Dinner Shows in Kissimmee: Medieval Times, Capone's & More for a Memorable Night Out
Your guide to the best dinner-and-a-show experiences in Central Florida — jousting knights, roaring 20s gangsters, and nights you won't forget
Kissimmee, FL is home to some of Central Florida's most iconic dinner shows, anchored by Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament at 4510 W Vine St (US 192), less than 9 miles from Walt Disney World. Medieval Times has operated in the Kissimmee market since 1983 and features a four-course feast, jousting, falconry, and Andalusian horse performances in a castle-styled arena. Capone's Dinner & Show, located at 5250 International Drive in nearby Orlando, delivers a Prohibition-era comedy dinner experience with all-inclusive drinks and Italian-American cuisine. Both shows run approximately 2 hours and offer substantial advance discount pricing, making them popular with Central Florida residents for special occasions and entertaining out-of-town guests.
Here's something a lot of people moving to Central Florida don't fully appreciate until they actually live here: this region has a dinner show culture unlike anywhere else in the country. In Kissimmee and its neighboring tourist corridor, you can eat a four-course meal while knights joust on horseback — or while Prohibition-era gangsters crack wise from a speakeasy stage. For locals, these shows are a genuinely fun way to celebrate without the chaos of a theme park. You get a great meal, a live show, and a story to tell. Let's break down what's worth your evening.
Medieval Times: The Crown Jewel of Kissimmee Dinner Shows
If there's one dinner show that defines the Kissimmee experience, it's Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. The castle-shaped building on West Vine Street (US 192) has been a landmark since 1983 — making it North America's longest-running dinner attraction, with over 81 million guests served across its locations nationwide. The Kissimmee castle sits less than 9 miles from Walt Disney World Florida resident information, making it an easy add for residents showing off the area to visitors.
What to Expect at Medieval Times
Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime — the pre-show matters here. Guests explore the Hall of Arms, a display of medieval weaponry, coats of arms, and historical artifacts. There's also a Medieval Life Village, described as the only permanent medieval village in the United States, with eight authentic cottages depicting arts, crafts, and daily life from the era.
Once inside the Grand Ceremonial Arena, you're assigned a knight based on your crown color — and your job for the next 90 minutes is to cheer that knight to victory. The show features lance-shattering jousting, authentic sword fights, stunning Andalusian horsemanship, falconry performances, and a dramatic tournament finale. The four-course feast — tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, corn on the cob, dessert — is served without silverware, medieval-style. It's messy, it's fun, and kids absolutely love it. A full bar is available throughout the show.
The Local Angle on Medieval Times
For Celebration and Horizon West residents, Medieval Times is practically in the backyard — a 15-to-20-minute drive that feels worlds away from your usual Tuesday. Locals tend to save it for milestone celebrations: a kid's birthday where you want something more interactive than a restaurant, an anniversary where "dinner AND a joust" beats any tasting menu, or a group outing that needs a built-in conversation starter.
Pro tip: book online in advance, where discounts are regularly available, and check for military and resident promotions. The VIP upgrade — which adds priority seating, a cheering banner, photo, and celebratory cake — is worth considering for special occasions. Check our Kissimmee Entertainment Guide for more on what's happening in the area.
Capone's Dinner & Show: Speakeasy Style on the I-Drive Corridor
A short drive north toward International Drive puts you at Capone's Dinner & Show (5250 International Drive, Orlando) — a Prohibition-era comedy dinner experience set in 1931 gangland Chicago. Think secret passwords at the door, zany mobsters, and a meal where you're basically a member of Al Capone's inner circle for the evening.
What Makes Capone's Different
Capone's has been running its act for over 20 years, and the thing that sets it apart from other dinner shows in the region is the all-inclusive pricing. Your ticket covers a four-course Italian-American meal and unlimited beverages — beer, wine, and well cocktails included, no upcharge. In a city where drinks at dinner shows often cost as much as the show itself, that's a significant differentiator.
The 2–3 hour show leans heavily into audience participation: comedy, musical numbers, a gangster-style giveaway, and the kind of fourth-wall-breaking chaos that works especially well for groups. It's irreverent, it's loud, and it's a blast for birthday parties, work outings, and multigenerational family nights alike. After the online or phone discount (tell them "Al" sent you), adult tickets run approximately $46.99 + tax, with children ages 4–12 at $30.99 + tax.
Dinner Shows as a Local Lifestyle
When you first move to Central Florida, dinner shows feel like something you'd take visiting relatives to. But talk to people who've lived here a few years, and you'll hear a different story. The Kissimmee and I-Drive corridor dinner show scene is a legitimately great entertainment value — you get a set meal, a 2-hour performance, and enough spectacle that nobody's staring at their phone. The Kissimmee Restaurants Guide covers the full dining landscape, but for nights when you want dinner and a story to tell, the dinner show circuit earns its spot in your regular rotation.
Planning Your Night Out: Practical Tips
- Book in advance. Both venues sell out on weekends, especially during peak season (November–April) and school holidays.
- Use the online discount. Both Medieval Times and Capone's consistently offer 25–50% off through their websites. Never pay full walk-up price.
- Arrive early. The pre-show at Medieval Times is genuinely worth 30–45 extra minutes. At Capone's, the VIP upgrade includes early lounge access.
- Budget for gratuity. Both shows note that tips for servers are not included in the ticket price.
- Dietary needs. Both venues offer children's menus and can accommodate common dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Getting there is straightforward from most of Osceola County. Medieval Times sits right on US 192, and Capone's is easily reached via Interstate 4 to International Drive. The Florida Turnpike connects both corridors efficiently from the southwest suburbs.
What the Locals Know
Medieval Times wins for families with younger kids and anyone who wants the full spectacle of horses, armor, and jousting. Capone's wins for adult-heavy groups who want laughs, audience interaction, and the freedom to drink without watching the meter. Either way, you're getting a night that's uniquely Central Florida — and one that holds up whether you're 8 or 80. After the show, wind down with a walk at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, or explore more through the Kissimmee Arts & Culture Guide. 🎭
For tickets and reservations, visit the official Medieval Times Kissimmee website, or head to Capone's Dinner & Show to book your seats and grab the discount code.
Thinking about making Kissimmee or the nearby Dr. Phillips area your Central Florida home base? Check out our Kissimmee Restaurants & Dining Hub or Kissimmee Entertainment Guide to keep exploring everything the area has to offer!
