Orlando Dinner Theaters - Ultimate Visitor's Guide
There are so many minor attractions in Orlando that the offerings can all begin to look alike, but there is a world of difference between the top Dinner Theaters. Here's the run-down on the various Dinner Theater Attractions in the Orlando/Kissimmee area to help you plan your Orlando Vacation.
Medieval Times Dinner Theater And Tournament
The first Medieval Times theater was opened in 1977 in Spain. The Kissimmee show opened in 1983, and proved its popularity immediately. Since then, millions of families worldwide have enjoyed a night of jousting, pageantry, and fun in nine locations accross the United States. The show includes a medieval "feast" (intended to be eaten without silverware, though you can request it!), jousting and weapons demonstrations, and equestrian performances. Guests are seated in a color-coordinated section dedicated to cheering a particular "knight." As with most dinner attractions, there is a story to provide continuity, and a Champion is named at the end of the night. Set inside a highly decorated Castle, with vivid costuming and beautiful horses, this is a good choice for all families - they've had a lot of practice getting it right!
Overall Entertainment Rating: 5/5Best For Ages: ALL AGES
Medieval Times Dinner Theater And Tournament
4510 W. Irlo Bronson Highway - Kissimmee, FL 34747
For Reservations Call: 1-888-WE-JOUST
An alternative equestrian show, set in the Middle East, and performed in the largest indoor equestrian arena in the US. Arabian Nights tends more towards storyline and plot than Medieval Times, but the cast of over 30 performers and 60+ horses make this a dynamic and exciting show. The storyline is basically that of the wedding of the Princess Scheherezade to her prince; hence the title. A genie summons the horses and performers, who exhibit riding styles and performances from all over the world for the wedding guests' entertainment. Exhibitions include a Roman-style chariot race, gypsy stunt-riding, Native American trick-riding, and more. The bill of fare is average - think family restaurant - but you'll hardly notice the food while watching the show!
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5 Best For Ages: ALL AGES
Arabian Nights Dinner Show
3081 Arabian Nights Boulevard - Kissimmee, FL 34747
For Reservations Call: 1-800-553-6116
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
This popular, perennial Luau, located at Disney's Polynesian Resort, has been a favorite for years. A typical luau - with plentiful food, trim hula dancers, musicians, and fire twirlers, served with Disney flair and customer service and including an all-you-care-to-eat banquet inspired by the flavors of the South Seas (but still friendly to American palates). Guests are welcome to participate in hula lessons while the evening unfolds.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5Best For Ages: ALL AGES
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Post Office Box 10,000 - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Reservations Call: 1-407-939-3463
Sea World's foray into the dinner attraction business is a change of pace, with a Polynesian theme. The bill of fare is themed - with better quality than other dinner attractions. Music and dancing accompany fire-juggling, hula, and other traditional performances, and the setting and costuming are as flamboyant as you could wish. Not quite as great for younger kids as some of the other shows, although there is an audience-participation hula lesson for them furing the performance. This show is perfect for your dinner after a day at Sea World - the food is satisfying, the show is dynamic, and the music and dancing are exactly what you should expect at a "luau." You should call ahead or order online for reservations, as the show often sells out.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5Best For Ages: AGES 7 & UP
Makahiki Luau At Sea World
7007 SeaWorld Drive - Orlando, FL 32821
For Reservations Call: 1-800-327-2424
The Pirate's Dinner Adventure is heavy on special effects, as you'd expect from a show which features a 46-foot long, 18th Century Spanish galleon as a set-piece. The ship rests in a 300,000 gallon indoor lagoon, upon and around which the action takes place. Audience participation is similar to that of Medieval Times - guests are seated in one of six "ships" and assigned their own Pirate to cheer on during the performance. Additionally, there are minor participation roles allotted for over 100 guests during each performace, allowing for greater interaction in the program. The performance features pyrotechnics, cannon fire, and lots of choreographed fighting, which may be just a little intense for the youngest of children, but is hugely entertaining for those who enjoyed the recent Disney movies.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 5/5Best For Ages: ALL AGES
Pirate's Dinner Adventure
6400 Carrier Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-800-866-2469
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
An over-the-top "everything goes" action-packed and very long evening! Admission price includes the Carriage Room Opening Act, the Main Show in the Arena and dinner. The Carriage Room Opening Act begins 50 minutes prior to the scheduled show time. The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show includes livestock exhibitions, equestrian displays, musical and theatrical performances, and dramatic lighting and special effects with a very distinctive Midwestern flavor. If you're traveling during the holiday season, don't miss the extended holiday shows including longer performances and dramatic re-enactments.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5Best For Ages: AGES 10 & UP
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction
8251 Vineland Avenue - Orlando, FL 32821
For Reservations Call: 1-866-443-4943
This show is a musical comedy set in Gangland Chicago, ca. 1931. Capone’s one of a kind prohibition era Speak-easy and Cabaret offers a fun and not entirely authentic glimpse at Prohibition-Era antics. The beautiful and talented Miss Jewel is your hostess for the festivities, and Miss Bunny-June is Capone’s flighty dancing girl. Fingers Salvotorio is Bunny-June’s unbelievably goofy Mobster boyfriend. These and a host of other colorful characters will entertain you throughout the evening's performance. Not recommended for young children - mainly because most of the jokes, innuendo, and references will go right over their heads.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 3/5Best For Ages: Adults And Teens
Capone's Dinner And Show
4740 West US Highway 192 - Kissimmee, FL 34746
For Reservations Call: 1-407-397-2378
An alternative offering for older and more theatrically-minded guests, with eleven rotating mystery productions performed on three differently-themed stages. Guests are invited to participate in the 2 1/2 hour shows which feature both scripted and improvisational work, as the actors work toward the eventual solution to the "crime." We suggest you check out their website (hint - just google the show's name!) for a list of performances with schedules and descriptions - some shows are dramas, and some are comedies, so you can decide which performance will best suit your interests. Definitely not for very young children, who may not be able to follow the storylines - but a good choice for older teens and adults who will enjoy the stage action.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5Best For Ages: AGES 10 & UP
Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show
8267 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-800-393-1985
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
"The Outta Control" dinner show is a combination dinner, magic, and comedy performance located inside WonderWorks on International Drive. The show consists of music, magic, illusions, comedy and a satisfying amount of audience participation. The crowds don’t just watch the show; they become part of the show - which will be particularly satisfying for parents and children. Although not at the sophisticated level of other area shows, the twice-nightly performance are satisfying for the price - about half that of Medieval Times - a good option for families whose budgets can't handle the larger productions in the area.
Overall Entertainment Rating: 4/5Best For Ages: ALL AGES
The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
9067 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-407-351-8800
As a general rule, most dinner attractions will include a complete, multi-course meal with beverages like soda, milk, and tea included in the price. Vegetarian and children's alternatives are usually provided, but in most cases, dinner is simply something to occupy you while you're watching the show - acceptable, but not spectacular. You're there for the show -- and you WILL be entertained with acting, singing, dancing, or equestrian displays both during and after the meal. Most shows feature some form of audience participation, as well. While all the dinner attractions in Orlando, Florida, are designed to be family-friendly, some are better for younger viewers than others.
Pricing for Orlando dinner attractions usually hovers around $50 for adults and $35 for children. Many shows offer discounts for large groups, so call ahead if you are coming with other families. Wear comfortable clothing as the dining is strictly casual. If you have particular dietary needs, we recommend you call ahead to find out what alternatives are available before purchasing tickets.
