When planning your vacation, theme parks and golf courses might be the first attractions that come to mind, but going to see Orlando dinner shows is also one of the great forms of entertainment in Orlando.
One of the popular dinner shows in Orlando is the Pirates Dinner Adventure Orlando. With night-sky lighting, a giant indoor lagoon and Spanish galleon, plenty of swashbuckling adventure, music, pyrotechnics, stunts, and humor, the Pirates Dinner Show Orlando is a show for all ages. The audience involvement extends even to children, who can row dinghies or help save a princess from an evil Captain. The show kicks off with an appetizer buffet, and then the feast presents soup, salad, a choice of entrees (perhaps pork tenderloin, roast chicken, or seafood) served with potatoes or rice, and apple cobbler. Complimentary coffee, soft drinks, beer, and wine are also offered during the main show.
Another one of the popular Orlando dinner shows is the Medieval Times Orlando. This dinner show offers hours of eleventh-century entertainment and a hearty four-course feast, all inspired by the medieval tradition of royal families giving a feast and festival and watching knights compete in jousts. The entertainment includes live horsemanship, hand-to-hand combat, jousting, and falconry, while the feast often includes garlic bread, tomato bisque, roasted chicken, potatoes, pastry, and drinks. Of course, true to eleventh-century traditions, you'll be eating with your fingers. The lively atmosphere makes the Medieval Times in Orlando a great choice for casual and family-friendly entertainment in Orlando
The Makahiki Luau at Sea World is another one of the dinner shows in Orlando. It promises an exciting and mesmerizing evening of performance and tasty food, showcasing both Polynesian customs and cuisine in a festive and jovial atmosphere. The lively entertainment will include talented musicians, hula dancers, and even fire throwing. The Makahiki Luau Dinner Show also includes delicious South Pacific cuisine, such as Hawaiian chicken, Polynesian barbecue spare ribs, mahi mahi in pina colada sauce, sweet and sour pork, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, and desserts. A complimentary cocktail is included, but you can also purchase drinks from the bar.
Another of the popular dinner shows in Orlando is the Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show. This entertaining dinner show presents one of thirteen original comedy mysteries, from a traditional Italian wedding gone awry to a movie premiere that ended badly. Each unique and hilarious two and a half hour show is a mix of a scripted comedy mystery, improvisation, and audience participation. Before the show the audience enjoys appetizers. The main course could feature Cornish game hens with stuffing, sweet potatoes, prime rib with baked potato, or four-cheese lasagna with garlic bread, a mystery dessert, and unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Booking tickets for Orlando dinner shows is much like booking any other form of entertainment in Orlando, in that there are different prices for children and adults, discounts are often available, and it pays to book ahead of time to secure your preferred show and show time. No matter which of these Orlando dinner shows you go to, you are sure to have a wonderfully entertaining evening that will be a highlight of your Orlando holiday.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
La Nouba
Show Type:
Production
Location:
Downtown Disney's West Side Arena
Walt Disney World Resort
1478 E. Buena Vista Dr .
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Show Description:
Mesmerizing, dazzling, and unforgettable are all words that can be used to describe La Nouba, which is just one of the Orlando shows that you will want to consider seeing during your central Florida vacation. As is to be expected at any and all Cirque du Soleil performances, La Nouba tells a dramatic story in a most engaging way. Extraordinary costumes, death-defying acrobatics, and scintillating music are all part of the show, and a certain amount of mysticism is also employed. In French, faire la nouba basically translates to partying, or living it up, and that's just what the show revolves around. The mundane world clashes with fantasy in this Cirque du Soleil installment, making for one unforgettable performance. Much like the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, this Orlando offering is sure to please.
There are two sets of main characters that help to set the stage for the Orlando Cirque du Soleil show, and they are the circus people, or Cirques, and the simpler urbanites, or Urbains. The Urbains are a rather boring bunch, as they represent the mundane, and for all intents and purposes, practical side of life. Their non-chromatic and almost lifeless costumes help to identify them. The Cirques, on the other hand, are a colorful bunch, and they represent things like dreams, fantasy, and promise. As one might imagine, the clashing, or mixing, of these characters sets the underlying tone for the show. It's a fantastic premise that focuses mostly on dreams, possibilities, and hopes. Where a mundane existence once flourished, a magical and inspirational world develops, encouraging all who see this Orlando Cirque du Soleil show to never lose sight of the magical side of life. Other Orlando shows can take you to a magical realm as well, including dinner shows like Arabian Nights and Pirates Dinner Adventure, so you'll want to check the full area lineup while planning your vacation.
In addition to impressive acrobatics and expert lighting, the Disney Cirque du Soleil show also features a bit of comedy on the side. As is typical of Cirque du Soleil shows, La Nouba integrates a number of side characters who help to complete the overall picture. Among these characters are two clowns, who go by the names of Balto and Serguei. These clowns don't only provide comic relief during the show, but before it as well. It's not uncommon for some unsuspecting audience members to become part of their antics, so you might want to keep your eye out for them. The Pierrot Clown and the Lost Ballerina are just two of the other side characters that you will see at the Disney Cirque du Soleil show. Depicting Romeo and Juliet, these characters move gracefully about the stage, entwined in a passionate dance. The Disney La Nouba show definitely covers a full range of emotions, taking audience members for an unforgettable ride. Sure, you can get your thrills in Orlando on a number of theme park rides, such as those found at parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, but when it comes to a visually-inspiring approach, the La Nouba show arguably takes the cake.
Artists/Show Biography:
The Disney Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, is just one of the works that the company's founder helped to create. Guy Laliberte, who hails from Quebec City, first starting creating his own spirited and magically-inspired shows in 1984. A fire-eater and accordion player, among other things, Laliberte was joined by other performers with circus-like talents when he branched out on his own, and Cirque du Soleil was born. Laliberte has been integral in every show that Cirque du Soleil has done, so his signature is omnipresent. Among those who helped to put the Orlando Cirque du Soleil Show together was Dominique Lemieux. In just two months time, she designed the elaborate costumes for La Nouba. Her use of colorful costumes for the Cirques and her implementation of dark and muted outfits for the Urbains helps to drive the storyline home. The Disney Cirque du Soleil La Nouba extravaganza is an adventure for the senses, and those who work behind the scenes are dedicated to making sure that every show is as impressive as the last. There certainly isn't a lack of interesting things to do in Orlando, and for those who want to see a good show, La Nouba is definitely among the top productions in the land.
Production
Location:
Downtown Disney's West Side Arena
Walt Disney World Resort
1478 E. Buena Vista Dr .
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Show Description:
Mesmerizing, dazzling, and unforgettable are all words that can be used to describe La Nouba, which is just one of the Orlando shows that you will want to consider seeing during your central Florida vacation. As is to be expected at any and all Cirque du Soleil performances, La Nouba tells a dramatic story in a most engaging way. Extraordinary costumes, death-defying acrobatics, and scintillating music are all part of the show, and a certain amount of mysticism is also employed. In French, faire la nouba basically translates to partying, or living it up, and that's just what the show revolves around. The mundane world clashes with fantasy in this Cirque du Soleil installment, making for one unforgettable performance. Much like the Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas, this Orlando offering is sure to please.
There are two sets of main characters that help to set the stage for the Orlando Cirque du Soleil show, and they are the circus people, or Cirques, and the simpler urbanites, or Urbains. The Urbains are a rather boring bunch, as they represent the mundane, and for all intents and purposes, practical side of life. Their non-chromatic and almost lifeless costumes help to identify them. The Cirques, on the other hand, are a colorful bunch, and they represent things like dreams, fantasy, and promise. As one might imagine, the clashing, or mixing, of these characters sets the underlying tone for the show. It's a fantastic premise that focuses mostly on dreams, possibilities, and hopes. Where a mundane existence once flourished, a magical and inspirational world develops, encouraging all who see this Orlando Cirque du Soleil show to never lose sight of the magical side of life. Other Orlando shows can take you to a magical realm as well, including dinner shows like Arabian Nights and Pirates Dinner Adventure, so you'll want to check the full area lineup while planning your vacation.
In addition to impressive acrobatics and expert lighting, the Disney Cirque du Soleil show also features a bit of comedy on the side. As is typical of Cirque du Soleil shows, La Nouba integrates a number of side characters who help to complete the overall picture. Among these characters are two clowns, who go by the names of Balto and Serguei. These clowns don't only provide comic relief during the show, but before it as well. It's not uncommon for some unsuspecting audience members to become part of their antics, so you might want to keep your eye out for them. The Pierrot Clown and the Lost Ballerina are just two of the other side characters that you will see at the Disney Cirque du Soleil show. Depicting Romeo and Juliet, these characters move gracefully about the stage, entwined in a passionate dance. The Disney La Nouba show definitely covers a full range of emotions, taking audience members for an unforgettable ride. Sure, you can get your thrills in Orlando on a number of theme park rides, such as those found at parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center, but when it comes to a visually-inspiring approach, the La Nouba show arguably takes the cake.
Artists/Show Biography:
The Disney Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, is just one of the works that the company's founder helped to create. Guy Laliberte, who hails from Quebec City, first starting creating his own spirited and magically-inspired shows in 1984. A fire-eater and accordion player, among other things, Laliberte was joined by other performers with circus-like talents when he branched out on his own, and Cirque du Soleil was born. Laliberte has been integral in every show that Cirque du Soleil has done, so his signature is omnipresent. Among those who helped to put the Orlando Cirque du Soleil Show together was Dominique Lemieux. In just two months time, she designed the elaborate costumes for La Nouba. Her use of colorful costumes for the Cirques and her implementation of dark and muted outfits for the Urbains helps to drive the storyline home. The Disney Cirque du Soleil La Nouba extravaganza is an adventure for the senses, and those who work behind the scenes are dedicated to making sure that every show is as impressive as the last. There certainly isn't a lack of interesting things to do in Orlando, and for those who want to see a good show, La Nouba is definitely among the top productions in the land.
Orlando House of Blues
If you're looking for a rocking good time in Orlando, you can always swing on over to the House of Blues. Found near Disney Quest and the Disney Village Marketplace in Downtown Disney, the Orlando House of Blues is without question one of the city's top concert venues. Virtually every night of the week something fun is going on at the Orlando HOB, and you never know who might be playing when you're in town, so it's always a good idea to check the schedule. While you'll have to pay to see the big name acts at the Orlando House of Blues, other nights feature up-and-coming artists who perform for free. On top of catching some live music, visitors to the Orlando HOB can also hit the gift shop to do some shopping, or drop on in for a fun and delicious meal at the HOB restaurant. Don't forget the Orlando House of Blues Gospel Brunch if you're looking for a truly interesting Orlando dining experience. Held on Sundays, this feel-good brunch is sure to make for a memorable experience if you are lucky enough to catch it.
When bigger acts come to play at the Orlando HOB, it's a good idea to get your tickets as far in advance as possible. You can get your House of Blues Orlando tickets ahead of time by purchasing them online, or you can head to the box office if you are already in town and have some time to work with. The Orlando HOB box office sells advance tickets for its larger shows on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on the day of the show from 10 a.m. until showtime. Once you have secured your House of Blues Orlando Tickets and are ready to see a show, you'll have to wait until the doors open. On Sunday nights, the doors for the Orlando House of Blues open at 10 p.m., while Monday through Thursday sees the doors open for concert performances at 7 p.m. Should you be seeing a concert on Friday or Saturday, the doors open at 7:30 p.m. After the show ends, you might hit a few clubs, find a bar, do a little shopping, or even look to catch a movie. Downtown Disney is an entertainment hotspot, even as the night wears on.
Because the Orlando House of Blues is a general admission venue, you can't purchase tickets for specific seats. In fact, there are only seating options available for those with special needs, so the majority of concert-goers stand during the show. For those who do have special needs, showing up at least a half-hour before a concert starts is advised so that special seating can be arranged. In addition to music concerts, the HOB Orlando also charges for some of its special party events, which can include things like Christmas jams. You'll definitely want to try to get your House of Blues Orlando tickets in advance for these kinds of shows, which often feature a big name act or two, not to mention some interesting opening performances. As mentioned, there are also plenty of free live music shows at the Orlando House of Blues, so after enjoying a meal at the HOB restaurant, you might stick around to check out what the night's act has to offer. These free concerts take place on nights when larger acts aren't on the lineup. In addition to the House of Blues, those looking to enjoy a concert in Orlando can also check the lineups at other area venues, such as the UCF Arena.
Even if you can't make it to the House of Blues in Orlando for a concert, you can always drop by for a quick bite to eat, or maybe you'll want to peruse the goods at the onsite store. From mugs and T-shirts to seasonings and DVDs, you're bound to find something that you want to take home with you at the Orlando HOB Company Store. Checking out what the Company Store has to offer before enjoying lunch or dinner is definitely a popular thing to do. A fun and casual environment awaits you at the Orlando House of Blues Restaurant, as does an interesting menu. Southern food favorites, brick oven pizzas, and signature kettle soups are just some of the things that you can enjoy at the restaurant here. The House of Blues Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Come for the Sunday Orlando House of Blues Gospel Brunch, and you'll not only enjoy great food, but some great live music as well. As is the case with the bigger shows at the Orlando House of Blues, you will have to pay to enjoy the Gospel Brunch, though it's worth every penny. Not many weekly Orlando events are as culturally-interesting as the Gospel Brunch, so you should try to include it on your itinerary if at all possible.
When bigger acts come to play at the Orlando HOB, it's a good idea to get your tickets as far in advance as possible. You can get your House of Blues Orlando tickets ahead of time by purchasing them online, or you can head to the box office if you are already in town and have some time to work with. The Orlando HOB box office sells advance tickets for its larger shows on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and on the day of the show from 10 a.m. until showtime. Once you have secured your House of Blues Orlando Tickets and are ready to see a show, you'll have to wait until the doors open. On Sunday nights, the doors for the Orlando House of Blues open at 10 p.m., while Monday through Thursday sees the doors open for concert performances at 7 p.m. Should you be seeing a concert on Friday or Saturday, the doors open at 7:30 p.m. After the show ends, you might hit a few clubs, find a bar, do a little shopping, or even look to catch a movie. Downtown Disney is an entertainment hotspot, even as the night wears on.
Because the Orlando House of Blues is a general admission venue, you can't purchase tickets for specific seats. In fact, there are only seating options available for those with special needs, so the majority of concert-goers stand during the show. For those who do have special needs, showing up at least a half-hour before a concert starts is advised so that special seating can be arranged. In addition to music concerts, the HOB Orlando also charges for some of its special party events, which can include things like Christmas jams. You'll definitely want to try to get your House of Blues Orlando tickets in advance for these kinds of shows, which often feature a big name act or two, not to mention some interesting opening performances. As mentioned, there are also plenty of free live music shows at the Orlando House of Blues, so after enjoying a meal at the HOB restaurant, you might stick around to check out what the night's act has to offer. These free concerts take place on nights when larger acts aren't on the lineup. In addition to the House of Blues, those looking to enjoy a concert in Orlando can also check the lineups at other area venues, such as the UCF Arena.
Even if you can't make it to the House of Blues in Orlando for a concert, you can always drop by for a quick bite to eat, or maybe you'll want to peruse the goods at the onsite store. From mugs and T-shirts to seasonings and DVDs, you're bound to find something that you want to take home with you at the Orlando HOB Company Store. Checking out what the Company Store has to offer before enjoying lunch or dinner is definitely a popular thing to do. A fun and casual environment awaits you at the Orlando House of Blues Restaurant, as does an interesting menu. Southern food favorites, brick oven pizzas, and signature kettle soups are just some of the things that you can enjoy at the restaurant here. The House of Blues Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Come for the Sunday Orlando House of Blues Gospel Brunch, and you'll not only enjoy great food, but some great live music as well. As is the case with the bigger shows at the Orlando House of Blues, you will have to pay to enjoy the Gospel Brunch, though it's worth every penny. Not many weekly Orlando events are as culturally-interesting as the Gospel Brunch, so you should try to include it on your itinerary if at all possible.
Blue Man Group Orlando
Show Type:
Production
Location:
Sharp AQUOS Theatre
Universal Orlando Theme Park
Orlando, FL 32819
Show Description:
There are only seven cities in the world where you can catch the lively Blue Man Group, and Orlando is one of them. A creative group organization, the Blue Man Group is known for its live music performances that feature the percussive antics of three highly-charged Blue Men. These intriguingly-curious men, in case you have never seen them, are painted from head to toe in blue paint, hence the name of the performance company. As one might imagine, different Blue Man performers perform in different cities, though the shows are virtually identical across the board. When you see the Blue Man Group Orlando show, you'll enjoy the unique brand of flair and excitement that the Blue Man Group brings to the stage, which is quite unlike anything else that you've likely seen before.
An emphasis on percussion is what fuels the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show, and if you like hard-driving rhythms, this one's definitely for you. During the show, the Blue Man Group members, all of whom remain muted and don simple black outfits, play an array of odd instruments, including garbage cans and pipes. While they focus on delivering thumping beats, a background band lays down the rest of the sounds. Odd props, intricate lighting, and plenty of rock music are just some of the things that characterize the Blue Man Group Orlando show, and if you're up for a truly integrated experience, you can opt to sit in the "poncho section." Should your Orlando Blue Man Group tickets have you sitting in the "poncho section", a poncho will be provided for you once you arrive. Don't forget to put it on, as you are likely to get sprayed with anything from food particles to paint. At certain times during the show, the Blue Man Group beats on drums that are covered in various substances, and this sends stuff flying all over. It's kind of like sitting too close to the tank at Sea World when Shamu makes a large splash. Only it's not water that you're bound to get hit with. For those who prefer a cleaner experience, there is seating available at the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show that doesn't put you in the line of fire, so to speak.
In addition to rock music and thumping beats, the Blue Man Group Orlando performance also features humorous satirical moments, such as when the Men take time out to ridicule a late arriver in the crowd. An all around good time, the Blue Man Group Universal Studios experience can be enjoyed by all ages, so it's one of the better picks for family-related Orlando shows. For those who are interested in Orlando Blue Man Group tickets, they are known to sell out fast, so it's always a good idea to get them in advance when possible. One of the great things about the Orlando Blue Man Group tickets is that after the show, your ticket stub will allow you to gain free admission to a number of Universal Studios CityWalk venues! In other words, you get quite a lot of bang, pun intended, for you buck!
Artists/Show Biography:
The Blue Man Group, which was founded by Matt Goldmen, Chris Wink, and Phil Stanton, put on its first feature show at the Astor Place Theater in New York City. This introductory full-length show, which was known as TUBES, opened in 1991. It wasn't long until the show was moved to Broadway because of its popularity, and soon thereafter, new installations began to run in Boston and Chicago. After gracing the stage on Broadway for the better part of the 90s, the Blue Man Group released an audio recording, following that up with a more rock-oriented traveling show. Another record would be released by the company in 2002, and it served as the catalyst for 2003's extended tour. If you don't get the chance to see the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show in Orlando, other cities in America where you can see this exciting trio include Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, and New York. Outside of the United States, you will find the company putting on shows in different cities at different times.
Production
Location:
Sharp AQUOS Theatre
Universal Orlando Theme Park
Orlando, FL 32819
Show Description:
There are only seven cities in the world where you can catch the lively Blue Man Group, and Orlando is one of them. A creative group organization, the Blue Man Group is known for its live music performances that feature the percussive antics of three highly-charged Blue Men. These intriguingly-curious men, in case you have never seen them, are painted from head to toe in blue paint, hence the name of the performance company. As one might imagine, different Blue Man performers perform in different cities, though the shows are virtually identical across the board. When you see the Blue Man Group Orlando show, you'll enjoy the unique brand of flair and excitement that the Blue Man Group brings to the stage, which is quite unlike anything else that you've likely seen before.
An emphasis on percussion is what fuels the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show, and if you like hard-driving rhythms, this one's definitely for you. During the show, the Blue Man Group members, all of whom remain muted and don simple black outfits, play an array of odd instruments, including garbage cans and pipes. While they focus on delivering thumping beats, a background band lays down the rest of the sounds. Odd props, intricate lighting, and plenty of rock music are just some of the things that characterize the Blue Man Group Orlando show, and if you're up for a truly integrated experience, you can opt to sit in the "poncho section." Should your Orlando Blue Man Group tickets have you sitting in the "poncho section", a poncho will be provided for you once you arrive. Don't forget to put it on, as you are likely to get sprayed with anything from food particles to paint. At certain times during the show, the Blue Man Group beats on drums that are covered in various substances, and this sends stuff flying all over. It's kind of like sitting too close to the tank at Sea World when Shamu makes a large splash. Only it's not water that you're bound to get hit with. For those who prefer a cleaner experience, there is seating available at the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show that doesn't put you in the line of fire, so to speak.
In addition to rock music and thumping beats, the Blue Man Group Orlando performance also features humorous satirical moments, such as when the Men take time out to ridicule a late arriver in the crowd. An all around good time, the Blue Man Group Universal Studios experience can be enjoyed by all ages, so it's one of the better picks for family-related Orlando shows. For those who are interested in Orlando Blue Man Group tickets, they are known to sell out fast, so it's always a good idea to get them in advance when possible. One of the great things about the Orlando Blue Man Group tickets is that after the show, your ticket stub will allow you to gain free admission to a number of Universal Studios CityWalk venues! In other words, you get quite a lot of bang, pun intended, for you buck!
Artists/Show Biography:
The Blue Man Group, which was founded by Matt Goldmen, Chris Wink, and Phil Stanton, put on its first feature show at the Astor Place Theater in New York City. This introductory full-length show, which was known as TUBES, opened in 1991. It wasn't long until the show was moved to Broadway because of its popularity, and soon thereafter, new installations began to run in Boston and Chicago. After gracing the stage on Broadway for the better part of the 90s, the Blue Man Group released an audio recording, following that up with a more rock-oriented traveling show. Another record would be released by the company in 2002, and it served as the catalyst for 2003's extended tour. If you don't get the chance to see the Blue Man Group Universal Studios show in Orlando, other cities in America where you can see this exciting trio include Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, and New York. Outside of the United States, you will find the company putting on shows in different cities at different times.
Orlando Restaurants
Orlando dining presents visitors with a full range of experiences to choose from. In fact, so numerous are the restaurants in Orlando, that you will likely be confounded by the bounty of choices. At the various theme parks alone you can find a complete list of dining options, and there is no shortage of eateries at the top Orlando shopping areas. From fast food to 5-star, the restaurants in Orlando have something for everybody. Whether it's a romantic meal for two, a character dining experience at a theme park, or a bargain buffet feast that you're after, you'll find Orlando restaurants that can accommodate you.
Many Orlando visitors look to hit up one or more of the area theme parks, and if you find yourself in that group, then the various theme park restaurants might be where you'll do the bulk of your Orlando dining. The Disney dining options offers some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando, though they certainly aren't the cheapest. You will generally pay inflated prices to eat at all the major theme parks, so you will want to keep that in mind. When dining at Disney World, one of the best theme parks to visit is Epcot Center. Epcot visitors can sample an array of international flavors at the park's various country pavilions, which can be found in the World Showcase section, and there are also a bunch of other Epcot restaurants to choose from. The Hollywood Studios dining experience also offers a lot of variety, as do the other Disney theme parks. The Disney restaurants come in five categories, and they include the character dining establishments, where you can enjoy a meal in the presence of some of Disney's most famous characters. Kids especially enjoy the Disney character dining experience. At the Contemporary Resort, which is just one of the many Disney resorts, the breakfast and dinners at Chef Mickey's are among the best character dining experiences in the land.
At theme parks like Epcot Center and Sea World, you will find plenty of snack stalls and quick service restaurants that offer a less formal dining experience. If you feel like enjoying a more languid Orlando dining experience, the theme parks can also meet your needs. At Hollywood Studios, for example, the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant is a great place to sit down and take a load off. You might order the signature Cobb salad when visiting the Brown Derby, and if you like seafood or steaks, you'll definitely be in the right place. A lot of the theme park Orlando restaurants offer a themed dining experience, which is also the case at the Hard Rock Café, which can be found at the Universal Studios CityWalk. A top spot for shopping and clubbing, CityWalk is also an excellent place to grab a meal. At the Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios, you can enjoy the signature nachos, feast on a juicy burger, or perhaps try the barbecue ribs. Before or after your meal, examining the rock 'n' roll memorabilia on the walls is a must-do. The Universal Studios Hard Rock Café is the largest in the world, so there's a lot to see here. Another top restaurant at CityWalk is Emeril's, which serves up Louisiana food favorites such as oyster stew and crayfish.
If you like the Hard Rock Café experience, you will also want to check out the House of Blues, which can be found near Disney Quest and the Disney Village Marketplace in Downtown Disney. If you only eat one meal at the House of Blues in Orlando, then you might make it the Sunday Gospel Brunch, which is an experience that you won't soon forget. When it's a more upscale Orlando dining experience that you're after, you might treat yourself to a meal at Victoria and Albert's, which can be found at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or you might make reservations at Norman's, which is the signature restaurant at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. As for upscale restaurants in downtown Orlando, Manuel's on the 28th arguably takes the cake. Not only is the food at Manuel's divine, but so are the views. The restaurant is located on the 28th floor of a bank building, and in addition to enjoy city views, you'll also spot the major theme parks off in the distance. Orlando fine dining is not limited to these three upscale restaurants, however, so make sure to seek out other options as well.
More Orlando dining choices can be found along International Drive , which in addition to boasting fast food joints, also offers some trendy eateries along the revitalized Pointe Orlando stretch. From Italian cuisine and tropical seafood favorites, to mouth watering steaks and pork chops, the Pointe Orlando restaurants do well to satisfy an array of tastes. With so many great places to grab a bite to eat in Orlando, you'll likely have to schedule a second visit to pick up where you left off. Dining in Orlando is definitely one of the many joys that are associated with Orlando vacations, so you'll want to leave some extra room in the travel budget for some fun dining experiences if possible.
Many Orlando visitors look to hit up one or more of the area theme parks, and if you find yourself in that group, then the various theme park restaurants might be where you'll do the bulk of your Orlando dining. The Disney dining options offers some of the best family-friendly restaurants in Orlando, though they certainly aren't the cheapest. You will generally pay inflated prices to eat at all the major theme parks, so you will want to keep that in mind. When dining at Disney World, one of the best theme parks to visit is Epcot Center. Epcot visitors can sample an array of international flavors at the park's various country pavilions, which can be found in the World Showcase section, and there are also a bunch of other Epcot restaurants to choose from. The Hollywood Studios dining experience also offers a lot of variety, as do the other Disney theme parks. The Disney restaurants come in five categories, and they include the character dining establishments, where you can enjoy a meal in the presence of some of Disney's most famous characters. Kids especially enjoy the Disney character dining experience. At the Contemporary Resort, which is just one of the many Disney resorts, the breakfast and dinners at Chef Mickey's are among the best character dining experiences in the land.
At theme parks like Epcot Center and Sea World, you will find plenty of snack stalls and quick service restaurants that offer a less formal dining experience. If you feel like enjoying a more languid Orlando dining experience, the theme parks can also meet your needs. At Hollywood Studios, for example, the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant is a great place to sit down and take a load off. You might order the signature Cobb salad when visiting the Brown Derby, and if you like seafood or steaks, you'll definitely be in the right place. A lot of the theme park Orlando restaurants offer a themed dining experience, which is also the case at the Hard Rock Café, which can be found at the Universal Studios CityWalk. A top spot for shopping and clubbing, CityWalk is also an excellent place to grab a meal. At the Hard Rock Café at Universal Studios, you can enjoy the signature nachos, feast on a juicy burger, or perhaps try the barbecue ribs. Before or after your meal, examining the rock 'n' roll memorabilia on the walls is a must-do. The Universal Studios Hard Rock Café is the largest in the world, so there's a lot to see here. Another top restaurant at CityWalk is Emeril's, which serves up Louisiana food favorites such as oyster stew and crayfish.
If you like the Hard Rock Café experience, you will also want to check out the House of Blues, which can be found near Disney Quest and the Disney Village Marketplace in Downtown Disney. If you only eat one meal at the House of Blues in Orlando, then you might make it the Sunday Gospel Brunch, which is an experience that you won't soon forget. When it's a more upscale Orlando dining experience that you're after, you might treat yourself to a meal at Victoria and Albert's, which can be found at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or you might make reservations at Norman's, which is the signature restaurant at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. As for upscale restaurants in downtown Orlando, Manuel's on the 28th arguably takes the cake. Not only is the food at Manuel's divine, but so are the views. The restaurant is located on the 28th floor of a bank building, and in addition to enjoy city views, you'll also spot the major theme parks off in the distance. Orlando fine dining is not limited to these three upscale restaurants, however, so make sure to seek out other options as well.
More Orlando dining choices can be found along International Drive , which in addition to boasting fast food joints, also offers some trendy eateries along the revitalized Pointe Orlando stretch. From Italian cuisine and tropical seafood favorites, to mouth watering steaks and pork chops, the Pointe Orlando restaurants do well to satisfy an array of tastes. With so many great places to grab a bite to eat in Orlando, you'll likely have to schedule a second visit to pick up where you left off. Dining in Orlando is definitely one of the many joys that are associated with Orlando vacations, so you'll want to leave some extra room in the travel budget for some fun dining experiences if possible.
Orlando shopping
The Orlando shopping scene is an expansive one, so if you like to shop, it's just one more reason to take an Orlando vacation. Whether you like hitting outlet stores or you prefer to check out boutique shops, you can have it your way when it comes to shopping in Orlando. At Disney World alone, you will find a seemingly endless amount of opportunities to shop until you drop, and you could easily fill the better part of a day perusing the goods at an Orlando mall. With so many shopping possibilities in Orlando, it can be easy to go a bit overboard with your spending. It can definitely be hard to pass on some of the more unique goods that you'll find here, which include the more distinctive souvenirs at some of the major theme parks.
One of the best places to do some Orlando shopping is Downtown Disney, which can be found at the Walt Disney World Resort. A large, outdoor complex, Downtown Disney features three main areas, each of which boasts its own flavor of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From boutiques where you can get a makeover to unique candy stores, the Downtown Disney shops have it all. You can also find unique toy stores here, a huge music store, a bath and body shop, and even a budget shop where surprise grab bags are among the goods. Should you head over to the House of Blues when you're visiting downtown Disney, you can do some shopping at the HOB Company Store. Harley Davidson fans won't want to miss the Harley shop, which in addition to selling things like t-shirts and collectibles, also displays some pretty cool motorcycles. There are too many different shops in Downtown Disney to fully cover, and your Disney shopping options only get more complete when you check out the other stores at the various Disney theme parks and resorts. Don't forget that you can always break for a viewing of the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, when hanging out at Downtown Disney.
The Blue Man Group, which is another top Orlando show, takes place at CityWalk, which is another great place to find some unique Orlando stores. CityWalk, which is a definite hotspot for entertainment, is located at the Universal Studios Resort, and in addition to an array of great array of shops, this 30-acre complex also features scores of restaurants, live music venues, some sizzling clubs, and a large cineplex theater. It's also here where you'll find the largest Hard Rock Café in the world! From the latest in teen fashion to the best cigars, you will find a lot of diversity at the CityWalk shops. Start your Orlando shopping experience here, and you might not even need to go anywhere else. In addition to shopping at Disney World and Universal Studios, those who are looking to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts can also see what other theme park franchises have to offer. At Sea World, for example, you can find plenty of unique goods that will be hard to find anywhere else.
In addition to Downtown Disney and CityWalk, International Drive is one of the best places do some serious Orlando shopping. This renowned avenue basically cuts through the heart of the main theme park area, offering proximity to such parks as Sea World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. Not only does the area around International Drive feature some of the best Orlando stores, but it is also home to a bunch of restaurants, some interesting attractions, and more than a handful of hotels. Many shoppers who come to International Drive are interested in hitting the outlet shops. The best outlet malls in Orlando can be found just off the southern stretch of International Drive, while the Pointe Orlando area boasts some interesting specialty shops, not to mention some hip clubs and some tempting restaurants.
In addition to hitting the outlet malls in Orlando, those looking to do some mall shopping can always head over to the Mall at Millenia, where luxury brands abound. Top designers, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton have shops at this upscale Orlando mall, and if you're looking for jewelry, you might start at the Park Promenade Jewelry store. The department stores at the Millenia Mall include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. You can find the Mall at Millenia just east of Universal Studios at 4200 Conroy Road . After you hit this sleek Orlando mall and the aforementioned shopping hot spots, you might not only be out of energy, but also out of cash. Should you still have reserves left, you can always continue your Orlando shopping experience at the Orlando Airport . Some of the most unique Orlando stores can be found at the Orlando Airport , and if you missed the chance to shop at the main theme parks, you will find some Disney, Sea World, and Universals Studios shops here.
You can also check out nearby Kissimmee before you leave if you still have that shopping itch. In Kissimmee , you can always find some interesting souvenirs and gift items, not to mention some of the best discount hotels in the area. Those looking to extend their shopping in Orlando experience even more can also visit Winter Park , which can be found just north of Orlando 's downtown area. Some upscale retail shops and a cobblestone street help to make Winter Park an attractive place to hang out, and after you hit the shops and maybe grab a bite to eat, you might see what the art galleries have on display.
One of the best places to do some Orlando shopping is Downtown Disney, which can be found at the Walt Disney World Resort. A large, outdoor complex, Downtown Disney features three main areas, each of which boasts its own flavor of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. From boutiques where you can get a makeover to unique candy stores, the Downtown Disney shops have it all. You can also find unique toy stores here, a huge music store, a bath and body shop, and even a budget shop where surprise grab bags are among the goods. Should you head over to the House of Blues when you're visiting downtown Disney, you can do some shopping at the HOB Company Store. Harley Davidson fans won't want to miss the Harley shop, which in addition to selling things like t-shirts and collectibles, also displays some pretty cool motorcycles. There are too many different shops in Downtown Disney to fully cover, and your Disney shopping options only get more complete when you check out the other stores at the various Disney theme parks and resorts. Don't forget that you can always break for a viewing of the Cirque du Soleil show, La Nouba, when hanging out at Downtown Disney.
The Blue Man Group, which is another top Orlando show, takes place at CityWalk, which is another great place to find some unique Orlando stores. CityWalk, which is a definite hotspot for entertainment, is located at the Universal Studios Resort, and in addition to an array of great array of shops, this 30-acre complex also features scores of restaurants, live music venues, some sizzling clubs, and a large cineplex theater. It's also here where you'll find the largest Hard Rock Café in the world! From the latest in teen fashion to the best cigars, you will find a lot of diversity at the CityWalk shops. Start your Orlando shopping experience here, and you might not even need to go anywhere else. In addition to shopping at Disney World and Universal Studios, those who are looking to pick up some unique souvenirs or gifts can also see what other theme park franchises have to offer. At Sea World, for example, you can find plenty of unique goods that will be hard to find anywhere else.
In addition to Downtown Disney and CityWalk, International Drive is one of the best places do some serious Orlando shopping. This renowned avenue basically cuts through the heart of the main theme park area, offering proximity to such parks as Sea World, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. Not only does the area around International Drive feature some of the best Orlando stores, but it is also home to a bunch of restaurants, some interesting attractions, and more than a handful of hotels. Many shoppers who come to International Drive are interested in hitting the outlet shops. The best outlet malls in Orlando can be found just off the southern stretch of International Drive, while the Pointe Orlando area boasts some interesting specialty shops, not to mention some hip clubs and some tempting restaurants.
In addition to hitting the outlet malls in Orlando, those looking to do some mall shopping can always head over to the Mall at Millenia, where luxury brands abound. Top designers, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton have shops at this upscale Orlando mall, and if you're looking for jewelry, you might start at the Park Promenade Jewelry store. The department stores at the Millenia Mall include Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. You can find the Mall at Millenia just east of Universal Studios at 4200 Conroy Road . After you hit this sleek Orlando mall and the aforementioned shopping hot spots, you might not only be out of energy, but also out of cash. Should you still have reserves left, you can always continue your Orlando shopping experience at the Orlando Airport . Some of the most unique Orlando stores can be found at the Orlando Airport , and if you missed the chance to shop at the main theme parks, you will find some Disney, Sea World, and Universals Studios shops here.
You can also check out nearby Kissimmee before you leave if you still have that shopping itch. In Kissimmee , you can always find some interesting souvenirs and gift items, not to mention some of the best discount hotels in the area. Those looking to extend their shopping in Orlando experience even more can also visit Winter Park , which can be found just north of Orlando 's downtown area. Some upscale retail shops and a cobblestone street help to make Winter Park an attractive place to hang out, and after you hit the shops and maybe grab a bite to eat, you might see what the art galleries have on display.
Orlando Events
From film festivals to big name concert acts, the Orlando events run the full spectrum. Chances are good that whenever you visit, there are Orlando events going on somewhere, so you can always beef up your overall itinerary by including a few. If you don't want to leave it up to chance, you can always plan your vacation around a specific Orlando festival or other event if you please, but even if you show up unaware of the possibilities, you should be in luck. The holiday season is one of the best times to enjoy Orlando events, though you aren't likely to be disappointed at any other time of year.
During the holiday season in Orlando, a bunch of fun events are always on the schedule. At the UCF Arena, for example, the Light Up UCF festivities involve plenty of Christmas cheer. Come December, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party is also something that you will want to try to catch. Held at the Magic Kingdom, this parade and party is guaranteed to dazzle everyone in your group. Viewing impressive Christmas light displays is another thing that you can add to your wintertime Orlando events calendar, and there may be no better destination for such a pursuit than Hollywood Studios. That's where you'll find the annual Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, which is one of the best-loved Hollywood Studios events.
In addition to holiday season celebrations, the various Disney theme parks offer a bunch of other annual events that are worth considering as well. Among the best Disney events is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which starts at the end of September and spans the course of two weeks. Another Epcot Center event that might pique your interest is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs from mid-March to the end of May. When planning a visit to Disney World, you don't have to plan your trip around a specific date to enjoy one of the nightly fireworks shows, which are among the most popular events in Orlando. At Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios alike, the fireworks shows are impressive, which is why the bulk of Orlando vacationers arrange for the opportunity to see them. As one might imagine, the 4th of July is also a good time to catch some great fireworks displays in Orlando. Lake Eola Park, which can be found downtown, offers ample room to stretch out, making it a great place to go for the 4th of July fireworks.
If you can't make it to Lake Eola Park for the 4th of July fireworks, you can still catch some fun Orlando events there at other times of the year. The amphitheater events at Lake Eola generally consist of plays, concerts, and things like candlelight vigils. The park is also the site for the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, which like the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, is one of the top overall events in Orlando. Lake Eola Park is definitely a destination that you will not want to neglect when looking for a fun Orlando festival to enjoy. For people who are hanging out in downtown Orlando in June, the Florida Film Festival is just one more fun Orlando festival to consider. With over 100 movies and other film-related productions on offer, the Florida Film Festival is quite complete. Come July, visitors can have a blast at the Celebrity Mascot Games, which is one of the events in Orlando that sports fans might not want to miss. More than 30 mascots from professional sports teams compete in the Celebrity Mascot Games, which are held at the Amway Arena.
While the Celebrity Mascot Games is an event that many sports fans will love, those who want to see some actual competition between real teams can catch NBA basketball games at the Amway Arena or football games at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In addition to seeing Division I college football games in the new outdoor stadium at UCF, sports fans can also catch a men's or women's Division I volleyball match or basketball game at the UCF Arena. You can also catch a number of big name concerts at the UCF Arena, and concerts are definitely among the Orlando events that are also worth keeping in mind. In addition to the UCF Arena, those looking to add concerts to their list of preferred events in Orlando can also check the schedules at the Hard Rock Café, the House of Blues, the Amway Arena, and the various area theme parks. Just get ready to be overwhelmed when looking for Orlando events to include in your upcoming trip, as there are simply too many to fully cover here. Rest assured that it will be easy to find an event or festival in Orlando that's ideal for you thanks to the myriad of choices.
During the holiday season in Orlando, a bunch of fun events are always on the schedule. At the UCF Arena, for example, the Light Up UCF festivities involve plenty of Christmas cheer. Come December, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade and Party is also something that you will want to try to catch. Held at the Magic Kingdom, this parade and party is guaranteed to dazzle everyone in your group. Viewing impressive Christmas light displays is another thing that you can add to your wintertime Orlando events calendar, and there may be no better destination for such a pursuit than Hollywood Studios. That's where you'll find the annual Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, which is one of the best-loved Hollywood Studios events.
In addition to holiday season celebrations, the various Disney theme parks offer a bunch of other annual events that are worth considering as well. Among the best Disney events is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which starts at the end of September and spans the course of two weeks. Another Epcot Center event that might pique your interest is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs from mid-March to the end of May. When planning a visit to Disney World, you don't have to plan your trip around a specific date to enjoy one of the nightly fireworks shows, which are among the most popular events in Orlando. At Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios alike, the fireworks shows are impressive, which is why the bulk of Orlando vacationers arrange for the opportunity to see them. As one might imagine, the 4th of July is also a good time to catch some great fireworks displays in Orlando. Lake Eola Park, which can be found downtown, offers ample room to stretch out, making it a great place to go for the 4th of July fireworks.
If you can't make it to Lake Eola Park for the 4th of July fireworks, you can still catch some fun Orlando events there at other times of the year. The amphitheater events at Lake Eola generally consist of plays, concerts, and things like candlelight vigils. The park is also the site for the Orlando Food and Wine Festival, which like the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, is one of the top overall events in Orlando. Lake Eola Park is definitely a destination that you will not want to neglect when looking for a fun Orlando festival to enjoy. For people who are hanging out in downtown Orlando in June, the Florida Film Festival is just one more fun Orlando festival to consider. With over 100 movies and other film-related productions on offer, the Florida Film Festival is quite complete. Come July, visitors can have a blast at the Celebrity Mascot Games, which is one of the events in Orlando that sports fans might not want to miss. More than 30 mascots from professional sports teams compete in the Celebrity Mascot Games, which are held at the Amway Arena.
While the Celebrity Mascot Games is an event that many sports fans will love, those who want to see some actual competition between real teams can catch NBA basketball games at the Amway Arena or football games at the University of Central Florida (UCF). In addition to seeing Division I college football games in the new outdoor stadium at UCF, sports fans can also catch a men's or women's Division I volleyball match or basketball game at the UCF Arena. You can also catch a number of big name concerts at the UCF Arena, and concerts are definitely among the Orlando events that are also worth keeping in mind. In addition to the UCF Arena, those looking to add concerts to their list of preferred events in Orlando can also check the schedules at the Hard Rock Café, the House of Blues, the Amway Arena, and the various area theme parks. Just get ready to be overwhelmed when looking for Orlando events to include in your upcoming trip, as there are simply too many to fully cover here. Rest assured that it will be easy to find an event or festival in Orlando that's ideal for you thanks to the myriad of choices.
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