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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