Walt Disney World’s EPCOT has undergone a lot of change in recent years adding everything from new attractions with cutting edge technology, enticing eateries, renovated neighborhoods, and more fan-favorite character meet-and-greets. One of the newer restaurants to open in EPCOT is Space 220 which offers table service dining at lunch and dinner as well as a lounge for specialty drinks and small plates in a galactic atmosphere.
On a recent visit to EPCOT, we were fortunate to acquire an advanced reservation for Space 220 Lounge right after opening at 11:40AM. If you are not able to find a reservation in advance, you may want to try joining the Walk-Up List right when the restaurant opens at 11:30AM. Parties for 4 people and under are usually more successful in securing a spot on the walk-up list than larger groups who require more seating.
Located directly adjacent to the ride entrance for Mission: Space guests will check in at the reception desk before being transported via elevator (and a little imagination) into the restaurant in outer space. Once you have arrived and the doors have been secured, advance through the portal to be greeted by the crew who will seat you.
The entire environment of Space 220 is immersive with its large windows giving way to planet Earth, endless stars, passing asteroids, astronauts on a mission, and even familiar friends, like Buzz Lightyear, who you may catch floating by. The music is relaxing and reminiscent of calming sounds often associated with outer space. The place settings are made up of moon-inspired plates and dark rock cutlery and the servers wear outfits inspired by space suits.
As visitors to the lounge, we were seated at a table closer to the bar, but in the same room as lunch guests whose tables were next to the large restaurant windows. During lunch hours, we had access to the Lounge menu as well as any of the appetizers on the digital lunch menu that was provided via QR code. While we intended this experience to be a quick snack stop, we were delighted by the variety on the menu and ordered one drink and 2 small plates each.
We began with the Black Hole Fashioned made with Knob Creek, Demerara, Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters. The color of the drink was truly as dark as a celestial black hole but maintained its classic cocktail flavor. We also ordered the zero-proof Solar Flare Sour, a tart, but refreshing combination of Lyre’s Agave Blanco, Mango, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Bitters, and Fever Tree Tonic Water. While this drink does not contain alcohol, you must be 21 years of age to order.
From the Flight Bites menu of the Space 220 Lounge menu, we chose Astro Deviled Eggs and Starry Calamari. While both are common items found on a starter menu, the dishes came prepared with precision and plated in an upscale presentation. The portion sizes were appropriate for sharing and the food exceeded our expectations in taste and texture.
From the Lunch menu Lift-Offs, we requested the Centauri Caesar Salad and Roasted Beet Salad. The Caesar salad was described as containing miniature Romaine lettuce, but the portion, along with the other appetizers that we had already enjoyed, was enough to share. The Roasted Beet Salad was presented as a deconstructed salad, taking a geometric form that consisted of various colored beets and a generous quantity of goat cheese. While I enjoyed this plate, if you find that less goat cheese is more, you may find it to be a little excessive.
We intended our visits to Space 220 Lounge to be a light lunch to hold us over as we made our way around the World Showcase during the International Food and Wine Festival, but we found ourselves completely full as if we consumed a complete meal! With the price of 2 appetizers each, we nearly accumulated the price of the prix fixe lunch menu cost of $55 per person at Space 220 Restaurant. While we don’t regret the delicious dishes that we chose and consumed, next time we visit, we will either be mindful of ordering only one appetizer each if we want a small meal or aim to secure a reservation at Space 220 restaurant to enjoy a full meal portions and closer seating to the large windows looking out into space.
Because of the unique atmosphere, appealing menu, tasty food, and excellent service, we would absolutely return to Space 220 Lounge and consider brining our young children with us to enjoy a cosmic snack and special drink miles above earth in outer space, all thanks to the Magic of Disney.
Have you visited Space 220 Lounge? Do you have any recommendations for first-time guests? Let us know what you think of this unique dining opportunity in the comments below.
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
Unimpressive….one word sums it up