Backlot Express Review: Better Than People Give It Credit For?
Is Backlot Express worth it? Here’s my honest review of the food, Wookiee Cookie, seating, and why I think it’s better than many people give it credit for.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Backlot Express isn’t a restaurant that gets a lot of love.
Whenever people start ranking the quick service restaurants at Hollywood Studios, it usually ends up somewhere in the middle—or closer to the bottom.
Honestly…
I don’t really get it.
Now, I’m not saying it’s the best quick service restaurant in the park. It isn’t.
But every time I’ve eaten here, I’ve had a good experience.
In fact, I currently rank it as my third favorite quick service restaurant at Hollywood Studios, behind Woody’s Lunch Box and ABC Commissary.
The food has been good, there’s plenty of seating, and if you’re spending time around Star Tours or Echo Lake, it’s one of the easiest places to grab lunch without walking across the park.
Would I make a special trip just to eat here?
Probably not.
Would I happily eat here again?
Absolutely.
The Rice Bowl Really Surprised Me
The last time I ate at Backlot Express, I ordered one of their chicken rice bowls.
I’ll be honest…
I wasn’t expecting much.
It looked like one of those meals that would be perfectly acceptable but nothing special.
Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
The chicken was flavorful, the rice wasn’t dry, and the whole meal felt a little lighter than a lot of the other quick service options at Disney.
Sometimes that’s exactly what I want.
After several days of burgers, fries, and desserts, it’s nice to find something that actually tastes a little fresh.
I’d definitely order it again.
Let’s Talk About the Wookiee Cookie
I’ve actually had the Wookiee Cookie twice.
And interestingly enough…
I had two completely different experiences.
The first time, I honestly wasn’t impressed.
It was really sweet.
Almost too sweet.
The cookie itself seemed a little dry, and by the time I finished a few bites, I was kind of done.
The second time I ordered it?
Completely different story.
The cookie was much softer, the filling seemed fresher, and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I still think it’s a dessert that’s meant to be shared.
It’s huge.
Unless you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, I’d recommend splitting it with someone else.
Would I order it again?
Yes.
But I’d also keep in mind that, like a lot of Disney baked goods, freshness probably makes a difference.
If you’re planning to order the Wookiee Cookie, it also earned a spot in my guide to the best snacks at Hollywood Studios, although I’d definitely recommend sharing it.
There Are Still Things I’d Like to Try
One of the reasons I know I’ll end up back at Backlot Express is because there are still a few things on the menu I’d like to work my way through.
I’ve had enough good experiences here that I trust the kitchen a little more than I used to.
That’s actually one of the biggest compliments I can give a restaurant.
When I leave thinking, “I’d like to come back and try something else,” that’s usually a good sign.
Honestly…
The food is only part of the reason I like Backlot Express.
The other part?
It’s just an easy place to eat.
(And yes…
We’re about to talk about air conditioning again.)
One of the Best Things About Backlot Express
One thing Backlot Express has going for it is space.
Sometimes that’s more important than people realize.
There are quite a few tables inside, there’s additional seating outside under cover, and I’ve never felt like I had to fight for a place to sit.
After eating at Woody’s Lunch Box, where finding a table can sometimes feel like its own attraction, Backlot Express is a nice change of pace.
And yes…
It’s air conditioned.
You knew that was coming.
If you’ve been walking around Hollywood Studios all morning, especially if you’ve been over in Galaxy’s Edge where there isn’t a ton of shade, sitting inside for thirty or forty-five minutes can feel pretty amazing.
Sometimes I think people underestimate just how much that can improve your day.
It’s Also in a Really Convenient Spot
Another thing I like about Backlot Express is the location.
If you’re spending time around Star Tours, Indiana Jones, or Echo Lake, it’s right there.
The restrooms are also just across the walkway, which is one of those little things you don’t think about until you’re traveling with kids.
It’s also close enough that it’s an easy stop before heading over to Galaxy’s Edge or making your way toward Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
I probably wouldn’t walk across the entire park just to eat here.
But if I’m already in this part of Hollywood Studios, it’s an easy decision.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Like most of the quick service restaurants at Disney World, I’d recommend using Mobile Order.
You’ll almost always save yourself a little time.
If you’re planning on getting the Wookiee Cookie, I’d also recommend sharing it.
It’s a lot bigger than it looks in the display case, and unless you’re really craving something sweet, splitting one is probably the way to go.
And if you’re looking for something that isn’t another burger and fries, don’t overlook the rice bowls.
That’s honestly what surprised me the most about eating here.
Is Backlot Express Worth It?
I think so.
Is it the best quick service restaurant at Hollywood Studios?
No.
That’s still Woody’s Lunch Box for me.
But I also think Backlot Express is better than its reputation.
I’ve had good food here.
I’ve always been able to find somewhere comfortable to sit.
And I know I’ll be back because there are still more things on the menu I’d like to try.
For me, that’s enough to recommend it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Better food than many people expect
- The chicken rice bowl is a solid choice
- The Wookiee Cookie is fun to share
- Plenty of indoor seating
- Covered outdoor seating as well
- Great location near Star Tours
- Mobile Order available
Cons
- Doesn’t really have a signature entrée that people travel across the park for
- Easy to overlook if you’re heading straight to Galaxy’s Edge
Final Thoughts
Backlot Express isn’t flashy.
It’s probably never going to be the restaurant people tell you that you absolutely have to eat at during your Hollywood Studios day.
But honestly?
I think that’s part of its charm.
It quietly does a lot of things well.
The food has always been good when I’ve eaten here.
The seating is comfortable.
The location is convenient.
And after giving the Wookiee Cookie a second chance, I even changed my mind about one of its most popular desserts.
Not every Disney meal has to be unforgettable.
Sometimes you just want a good lunch, a comfortable place to sit for a while, and enough energy to go ride another attraction.
Backlot Express checks all of those boxes.
I don’t think it’s the hidden gem that ABC Commissary is.
And I don’t think it reaches the level of Woody’s Lunch Box.
But I do think it’s one of the more underrated quick service restaurants at Hollywood Studios, and I’d happily eat here again on my next trip.
