Two Orlando Dinner-Theaters Update Their Shows
Great news on the Dinner-Show front. Two of Orlando's and Kissimmee's best dinner-shows, "Medieval Times" and "Pirates Dinner Adventure", are in the process of renovating their shows. This doesn't mean that they will just add new sequences. They will introduce completely new shows! Take a look at what you can expect, thanks to the Orlando Sentinel:
Pirate show sets sail on new course
Nah, there's no need to adjust your eye patch. Pirate's Dinner Adventure overhauled its show for the first time in its 15-year existence.
The dinner-show attraction near International Drive retained swashbuckling elements but changed the storyline and incorporated modern references — including a Justin Bieber joke — into the new show dubbed "The Curse of Poseidon's Treasure."
Here are notes I made between courses last week.
• The characters certainly span the ages. We meet two modern-day explorers, a crew of swinging, singing pirates from 400 years ago and hear the booming voice of Poseidon, who has centuries of seniority on the rest of the cast.
• Memorable are the battle scenes, complete with a generous helping of one-on-one swordplay. They impressively choreographed and coordinated with sound effects. It's pretty relentless and full of testosterone.
• It's I-Drive, so there are loads of kids. The payoff comes when they are invited onto the ship/stage to be sworn into the crew. Many take the oath quite seriously, and it's a cute photo op.
• Unexpected is a ballad sung by the female explorer, who is involved in a little light romance. She is accompanied by a "gypsy lady" performing an acrobatic ribbon routine up in the rafters. I thought these acts were underappreciated by our audience.
• Also unexpected: a Britney Spears recording with dancing in the aisles by the customers. That would be fine were it not for the boogying woman blocking the view of the pirate on a trampoline.
• Along with adventure and romance, there's comedy. "It smells like chicken in here," notes one of the explorers. And there's repeated reference to a cross-dressing buccaneer, who asks the folks from the future, "Do you still have stores that sell dresses in men's sizes?"
• The food is, well, mass produced — salad (or soup), chicken, pork, potatoes, rice and dessert for 800 folks. There are options for upgrading meals, seating and VIP treatment.
• The show is action-packed, and just when you think it's ending … it's not. Spoiler alert: There's mutiny after dessert!
• The audience didn't show enough enthusiasm for some of the performers. I recommend going in with a relaxed mood. Play along, get into the spirit of things. It's OK to look like an overage Long John Silver's worker once in a while.
The new Pirates show sounds a lot of fun! We visited some months ago, and we really enjoyed it, but since the show has changed, we'll have to check it out soon! But, wait! There's more! As we said at the beginning, also Medieval Times is renewing its show. Read the news from the Orlando Sentinel:
Medieval Times: New show in the works
Medieval Times is in the process of changing the show in all nine of its locations nationwide, including the one in Kissimmee. Leigh Cordner, creative director for Medieval Times, expects an entirely new production to first be seen in Dallas this fall. Look for the Kissimmee castle to have the new show — it will be the same in all locations — in late 2011 or early 2012.
Great to hear!! Medieval Times has also recently installed some minor additions on Kissimmee's Castle. Are they a sign that they will not only put a new show, but that they are also renovating the castle? Take a look:
(THESE FOLLOWING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY OTPN'S STAFF):
(THESE FOLLOWING PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY OTPN'S STAFF):
Just a few months ago, they added the "Medieval Times" sign on both the front and the side of the castle:
They also added some cutouts of knights on the side towers of the castle:
Yes, these are minor additions, but it is good to see that they take care of the look of the building:
A closer look at the knights:
So, what do you think? Have you ever experienced any of these Dinner-Shows? If you did, how was your experience? Please, share your comments and opinions!
The two articles mentioned in this post are subject to the copyright of the Orlando Sentinel. All rights reserved.
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