Chilled marinated shrimp, tomato, shallots, and crispy wonton.
- Phantom Galaxy Beets: Lettuce, herb pesto, hazelnuts, and caramelised goat cheese.
- Centauri Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, parmigiano-reggiano, and toasted garlic croutons.
- Andromeda Wagyu Beef Carpaccio (Dinner Only): Wagyu beef, pomegranate seeds, potato chips, truffle cipriani sauce, and parmesan.
Mains (Star Course)
- Pole Star Tuna Poke (Lunch Only): Ahi tuna, rice, pineapple, pickled cucumber, radish, edamame, and wasabi crunch.
- Galactic Miso Salmon: Miso-glazed salmon, bok choy, salmon caviar, crispy lotus roots, and yuzu beurre blanc.
- Space Pad Thai: Solid, flavourful stir-fried noodle dish that can be made vegan and vegetarian. Check with your server for dietary requirements.
- Interstellar Steak & Frites (Lunch Only): New York strip steak, thin-cut fries, and choice of chimichurri or peppercorn sauce.
- Gemini Burger (Lunch Only): Beef burger, cheddar cheese, bacon, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, roasted pepper citrus aioli, and fries.
- Century Steak Caesar (Lunch Only): Caesar salad with blackened sliced beef tenderloin.
- Mangala Roasted Chicken: Indian-inspired 24-hour marinated chicken, red pepper, carrot, tomato, and coconut basmati rice.
- Slow Rotation Zero-G Short Rib (Dinner Only): Slowly braised beef short rib, Provençal stuffed peppers, basil mashed potatoes, Chianti pearl onions, and crispy shallots.
- Nebula Sea Bass (Dinner Only): Pan-seared spiced grouper, glazed asparagus, heirloom cherry tomatoes, and tahini mousseline.
- Double Cut Pork Chop (Dinner Only): Double cut pork chop, creamy chorizo corn, and peach chutney.
Kids' Meals
- Spaceghetti: Chicken meatball and tomato sauce.
- Galactic Salmon: Mashed potatoes and broccolini.
- Cosmic Chicken: Fried chicken tenders, space fries, and ketchup.
- Smashed Burger: Burger, American cheese, and space fries.
- Beef Tenderloin: Grilled steak, buttered carrots, and space fries.
- Mission Macaroni: Elbow macaroni and American-cheddar cream sauce.
Desserts & Specialty Drinks (Supernova Sweets & Cocktails)
- Lunar Carrot Cake: Carrot cake, cream cheese, and candied pistachios. I absolutely love this, and at the time of writing this is vegan (always check with your server).
- Stellar S’mores: Graham cracker cookie, toasted meringue, chocolate crémeux, and fudge sauce.
- Cosmic Cheesecake: Chocolate cheesecake, chocolate crumbs, raspberry gel, and chocolate dome.
- Apple Cosmo: Apple cake, vanilla sauce, warm caramel, vanilla gelato, and apple crisp.
- Strawberry Saturn: Vanilla mousse, strawberry compote, and strawberry crumbs.
- Gelato: Vanilla, chocolate, or birthday cake.
- Sorbet: Mango or strawberry.
- Cocktails: Specialty drinks like the M4RG4R1TA look fantastic in photos. Non-alcoholic "Zero-Proof Mocktails" like the Starship Lemonade are also available.
UK Budget Check: The True Cost
For British travellers, the combination of exchange rates, US sales tax (6.5% in Orange County), and expected US tipping (18–20%) means your final bill can climb quickly:
- Lunch for a Family of Four (2 Adults, 2 Kids aged 10+): Because Disney considers anyone aged 10 and over as an adult, all four count as adults ($220) + 1 round of drinks ($65) + 6.5% tax ($18.50) + 18% tip ($51) = Approx. $354.50 (£280 - £300).
- Dinner for a Family of Four (2 Adults, 2 Kids aged 10+): 4 Adult Prix-Fixe ($316) + 1 round of drinks ($65) + tax & tip = Approx. $475+ (£375 - £400).
Is it worth it? If you treat it as an interactive space-themed entertainment experience and special holiday splurge, yes. But if you simply want great food, you may be disappointed. If you really want to experience Space 220's unique atmosphere without the price shock, booking lunch or the lounge saves significantly.
How to Book Space 220: The 60-Day Strategy for UK Travellers
- The 60-Day Window: Advance Dining Reservations open 60 days in advance at 6:00 AM Eastern Time (11:00 AM UK time). Set an alarm for 10:50 AM to log in and have your payment details linked.
- Use the 60+10 On-Site Advantage: If staying at an official Disney Resort hotel, you can book dining for your entire trip (up to 10 days) starting 60 days from your check-in day. Don't try to book Space 220 for day 1 or 2 of your trip. Scroll straight to Day 6, 7, or 8, where other guests without the 10-day rolling window haven't been able to book yet.
- What If You Miss Out? Don't panic. Many guests cancel 2 hours to 24 hours prior to avoid Disney's no-show cancellation fees. Use reservation alert tools like MouseDining, or check the My Disney Experience app periodically the day before you visit EPCOT.
- Walk-Up Waitlist: The Space 220 Lounge bar maintains a same-day walk-up waitlist via the My Disney Experience app or by speaking with the outdoor podium cast member as soon as the venue opens at 11:30 AM.
Quick Guide: Booking Space 220 From the UK
- Link Your Disney Hotel Booking: Ensure your resort reservation is linked on the My Disney Experience app to activate the 60+10 dining window.
- Restaurant vs. Lounge: If travelling as a family wanting a sit-down meal, pick the Restaurant; for light bites, drinks, and saving money, select the Lounge.
- Log on at 10:55 AM UK Time: Exactly 60 days before your resort check-in date, open the My Disney Experience website or app.
- Prioritise the Furthest Date: Book Space 220 for the latest possible day of your holiday itinerary first before booking other meals.
- Set Cancellation Alerts: If unsuccessful, set instant alerts via dining tracker services to snap up drop-outs.
- Arrive 15 Minutes Early: On the day, check in at the outdoor podium near Mission: SPACE to get your boarding passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Space 220 worth the price?
Yes, for the experience. While the prix-fixe prices are high, the unmatched "Stellar Elevator" simulation and panoramic orbit views make it a fantastic one-time splurge. For better value, book the Lounge for drinks and small plates instead.
Can you eat at Space 220 without a ticket?
No. Because Space 220 is located inside EPCOT's World Discovery, all guests need valid theme park admission to EPCOT (such as a 14-Day Magic Ticket or standard park pass) to access the restaurant.
How much does dinner cost at Space 220?
Dinner is $79 (approx. £62) per adult for a 3-course prix-fixe meal (starter, main, dessert) and $29 (approx. £23) per child (ages 9 and under), plus applicable US sales tax and tip.
Do you actually go up in Space 220?
No, it's an illusion. The "Stellar Elevator" uses floor and ceiling projection screens along with subtle motion effects to simulate blasting 220 miles above Earth, but the restaurant itself remains firmly on ground level.
Is Space 220 included on the Disney Dining Plan?
Yes. The prix-fixe lunch and dinner at Space 220 require 2 Table-Service meals per person on the Disney Dining Plan. Note that the Disney Dining Plan does not cover dining inside the Space 220 Lounge.
Can children visit the Space 220 Lounge?
Yes. Despite being named a "lounge", children of all ages are welcome at the lounge tables and can order from the kids' menu or share appetizers with the table. (Only direct barstool seating requires guests to be 21+).
Is lunch or dinner better value at Space 220?
Lunch is the better value choice. It costs $55 per adult for 2 courses (main + dessert) versus $79 per adult for 3 courses at dinner. The lunch menu includes popular headline items like the Blue Moon Cauliflower at a significantly lower price point.
What is the cancellation policy for Space 220?
You can cancel your Space 220 Advance Dining Reservation up to 2 hours before your booking time without penalty. Cancelling within 2 hours or failing to show up will result in a $10 per person fee charged to your linked card.
Where is Space 220 located inside EPCOT?
Space 220 is located in the World Discovery neighbourhood of EPCOT, tucked immediately to the right of the entrance to Mission: SPACE.
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