Central Florida has a huge range of dining opportunities for every taste. This Florida Guide includes reviews on many of the restaurants - everyone seems to have their own favourite, be it Italian, Indian, Chinese, American, Mexican........
This article focuses on themed dining - there are many different themed restaurants in the Orlando area, covering many different themes. Two of the most popular are themed around the entertainment industry - Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood is located on Downtown Disney, and is easily spotted by its distinctive shape - the large blue 'globe' (similar to the chain's logo) is visible from some distance. With plenty of free parking, it is easy to get to, and offers theming around the movie industry. With large screens showing excerpts from films new and old, there is always plenty of entertainment on offer, be it from the classics or more recent blockbusters. But the real star of Planet Hollywood is the massive collection of memorabilia and props from the movies. Everywhere you look inside the restaurant, you will see items collected over the years - many are instantly recognisable. There is also every opportunity to buy the Planet Hollywood merchandise, be it shirts, glasses etc. Oh, and the food - it is easy to forget that the reason for a visit to Planet Hollywood is for a meal. The menu has a reasonable choice, largely built around burgers, steaks and pasta. It may be true to say that better food is available elsewhere (and the bill may be less), but perhaps the real reason for your visit to Planet Hollywood is for the theming.
Hard Rock Cafe
If Disney offers Planet Hollywood, Universal provides the Hard Rock Cafe. Hard Rock's theming leans more towards the music industry than movies - but there are similarities. The memorabilia includes gold discs, posters, artwork, costumes - from a wide range of international artists. Whether your musical tastes are from the 60s, 70s or more recent, you will recognise many of the items on show. Hard Rock also offers occasional live concerts, and is situated just outside the two Universal Parks (free car parking applies in the evenings only). The food at Hard Rock tends to have many similarities to Planet Hollywood - accompanied by music throughout the meal.
Summary
It’s difficult to pick one of these restaurants above the other - they both have fabulous theming, and your choice may depend on your entertainment preference (music or films).
This article focuses on themed dining - there are many different themed restaurants in the Orlando area, covering many different themes. Two of the most popular are themed around the entertainment industry - Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe.
Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood is located on Downtown Disney, and is easily spotted by its distinctive shape - the large blue 'globe' (similar to the chain's logo) is visible from some distance. With plenty of free parking, it is easy to get to, and offers theming around the movie industry. With large screens showing excerpts from films new and old, there is always plenty of entertainment on offer, be it from the classics or more recent blockbusters. But the real star of Planet Hollywood is the massive collection of memorabilia and props from the movies. Everywhere you look inside the restaurant, you will see items collected over the years - many are instantly recognisable. There is also every opportunity to buy the Planet Hollywood merchandise, be it shirts, glasses etc. Oh, and the food - it is easy to forget that the reason for a visit to Planet Hollywood is for a meal. The menu has a reasonable choice, largely built around burgers, steaks and pasta. It may be true to say that better food is available elsewhere (and the bill may be less), but perhaps the real reason for your visit to Planet Hollywood is for the theming.
Hard Rock Cafe
If Disney offers Planet Hollywood, Universal provides the Hard Rock Cafe. Hard Rock's theming leans more towards the music industry than movies - but there are similarities. The memorabilia includes gold discs, posters, artwork, costumes - from a wide range of international artists. Whether your musical tastes are from the 60s, 70s or more recent, you will recognise many of the items on show. Hard Rock also offers occasional live concerts, and is situated just outside the two Universal Parks (free car parking applies in the evenings only). The food at Hard Rock tends to have many similarities to Planet Hollywood - accompanied by music throughout the meal.
Summary
It’s difficult to pick one of these restaurants above the other - they both have fabulous theming, and your choice may depend on your entertainment preference (music or films).