by The upcoming Space 220 Restaurant will soon open at Epcot – but when? We have an idea and some details about the delays.
We haven’t been this excited for a restaurant concept at Walt Disney World since the opening of Be Our Guest! Space 220 is an immersive, hyper-realist dining experience in outer space. Well, sort of. Disney is creating an amazing restaurant that feels as though you’re dining far away from the Earth!
We don’t know much about the menu or even most of the dining details yet. Disney first announced that the restaurant would open in winter, leading many to believe before the end of 2019. However, that date has since past and even the other rumored opening date, February 20, 2020 – 2/20/20 – won’t happen either.
Now we’re led to believe that Space 220 will open in the spring, likely April. Construction issues and Disney changing chefs has led to this delay. Insiders have also stated that one of the giant screens that simulated the outer space experience cracked and Disney had to order a new one. We don’t have official confirmation about this, but that’s the rumor.
Why is the restaurant called Space 220?
Guests dine as they “orbit” Earth on a space station 220 miles from land. At one point, you’ll see your party leave Earth as you travel into orbit. Of course, all of this is simulated using massive screens and other forms of technology.
Hence, if a cracked screen is one of the reasons for the delay, it’s completely understandable. Disney can’t open its dining experience with partial views of space when its promised so much more.
The restaurant is also located next to the MISSION: Space ride. Both attractions make up the upcoming World Discovery area of Epcot’s future.
When Will Space 220 Reservations Become Available?
At this point, when we see Space 220 open at Epcot, we don’t expect reservations. This means that guests must use a first-come, first-served, option. While this is unfortunate, reservations are better for when restaurants have become established. It gives their operations a better chance to handle the floor, the crowds, and maintain service level.
Traditionally, Disney World opens reservations anywhere for a couple of weeks to a couple of months away after opening dates. Again, this is just speculation, but also aligns with how Disney operates.
Will Space 220 be on the Disney Dining Plan?
It appears that Space 220 is finding a gourmet chef, which could lead to the restaurant being under “signature” status. Signature restaurants with the Disney Dining Plan require 2 table service credits to dine there. Although, most of Disney World’s themed dining places are just one table service credit.
With that said, we don’t expect Space 220 to immediately join the Disney Dining Plan. At the moment, Walt Disney World’s website lists the restaurant without Disney Dining Plan. However, just like reservations, we expect to see Space 220 eventually add the dining plan option.
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