Space 220 Disney Dining Plan: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation and dreaming of dining among the stars at Space 220, you’re probably wondering: does Space 220 accept the Disney Dining Plan? With reservation demand through the roof and prices to match, understanding how this spectacular EPCOT restaurant fits into your dining plan strategy is crucial for maximizing your vacation budget.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Space 220 and the Disney Dining Plan, including current participation status, menu details, reservation strategies, and whether this out-of-this-world experience delivers value for your hard-earned dining credits.

Does Space 220 Accept the Disney Dining Plan?

Here’s the truth about the Space 220 Disney Dining Plan situation: the answer is complicated and has changed over time.

Current Status for 2025

As of 2025, there are conflicting reports about Space 220’s participation in the Disney Dining Plan:

Some sources indicate that Space 220 DOES participate in the 2025 Disney Dining Plan as a 2-credit table service restaurant. This would align it with other signature dining experiences throughout Walt Disney World.

However, other reliable sources state that Space 220 does NOT accept the Disney Dining Plan at all—neither the standard plan nor the Quick-Service Dining Plan. The reasoning behind this exclusion is that Space 220 is not owned and operated directly by Disney but rather by the Patina Hospitality Group, which manages several high-end Disney World restaurants.

Why the Confusion?

The conflicting information appears to stem from policy changes during the dining plan’s reintroduction. When the Disney Dining Plan returned after its COVID-19 hiatus, many restaurants had to opt back into the program, and participation lists have continued to evolve.

Our Recommendation

Before making your reservation or planning to use dining plan credits at Space 220, we strongly recommend:

Call Disney directly at (407) 939-3463 to confirm current participation status
Check the official Walt Disney World website when booking your reservation
Ask the cast member when making your reservation specifically about dining plan acceptance
Have a backup payment method ready just in case

The last thing you want is to arrive at your highly anticipated reservation only to discover you can’t use your dining credits.

Understanding Disney Dining Plan Credits

To fully grasp the Space 220 Disney Dining Plan question, it helps to understand how the dining plan works in 2025.

What Are Table Service Credits?

The Disney Dining Plan includes different types of meal credits:

Quick-Service Credits: Used at counter-service restaurants throughout the parks and resorts
Table Service Credits: Used at sit-down restaurants with waiter service
Snack Credits: Redeemable for snacks, drinks, and small bites

Most standard table-service restaurants require one table service credit per person. However, some premium dining experiences require more.

Signature Dining Restaurants (2 Credits)

Signature dining restaurants typically require two table service credits per person due to their higher-end experience, more elaborate menus, and premium pricing. Examples include:

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion
Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort (dinner only)

If Space 220 does participate in the dining plan, it would almost certainly fall into this 2-credit category given its premium pricing structure.

Is Using 2 Credits Worth It?

Here’s an important consideration: signature restaurants rarely offer the best value for your dining plan credits. They require two credits but typically don’t cost twice as much as standard table-service meals when paying out-of-pocket.

For Space 220 specifically, dinner costs $79 per adult. Using two table service credits (valued at approximately $69 each on the 2025 plan) equals $138 in credit value for a $79 meal—which actually represents a loss rather than savings.

Understanding what you’re paying for (whether with credits or cash) is essential when evaluating the Space 220 experience.

The main Space 220 restaurant operates on a prix fixe (fixed price) menu system:

Lunch:

Adults: $55 per person
Children (ages 3-9): $29 per person
Includes: One appetizer + one entrée (no dessert)

Dinner:

Adults: $79 per person
Children (ages 3-9): $29-35 per person
Includes: One appetizer + one entrée + one dessert

While the menu rotates seasonally, recent offerings have included:

Appetizers:

Blue Moon Cauliflower (a guest favorite)
Starry Calamari
Galactic Lobster Bisque
Centauri Caesar Salad

Entrées:

Slow Rotation Short Rib
Planetary Pork Chop
Gravity-Free Chicken
Stellar Sustainable Fish
Neptune Noodles (vegetarian option)

Desserts:

Chocolate Cheesecake “Planet”
Lemon Cream Tart
Space 220 Signature Dessert

Reviews consistently note that the appetizers are the standout stars of the meal, with fresh ingredients and inventive presentations that exceed expectations for theme park dining.

Space 220 Lounge: An Alternative Option

Not ready to commit to the full prix fixe experience? The Space 220 Lounge offers an à la carte menu with more budget-friendly options:

Short Rib Sliders: $18
Starry Calamari: $19
New England Lobster Roll: $34
Various “Flight Bites” under $20

The lounge shares the same stunning space station atmosphere as the main restaurant, making it an excellent alternative if you want the immersive experience without the commitment of a full multi-course meal.

Important note: If Space 220 Lounge accepts the Disney Dining Plan (which some lounges now do), it would likely be one credit for à la carte items, but this should be verified at the time of your visit.

The Space 220 Experience: What to Expect

Before we dive into reservation strategies, let’s talk about what makes Space 220 one of EPCOT’s most sought-after dining experiences.

The Journey Begins: The Stellarvator

Your Space 220 adventure starts before you even reach your table. After checking in at the host stand (located near Mission: SPACE in EPCOT’s World Discovery), you’ll receive a boarding pass and step into the “Stellarvator”—a special elevator that simulates ascending 220 miles above Earth.

During the 75-second journey, watch through the elevator windows as:

EPCOT drops away beneath you
Florida’s coastline becomes visible
Earth gradually shrinks into a beautiful blue marble
Stars and the blackness of space surround you
The Centauri Space Station comes into view

This immersive pre-show sets the tone for the entire experience and delights guests of all ages.

Welcome to the Centauri Space Station

After “docking” at the space station, you’ll walk through a illuminated corridor featuring hydroponic gardens where fresh herbs and vegetables grow—a realistic touch that mirrors how real space stations might someday produce food.

Then you’ll enter the main dining area, and the view will take your breath away.

The Main Dining Room

The Space 220 restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that create the illusion of dining in a space station orbiting Earth. Throughout your meal, you’ll see:

Earth rotating slowly below, with recognizable continents and weather patterns
Astronauts performing spacewalks and repairs
Satellites and space debris floating past
Occasional “visits” from spacecraft and special surprises

The attention to detail is remarkable, with different scenes and events occurring throughout your dining experience. Some guests report seeing everything from shooting stars to space tourism vessels passing by.

Atmosphere and Service

The dining room maintains a sophisticated yet family-friendly atmosphere. The service is typically excellent, with cast members playing up the space station theme while ensuring your meal flows smoothly.

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours for your meal, especially at dinner. This isn’t a quick bite—it’s a leisurely experience designed to let you savor both the food and the environment.

How to Score a Space 220 Reservation

Here’s where things get challenging: Space 220 is currently one of the most difficult reservations to secure at Walt Disney World. But don’t lose hope—with the right strategies, you can increase your chances significantly.

Reservation Timeline

Disney World dining reservations open 60 days in advance at 6:00 AM Eastern Time. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you get a special advantage: you can book up to 60 days in advance for your entire length of stay (up to 10 days), giving you a head start for dates later in your trip.

Strategies for Success

1. Set Your Alarm Wake up at 5:50 AM Eastern on your 60-day mark. Have your computer or phone ready, logged into your Disney account, with your credit card information already saved. Those first few minutes matter.

2. Be Flexible

Search for multiple party sizes if possible
Consider lunch instead of dinner (similar experience, better availability, lower price)
Keep an open mind about timing—early or late reservations are easier to get
Try weekdays rather than weekends

3. Check Multiple Dates If you’re staying for several days, search each day of your trip. Sometimes one day will have significantly better availability than others.

4. Keep Checking Back People cancel reservations all the time, especially as the 2-hour cancellation deadline approaches. Check the reservation system:

Multiple times throughout the day
The night before your park visit
Early morning on the day you want to dine

5. Use Reservation Finder Tools Several services monitor Disney reservations and send alerts when spots open up:

MouseDining.com
TouringPlans reservation finder
Magical Notification browser extension

6. Consider the Lounge The Space 220 Lounge operates on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ups, though it now also accepts reservations. The lounge is much smaller than the main restaurant, but if you arrive when EPCOT opens and head straight there, you might snag a spot.

The lounge offers the same incredible atmosphere with à la carte pricing, giving you control over how much you spend.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change, cancel at least 2 hours before your reservation to avoid the $10 per person cancellation fee. This policy applies to all Walt Disney World table-service restaurants.

Park Admission Required

Remember that you need valid EPCOT park admission to dine at Space 220, even if you’re not planning to spend much time in the park otherwise. Factor this into your budget planning.

Is Space 220 Worth It?

The million-dollar question (or should we say, $79-per-person question): is Space 220 actually worth the hype, the hassle of booking, and the hefty price tag?

What Reviewers Say

Overall, Space 220 receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most rating it:

Food Quality: 4/5 stars - Better than expected for theme park dining, with fresh ingredients and inventive preparations
Experience: 5/5 stars - The immersive atmosphere is truly exceptional and unlike anything else at Disney World
Service: 4.5/5 stars - Attentive, friendly cast members who enhance the theming
Value: 3.5/5 stars - Expensive, but fair for a special occasion

When Space 220 Is Worth It

Consider booking Space 220 if you:

Have aspiring astronauts in your family: Kids (and adults!) who love space will be absolutely thrilled by every aspect of this experience. The educational elements combined with the entertainment value make it memorable for space enthusiasts.

Are celebrating a special occasion: Anniversaries, birthdays, proposal dinners, or once-in-a-lifetime trips deserve special treatment. Space 220 delivers that “wow” factor.

Value immersive experiences: If you’re the type of person who appreciates theme park storytelling and attention to detail, you’ll love how fully realized the Space 220 concept is.

Want to try something unique: There’s literally nothing else like this anywhere in the world. The combination of the virtual space setting with high-quality dining is one-of-a-kind.

Choose lunch over dinner: The lunch menu offers nearly the same experience for $24 less per adult, making it a smarter value proposition.

When to Skip It

Space 220 might not be worth it if:

You’re on a tight budget: At $79 per adult for dinner, this is one of Disney World’s most expensive non-character dining experiences. If budget is a primary concern, there are many excellent meals available for less.

Food is your top priority: While the food is good to very good, you can find exceptional cuisine at other Disney restaurants (like Topolino’s Terrace, Jiko, or California Grill) that might deliver better culinary value. You’re paying primarily for the experience here, not Michelin-star cooking.

You have very young children: Kids under 3 eat free, but toddlers who won’t sit through a 90-120 minute meal might make this stressful rather than enjoyable.

You have motion sensitivity: The Stellarvator ride is gentle, but the constant movement visible through the restaurant windows (rotating Earth, floating astronauts) might bother those prone to motion sickness.

The Lounge Alternative

For many guests, the Space 220 Lounge represents the sweet spot: same incredible atmosphere, more flexibility, better value. You can order just appetizers and drinks, or go for heartier options, all while enjoying that spectacular view of Earth from orbit.

The lounge is elevated about 3 feet above the main restaurant in the same room, and many guests actually prefer the vantage point, as you can see more of the space station windows from this position.

Maximizing Value: Tips and Tricks

Whether or not Space 220 participates in the Disney Dining Plan, here are strategies to get the most value from your experience:

Discounts Available

Disney Vacation Club Members: 15% discount at Space 220 Lounge (not main restaurant)

Annual Passholders: 10% discount at Space 220 Lounge (not main restaurant)

These discounts apply to the à la carte lounge menu, making it even more attractive as an alternative to the prix fixe restaurant.

Timing Strategies

Book Lunch Instead of Dinner

Save $24 per adult ($55 vs $79)
Nearly identical menu and experience
You miss dessert, but you can get that elsewhere
Better availability for reservations

Consider Early or Late Dining Times

11:00 AM lunch or 8:30 PM dinner slots are easier to book
The experience is identical regardless of time
The “view” outside doesn’t change based on time of day (you’re in space!)

Making the Most of Your Visit

Arrive 15 Minutes Early: This gives you time to check in, use the restroom, and mentally prepare for the experience without feeling rushed.

Request Window Seating: When checking in, politely ask if any tables near the space station windows are available. These offer the most immersive views, though honestly, the entire restaurant offers excellent sightlines.

Don’t Rush: You’re paying premium prices for a premium experience. Take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, spot all the details in the space scenes outside, and make this a highlight of your trip.

Take Photos (But Live in the Moment): The environment is incredibly photogenic, but remember to put down your phone and simply experience it too. Your memories matter more than your Instagram feed.

Ask About Dietary Restrictions: Disney is excellent at accommodating allergies and dietary preferences. Mention any needs when booking and again when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Space 220 Disney Dining Plan

Can I use dining plan credits at Space 220 Lounge?

The lounge’s dining plan participation may differ from the main restaurant. Some Disney lounges now accept the dining plan for one table service credit. Verify current policy when booking.

How many credits does Space 220 require?

If Space 220 participates in the dining plan, it would almost certainly require 2 table service credits per person due to its premium pricing, placing it in the “signature dining” category.

Is Space 220 worth 2 dining credits?

From a pure financial standpoint, probably not. At $79 for dinner, using 2 credits (valued at approximately $138) doesn’t save you money. However, if the experience is a priority and you have credits to spare, it offers a unique memory.

Do kids need dining credits at Space 220?

Yes, everyone dining requires either credits or payment, regardless of age. Children ages 3-9 have a separate kids’ menu priced at $29-35.

What if Space 220 doesn’t accept the dining plan?

You’ll need to pay out-of-pocket using a credit card or other payment method. This is why we strongly recommend confirming participation status before your reservation.

Can I book Space 220 if I don’t have the dining plan?

Absolutely! The dining plan is entirely optional. You can book Space 220 and pay out-of-pocket whether or not you have a dining plan.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuity is not included in the prix fixe price or dining plan credits. Plan to tip 18-20% of the pre-tax bill (Disney will automatically add 18% for parties of 6 or more).

Alternative Disney Dining Experiences

If Space 220 doesn’t work out for your trip—whether due to availability, dining plan status, or budget—consider these alternatives that offer excellent value:

Other 2-Credit Signature Experiences

California Grill: Rooftop dining with fireworks views
Topolino’s Terrace: Character breakfast or elegant dinner
Le Cellier: Canadian steakhouse in EPCOT

Unique Dining Experiences

Coral Reef Restaurant: Dine next to The Seas aquarium (also at EPCOT)
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Dine in the castle with princesses
Tiffins: Exceptional cuisine at Animal Kingdom

Better Value Options

Via Napoli: Outstanding pizza in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion
Sanaa: Indian-African fusion with animal savanna views
‘Ohana: All-you-can-eat Polynesian feast

Final Verdict: Space 220 and Your Disney Dining Strategy

The Space 220 Disney Dining Plan situation perfectly illustrates why planning your Disney World dining requires flexibility and research. The uncertainty around dining plan participation, combined with difficult reservations and premium pricing, means you need to:

Confirm current dining plan status before counting on using credits
Have a backup payment method ready
Consider whether the experience justifies the cost for your family
Explore the lounge option as a potentially better value
Book as early as possible (60 days out) for best availability

Whether you end up using dining plan credits or paying out-of-pocket, Space 220 delivers a truly out-of-this-world experience that stands out even in the spectacular world of Disney dining. For the right guest at the right time, it’s absolutely worth the investment—just make sure you’ve confirmed all the details before you count on using those dining plan credits.

The immersive theming, impressive technology, and solid food quality combine to create something genuinely special. While it may not be the best pure culinary experience at Disney World, it’s certainly one of the most memorable. And sometimes, that’s worth more than saving a few dollars or dining credits.

Plan Your Space 220 Experience

Ready to embark on your culinary journey to the stars? Start by:

Setting your calendar alert for 60 days before your trip
Confirming Space 220’s current Disney Dining Plan status
Deciding between lunch (better value) and dinner (includes dessert)
Considering whether the lounge might better suit your needs
Having reservation finder tools ready for backup

With proper planning and realistic expectations, Space 220 can become one of the highlights of your Walt Disney World vacation—a meal you’ll be talking about for years to come.

The question “Does Space 220 accept the Disney Dining Plan?” might have a complicated answer, but the question “Is Space 220 an unforgettable experience?” has a simple one: absolutely yes.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you among the stars!

Related Guides:

How to Make Disney Dining Reservations - Complete booking strategies for hard-to-get restaurants
Best Restaurants on Disney Dining Plan - Top-value dining credit redemptions
Complete List of Restaurants on Disney Dining Plan - All participating locations
Le Cellier Disney Dining Plan - Another signature EPCOT dining option