There are a wide variety of restaurants in Orlando. Whether you want to eat in the parks or outside the parks, there are many choices for dining.
There are many choices for dining in Disney. The Walt Disney World resorts have a total of 150 restaurants. In the Magic Kingdom, you have the choice of counter service, buffet or sit down meals. A few of the restaurants offer character dining. This is very popular with the kids. Reservations are recommended since they fill up fast.
The World Showcase in Epcot Center is a good place to sample international cuisine. Each are of the showcase is dedicated to a different country. Some of the pavilions offer cuisine from that country. More international cuisine is planned in the future in Epcot Center.
The Rainforest Cafe in Disney's Animal Kingdom recreates the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. Effects such as animated wildlife, a waterfall and large volcano outside the restaurant add to the feeling. There is a large aquarium in the wall with a variety of tropical fish on display.
At MGM Studios, The Sci Fi dine in theater is a popular place to eat. The theme of the restaurant is an old drive in from the 1950s. The tables are made to look like you are sitting in the back of a parked car. While you eat, movie trailers are shown on the screen.
There are some interesting choices for dining at Sea World. The park offers character dining; only the characters are killer whales. You can dine with Shamu. Guests sit alongside the pool in Shamu Stadium. During dinner, you get the chance to meet the trainers. You will get to see a training session. The meal is served buffet style by the pool. The menu includes pasta, meat, seafood and salads. There is a children's buffet as well.
The Sharks Underwater Grill is another popular dining choice at Sea World. There is glass from floor to ceiling with over 50 sharks behind the glass. Guests can enjoy watching the sharks while eating their meals. The menu includes salads, pizza, seafood, chicken and pasta. There is a children's menu as well.
There are many choices for dining outside the parks too. Millions visit the city each year and there are Orlando restaurants to suit every taste. Many are located along International Drive. Here you will find Spanish, Italian, Seafood, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Thai and Vegetarian cuisine. Nearly all the restaurants are very family friendly and welcome small children.
A few famous chefs have restaurants in Orlando. Emeril's restaurant is located at City Walk on the property of Universal Studios. This restaurant serves a variety of creative, New Orleans style cuisine. Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant in Downtown Disney. There is a sushi bar in his restaurant.
Orlando is home to restaurants that offer a show with the meal. A very popular one is Medieval Times. During the meal, six knights on horseback compete in tournament games. There is pre show entertainment outside the restaurant. Once inside, you will find the decor to be in the European style of the Middle Ages. The knights participate in games, sword fighting and jousting. There are six sections, which are divided by color. The knights wear corresponding colors and you root for your knight during the games.
The meal consists of a medieval menu. The feeling is very authentic with no utensils used. Guests eat with their hands, as in the middle ages. A typical menu consists of vegetable soup, chicken, ribs, potatoes, bread, dessert and drinks. Dinner and the show last about two hours.
