Does Orlando need yet another pricey dinner show? Entertainer Dolly Parton thinks so. Last summer she was on hand to christen her newest venture — Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. The attraction is the largest of three other Dixie Stampede's throughout the country, with an 128,000-square-foot arena and seating for 1,200.
"We are thrilled to be in Orlando," Dolly said. "Our show re-creates the family fun of my childhood where we would gather for a friendly competition, then enjoy a more than filling meal."
Don't get the wrong idea. This isn't simply square dancing and fiddling. This is a huge extravaganza featuring 32 horses and riders, dozens of singers and dancers, topped off with a fabulous four-course feast.
The Show
The thunder of hoof beats and the stomping of feet signal the start of the show. The show combines the fun of a friendly North/South rivalry with an evening of entertainment.
Appealing to crowds of all ages, the show is a blend of fast-paced acrobatic horsemanship, memorable special effects and a swirl of Americana-styled music and songs personally written by Dolly Parton. The entertainment includes a new and exciting opening act, "Stampede of the Buffalos," and magnificent horses, trick riding, ostrich and pig races, specialty acts, comedy, singing and dancing and audience participation.
Horses – from Quarter horses to Belgian draft horses – are showcased with performances ranging from the thrilling style of Roman Riding (a special type of trick riding featuring a team of two horses moving side-by-side with one rider standing astride the two) to barrel racing. Rider challenge gravity in the daring trick-riding segment of the show, executing rapid dismounts and handstands with precise timing while the horses gallop around the arena.
The Dinner
The word "generous" doesn't seem to quite describe this four-course country feast. Bring an appetite, because all the rompin' and stompin' in the world won't make you hungry enough for this menu — creamy vegetable soup, a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbeque pork, herb-basted potato and fresh buttery corn on the cob, homemade biscuit, and apple turnover for dessert.
Of course, finger food takes on a whole new meaning. All of the meal except the soup is serves sans dining utensils – to be eaten using only your hands. This is supposed to be part of the fun, but if you don't enjoy a finger-lickin' good time, you can request utensils. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
Information
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show is located just off Interstate 4 between Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando.
General admission is $43.99 for adults and $28.99 for children ages 3 to 11, plus sales tax. This includes the Carriage Room show, the main show and the fabulous four-course feast. Children under 3 are free only if they sit in a parent's lap and eat from their plate – a separate seat and plate requires regular children's admission.
Show times are varied from 6:30 to 8:30. It is advisable to check the schedule and make advance reservations either online or by calling 1-866-443-4943 or 407-238-4455.
The facilities are fully accessible to individuals with special needs with accommodations available for those in wheelchairs, hearing assistance or other special needs.
