50 Million Reasons To Visit Orlando

Orlando Vacations - Guides, Advice, And Savings

2009-04-24T11:53:00.002-04:00

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

Arabian Nights Dinner Show

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

Makahiki Luau At Sea World

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

Pirate's Dinner Adventure

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

Capone's Dinner And Show

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

Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show:

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.

Orlando Vacations - Guides, Advice, And Savings

2009-04-24T11:34:00.004-04:00

Walt Disney World vs: Universal Studios: Battle Of The Behemoths!

It is the quintessential "Battle of the Behemoths" - the two largest theme park organizations in Orlando, battling for your hard-earned vacation money. Which should you choose? No matter how adventurous and athletic you are, there is absolutely no way you will be able to see every show and ride in more than two theme parks per day. If the theme park is Sea World, whose sprawling design and numerous winding paths encourage weight-loss akin to anything Bally's Gym can dish out -- you'll only see one park that day.

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So what is a vacationer to do?

The first thing to do is to realize that Orlando is a tourist's DREAM, with attractions, museums, shopping, shows, and fine dining on every corner. There is no way you will see it all - or even most of it -- in less than two weeks. You should plan appropriately according to your group's priorities. We've provided below an overview of options for determining which parks to visit.

Options For Your Meager Budget

If your budget is limited, or theme parks are secondary to your group's itinerary, you'll want to choose Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, or Sea World Orlando, as your primary park choice. All three offer a variety of live shows, famous characters, thrilling rides, and dining that will satisfy visitors of all ages. Universal Orlando is perfect for "Weekend Stays" because you can see everything in just two days. The two Universal Parks - Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure - have very different personalities, offering a tremendous variety of famous characters and rides appropriate for thrill-lovers - or even the youngest of children. Sea World is a great alternative for slightly older children, or nature lovers who only have one day to spend at a theme park.

One Day Only - Limited Engagement Adventurers

If you have just ONE DAY to spend at the theme parks, you're really pushing it. However, you need to make a decision about what is most important - getting the most excitement into your day, or getting the best photo opportunities to bring home and share. For photo ops, nothing beats Walt Disney World. If you tell a friend you're going to Orlando, you'd better bring home a picture of your family in front of Cinderella's Castle! Our Advice - head to Magic Kingdom for the most picturesque photo opportunities. The cast can give you tips on where to stand! Unfortunately, the crowds at Disney World can be much worse than Universal, so you may not get to go on many rides. If you just want to have fun, head over to Universal. You can get a One Day, Two Park Pass and access to BOTH Universal Theme Parks for just a few dollars more than the One Day Disney Pass. If you start early, you'll probably get to ride on everything at least once. There's not as many memorable photo ops, but at the end of your day you'll be satisfied - and exhausted.

Five Day Stays And Longer Stays

For "Five Day Stays" or longer we recommend investing in Walt Disney World tickets. Disney's new pricing structure allows you to save more money per day on longer visits. For example, a per-day ticket price for one park, one day, is about $78 for adults -- but for seven days the per-day price is only about $30. Most people can only visit one Walt Disney World park per day, and there are FOUR of them. The inexpensive "Water Parks & More" option also allows you to visit DisneyQuest and Disney Water Parks during your stay. This is yet another advantage to the Disney Multi-Day Passes - access to two SUPERIOR water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, becomes part of your ticket deal. An Orlando Vacation or a week or longer demands a full accounting of the Disney theme parks, and ticket prices are adjusted to accommodate that.

Theme Park Addresses And Contact Information

Universal Studios Florida Theme Park
1000 Unviersal Studios Plaza - Orlando, Florida 32819
For Directions & Information Call: 1-407-363-8000

Universal's Islands Of Adventure
1000 Unviersal Studios Plaza - Orlando, Florida 32819
For Directions & Information Call: 1-407-363-8000

Walt Disney World Resorts
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom
Post Office Box 10000 - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Directions & Information Call: 1-407-824-4321

Walt Disney World Resorts
Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach
Post Office Box 10000 - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Directions & Information Call: 1-407-824-4321

Sea World Orlando Adventure Park
7007 SeaWorld Drive - Orlando, FL 32821
For Directions & Information Call: 1-800-327-2424

Whichever you choose, be sure to shop around and compare before purchasing your tickets. These two famous Theme Park Giants do not often discount their ticket prices. If you are already attending a Timeshare Presentation to pay for your lodging, do not agree to another just to get cheap tickets. You could go to two presentations a day for your whole visit and get enough free and discounted tickets for your whole family -- but you won't have time to use them. You are better off shopping around and getting the best deals online before you travel -- and remember to always buy tickets from licensed theme park ticket distributors.

Orlando Vacations - Guides, Advice, And Savings

2009-04-16T17:38:00.002-04:00

ORLANDO AREA FAMILY FRIENDLY DINING GUIDE

Orlando holds pride of place as the #1 family vacation destination in the United States. When strolling the theme parks, there are unlimited options for family friendly dining, with entertainment and menu options for everyone in the family. However, what options are there beyond the theme parks, for budget-friendly, kid-approved dining?

Not surprisingly, the Orlando metropolitan area offers hundreds of family-friendly dining. With budget-conscious choices like free kids' meal nights, live entertainment, and unique fare, there are menus to please every palate - and prices to fit every budget. We've compiled a list of staff favorites below. Bon apetit!

Themed Dining

Bob Marley Tribute to Freedom
6000 Universal Boulevard - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-224-2262

Café Tu Tu Tango
8625 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-407-248-2222

NBA City
6068 Universal Boulevard - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-363-5919

NASCAR Sports Grille
6000 Universal Boulevard #702 - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-224-7223

Rainforest Café
1800 East Buena Vista Drive - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Reservations Call: 1-407-827-8500

Hard Rock Café
6050 Universal Boulevard - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-351-7625

Seafood Restaurants

Fish on Fire Seafood, Smokehouse, & Grill
7937 Daetwyler Drive - Orlando, FL 32812
For Information Call: 1-407-812-6881

Straub’s Fine Seafood
5101 East Colonial Drive - Orlando, FL 32803
For Reservations Call: 1-407-273-9330

Boston Lobster Feast
6071 Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway - Orlando, FL 34747
For Reservations Call: 1-407-396-2606

Joe’s Crab Shack
10 Blake Road - Kisimmee, FL 34747
For Reservations Call: 1-321-939-0593

Eastern & Ethnic Dining

Kobe Japanese SteakHouse & Sushi Bar
8350 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-407-352-1811

Ming Court Wok & Grille
9188 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Reservations Call: 1-407-351-9988

Golden Dynasty Halal Chinese Restaurant
2116 Whisper Lakes Boulevard - Orlando, FL 32836
For Information Call: 1-407-851-2090

Kim Wu Chinese Restaurant
4904 S Kirkman Road - Orlando, FL 32811
For Information Call: 1-407-293-0752

Ya Ya’s Spanish Bakery and Deli
632 Hewett Drive - Orlando, FL 32807
For Information Call: 1-407-275-7555

Lower East Side Kosher Deli & Bakery
8548 Palm Parkway - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
For Information Call: 1-407-238-7755
Toll-Free Call: 1-800-747-0013

American Favorites

Sweet Tomatoes Soup & Salad Buffet (vegan choices)
6877 South Kirkman Road - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-363-1616

Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House
(day drive excursion)
601 Ponce DeLeon Boulevard - DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
For Information Call: 1-386-985-5644

American Pie Pizza Company
8957 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-345-0001‎

Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries
4969 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-352-8362

Johnny Rockets
9101 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-903-0762

World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's & PlayPlace
6875 Sand lake Road - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 1-407-351-2185

Dandelion CommuniTea Café (vegan choices)
618 North Thornton Avenue - Orlando, FL 32803
For Information Call: 1-407-362-1864

You’ll find that there are plenty of restaurants at the attractions and destinations that you’ll visit throughout Florida. Those restaurants will satisfy your family’s taste buds, and a few of them are even worth making a stop at just for the food and the dining experience available there. Whether you want chain restaurants, local franchises or one-of-a-kind spots, they’re located somewhere in Orlando during your Orlando Vacation.

Orlando Vacations - Guides, Advice, And Savings

2009-04-16T17:32:00.010-04:00

ULTIMATE VISITOR'S GUIDE - ORLANDO WATER PARKS

Visiting Orlando in June, July, or August? Like most of our 25 million summertime visitors, you may spend a day cooling off at an Orlando Water Park. Though most Orlando Theme Parks include a few water-rides, for the purposes of this guide we'll focus on the four "Exclusive" water parks in the area. These parks' only purpose is to provide your family with a day of sandy, sunny, soaking fun. Read onward for our candid reviews of Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Wet'n'Wild, and Adventure Island.

Wet 'n' Wild - Orlando

Opened in 1977, Wet'n'Wild was Orlando's first water park - but don't let that scare you. Although smaller in size than the Disney water parks we will describe later, Wet'n'Wild packs a lot of fun into a very small space. This is a versatile park - with a greater variety of activities than other area parks. Visitors can enjoy near-vertical water slides, multi-person rafting rides, wakeboarding, water-blaster wars, and more. But beware - this park is Orlando's most popular, and it can be a bit crowded on weekends during the summer.

Visitor Ratings:
Thrill Rides - 4/5
Kids' Area - 4/5
Crowd Handling - 2/5
Unique Attractions - 4/5
Bang For Your Buck - 3/5

Wet 'n' WIld Orlando Water Park
6200 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32819
For Information Call: 407-351-1800

Adventure Island - Tampa

Adjacent to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Adventure Island is similar in scope to Wet'n'Wild - with a similar selection of rides, slides, and flumes. A bonus for families with mid-age children (ages 6-10) is "Splash Attack." "Splash Attack" complements the standard kids rides offered by Adventure Island, with 500 feet of slides, tubes, climbing nets, and interactive water elements. Added Bonus: You save $20 when you combine admission with Busch Gardens on a 2-Day Pass.

Visitor Ratings:
Thrill Rides - 3/5
Kids Area' - 5/5
Crowd Handling - 2/5
Unique Attractions - 3/5
Bang For Your Buck - 4/5

Adventure Island Of Tampa Bay
10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive - Tampa Bay, FL 33612
For Information Call: 1-813-987-5660

Disney's Blizzard Beach

Disney's cartoonish take on a midummer blizzard is fun in the off months (May, September, and October). Unfortunately, if you visit in the summer, you need strong sunglasses - all that fake snow is BRIGHT in the Florida sun! Lots of fun for all ages, with Mickey "snowmen" floating downriver and America's tallest waterslide (at 120 feet). The theme is unique and the "ski resort" details give kids a lot to talk about.

Visitor Ratings:
Thrill Rides - 5/5
Kids Area' - 4/5
Crowd Handling - 3/5
Unique Attractions - 4/5
Bang For Your Buck - 5/5

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
Post Office Box 10000 - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Information Call: 1-407-824-4321

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon is the cream of the crop. This Disney water park is designed and landscaped to resemble a castaway island, with details like "shipwrecked" boats and numerous palm trees and grottos. "Castaway Creek" is the best "river" feature of any Orlando water park. This is the best florida water park experience you'll get outside of visiting on of our famous springs. Perfect for a lazy day!

Visitor Ratings:
Thrill Rides - 3/5
Kids Area' - 4/5
Crowd Handling - 3/5
Unique Attractions - 5/5
Bang For Your Buck - 5/5

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Post Office Box 10000 - Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
For Information Call: 1-407-824-4321

Sea World's Aquatica

Sea World's newest attraction has made a splash in Orlando! Slide in transparent tubes through dolphin filled pools, meet birds, penguins, and aquatic mammals, glide through grottos full of tropical fish, and more! Featuring an enormous children's area and plenty of chances to see and learn about aquatic wildlife. Although it's a trek to get around this enormous addition, and thrill rides are lacking, the park shows promise and has a family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitor Ratings:
Thrill Rides - 3/5
Kids Area' - 5/5
Crowd Handling - 4/5
Unique Attractions - 5/5
Bang For Your Buck - 4/5

Sea World's Aquatica Water Park
10303 International Drive - Orlando, FL 32821
For Information Call: 1-407-363-2280

Take-Along Necessities

Although the water parks have gift shops, snack stands, and towel rentals, those amenities can quickly add up! You'll want to use our handy checklist of necessities to ensure you have the basic supplies handy, ensuring your family's comfort and safetly at our water parks and attractions.

Towels for everyone - why pay to rent them? You may be tempted to purchase souvenir beach towels, but it's best to purchase those at the END of your day. If you leave them lying around while you play, less scrupulous guests may take them!
Plenty of sunscreen - it costs twice as much at the park.
Plenty of bottled water - why pay $2 per bottle?
Sunglasses - "souvenir" sunglasses may not be strong enough. This is another item that's best purchased at the end of the day because of a high "vanishing" rate. If you buy souvenirs at the beginning of the water park visit, leave them in your locker.
Cash for locker rentals to hold wallets/keys/etc.
Non-perishable snacks like crackers, raisins, etc. Why snacks? It is important to snack often when swimming and playing in the summer, to avoid heat exhaustion in 95+ degree weather!

Planning an Orlando Vacation? Pricing for the water parks changes constantly, and often depends on season and the size of your group. Many parks offer discounts for groups of 15 or more, so contact them if you are coming with other families. Also, be aware that the parks do maintenance on the rides in the off-season, so if there is a particular attraction you are dying to ride, call ahead to make certain it is open.