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Dolly Parton's Dixie
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| Dolly Parton, the Tennessee girl-turned-Nashville legend, has brought her themed Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show to Orlando. Although the attraction bears her name, she doesn't appear in person, but that doesn't detract from a fabulous equine display. One of three Stampede's she has opened (Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Branson, Mo.), the show is essentially a modern-day Wild West revue, pitting the audience against each other in a good natured way as the South and the North battle to win various horse riding competitions. The $28 million production, staged in a 128,000-square-foot facility that seats 1,200, features acrobatic horsemanship with 32 magnificent horses, festive patriotic and country music, singing, dancing, comedy, ostrich racing, a fabulous Southern-style four-course feast and plenty of audience participation." |
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| As Carol and I were in Florida in December it was the Christmas show that we went to see. Along with some friends we passed through the ticket office and shop into the show's precursor - an Australian cowboy entertaining us as he not only sang, but rode his beautiful horse around the tables and even up the stairs of the two story theatre. Non alcoholic drinks (no alcohol is available) and popcorn are on sale, the drinks arriving in distinctive boot shaped glasses, which made attractive souvenirs of our visit. |
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| Then it was on to the main part of the evening, where the South Pole and the North Pole battled it out on horses and ostriches to see who would be triumphant at the end of the evening. Interestingly enough the food comes without cutlery, so from the first slurp of your soup to the last morsel of chicken your fingers lead the way, with plenty of soft drinks and coffee along the way. |
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| As well as the fabulous horses and riders, an appearance of Santa Claus, the best Nativity I have ever seen, with real camels and sheep, and an ice skating rink that floats down from the ceiling, complete with champion Russian ice skaters made the evening one to remember. |
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| The show over, we left via the shop to find the characters on hand to have their picture taken with the guests, and my friend Vincent couldn't believe his luck to be snapped cuddling the star of the show while the rest of us tried on the hats and Dolly keepsakes on sale. |
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| The show over, we left via the shop to find the characters on hand to have their picture taken with the guests, and my friend Vincent couldn't believe his luck to be snapped cuddling the star of the show while the rest of us tried on the hats and Dolly keepsakes on sale. |
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| Outside the complex, the whole of the side
of the building is a stables, so you can also meet the other stars of the
show as well as their keepers. All in all, a very worth while experience,
one that I would certainly look forward to taking other friends to. My one
negative experience was seeing a small shed housing Belgian pigeons, which
seemed to have no purpose other than for people to look at. The birds did
not look at all happy, all huddled together at one end of the large
grating which served as the floor. Some other information that might be useful: *Dixie Stampede is an alcohol-free environment so no alcohol is available. *Beverages are included with your meal, however, not during the pre-show. However, non-alcoholic specialty drinks (try the Sitting Bull's Firewater or the Orange Blossom Special) are available for purchase in the Carriage Room for $4.00. These come in a commemorative Boot mug and can be an inexpensive souvenir rather than stopping in the gift shop. You can also pre-purchase these at a reduced price of $3.50 when you call to make your reservation. Snacks such as popcorn, peanuts and nachos are also available for purchase during the pre show. *The arena does have stairs between the rows so if you are in a wheelchair and/or cannot climb stairs, please mention it if they don't ask. You will be seated in the arena's 6th row which is accessible via an elevator. Don't worry though, the view from anywhere in the arena is wonderful so no matter where you are seated you'll get to see everything. *Speaking of wheelchairs, Dixie Stampede does have a few available if needed. Because of the limited number, however, a member of the Dixie Stampede cast will escort you and your party with the wheelchair. You will be taken to the Carriage Room for the pre-show, then the cast member will return at the end of the pre-show to take you to the arena and at the end of the night, they will return again to escort you back to the exit of the building. *Gratuities for your servers are not included in the ticket price so please don't forget these hard working folks. They appreciate your generosity. *When making reservations by telephone, please keep in mind that payment is required via credit/debit card at that time. And don't forget to bring your confirmation number with you as this will make things much easier when you check in at the box office before your show. *Survey cards are distributed during the show and if one is left near your plate, please take the time to complete it. Dixie Stampede takes guest feedback very seriously and reviews the results nightly - using the comments to help improve the show and meal. And please don't leave the completed card on your table. If you do not place the card in the comment card box, the results will not be counted. *Utensils are not provided with your meal so if you do not want to eat with your fingers, you'll need to bring your own plastic wear. *Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Based on guest comments, the meal is currently a vegetable lasagne and a fruit cup in place of the meat courses. This meal does include some dairy so if you are vegan, mention that as well and the kitchen should be able to prepare you something that meets your restrictions. It may just be steamed veggies, but the kitchen staff will do their best to get you something. |
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Other Dinner Shows to tempt your palette |
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Pirate's Dinner Adventure The theme: Ahoy, mateys: This is billed as a classic story of princess meets pirate, set aboard a replica of an 18th-century Spanish galleon. The pirate-themed menu includes Buccaneer Beef and Treasure Chicken. The details: 6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando; 1-800-866-2469. Showtime: Varies, but usually one show a day at 7:45 or 8:30 p.m. Cost: $44.95, children $27.50. www.piratesdinneradventure.com Capone's Dinner & Show The theme: Gangster adventures, circa 1931. Billed as a Broadway-style song, dance and comedy revue with "handsome mobsters and gorgeous dames." Italian/American buffet with unlimited rum runners, sangria, beer and soda. The details: 4740 W. U.S. 192, Kissimmee; 1-800-220-8428. Showtime: 8 p.m. daily. Cost: $39.95, children $23.95. Arabian Nights The theme: Romance, intrigue and horses, all set against an Arabian backdrop. It may sound corny, but, hey, Larry King said, "If you don't love Arabian Nights, check your pulse!" Dinner features prime rib. The details: 6225 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (U.S. 192), Kissimmee; 1-800-553-6116. Showtime: Varies. Cost: $44, children $27. There's a $10 discount if you book online. www.arabian-nights.com Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue The theme: Old-fashioned western fun, with a Disney spin. (It's one of two major dinner shows at Walt Disney World; the other is Disney's Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian Resort.) Meal includes country fare (fried chicken, ribs, baked beans). The details: At Pioneer Hall in the Fort Wilderness Campground; 407-939-3463. Three shows daily: 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $49.01, $24.81 children. Medieval Times The theme: There's no way to prepare for the onslaught of pseudo-chivalry at Medieval Times, the dinner show that has played for two decades. Royal trumpeters will serenade you. Serfs and wenches (aka waiters and waitresses) will feed you. And a half-dozen or so properly attired knights will dazzle you with daring feats on horseback. Be advised: Your royal feast -- basically, roast chicken and one scrawny rib -- is served without cutlery, but with free beer. The details: 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (U.S. 192), Kissimmee, six miles east of Walt Disney World. 1-800-229-8300. Shows at 6:15 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, one show on weekdays. $45.95 adults, $29.95 ages 3-11 (but check for brochure coupons or at www.medievaltimes.com). |
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