Orlando's Magical Entertainment Theaters

Most travelers to Orlando are familiar with one additional thing (besides the talking mouse and duck!) for which the city is famous. Dinner shows and Orlando go hand in hand and there are many of them available no matter where your taste in entertainment lies. I will name a few of the more well known, but research for others if your perfect match is not found in this list.

A few things to remember. . .

First of all, remember to always check for discounts to these dinner theaters. If you can't find a discount for ordering your tickets online, then look at the discount booklets found all around Orlando and Kissimmee. The coupons range from a free cocktail with dinner to 50% off your meal, so it is definitely worth taking the time to search them out.

The second thing to remember is that you should always make reservations to these dinner shows. Not all of them actually require a reservation, but some do. It's always a wise choice to reserve. Even though the bigger stadiums hold upwards of a thousand people, they fill up surprisingly fast on any given night of the year.

If anyone in your dining party has a respiratory condition or asthma, or certain allergies, do your homework before making reservations. Some of the shows use live horses which could pose a problem, and some of them use things like pyrotechnics.

One final note before I start the list is the disclaimer that prices listed are current as of this writing in very late 2006. The prices listed do not include tax, but you will indeed be charged tax with your tickets. Prices can change at any given time, so be sure to confirm the charges when you are making your reservations.

Arabian Nights Dinner Theater

What will I eat? You will have an entree choice of prime rib of beef, grilled chicken breast, chicken tenders, black angus chopped steak and gravy, or vegetable lasagna. Garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls and butter, drinks including beer, and a slice of the prince and princess's wedding cake completes the rest of the meal.

What will I see? You will see what is billed as a "fairy tale on horseback." You will also see horses from around the world. One of the main events is the wedding of a prince and princess.

What will I pay? If you reserve online, current rates are $45.90 for adults and $20.33 for ages 3 to 11. Regular rates without the online special are $52.90 for adults and $29.00 for children.

Where do I find it? 3081 Arabian Nights Boulevard, Kissimmee

Al Capone's Dinner and Show

What will I eat? The buffet-style meal includes various pastas with meat and cheese sauces and meatballs, lasagna (regular and vegetable), baked chicken, honey ham, vegetables, potatoes, tossed salad and pasta salad, garlic bread, drinks, and brownie surprise for dessert.

What will I see? You will see a show set in an early 1930s speakeasy and cabaret. The setting is Chicago during the time of Al Capone. The show involves comedy and music.

What will I pay? Check the internet for the 1/2 off coupon which has always been available every time I've looked. With the coupon, cost is $22.99 for adults and $13.99 for ages 4 to 12.

Where do I find it? 4740 W. Highway 192 (W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Parkway) Kissimmee

Pirate's Dinner Adventure

What will I eat? Start with an appetizer buffet and move onto your meal starting with tossed salad. For your entree, choose from "Treasure's Chicken" (chicken with lemon-pepper sauce), "Pillager's Pork" (pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce), or Garlic Lobster and Shrimp. The meal also includes roasted red potatoes or West Indies rice, mixed vegetables, and apple cobbler with ice cream.

What will I see? You will see pirates in sword battles acting out a story of good vs. evil. The show takes place in an 18th century galleon. The audience becomes part of the show.

What will I pay? Adult admission is $51.95 and child admission for ages 3 to 11 is $31.95.

Where do I find it? 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

What will I eat? Garlic bread, vegetable soup, chicken, spare rib, potatoes, and pastries. Be advised that in true medieval fashion, you will not be given silverware, but you will have access to plenty of napkins for those messy fingers!

What will I see? This medieval tournament has been operating in Kissimmee since 1983. In addition to seeing the actual tournament complete with knights and horses, guests can go through the Medieval Life Village Museum on the property. There are ten cottages that show much of how life was in medieval times and guests will be allowed to tour the buildings before dinner and the tournament show.

What will I pay? $49.95 for Adults and $33.95 for Children age 12 and under

Where do I find it? Bronson Highway, Route 192 in Kissimmee. Look for the castle!

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show

What will I eat? Sleuths serves salad, crackers and cheese, dinner rolls, and hors d'oeuvres before dinner. When it is time for your main meal, you will be able to choose your meal from (1) Prime rib, mashed potatoes, and vegetables (2) Honey glazed Cornish hen with stuffing, garlic potatoes, vegetables, and cranberry sauce; or (3) Four cheese lasagna with or without meatballs, vegetables, and garlic bread. The prime rib choice will cost a few extra dollars. Dessert is also served.

What will I see? The audience becomes part of a murder mystery at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show. Listen for clues and try to interactively solve the mystery.

What will I pay? Adult price is $47.95 and children's admission ages 3 to 11, is $23.95. Remember, though, that this is a murder mystery and you may not find it suitable for children.

Where do I find it? 8267 International Drive, Orlando

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show

What will I eat? The dinner menu at Dixie Stampede includes a whole chicken (rotisserie cooked), a barbecued pork loin, creamy vegetable soup, corn on the cob, an herb basted potato, a biscuit, and a dessert that's a specialty of the house. A vegetarian option is also available.

What will I see? This is a country show complete with horses. There is a pre-show and guests can get to "meet" the horses before dinner and the show. Dolly Parton owns this dinner theater and a few others like it at various locations in the United States.

What will I pay? $47.19 currently when reserved online

Where do I find it? Interstate 4, Orlando (8251 Vineland Avenue)

Makahiki Polynesian Luau

What will I eat? The luau show's menu includes fresh greens with ginger dressing, sweet and sour pork, mahi mahi with pina colada sauce, Hawaiian chicken, fried rice, vegetable medley, and a variety of drinks. Dessert is currently banana lava cake with peanut drizzle, but changes with the seasons. You will be entitled to a complimentary cocktail.

What will I see? You will see an authentic Polynesian festival with music, traditional island dances, traditional Polynesian food, and costumed actors.

What will I pay? At this writing, the cost for adults is $49.95 plus tax. Children who are aged 3 to 9 pay $29.95 plus tax.

Where do I find it? The luau is found at Sea World's Waterfront