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Dolly Parton's Dixie
Stampede
Dolly brings the Spirit of the South to Florida
The imposing exterior of Dolly's Florida Dixie
Stampede complex
8251 Vineland Ave., between
SeaWorld and Walt Disney World.
Show times vary. Information: 407-238-4455, 1-866-443-4943 or
www.dixiestampede.com 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, |
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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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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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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.
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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.
Other Dinner Shows to tempt your palette
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. .
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.
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.
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.
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.
www.medievaltimes.com).
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