Whether you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom park for the first time or you’ve been going for years, it’s almost impossible not to know about Cosmic Ray. This counter service restaurant has been part of the Tomorrowland scenery since some of the park’s earlier years. It has also racked up a lot of popularity thanks to its dining entertainment!

Popping into Ray’s is a no-brainer for a family with children. And it’s one of the few places in the park where you don’t need a reservation. So if you’ve planned your vacation but forgot to think about where you’re going to grab your grub, have no fear! Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is here to provide you with some of the best food in the galaxy!

Table of Contents:

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café History

When the Magic Kingdom park opened in October 1971, Tomorrowland had a very different look. Luckily, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe was introduced in 1994 and has since become one of the most popular restaurants in the park. But it’s not the food quality or decor that draws guests in.

While the food is excellent, the decor leaves much to be desired when comparing it to some of the other themed restaurants in the park. Still, there has been no shortage of guests fighting for a front-row seat in the fast-food dining area. And it’s all because of Cosmic Ray’s main attraction: the stellar musical entertainment.

If you thought you would see a character named Cosmic Ray during your dining experience, we’re sorry to disappoint you. Unlike some of the other aptly named restaurants, Ray’s doesn’t have a mascot that matches its name. Instead, it has something even better. It has the one and only Sonny Eclipse!

Sonny is an animatronic singer that sits in the middle of the dining area and plays around half an hour of an original song set to the audience. This intergalactic superstar is what draws crowds in day after day, and it’s not hard to see why.

Playing for over twenty-five years, Sonny has become one of the park’s most well-known and well-loved animatronics. And, if you have fussy kids that need a break from the excitement of the park, taking them to see the awe-inspiring alien is sure to become the highlight of their day.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café theme

Cosmic Ray’s is loosely themed, with simple decor that pales compared to some of the other Tomorrowland restaurants. But with Sonny taking up the heart of the dining area, you could argue that the cafe is inspired by live entertainment areas – with a slight galactic twist.

Either way, you spin it, Ray’s is all about Sonny and his Astro Organ.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café Menu

Ray’s is the place to go for simple foods that suit even the fussiest eaters. With scrumptious burgers and one of the most diverse allergy-friendly selections in the park, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick (and cheap) bite to eat.

That said, don’t expect too much from the food. Ray’s is a fast-food joint, so it serves a limited menu. While everything is delicious and perfectly prepared, it isn’t one of the park’s most adventurous or exciting menus.

Entrées

If you’re in the mood for a burger or a light lunch, Ray’s entrées are fantastic choices. During lunch and dinner service, the restaurant offers:

The Triple-B burger: a brioche bun served with an Angus beef patty topped with bacon, crispy onions, cherry barbecue sauce, and cheddar cheese spread. The burger is served with a side of french fries.
The Angus bacon cheeseburger: a brioche bun served with an Angus beef patty topped with Sonny Eclipse’s signature sauce, bacon, and American cheese served with your choice of side.
The Angus cheeseburger: an Angus beef patty on a brioche bun topped with American cheese served with Sonny’s signature sauce. The burger comes with your choice of side.
The Rocket hot chicken sandwich: A spicy barbecued chicken sandwich topped with Sonny Eclipse rocket aïoli and a pickled slaw on a brioche bun. Served with your choice of side.
Chicken strips: four strips served with french fries. It can also be served with a Greek salad.
Greek salad: fresh greens served with tangy tomato relish, banana peppers, feta, and kalamata olives tossed in a Greek Feta Vinaigrette Dressing
The plant-based patty melts an Impossible plant burger with pickle slaw, Asteroid sauce, and plant-based Swiss cheese served on toast.

These are just some of the menu items available at Ray’s. Also included are hot dogs and other burger variations. Their menu is subject to change and will often rotate offerings during different seasons and events. There are also several allergy-friendly sections on the menu.

Sides and dessert

Ray’s offers limited sides and dessert menus. For sides, you can pick french fries or a Cuties mandarin. And for dessert, the only option is a chocolate bundt cake complete with galaxy-themed purple icing.

Kids’ menu items

The kids’ menu keeps things simple with a choice of chicken strips or macaroni and cheese. The two chicken fingers are served with french fries and a mandarin.

There is also a kids’ Disney check meal, which meets Disney nutrition guidelines for complete meals, provided there are no substitutions. This meal offers a barbecued chicken sandwich, two sides, and bottled water or small lowfat milk.

Drinks

There isn’t anything in particular that stands out on Ray’s drinks menu. Some of the most popular drink choices include:

Freshly brewed Joffrey’s coffee regular
Freshly brewed Joffrey’s coffee decaf
Small chocolate milk
Hot tea
Hot cocoa
Nesquick
Fountain sodas
Water

FAQs

What planet is the Sonny Eclipse animatronic at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café from?

Sonny Eclipse is a staple in the Dinsey Parkgoer fandom. Introduced as the ‘biggest little star in the galaxy,’ Sonny starts his set by telling audience members that he comes from Yew Nork City, which can be found on the planet Zork.

There isn’t any further background provided on Sonny’s home planet other than when he explains to his adoring fans that the subways on Planet Zork are up while the streets are down. He affectionately recalls Yew Nork as a ‘topsy-turvy town.’

Is Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Caféthe busiest restaurant at Walt Disney World?

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe is often rumored to be the busiest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. And, looking at the amount of revenue the restaurant brings in, it’s true!

With simple foods that are quick to eat and lightning-fast service, Ray’s can accommodate thousands of guests every day. And since you don’t need a reservation to dine there, it has become a popular place to take a load off and listen to Sonny Eclipse plays his groovy space tunes.

When was Sonny Eclipse put in?

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe was originally opened in 1994. Just a year later, in 1995, Disney introduced the incredible crowd-drawing intergalactic crooner Sonny Eclipse. Since his first appearance nearly thirty years ago, Sonny has entertained guests and put on show after show at the popular dining spot.

Facebook X Reddit

More about our TFVG Author

Author Profile

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe At Disney World: Everything You Need to Know