Dining at the Theme Parks
The Blue Man Show
The Blue Man Group operate out of five US cities – of which Orlando is one. In Orlando, you’ll find the Blue Man Show in the Plaza at the Universal resort. It is an innovative and funny show that will definitely keep the kids entertained. Some might find the humour a little puerile, but I reckon you’ll find yourself laughing all the same!
Cirque de Soleil’s ‘La Nouba’
The Cirque de Soleil shows have a fantastic reputation worldwide and this location situated on the Disney site will not disappoint. A stunning show of mesmerising performances make this a spectacular evening out for adults and older kids.
Crazy Golf
I was surprised at what a big hit mini golf seems to be in Orlando – but it can make for a fun evening out, especially with younger kids. Universal’s new Hollywood Drive-in Mini Golf at Universal CityWalk offers two themed courses: one ‘50s sci-fi themed, the other on a haunted house theme. At Disney you can choose from two different mini golf locations. One is located by Blizzard Beach (great for littlies) and the other over by Disney Hollywood Studios (on a Fantasia theme). Other big names to try outside the parks are the Pirate’s Cove Mini Golf (a chain which has two Orlando locations) and the Congo River Adventure Golf (out by Wet’n’Wild).
Disney Character Breakfast or Character Dinner
If your children are really into Disney, then stopping for a meal in one of the character restaurants can be a real treat for them; giving them an extra opportunity to interact with their favourite characters. It’s worth noting that the Character Dining at Disney does tend to book up in advance so it is wise to make reservations if you would like a seat at Cinderella’s Royal Table or any of the other character dining experiences. This is a great blog if you’re looking for some insider tips about how to get the most from the experience.
Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney is a great place to visit in the evenings – there are a whole host of restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, small rides and attractions to explore without the need to buy a park ticket. My kids love the T-Rex restaurant where they can dig up ‘dinosaur bones’ in the play area or build a dinosaur teddy. There’s also a Rainforest Café, Planet Hollywood, and the House of Blues is a great choice for an evening without the kids. You’ll also find the usual suspects: Starbucks, McDonalds, and the rest.
