Earlier this week, a staple Orlando dinner show, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, shut down. I personally don’t feel that this is a such a tragedy since this particular show wasn’t my favorite. But in case you are mourning the loss of stunts involving humans riding ostriches, let me assure you that you still have plenty of options in picking a dinner show, such as:
- Medieval Times, which was probably the closest competitor to Dixie Stampede, is still alive and well on US 192. Although terribly staged, I do think it’s a pretty decent show, and the food is actually quite edible. If you like horses, jousting and eating with your hands, I think this show is worth a look. That said, I was a bit astounded by the price they charge, though I suppose that can be expected of any entertainment option in town.
- Arabian Nights (also on US 192) is similar to the now-defunct Dixie Stampede in that the show contains horses. It also touts itself as the “Most honored dinner show in the world.” I will admit that this is one show I have never seen due to the mixed reviews I hear from those that have (but I hear the all-you-can-drink beer helps everyone to have a good time). And, one great thing I will say about this show is that it always seems to be running some sort of special price deal - so be on the lookout for that!
- The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is a hokey, lighthearted and, most importantly, fun show. It’s a classic that hasn’t changed much since the resort opened in the ‘70s, but the music and dancing is rather timeless. Buckets of all-you-can-eat fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes and corn, combined with strawberry shortcake for dessert and endless soda, beer or sangria to drink are all yummy. Plus, you the pricing plan for this show is flexible - you pay more or less depending on your distance to the stage.
- Pirates Dinner Adventure is another show I haven’t personally experienced, and if you have please leave a comment and let me know what you think of it. I’m guessing that with the current “pirate craze” that’s going on it’s popular among tourists.
- Disney’s Spirit of Aloha show is one of several Polynesian luaus in the area. The latter part of the show (which includes fire twirling and lots of hip shaking like what you would expect from a luau) is pretty true to the luaus you see in Hawaii. The first half of the show, however, follows a poorly written storyline that is a bit hard to stomach. SeaWorld also has their version, the Makahiki Luau, which is also your traditional luau fare. Neither show requires any theme park admission to attend.
Of course there are also a variety of murder mystery and other such shows, not to mention character dining experiences. Please mention anything I’ve left off this list that is worth a mention.
Even considering the recent closing of Dixie Stampede there is certainly no lack of themed dining experiences in town. Use this as your opportunity to check some of them out!
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13 Comments for “Dixie Stampede closes, but other dinner shows live on”
January 11th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Just out of interest, did they state the exact reason why it closed shop? I’m sure it was purely financial - but I am surprised as every time I went there the place was jam packed.
January 18th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Hello, We took our sons to Disney World in 2001. We had not even heard of the Dixie Stampeded! We did do a package plan and picked our restaurants. They were all wonderful! Thanks,Cindi
February 23rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
As a local resident, I have never been interested in these dinner shows. I think they are just tourism revenue generators.
I would’ve, though, been willing to experience the Stamped if for no other reason than Dolly Parton is fantastic!
February 29th, 2008 at 10:39 am
From my understanding the show was closed only because the property was bought out by another party, not because of lack of interest.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hi!. I have seen the Dixie Stampede 3 times. I go when I come over from the UK. I was at the show a few days before it sadly and surprisingly closed. It was a great dinner show with some great fun in the tack room, prior to the main event. Myself and my family were sorry not be able to go again when we visited Florida in April 2008 and July 2008. Perhaps Dolly would tell us if she intends to reopen the Stampede at another venue in Florida. Why not ask her??
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
I’ll have to defer asking Dolly to those with access to such people. As for reopening the dinner show theater, the building is just sitting there right now (apparently empty). Somebody is bound to step in and open something fun.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
someone told me that the outlet(premium outlets) next door paid millions for it!!! to turn it into more retail units!!!
January 24th, 2009 at 4:11 am
My family and I have also visited the stampede on numerous occasions, and were dissappointed to say the least when we heard of its closure. I have since been informed that the premium outlets opposite had bought it to expand?? I think it’s a shame that there doesn’t seem to be a taste of the Wild West in Florida now. I’m sure lots of UK tourists would agree that we would be more likely to go see a show like this rather than a medieval show as its are own history. Shame!
March 16th, 2009 at 6:22 am
i think dixie stampede should open back up again. Because i never been there before
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
Heard the show was kind of ‘hokey’. The shows still standing are the shows that have been here for a long time and will continue to be here a long time.
August 12th, 2009 at 8:23 am
When we last visited in 2004 we were privileged to see the Australian Singing Cowboy performing “Only in America” whilst simultaneously riding his horse around the bar to rapturous applause. Yes, this could only happen in America, but was a magnificant act not easiy forgotten
November 30th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
My wife and I had a fantastic evening at the Dixie Stampede in Orlando, a beautifully custom built building,we had a wonderful night there. We were amazed to see on our next visit that it had closed down, in fact, when we visited this November, they had just re-opened the building into a Flea market!! A bit of a come down from before and not much there so far although it’s only just opened so still early days.
January 31st, 2010 at 12:41 am
Great informative site. We got some great ideas for a trip we are planning to florida. Thank you so much.
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