Eating out plays a big part of your Florida holiday, and always has done for myself, wife and family.
Even though you are staying in your own private villa, and have the facilities to ‘cook-in’, there are so many different types of restaurants, takeaways, diners and dinner shows featuring foods from all over the world you will want to try at least a few.
One thing that stands out, wherever you eat, is that the staff are always cheerful, helpful and very friendly. Please do not forget that tipping is expected of you, and if you have had good service the waiters and waitresses deserve a tip. We usually tip a minimum of 15% and often 20%. Portions in restaurants are quite big, so be warned, go with a healthy appetite.
Below are just a few of the various restaurants you will find in the Kissimmee and Orlando area.
Themed Dinner ShowsDinner shows are very popular with Americans and visitors alike. You can buy tickets on-line by clicking on the web links below, then call on a Toll free number from your villa to make your reservation. Alternatively, go along to the venue to check availability at the door. As always there are plentry of ticket booths in and around Kissimmee where you can purchase your tickets.
All of the shows provide a unique dining and entertainment experience. All involve plenty of food, usually three or four courses (including vegetarian) and your drinks are also included. We recommend that you try at least one show as it is extremely good family fun. Be sure to arrive early as there is often entertainment before the show.
Medieval Times Enjoy a four course dinner and watch the Knights battle it out in the tournaments. Sword fighting and jousting play a big part in this show, as you would expect.
Right next door is the Medieval Life Museum where you can experience life in 11th Century.
Look for the big white castle on Hwy 192 right by Wal-Mart Supermarket, close to Mile Marker 14.
www.medievaltimes.com
Arabian NightsThe fairytale wedding of the Princess all performed on the most beautiful horses from all over the world with accomplished riders in colourful costumes. Arabian Nights is a great family night out. The story line may be hard to follow for very young children, but they will be enchanted by the show. Located on Hwy 192, Mile Marker 8
www.arabian-nights.com
Pirates Dinner AdventureThe Pirates Dinner Adventure has been described as “the World’s most interactive dinner show”. Swashbuckling thrills, comedy, romance, action and adventure are all included with the cost of your dinner. If you arrive early you can enjoy a few appetizers before the show.
The Pirates Dinner Show is llocated just off International Drive on Corner Drive.
www.piratesdinneradventure.com
Dolly Parton’s Dixie StampedeDolly Partons Dixie Stampede in Orlando closed down in January 2008. A new site for this attraction has not been announced, although in a recent interview Dolly Parton stated that there may not be another Dixie Stampede built in Orlando. It is believed that Premium Outlets have bought the site, so more shopping opportunities may be available here soon.
www.dixiestampede.com
The Outta Control Magic Dinner ShowLots of audience participation in this hilarious show, with fun for all ages. Plenty of magic as you would expect, in a wacky, funny show. The show is on twice daily, usually at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Reservations are not always necessary but you can call toll free from your villa.
This show is located at Wonder Works, Orlando Pointe on International Drive.
www.wonderworksonline.com
Sleuth’s Murder Mystery Dinner ShowEnjoy a delicious dinner with unlimited wine, beer and soda whilst you solve the crime, with prizes for those who solve it. Mystery, intrigue and plenty of laughs make this a very entertaining night out. Dinner starts at 7.30 p.m.
Located off International Drive just after the Mercado Centre.
www.sleuths.com
RestaurantsOrlando and Kissimmee have some very good restaurants for that special night out. Below are suggestions which are well worth a try. Don’t forget, portions are normally quite big compared to U.K. so take a good appetite with you and take time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Kissimmee Steak HouseThe Kissimmee Steak House is on the 192 directly opposite Magic Landings. At the Kissimmee Steak House you will find friendly staff, excellent service and superb food!
www.KissimmeeSteakHouse.com
Charley’s Steak HouseCharley’s are famous for their pit grill, which gives their steaks a unique flavour and tenderness.
We would recommend that you book in advance as they are very popular, although they tend to be a little expensive, with both American and British visitors.
You will find Charley’s on 192 Kissimmee, International Drive and South Orange Blossom Trial. There is also a Charley’s in Tampa.
www.Charleyssteakhouse.com
Cattleman’s SteakhouseLocated in Orlando on International Drive and Kissimmee on Vineland Road
Ponderosa and Sizzlers SteakhousesPonderosa and Sizzlers are all-u-can-eat buffet restaurants. Great for all the family. On arrival you choose your main dish i.e. chicken, steak, seafood which is then cooked to your liking. You then help yourself to the buffet of fresh vegetables and salads to accompany your meal.
Both have a number of locations throughout Orlando and Kissimmee.
All American Fayre
You will probably be familiar with the following restaurants, therefore location is all you require. However, dining at these restaurants in Orlando and Kissimmee is a completely different experience to the ones in U.K. so are well worth a visit.
Hard Rock CaféUniversal, City Walk - www.hardrock.com
Planet HollywoodDowntown Disney - www.planethollywood.com
T.G.I. Friday’s10 to choose on major roads - www.tgifridays.com
Hooters6 locations in Orlando - www.hooters.com
Race RockInternational Drive - www.hooters.com
For a true taste of American cooking try: Cracker BarrelLocated in Davenport, Kissimmee and Orlando. Cracker Barrel gives you a true taste of good old country cooking. They also have a real country store where you can buy good old fashioned sweets, jams, spreads and biscuits. Outside you can relax on the rocking chairs scattered across the veranda.
www.Crackerbarrel.com
Bennigan’s Irish American Grill and TavernAmerican food with an Irish theme, with various locations throughout Kissimmee and Orlando.
Denny’sA good old American Diner, just like you see in the films. Plenty of locations in and around the Kissimmee and Orlando area.
All-U-Care-to-Eat RestaurantsThese are very popular places for breakfast, lunch or dinner and have a varied choice of dishes on the buffet to choose from. The breakfast buffet is a particularly good idea so that you can fuel up before you go off the theme parks for the day.
Ponderosa, Perkins, Sizzlers, Shoney’sNo need to put locations, they are all big and bold and everywhere you look.
Chinese, Indian and Seafood All-U-Care-To-Eat Buffets DynastyHwy 192, Kissimmee at Poinciana Boulevard
Pagoda GardenHwy192 Kissimmee between Mile Markers 9-10
Passage to IndiaHwy 192, Kissimmee and International Drive
PunjabHwy 192 Kissimmee Mile Marker 15
Oriental Seafood BuffetOn Hwy 192 at Poinciana Boulevard
Boston Lobster FeastNext to Water Mania on Hwy 192
Angel’sNext to Holiday Inn, Hwy 192
For a Taste of Home: Churchill’s Tea Room and British Grocery StoreIf you are missing some of the good old British goods, pop in, do some shopping and have a nice cup of English tea. Situated on West Irlo Bronson Memorial in Kissimmee.
We hope the above information helps you to enjoy your meals out just that little bit extra.