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).

The New Character Balloon Flight, next to Planet Hollywood was a big hit for our last guests. Being able to rise 400 feet above the crowds and see for miles around with the chance to get Photographs of the family in a very special and unique location.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for their little girl proved to be her highlight of the visit. She was “Made Up” just like a Princess, having the full Princess Treatment in the Salon. A hairpiece, shimmering make over, finger nails done and a choice of her favourite Princess’s Dress (Cinderella). It was a little pricey but for a “one off” day they were delighted with the result and seeing their Little Princess’s face as she posed for her photographs, even strangers were taking pictures. They recommend booking early in your holiday to avoid any disappointment as there are only 10 Chairs in th Boutique.

They enjoyed the Irish Fish & Chip Shop on one visit but thought the T Rex Cafe was fabulous for all of them. The Table & Chairs have Dinosaur Legs, the massive Dinosaurs move and roar  to make it special place to have a meal. They said to make sure to take your camera as the special effects and the Coral Reef Bar are spectacular.

They intend to return during their next visit to fit in the things they couldn’t this time around. 

It is good to get a “Feed Back” from our guests and hopefully it will give 1st. Time visitors a reason to take time away from the Parks.

Mary —ps   Would love to hear some comments on Aquatica???