Al's Blog – Advice You Can't Refuse

In the mood for a little different spin on a dinner show? The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando features Velvet Sessions, a rockin’ cocktail party.  Held the last Thursday of every month (November & December are excluded). Each “session” combines creative cocktails with live music from some of the hottest rock bands. This 21 & over party features a different band and showcases a different beverage theme each month. Some of the past performers include: The Romantics, Joan Jett, Eddie Money, The Tubes, The Fixx, ABC, Foreigner and more. This month will feature Soul Asylum on August 26^th.

Admission is $25 online, $30 at the door.** and includes FREE specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes, starting at 6:30pm. Cash Bars and Band from 8:30pm and onwards. The food may not fill you up, so I’d recommend not arriving hungry. The show is sure to be enjoyable depending upon the performer, so try to hit one of these Thursdays in August, September or October.

Go to the website to find out who will be playing and learn about other upcoming special events! You can request an online invitation as well.

Arabian Nights claims to be “the most honored dinner show in the world” yet there are no testimonials, awards they have won or reviews on their web site. I am not saying that it is not a good show, but I doubt they are the most honored dinner show in the world. I searched for a Facebook page for them and was not able to locate it (in fact I searched for many of Capone’s competitors on Facebook and found none with an official page). Capone’s has an official Facebook page where visitors can post unfiltered remarks about Capone’s Dinner & Show.

Arabian Nights is certainly one of the largest Dinner Shows and overall they have a good reputation for the quality of their show. The story line revolves a young girl who wishes to become a Princess and the two genies that embark with her on the adventure. While this is the story line for the show, really the main attraction is their sixty plus horses (in the video it said eighty plus so not sure which is correct). Acrobatics involving the horses and actors to me is the highlight of the show.

Dinner includes a house salad, rolls, dessert and your choice of entrees. Draft beer and Pepsi products are also included. Entrée choices (pick one) grilled steak, grilled chicken, chopped steak, vegetarian lasagna, pork tenderloin and chicken tenderloins with macaroni & cheese is the only kids choice available. Most of the entrees also include mashed potatoes and vegetables.

If you and your group enjoy a fantastic horse show with talented performers Arabian Nights is a great choice for you. Visit them at www.arabiannights.com for more information on one of Orlando’s longest running dinner shows.

The popularity and number of Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (theatres) has dramatically dropped from years past. There are numerous reasons for the drop in the popularity of this brand of entertainment. Due to cost factors all shows in this category cut corners in differing areas to deliver arguably the best value for your entertainment dollar.

The cost of good seats for a Broadway caliber show run over $100.00 a ticket, that’s just for your ticket to the show. Theatre-going is not a cheap habit, because in addition to that, you most likely will go to dinner before or after the show. Typically, theatres are located in tourism areas where everything is overpriced or a chain restaurant. Unless you plan ahead and check out Zagat reviews you may end up with an overpriced meal or a bad experience. Throw in a couple cocktails and you end up spending $150.00 or more. If you enjoy the show you may want to go have a couple more cocktails. What sells the Broadway experience is the quality of the production. Most Dinner Shows and dinner theaters (theatres) will not have orchestras or live music. That’s a huge savings to the producers. Paying one time for the cost of your nightly music saves arguably the single largest chunk of cash in ongoing production costs for your typical Dinner Show; this leaves the costs of food, drink and the on-stage talent to sing, dance, provide comedy and drama.

Show costs and food costs are the largest cost areas and the main reasons for the drop in the popularity of Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (Theatres). In my opinion there is no Dinner Show or Dinner theater (theatre) that can rival Broadway shows in spectacle if that’s the biggest reason you want to go to a show. That being said, there are many FABULOUS shows in the Dinner Show and theater (theatre) realm and they have a different kind of appeal, then say, Phantom of the Opera. The divergence and numerous choices of Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (Theatres) in Orlando definitely rivals the number of shows on Broadway. Orlando actually has more Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (Theatres) then those of the high end production type of shows. I think the great value of these concepts and the high quality of most of the Dinner Show operations in Orlando is the main reason Dinner Shows remain strong and abundant in the Orlando area.

The food quality is a huge problem at most Dinner Shows. Two reasons contribute to the problems with food quality at most Dinner Shows and Dinner Theatres (Theatres); the first and biggest reason is the large number of meals that have to be delivered very quickly during the show. To enable this Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (Theatres) have to have your food ready to go. So they have to cook and hold your meals. Dinner Shows and Dinner Theaters (theatres) that offer buffet service typically have the highest quality food. Because they skip the plating of your meal the food is much fresher and fresher is always better. Picking the right items on the buffet also helps quality because some items hold much better than others.

My advice is to shop around and see what appeals to you both in the content of the show and the meal provided. Do not rely on a ticket reseller’s advice. Typically they want to sell the ticket that makes them the most profit. One thing I do not recommend is buying any kind of dining upgrade. You almost always will still leave disappointed in the food and have spent more on it. I hate making blanket statements, because there are always exceptions to the rules and Orlando does have some gems that do offer a good dining and show experience.

In Orlando you will find that all the Dinner Shows and Theaters (Theatres) offer some beverages included with your ticket. Ask what’s included – some offer soda, coffee and iced tea. Others offer alcoholic beverages in the ticket cost. Most offer a low end draft and wine selections, although one Dinner Show in Orlando includes Bud Light Draft, Al’s original rum runners, vodka & cranberry, rum & cola plus merlot, chardonnay and white zinfandel wines.

So get shopping and discover one of Orlando’s many Dinner Shows….happy hunting!

Hitting your ‘funny bone’ really isn’t all that funny. At least in my experience. Why that small nerve on your elbow is even called a funny bone is unknown to me. But what if there really were a funny bone, and it was actually fun to hit? Well, that is what the Improv soon will be. They are moving to a location that more folks can ‘hit,’ and hopefully by doing so, can create a little more laughter for everyone in Orlando.

The Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre has locations all over the United States, and has been the career launching pad for dozens of familiar faces of television and film for 40 years. The new and improved Orlando Improv is moving from the old Church Street location to a bigger and better venue at Pointe Orlando. The downtown ‘nerve’ may sting for a bit, but once Orlando finds the new tickle spot, the Improv should have all of Orlando smiling.

Many of your favorite comedians got their start at the Improv, including David Spade, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey, Robin Williams, and many more!  Bette Midler even got a big break there when she was working as a waitress at the Improv in New York, and she got the opportunity to sing.  The Improv continues to showcase up-and-coming performers and welcome the biggest names in comedy.  Like the old location, the new Orlando Improv will also continue to support local comedians and host private parties.

The big day for the Orlando Improv re-opening will be Thursday, July 29^th at the new location: 9101 International Drive – Suite 2310 – Pointe Orlando, Phone # 407-480-5233.  The hysterical, wacky, Harland Williams will be the headline act for the first shows from Thursday through Sunday.  You may remember him from several films including Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber, The Whole Nine Yards, the cult classic Half-Baked, and more.  Check their website for the full calendar of upcoming comics and ‘hit’ your funny bone!

Also noteworthy: The inaugural 2010 Orlando Improv Festival is September 19-21, 2010, which features 40-minute shows for $5 – $7.

Enjoy a margarita at one of the MANY celebrations scheduled May 5th.

Many people think the annual celebration on May 5^th is the Mexican Independence Day. However, Cinco de Mayo is actually the celebration commemorating the Mexican militia victory over the French army in the 1862 Battle of Puebla.  Still this day is a day to celebrate in Mexico, however, you don’t have to be Mexican to get into the party spirit – besides, where else will you get a chance to wear that sombrero? There are several places to go to enjoy the fiesta here in Central Florida:

At Wall Street Plaza (downtown Orlando), they are throwing a street party that will span a city block, from 5pm to 2am.  There will be Mexican food, party music (including Los Lawn Boys), and drinks including a gigantic 2-ton Margarita!  Or, you can check out Adobe Gila’s at Pointe Orlando from 5pm to 2am.  Real Radio 104.1FM personality Buckethead will be there to party with you, with music and specials on Dos Equis and Margaritas.  There will also be contests including “Most Interesting Man” and “Bling your Sombrero.” Very fun. Howl at the Moon on International Drive will be hosting “Drinko de Mayo” from 7pm to 2am.  Register in advance on the website to avoid the $5 cover charge.  The new Mucho Tequila and Tacos in Thorton Park is hosting a “Psycho de Mayo” block party with taco and drink specials, multiple live bands and headliner ‘Seven Mary Three.’ Their party will be going on from 4 to 10pm.  PR’s Taco Palace in Winter Park will have drink specials and T-shirt giveaways throughout the day from 11am to 10pm.  Tijuana Flats in Winter Park will have drink specials at their patio party from 10:30am to 10:30pm.  In Waterford Lakes, Amigos Tex Mex restaurant will have a block party from 5pm to Midnight.  There will be drink specials and live music, featuring Derek and the Slammers at 7pm.  At Universal Orlando CityWalk, you can check out the live Latin music as well as food and drink specials at Latin Quarter from 5pm to 2am.  Chevys Fresh Mex will have a DJ and drink specials at their Ocoee and Lake Buena Vista locations from 6 to 10pm.  Now, if tequila is your thing, check out the tequila tasting for $5 at Paxia in College Park from 11am to 2am.  The tasting will include samplings from 80 percent of their 170 tequilas.  They will have give-aways as well.

Have a great time enjoying the festivities, but don’t forget to plan ahead for a designated driver or a cab….. drink responsibly.

Diviértase y Disfrute de la Celebración!

If you are an Orlando Magic fan, or just a sports fan in general, there are some great places to catch a game or race if you are in Central Florida. While there are many great sports bars in Orlando, the places listed below are near most tourist hot spots. Many are within walking distance from your hotel.

Check out our hometown team during this year’s NBA playoffs, or follow your own favorite team.  Orlando is winning the current series 3-0 and we’re rooting for another win in the 4^th game tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Here are some great places to check out the Magic or other sports and root along with (or against) the local fans:

• The Clubhouse Sports bar and Restaurant- over 25 plasma screen TVs, over 20 beers on tab, and a full food menu
• ESPN Club – delicious food, and over 100 video monitors with your own set of controls at the table so you can listen to the monitor of your choice.  You won’t miss anything because they even have TVs in the bathroom!
• Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill – a full bar, 50 TVs and 5 big screens.  A variety of food on the menu and 14 signature sauces to try on those wings.
• Kirkman Ale House – 30 TV sets with more than 30 beers on tap, and Happy Hour until 7pm with specials on domestic drafts.
• TGI Fridays Front Row Orlando restaurant – 2-story restaurant with over 140 TVs and a state of the art game room for the kids.
• Oasis Smokehouse Grill  and Bar – Full bar with a variety of quality food items to choose from.
• Hurricane Sams Bar and Grill – located at the Best Western Lakeside in Kissimmee, serves traditional American cuisine, 40 international beers, and a full bar for your game-watching enjoyment.  Play pool or throw darts while relaxing with a cold one, taking in the lakeside view.
• Gators Dockside, Dr. Philips – Burgers and Big Screens….like they say, “It doesn’t get any better than this”!  They even have a kids menu for the ‘Lil’ Gators’.

Go Magic!

Although the Orlando International Fringe Festival is almost 2 months away (May 20-31), you need to look into getting involved now. Whether as a performer, artist, volunteer, spectator or advertiser, the Fringe Festival is gearing up for another year of experimental theater, song, dance and art. As in past years, this years’ Fringe will be celebrating uncensored and non-juried performances in Loch Haven Park at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and Orlando Repertory Theatre. Orlando’s festival is the longest running Fringe Festival in the country!

Many of the performances have already been scheduled, but if you want to try your talent on the outdoor stage, you still can sign up. It is $50/hour and you can pass a hat for tips. Artists may still submit their work for the Visual Fringe. If you are the volunteering type, they are still needed and by doing so, you can see some of the shows for free. E-mail Jackie Martinez to volunteer. Want to advertise your business? You can place an ad in the Fringe program. Sponsorships are also still available.

Maybe you just want to see what the Fringe is all about. You can do that too by getting a glimpse of some of the shows ahead of time by attending the April 12 Fringe Preview. Get your tickets early; this usually sells out. Tickets go on sale April 1 and are $28. This ticket also includes this years’ button which you will need to have in order to attend any show during the 12-day festival. Call 407-648-0077 to get your Fringe Preview tickets or after April 26, get your tickets for the shows online and once the festival begins, get your buttons at the box office.

If you’ve never “fringed” before, try it! Although there are no rules for the performers/artists, spectators DO have guidelines that must be adhered to. Don’t show up late for a show, you’ll not be allowed in. Don’t bring any food or drink into the show. There are vendors set up outside the theater for refreshments. No video or photography allowed – none – period. And you must have a button to attend a show. Lose it and you buy another for $8. Ticket prices for the shows vary; usually $5 to $10 per show, but some are free. It is best to do a little research prior to fringing to find out what shows you will enjoy and which ones are best to skip. With hundreds of performances, you’re sure to enjoy a few.

Because the performers are totally unrestrained, some shows are X-rated, but many are appropriate for all ages. In fact there is even a Kids Fringe which allows children to experience theatre, art and dance on the weekends for free. One thing is for certain, everyone will be touched by the arts during this festival and fringing will open your world to creativity beyond your wildest notions.

So get ready to fringe and support the arts! 100% of the box office ticket sales go directly back to the artists. This monetary support may be just what promotes a soon-to-be world-re known performer beyond the fringe and into greatness!

Wednesday is St. Patrick’s Day. Named after Saint Patrick (387–493AD), it is a holiday primarily celebrated in Ireland and places where there are large numbers of Irish immigrants, including the United States. For the most part, it is a reason to eat, drink and be merry!

Unlike a four leaf clover, which is very hard to find, in Orlando you’ll find a large number of celebrations being held at just about every bar or tavern. If you’re already at Universal’s City Walk, you’ll not want to miss the Corned Beef & Cabbage, Corned Beef Sandwiches and Potato Leek Soup at Pat O’Brien’s and, of course, green beer from 4-9pm. At Downtown Disney there is Raglan Road, featuring Sheperd’s pie, bread puddings and their own Boxty Bradan (recipe found here). Also near Disney is Celebration’s Mulligan’s Irish Pub or on International Drive, the Lucky Leprechaun Irish Pub.

If you’re a college student here on spring break, you’ll not want to miss the 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party and Concert at the UCF campus. The fun breaks out at 2 p.m. and features music, food and lots of drink specials including cash and prizes for the Irish Car Bomb Race. Other young professionals will be ‘going green’ downtown Orlando at the Celt Irish Pub a nice place to eat and celebrate this holiday every day of the year. Further away from the downtown scene are other Irish favorites; the Green Bar located in Casselberry and the Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub located on Curry Ford Road. These local favorites are sure to be popular on Wednesday.

Of course, here at Capone’s Dinner and Show, we will offer our all-you-can-eat dinner and spectacular show on St. Patrick’s Day as on every holiday. A full house is expected, so get your reservations in soon!

No matter where its green this Wednesday…
“May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.”
~Irish Blessing

If you’re at Universal’s CityWalk and want to have an “American Idol” experience, check out Rising Star. It is simply put – a karaoke bar. But not just any ordinary karaoke is offered here. This 440-seat club features a live band 5 days a week; complete with backup singers, lights, sound system and the works.

I’m not a huge fan of karaoke, but I enjoy good talent, get a kick out of the poor performances and am easily entertained by both. Patrons range from the VERY serious star-wanna-be’s to the guest that has been fed way too much “liquid courage” and has no business being up on stage.

Complaints about Rising Star are the long band breaks, the cover charge ($7), the pricey drinks and so-so food. However, if you know these things going in, it isn’t so shocking and a good time can be had by all. So if you have time and money left over from a day at the theme park, check out Rising Star. Sing a song and have a good time.

Just remember, if you want to really be entertained by some great talent, go to Capone’s Dinner & Show. You’ll be fed well, served plenty of drinks; all for a very reasonable price. It’s far from karaoke, but even the strongest of critics agree – Capone’s is entertaining and worth the visit.

Hey all yous lovers out there. Have I got a plan for you this Valentine’s Day! And it ain’t what I’ve been accused of on this notorious date neither! I have a perfect alibi, and I want to invite yous to be my witnesses – guests I mean.

It’d really be to your benefit to treat that special person in your life to a night out on the town. You know, take him or her out to a nice joint – mine of course! Mama Capone fixes up a really nice spread of food – it’s fabulous and love at first bite. It’s fresh, hot and all-you-can-eat! We’ll also keep your glass filled with your choice of over 14 beverages.

There are two shows each night this Valentine’s weekend. An early show in case yous lovebirds want to go home early, an’ a late show for those of yous who wan’ to make a night of it. The show’s a blast from the past and will make a great memory for all of yous. Be sure to smile for the camera and get a custom-made photo from the evening. You may need it later as evidence of all the fun an’ all.

For you shy lovers out there, we’ll accommodate yous by seatin’ you a little further away from all the action. You know, let it be all romantic an’ all. For others, I’ll give you a fair warnin’ – yous jus’ might end up being a part of the ‘racket!’ You never know, but it’s always a good time with loads of laughter and jus’ enough romance for this special occasion. It’s rumored that we even have a few proposals bein’ made and the outfit is ready to make ‘em special.

So for an ‘untouchable’ evenin’ with your sweetheart, come to Capone’s Dinner & Show. Go online first and download a coupon that will save you a lot a dough. Call 1-800-220-8428 to make your reservation and tell ‘em ol’ Snorky sent ya.