Description: As we started planning bits and pieces of our family reunion vacation in Orlando, David and I thought it would be fun to take in a murder mystery at Sleuths. We had done one of their dinner mystery shows a few years ago in their former location (on Universal Drive) and had a great time so this seemed like something for everyone. Unfortunately Michael had to leave the day before so he missed out on this entertaining evening of "who done it."
With a 7:30p dinner show, they advise that doors open at 6:00p and encourage guests to arrive by 6:30p. Part of the reason for this is to handle last minute details like upgrading dining gift certificates for the prime rib dinner options . . . or to get you to mull around their rather small and tight gift shop. They also have a cash bar with decent prices. David's Jack Daniels & 7-Up was $7 and was really poured as a double.
At 6:50p the start seating groups by assigned table. Since we were a party of eight, we had our own table which was very nice. Tables were preset with salads and bread baskets so you were able to start your meal immediately. Our server Mike was there almost immediately for our drink orders. With all you can drink soft drinks, tea, beer and wine, he brought several pitchers of beverages and a carafe (or two?) of wine to our table. With group photos out of the way, we were ready to start eating.
As we were enjoying our salads, all of the cast members (five in total) were milling around and interacting with the guests. You could get a feel for each of them through this pre-show time. Of course, David already had a read on who would be killed and the motives why folks would want her dead.
The first act of the show "The Reunion" started as we finished our salads. By the end, we had our murder! The scene closed with a detective arriving on the scene, giving the dining guests instructions to come up with questions to interrogate all of the suspects. And with that, dinner was brought out and conversation surrounded the various motives each character might have for committing the crime.
Dinner choices were lasagna, cornish game hen or prime rib (for a $3 up-charge). We were split between the lasagna and prime rib, which I found to be much better than what I had remembered the last time we were at Sleuths. Accompanied by a baked potato and a mix of steamed veggies, I thought the meal was very good. The verdict was split on the lasagna, however.
After we ate our main course, it was time to ask questions of the cast. Each table had a spokesperson who was permitted one question of one suspect. The detective was very good as facilitating the discussion and getting more out of each character to help bring out all of the facts in the case.
Each table had their opportunity to ask questions and then it was time to figure out who did it . . . and dessert! Choices for dessert were chocolate cake, key lime pie and strawberry shortcake. By all accounts, the desserts were all outstanding. Twenty-two month old Noah really enjoyed sharing the key lime pie with Aunt Pam.
During dessert we were supposed to decide individually who the murderer was and what their motive was. There were plenty of plot twists and turns, but at the end of the day, it was almost too obvious for words and yet it seemed that less than 10% of the audience had the correct suspect as the killer.
Given that the show started at 7:30p and ended at 10:00p, they were spot-on with their advertised 2 1/2 hour show time. Our entire group had a wonderful time. The show was entertaining and our meals good. All in all, this was a great way to get out as a family.
About the dinner & show prices; if you buy your tickets direct from Sleuths, they run $52.95 (+ tax) for adults and $23.95 (+ tax) for kids ages three to 11. Toddlers like Noah under the age of three are free, but are expected to share from a parent's plate or have something brought in for them. This price does not include gratuity which is suggested at $5 to $8 per person.
If you look around in the local tourist magazines, you will frequently find 10% coupons available for Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show. I have found Maple Leaf Attractions Discount Ticket Center to be one of the best prices available; not only for Sleuths but also for the Pirates Dinner Adventure, Arabian Nights and Medieval Times dinner shows. Of course, if you want to take in a timeshare presentation, you may be able to score free tickets. For me, the $41.95 was a good deal as compared to the full price (with tax) of $56.39. For our group of eight (with Noah being free) the night out was a very affordable $400 including one cash bar cocktail and our souvenir 5x7 photo taken by their house photographer.
Sleuths has three theaters and during the high season has more than one show running in an evening (typically a 6:00p and 7:30p). They also rotate their offerings on a nightly basis so it is possible to go a couple of times in a week's stay and see other shows.
For more information including the featured shows and schedules check them out at www.sleuths.com.
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