Finding restaurants outside of Disney in the Orlando area can be tricky.  Most won’t be able to accommodate your gluten free diet even if they say they can.  You have to be very careful.  Unfortunately, you will find that most restaurant staff will be uninformed about proper handling of gluten free food and there is a risk with foods that are normally considered to be gluten free selections because they could be contaminated in preparation. 

Of the chain restaurants, the Outback and Carrabbas Italian Grill are the preferred choices as they both offer a special gluten-free menu  unlike many of the others.

The following is a list of  local establishments that do offer gluten-free options:

Azteca D’oro

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar

Nona Sushi

Bonefish Grill

Thai Blossom Restaurant

Bonefish Grill

Tijuana Flats Burrito

Though the restaurants listed are gluten-free friendly, most celiacs find it easier to just prepare their own meals.  There are gluten-free products available at the local grocery store chains, especially at Publix.  My friend found Chamberlin’s Natural Foods to be a particularly good resource.  They not only sell gluten-free foods (and other foods for those who suffer from food allergies or lactose intolerance) but also organic products, vitamins, beauty products and books.

They have the best steaks that I have ever tasted and you can see the cuts all displayed to help you make up your mind.

At the same time there is a happy hour from 4pm to 7pm - great value draft and bottled beer including wine for the ladies.

There are also special offers during the week, e.g., Wednesday night is 2 for 1 fajita night they are delicious. You get bottomless salad and sweet yeast rolls with most meals.

It has a great atmosphere but you need to make sure that you call in advance as there is always a queue to get in - so that tells you a story.

So give it a try you will not be disappointed.

This article focuses on themed dining - there are many different themed restaurants in the Orlando area, covering many different themes.  Two of the most popular are themed around the entertainment industry - Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe.

Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood is located on Downtown Disney, and is easily spotted by its distinctive shape - the large blue ‘globe’ (similar to the chain’s logo) is visible from some distance.  With plenty of free parking, it is easy to get to, and offers theming around the movie industry.  With large screens showing excerpts from films new and old, there is always plenty of entertainment on offer, be it from the classics or more recent blockbusters.  But the real star of Planet Hollywood is the massive collection of memorabilia and props from the movies.  Everywhere you look inside the restaurant, you will see items collected over the years - many are instantly recognisable.  There is also every opportunity to buy the Planet Hollywood merchandise, be it shirts, glasses etc.  Oh, and the food - it is easy to forget that the reason for a visit to Planet Hollywood is for a meal.  The menu has a reasonable choice, largely built around burgers, steaks and pasta.  It may be true to say that better food is available elsewhere (and the bill may be less), but perhaps the real reason for your visit to Planet Hollywood is for the theming.

Hard Rock Cafe

If Disney offers Planet Hollywood, Universal provides the Hard Rock Cafe.  Hard Rock’s theming leans more towards the music industry than movies - but there are similarities.  The memorabilia includes gold discs, posters, artwork, costumes - from a wide range of international artists.  Whether your musical tastes are from the 60s, 70s or more recent, you will recognise many of the items on show.  Hard Rock also offers occasional live concerts, and is situated just outside the two Universal Parks (free car parking applies in the evenings only).  The food at Hard Rock tends to have many similarities to Planet Hollywood - accompanied by music throughout the meal.

Summary

It’s difficult to pick one of these restaurants above the other - they both have fabulous theming, and your choice may depend on your entertainment preference (music or films).

Carrabbas is a very popular place to eat great authentic Italian food.  We always try to eat there at least once when we’re in Florida.   Since it’s popular and they don’t take reservations, you could be in for a lengthy wait.   They do offer call ahead seating which we always take advantage of.  Call when you’re ready to leave and they’ll put you on the waiting list so that when you arrive, your wait will be reduced considerably.

On this last visit, we had the opportunity to go to the newer location on Vineland Avenue in Orlando just up the street from Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine.  As always, we started off with some of the wonderful appetizers.  My favorites are the bruschette of the day and the zucchini fritte (thin strips of zucchini coated with a parmesan batter and deep fried).  On that particular day, the bruschette was a tomato goat cheese topping served with slices of toasted garlic bread – delicious!  Three different starter salads are on offer, Caesar, Italian and House.  Though I chose Italian this time, I have had all three and they are all wonderful.   The Italian salad has a vinaigrette dressing whereas the House salad is served with a creamy dressing, both full of lettuce, olives and assorted veggies.  With our salads came baskets of warm crusty Italian bread with herbed olive oil for dipping. 

For the main course, there are a variety selections including pastas (of course), seafood, veal, chicken and steak all prepared in an authentic Italian manner.   I have tried many but my favorites are Chicken Bryan (grilled chicken breast topped with herbed goat cheese, basil, sun dried tomatoes and a light sauce), Veal Piccata (sauteed veal topped with mushrooms, proscuitto ham and lemon butter sauce) and Pasta Weesie (fettucini alfredo topped with shrimp, scallions and mushrooms).

There are a few choices for side items with certain entrees and a must have is the cavitappi amatriciana.  It’s a pasta dish with a delicious tomato sauce.  The sauce is excellent and we have been known to ask for a bowl of it for dipping our bread! The server always complies!

Make sure you save room for dessert!  They always have a wonderful selection on offer.  Since I love tiramisu, I almost always order this – it’s delicious!  My husband usually orders the fudge brownie with ice cream and I have to say that it is also very delicious since I usually have to sample his as well!

Bon Appetit!

We spent Christmas in Florida this year and decided to visit the Hotel as there were quite a few things going on inside. It had the Ice Land where you pay to go in and brave the cold (we didn’t as that is what we were getting away from). The braver one’s were actualy invited to go round in their bathing costumes (brrr!)

There were lots of festivities going on along with Carol Singing and hunt the Gnome competition.

The hotel itself had three Atriums - Key West, Everglades and St Augustine, each with its own unique restaurants. We decided to eat in Key West as that had its own Yacht on a lake in the Hotel. The food was fantastic but not in the large portions that you would normally expect in the USA. However, the food was great. We will definitely visit again and go to one of the other restaurants.

The Hotel also had its own 9 hole putting course that was free to use. What a bonus for the two golfers in our party.

Finally, one thing to mention is that it will cost $12 to park there but if you eat in one of the restaurants that fee is refunded.

The food, though a little pricey (not surprising as you have to take into consideration the novelty of your surroundings), was very good.  One of their specialties is rotisserie chicken which you can see cooking in the “Kitchen of Fire” (the kids will enjoy this special viewing area as it is truly surrounded by fire!) as well as watch the chefs bake pizzas and flatbreads in the wood burning oven.

 We ordered the Footprints Flatbread and Dexter’s Dual Dips for our appetizers.  The flatbread was topped with 4 cheeses, carmelized onions, chicken and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.  The dips included a queso and an artichoke dip served with tortilla chips.  Both were very good. 

For the main course, my daughter and I decided to share our entrees.  I ordered the Omnivore’s Delight salad with grilled chicken and she opted for the Triassic Tortellini.  Both were delicious, but we agreed that the salad was probably the best we’ve ever had.  It was a huge salad of iceberg lettuce and field greens with really generous portions of sweet pecans, sliced strawberries, craisins, and goat cheese with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.  I was really pleased because I really love salads with pecans and goat cheese and I’ve never seen such a pile of pecans and so much goat cheese in any salad I’ve had before.  I really loved it!

You may be familiar with the Rainforest Café’s famous “Volcano” dessert – lots of chocolate, lots of ice  cream, lots of topping, lots of yelling “Volcano!” and just plain lots – one will feed our family of 5!  Well, T-Rex offers their version of this indulgent dessert – the “Chocolate Extinction.”  Make sure you finish off with one of these – it’s fabulous!

When it comes to eating there is so much choice you won’t nowhere to go there are restaurants just about everywhere and of course there a fast food places such as MacDonald’s and KFC. But of course you can also shop at Wal-Mart and make your own food which is better if you’re on a budget.  There is everything in America that there is in every country so you would find something you liked.

If you like going out at the night time then there are clubs pubs and also family entertainment such as old town and down town Disney which is a Disney run place. Which is free and there are shops and theatres and performances which kids and adults will enjoy. Old Town is a little town on the 192 between marker 10/11 which is good if you want to go out for an hour or for 5 hours there is always things to do look around the shops watch the live band, have cold or hot drink, food or something real British like good old fish and chips or look at all the kitted up cars and motorcycles that run down the main street on Friday and Saturday evenings. There are all sorts of shops from sweet shops to clothes, jewellery, Florida merchandise shops. Old town also have a now large “Fun Spot” There is also a place called boardwalk which is also run by Disney where there is shops and restaurants where you can chill and on the night you can also see the fireworks from magic kingdom and Epcot.

There are really good places to go shopping like the Florida mall to the Osceola mall to lake Buena vista there are expensive brands for small prices.

Medieval Times

Get ready to be blasted into the past with the Medieval Times Dinner Show.  It recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in North America and now you can see this highly successful, entertaining, and festive show live in Orlando. It embraces the experience of medieval celebrations, taking you back to the time of King Arthur and his royal table.

This attraction is inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting their guests to feast and watch knights compete on horseback.  You are personally invited as a guest of the king.  Sit back and enjoy the horseback jousting competition from the comfort of your stadium seating view.  There is never a bad seat in the house.  Divided up in to several sections, you will be assigned to a particular knight.  Cheer him on as loud and a proud as you like as he battles it out for the heart of the princess.

As you view the competition from your stadium view, you will be treated to a feast fit for a king. Guests will be able to dine on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, spare ribs, potatoes, and pastries. A vegetarian meal is also available, upon request.  Drinks are included and include coffee, two rounds of select beverages and a full-cash bar is available to your every need.

With exceptional equestrian skills, swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, acting, costumes, and pageantry, you will feel as if you are back in the past.  Authentic costumes and weapons are used throughout the show and it is as if you have never left the medieval times.  Even the horses are the same authentic breed that were used in the medieval times. Medieval Times uses Quarter Horses, Friesians, Menorcans, and Spanish Andalusians (the horses originally used by medieval royalty).

Arabian Nights Dinner Show

Explore a magical story filled with fantasy, romance, and adventure at Arabian Nights.  Voted the number one dinner show in Orlando, Arabian Nights unfolds a fairy tale right before your eyes, set in a 140,000 square foot indoor climate controlled equestrian arena, which is the largest in the world. Watch as the expert riders perform incredible feats astride magnificent stallions, all the while enjoying a sumptuous feast fit for an Arabian prince.

In Arabian Nights, the entire audience is invited to celebrate the birthday of the beautiful Princess Scheherezade.  However, the party is threatened when an unexpected guest arrives.  In order to save the day, the princess’ genie must summon the power of the Black Stallion.  Love will fight to overcome evil in this classic, touching tale of a princess and her prince that combines the glamour of Broadway, the adventure of the West, and the excitement of Ancient Rome.

The Black Stallion is the star of Arabian Nights, Walter Farley’s famous horse that has starred in several films and a television series.  Along with 65 other horses from around the world, including several Arabian and Andalusian horses, 40 incredible performers put on a unique spectacle in this one hour and thirty-minute production. Twenty-two distinct acts transition into each other flawlessly, with incredible spectacles such as a Chariot Race from ancient Rome, square dancing cowboys, and gypsies performing daredevil stunts.

Enjoy a sumptuous meal fit for a king at Arabian Nights.  This four course feast includes:

Fresh vegetable lasagna, green garden salad, New York steak strips, Chicken tenders, grilled chicken breast, Black Angus steak, Garlic mashed potatoes, Fresh vegetable medley, rolls with butter, unlimited house beer, wine and soft drinks, a delicious slice of the princesses wedding cake.

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Ahoy Mateys, and welcome to Pirates Dinner Adventure.  Jump aboard and follow us on a swashbuckling dinner adventure to the high seas.  Enjoy the talented cast and a meal fit for a king, as you watch the colorful story unfold right before your eyes.

At Pirates Dinner Adventure, you do not just watch the show; you are put right into the action.  Enter the lagoon, where your pirate ship and team captain await you.  As we set sail out on to the high seas, cheer on your team captains and teammates as they battle for the fight of good and evil, all with one goal in mind, the pirate’s booty.  Interact with the crew in pirate games, songs, and challenges.  Acclaimed as “the world’s most unique interactive dinner show,” you will be amazed by the incredible sword play, aerial artists, and acrobatics.  It is a perfect show for all ages, even the little ones will be able to get involved in all of the fun.

Following the pre-meal pirate party, enjoy the show as you wine and dine on the delectable meals provided by your friendly and hospitable wait staff.  With salad, a chicken or seafood option for your entrée, dessert, wine, and beer, you will leave the show both happy and full.

Polynesian Luau

The Makahiki Polynesian Luau dinner show is one of the most exciting and memorable attractions in Orlando. In addition to flaming fire, traditional Hawaiian music, and spectacular performances, guests are also served a delicious full course meal. 

While on your Florida vacation, spend an evening being whisked away to gorgeous Hawaii, with cultural music, dance, and a full course meal.  The authenticity of this dinner show is impossible to beat, and a must do for all vacationers, young and old.

The Makahiki Luau Polynesian Feast and Celebration at SeaWorld Florida is held nightly in the “Luau Terrace,” a non smoking, air conditioned dining room inside the park.

If you are coming to Florida for the tropical atmosphere, kick it up a notch by sitting in on the Makahiki Luau Dinner Show at Sea World. A volcanic eruption is about the only thing missing in this authentic Hawaiian atmosphere.

The celebration of man’s co-existence with the earth and sea takes place at the Seafire Inn. Guests at the luau are greeted by Hawaiians and then whisked away to the faraway island Hawaii through spectacular entertainment.  

Guests will learn about the history, customs, music and dance, costumes, culture, and cuisine of the Pacific Islands.  Lucky audience members might get a chance to learn to hula on stage when the Polynesian Hula Dancers take the stage to the rhythmic sounds of live Hawaiian music.  However, no audience member will want to be on stage once the fire dances begin.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, guests are served a full course meal of authentic Hawaiian food. The exotic menu of tropical delights at Sea World’s Polynesian Luau finalizes your exciting journey to Hawaii.  Guests are served family style so they can really dig in to a full course meal of tropical salad and fruit plate, Mahi Mahi in Piña Colada Sauce, Sweet and Sour Pork, Hawaiian Chicken, rice, vegetable medley, seasonal dessert, the usual beverages, and one complimentary cocktail.

It’s no wonder the Polynesian Luau at Sea World is hailed as one of the best dinner shows in Orlando. The fantastic dancers, unforgettable music, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine create an experience you don’t want to miss.

Capone’s Dinner and Show

Somewhere along Highway 192 in Kissimmee, you will find an innocent ice cream parlor. However, as with so much in the Orlando area, there’s more here than meets the eye. For you see, the ice cream parlor is really just a front for a speakeasy, Prohibition style. Yes, we’ve gone back in time again to 1930s Chicago, where the action owes a lot to Damon Runyon via Guys and Dolls and the Chicago accents sound straight out of Brooklyn.

Capone’s Dinner & Show is a cheerful mishmash of Broadway show, nightclub cabaret, sketch comedy, revue and all you can eat Italian buffet style.  Dinner includes the usual soft drinks, plus beer, sangria, and rum runners. In addition, there’s a cash bar for serious drinkers.

The fun begins when you arrive and pick up your tickets at the box office. You are instructed to knock three times at the secret door and give a password.  Then you get in line outside, where black-vested waiters warm up the crowd with the wisecracking rudeness that is to become the evening’s hallmark.  So be forewarned – do not wear garish tourist garb unless you can take some good natured ribbing.

Once the show is ready to begin, each party is led to the secret door, knocks three times, and gives the password, and they don not let you in until you get it right. Once inside, you are in a spacious nightclub with a large stage. 

The waiters, with names like Babyface take drink orders and keep up a cheerful patter laced with film noir gangster patois. Much of the seating is in long rows of tables, so you will have a chance to talk with the folks on either side of you.  It’s a great fun way to get an idea of the wide cross section of types and nationalities drawn to Orlando.

The show, which revolves around two pairs of star crossed lovers, freely borrows plot elements from Guys and Dolls, Some Like It Hot, and any number of old gangster movies. Best of all is the kewpie doll leading lady, dumb and delicious, with a voice that would shatter fine crystal. The cast relies heavily on intentionally bad jokes and audience interaction to generate laughs. More often than not they succeed. Throw in some leggy chorines, a bit of torch singing, and a better than average buffet dinner and you have a winning combo that has stood Orlando’s test of time.  It’s hard not to like this bunch, even if they don’t always shoot straight.

WonderWorks Magic Show

At Wonderworks, there is an interactive attraction in the upside down house.

Every night, in a small 130 seat nightclub like room at the back of Mazzarella’s Pizzeria, you can see a one hour show featuring some truly first rate performers.  The show changes from time to time, sometimes called Shazam, sometimes called Night of Wonder or The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, but the basic formula remains pretty much the same, whether the accent is on Vegas-style razzle dazzle or broad comedy.  Most shows progress from standard playing card and ball tricks to some truly amazing stunts.  Often you will see some personal object borrowed from an audience member get smashed or burned beyond recognition only to reappear in perfect condition elsewhere.  Some tricks involve elaborate contraptions in which the stars are locked and sometimes chopped, sliced, and diced (or so it would seem).

There is great emphasis placed on audience involvement, with pride of place given to the youngsters, whose sense of awe and wonder is evident in their fresh faces.  Adults get their chance to shine as well in routines that are as light hearted and humorous as they are mystifying.  The result is a thoroughly entertaining show.

What makes this a dinner attraction is the all you can eat pizza and the all you can drink beer wine and soda. The pizzas, which are quite good and don’t skimp on the cheese are half plain and half pepperoni and as one disappears another arrives to take its place.  The doors open and food service begins about 30 minutes prior to show time and service continues throughout the show.

The “Magic Combo” package includes admission to both the show and the WonderWorks attraction and touring the attraction after seeing the show makes for an enjoyable and entertainment packed evening. You can also opt just to eat and see the show, in which case the show becomes one of Orlando’s best entertainment bargains.

Reservations are recommended, especially during busier periods, because seating is limited. The only nearby parking is in the lot of the next door Pointe Orlando shopping mall. Unfortunately, WonderWorks does not validate parking tickets, so expect to pay about $3 or $4 for it, depending on how long you linger at the attraction.

Murder Watch Mystery Theatre (Sleuth Mystery dinner show)

Nestled oddly in a suburban style strip mall in the middle of International Drive is one of Orlando’s most enjoyable attractions.  Sleuths presents a rotating menu of a dozen hilarious whodunits served up with relish before, during, and after dinner.

You may find yourself invited to Lord Mansfield’s Fox Hunt Banquet or discover yourself one of the alumni attending a reunion at genteel Luray Academy.  Whatever the premise, the hilarity is virtually guaranteed, thanks to an ensemble of accomplished (and wonderfully hammy) local actors with a gift for improvisation and the quick comeback.  Most of the fun and the biggest laughs come from the unscripted interactions with the “guests” who are made to feel very much part of the action.  There are over ten different shows served up by Sleuths, so if you find this sort of thing to your liking you’ll be able to return many times before you start to get bored or run out of new material.

As you arrive for dinner, you will meet some of the cast members ushering guests to their tables and passing hors d’oeuvres. After the salad course, the murder mystery proper unfolds on a minuscule set at the front of the house. 

Do not be surprised if you’re called from your seat to participate in some bit of lunacy. At one show I saw, four people found themselves galloping through the house on make-believe horses while the rest of the audience bayed like hounds.  But, if you are shy, don’t fret as cast members seem to have an uncanny knack for not disturbing those who’d rather not be chosen for “stardom.”

The humor is very broad, with a healthy dose of double entendre.  The cast members throw themselves into their parts but occasionally drop out of character in gales of suppressed laughter.  Plus the audience never hesitates to pitch in, gleefully pointing out telltale clues that those on stage have missed.  Before long, someone turns up dead and everyone in the cast seems to have a motive.

Now it’s your turn to play detective.  Each table of eight is asked to name a spokesperson.  During dinner, each table mulls over the clues and tries to come up with one telling question that will uncover some yet unknown fact that will point to the murderer.  Each audience member is asked to write down their solution to the crime, who dunnit, with what, and why.

Another bit of good news is that the food, while simple, is quite tasty.  The choices are limited, Cornish hen, prime rib, (extra charge), and vegetarian or meatball lasagna. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are poured freely.

After dinner, the cast reappears and submits itself to the interrogation of the audience.  This is no dry exercise in forensic logic.  Thanks to the expert ad libbing of the cast, the laughter continues virtually nonstop.  Ultimately, the wrongdoer is identified and audience members who guessed right win a prize.

Sleuths has become so popular that it now supports three separate theaters in its strip mall home.  One of them regularly features a Merry Mystery Dinner Adventure especially for kids aged 3 to 12.  The two show in this series are Faire of the Shire and Juniper Junior.  They offer cameo roles for the kiddies in a mystery that includes magic but no mayhem.  The childrens meal is a marvelous creation called Worms Underground.  A toadstool formed by a pizza atop a ramekin of buttered noodles sits on a green pea grass studded with chicken nugget rocks.

One indicator of the success of the Sleuths experience is that, by show’s end, the audience feels part of the family.  The cast members graciously thank you for your attendance and point out the valuable service you perform in helping a local business survive and thrive.

On-Line Booking System Now Available!

Did you know that you can now make dining reservations for Walt Disney World Dining online!   Up until now the only way you could make reservations was to phone up in advance or during your vacation.

If you visit the following site

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/

you can then narrow your search by checking through the various parks/hotels, etc to browse the various restaurants.  If you are able to book online it will give you the “Book a Reservation” option by the chosen restaurant.  This will take you through to the next screen where you can select your date, time  and no. in party.  Once you have done this you click ”Check Availability”.  The next screen will then bring up whether there is availability, together with availability at other restaurants in the same vicinity.  Once you select your desired time you then click ”add to cart”.

Once you have added your restaurants to the cart you are advised of the total payment due today (if any) and then you “check out”.   

You will find that the majority of the bookings do not require you to make prepayment, although the very popular ones like Cinderellas Castle, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, etc  will require full payment at the time of booking.  

This online system is great - if you find your first date is booked, you can check another date/time immediately, saving you a lot of time.  No need to make that call to the US before you visit to make all your reservations, which in the past I have done on many occasions. 

It also gives you an idea of the cost of the meals in the various restaurants so you can plan in advance.   I also found that you can browse all the different restaurants in one place and gives you a better idea of what is available at each one. 

Effective 27 October 2009, Advanced Dining Reservations will go back to a 180 plus 10 day booking window. 

I certainly will be using this online option for my next trip and have advised all our future guests of the website.   I hope that you get to enjoy many of the restaurants in the Walt Disney Resorts by planning in advance. 

There is a wide range of shopping malls big and small as close as international drive. For the older generation there are beaches like coco and Daytona and if you fancy a long drive, you could take trip to Miami.

There are water parks some that are suited to the more adventurous and others that are just like real beaches. And there is water skiing, jet skiing to flinging from a 300ft pole overlooking a lake these options are for the more adventurous.

There are spas that you can visit if you want to get away from the kids. There are also helicopter rides which can take you all over Orlando.

There are Wal-Mart’s located all over the place  for your shopping it great it’s just like Asda in England. There are loads and loads of restaurants from buffets to three course meals. The buffets are to die for the ranges of food you get for just a small price it’s amazing. There are obviously fast food restaurants located just about everywhere.

Going to Orlando is the best thing you could possibly do. There are a wide range of hotels with a wide range of prices. But there are others places to stay such as villas or condos. If you rent somewhere its means that it’s yours and you don’t have to share it especially in a villa. Orlando it a place you don’t ever want to leave that’s why you have to get it right and book suitable places that you will enjoy.

The theme parks are all amazing so there is no worry there. You’ll kids will love it but it’s not just for kids the adults will love it as well.  If you got a chance to go to Orlando take it. So if you want to go to Orlando get booking.