Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a fun place to eat and drink or take the family out.  Based on the Academy Award winning film, "Forrest Gump", the restaurant is named after the shrimping business named by his buddy, Bubba, when they returned from the war.

Bubba Gump's dining room is full of pictures and memorabilia from the movie. When you are seated by a cordial staff your server will ask you if you've seen the movie and then ask some trivia questions to test your knowledge.  I know not everyone wants to play quiz games but the premise is you're on vacation and are in the mood for something unique.

The menu is packed with seafood options both as dinner or baskets.  I've had the fish and chips and shrimp dinners.  They also have sandwich or burger options for the lighter appetite.  A full service bar is manned by friendly bartenders.

I always give Bubba Gump's an overall "A" for service, pricing, and atmosphere.  Located at Universal Studios City Walk, the prices are higher than away from the park but that's always to be expected.  It is, however, always a positive experience for our family, and we think, if you're in the mood for seafood or the Forrest Gump theme, you'll enjoy it as much as we do.

Amway Center - Orlando

The Amway Center, after only a few years and several hundred million dollars later, is a major venue for all kind of events.  Home to the Orlando Magic, the Solar Bears hockey team, and the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League, the Amway Center is a spectacular sports complex in any body's book.

I took my daughter to her first Justin Bieber concert last night and I was impressed with the whole organization.  Parking was no problem and access to the Amway Center was easy.  There was more than ample security and law enforcement presence and the event was very orderly for 10,000+ fans to arrive in the same place at the same time.  The Amway was sparkling clean and every level was spacious with lots of facilities and concessions.  The Amway Center is host to major concerts, monster truck rallies, and rodeos.  I always thought it must be cramped for some of these activities until I walked inside and saw for myself the vastness of the interior.  Quite impressive and can't wait to go there for some future event.

Tickets for future concerts and events can be purchased at www.amwaycenter.com or ticketmaster.com.

Lombard's Landing - Universal Studios

For a great seafood lunch or dinner on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf make your reservations at Lombard's Landing inside Universal Studios.  We visited there last night and enjoyed the dinner immensely.  The atmosphere and service were of excellent quality and dinner was great.

I was a little surprised to see so few people there but I think the location has something to do with it.  Located on the water way back in the park, Lombard's isn't too far from the Men  in Black attraction.  I've been to Universal Studios many times and walked past it every time for years.  So, for me, it's a bit of a new discovery but I was glad I did.

You can dine in Lombard's main room with an awesome view or outside on the deck and watch the after hours water and firework show.  The menu prices are surprisingly reasonable but I noticed that dinner prices aren't much more than lunch. The most expensive thing on the menu was the sirloin steak at $21.99.  My daughter had the lobster mac and cheese and I had the fisherman's basket.

Lombard's Landing also has a deal going on for $44.95/each you can dine and stay for the after hours show watching it from the deck.  That's a little steep for me but for  group of adults who don't have to get up for work the next morning it would be a nice experience.

Check out the menu to the left.  Reservations are required.  You can make them at www.UniversalOrlando.com or at the guest services kiosk located just inside the entrance to City Walk.

Universal City Walk -Orlando

At Universal Studios City Walk, if you can't find a way to have fun then you're in trouble. City Walk is a street full of bars, restaurants, shopping, mini golf, and more.  In fact, it has everything for a good time without the cars.

A great place for a date or a special occasion, City Walk has first class dining like Emeril's or casual but fun like Margaritaville or Bubba Gump's.  Visit shops like Quiet Flight Surf Shop, Cigarz, or The Island Clothing Store.

City Walk has Quick Serve burgers, Starbucks, and TCBY.  There is too much to mention but it's all great.

For dining reservations call 407-224-FOOD or visit the City Walk dinner reservation cart when at Universal Studios. There are certain discounts for annual passes and AAA members so be sure to ask when making your reservations.