Epcot's Space 220 Gets an Opening Date

Huh, this sounds like an unused 1990s idea but still seems cool.

I guess we shouldn't be surprised that this will start with a prix fixe menu. After all, someone has to pay for that pricey trip on the "Space Elevator" and those views of the planet below. However, it seems very strange that they plan on opening this restaurant in a month yet can't even provide a draft menu or at least a hint at the type of cuisine that will be served. Is it that hard to publish a menu and stamp it "selections subject to change and availability"? What exactly do they mean by "upscale contemporary", and how will that mesh with other super popular restaurants at EPCOT like LeCellier, Spice Road Table, Tutto Italia, Coral Reef, Chefs de France, and Takumi Tei?

I have been very interested in this dining experience since they announced it way back in 2017, and hoped that it would soft open when we were in WDW in January 2019 (when it was already behind its original opening schedule). There are some really cool aspects to this experience, but I'm concerned that Disney and Patina will muck it up with a slimmed down, mediocre menu and exorbitant prices trying to quickly recoup the initial investment and compensate for the losses because of the constant delays. The Drones will mob this place regardless of the price and quality at least through the first year or so, but if this is going to have lasting appeal (and actually still be running when we next visit, which might not be until 2023), they've got to find the right balance between presenting a diverse, interesting, and appropriate menu with prices that are comparable to other themed dining experiences at WDW and elsewhere in Orlando. Just because you get a fancy elevator ride doesn't mean they can price this like Cinderella's Royal Table, which has become one of the absolute WORST dining values on property.

If I were the manager of this restaurant, my only fear would be Star Wars Starcruiser. Its going to have the same (or similar) gimmick to get into the establishment. The worst thing that could possibly happen is for this restaurant to be seen as a cut-price version of that... but I'm not sure I can see how to avoid it.

I am so much more interested in this than the $tarcruiser. With all the excellent places to eat at Epcot, I do wonder if Tomorrowland would have been a better location. I have been watching the documentaries on behind the scenes on the attractions, and I think this restaurant nails the “what would Walt like.”

More than anything I’m just glad that this appealing building now has a permanent function year round. Though on the downside, this might make what has long been an easy walkway from Future World to the Mexico Pavillion a more popular pinch point…

I never saw it, but this reminds me of Space Station X in Disneyland's old Tomorrowland, it was a circular indoor platform that looked out at a giant painted backdrop of the earth. This looks like a serene view with a couple of astronauts floating by, not particularly exciting, and may get old after a few minutes of viewing.

Can it be as interesting as, say, a real view from the Sky Tower at Niagara Falls? Or even the fish tank at Coral Reef restaurant? Will you be inspired to gaze for a long time at a CGI earth? Or will it be simply dismissed after a few minutes, like Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's, where no one pays attention to him?

I could see this as a (yes, another) Star Wars themed restaurant where you see the space battle outside, and the Empire (no, not the First Order) taking over the restaurant with Darth Vader, and fighting rebels in the midst of diners. If the present concept doesn't take, maybe the theme can be quickly changed.

My family has been excited for this one for a while now…It’s a letdown for sure that they didn’t release a menu but honestly, at this point, we’re not sure when we’ll get back to the Florida Parks anyways…We’ve delayed our trip about 4 times now and our current February dates are back in that COVID-tentative category again…IF that falls through then maybe May 2022, at which time I’d hope that any early hiccups with the menu and such can be worked out…Either way it’s on the must do list for us…

Probably should just edit my message above but am too lazy. I think it is time for them to do a huge Tomorrowland refurbishment in both US parks, especially in DL. This could be a great addition there. Make it a true positive visit of space of the distant future. Bring back the Peoplemover. At WDW, do something great with the Stitch location.