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Sprinkles at Disney Springs is know for delicious freshly baked cupcakes, and you’ll find new and seasonal cupcakes each month, all offering a delicious twist on American Classics. Sprinkles are baking up some delicious cupcakes for September, you’re gonna fall in love with, so let's dive into the September flavor lineup and check them out! German Chocolate Baking: 8/28-9/3 This decadent, indulgent classic is back for a limited time. Enjoy light chocolate cake topped with fresh coconut and crunchy pecans laced with gooey caramel. Stars and Sprinkles Red Velvet Baking 9/1-9/4 Top off your holiday celebration with these limited editions of our classic Red Velvet featuring southern style light chocolate cake topped with cream cheese frosting and celebratory red, white, and blue Fancy Sprinkles. Pumpkin Baking 9/10-11/26 This fan favorite seasonal flavor is back for Fall! Perfectly spiced pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon meets a layer of rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Flash Flavor Online Exclusive: Nutella French Toast Pre-order: 9/11-9/12 Pick-up & delivery: 9/15-9/16 Our Nutella French Toast cupcake is perfectly decadent. This yellow cake is filled with whipped Nutella, frosted with indulgent maple cream cheese and finished with cinnamon sugar. Did someone say cupcakes for breakfast? Pumpkin Spice Latte Baking 9/18-10/1 Enjoy our freshly baked take on this coveted Fall flavor. Perfectly spiced pumpkin cake is filled with marshmallow cream and topped with Cuban coffee frosting. Visit Sprinkles at Disney Springs - the one stop shopping, dining, and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World. What better way to further enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth! Sprinkles Disney Springs is located near the Disney Springs Walking Bridge. Sprinkles bakes fresh throughout the day, their cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, brownies, and ice cream are handcrafted from the finest ingredients. Plus, don't forget the Cupcake ATM located near the shop’s entrance, the delightful powder pink cupcake and cookie dispensing machine operates 24/7 and is an attraction in itself, ready to dispense delicious cupcakes anytime! For more details check out Sprinkles website. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

The wait for Halloween Horror Nights 32 is finally over, just don't go alone! The World’s Premier Halloween Event is Back for its 32nd Year with 10 Haunted Houses, Five Scare Zones, Live Entertainment, Deadly Delicious Food and Beverage and More. The wait for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is finally over. The world’s premier Halloween event is back and better than ever for a record-breaking 48 select nights September 1 through November 4. This year’s truly “odd” lineup is sure to spark fear in all guests with 10 eerily immersive haunted houses and five terrifying scare zones that bring to life top icons in horror and chilling original stories. Amid the screams, guests can experience a disturbingly entertaining live show, an all-new Tribute Store, take a bite out of the horror with killer food and beverage, and so much more. Click Here to Purchase tickets! See below for more details on the spine-tingling terrors that await at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023. 10 CHILLING HAUNTED HOUSES To make it through the night alive, guests will have to survive ten haunted houses where they will confront their deepest fears in “Stranger Things 4” as they come face to face with otherworldly creatures like demogorgons, demobats, and even Vecna himself within his blood-red Mind Lair in a race against the clock to escape from his deadly curse. Face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer” inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment. HHN fans will find themselves navigating through the carnage and mayhem of Pittsburgh in “The Last of Us” inspired by Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game as they join a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into a new threat, the Infected. Maneuver an underground labyrinth below the streets of Paris filled with iconic characters from the Universal Monsters canon, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man, in “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” Enter a living slaughterhouse inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” with Chucky out to kill every person who enter. This year you can encounter five original haunted houses fresh from the fog created by Universal Orlando’s award-winning Entertainment team where willing guests will fall prey to a demented, late-night circus led by an evil ringmaster and notorious icon looking for human souls to fuel his dark intentions in “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins”. Dueling Dragon fans will love the horrific twist to a frightening, yet familiar tale and sinister battle between Fire and Ice in “Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate” HHN fans will also enter the blood-soaked campgrounds deep in the trenches of mountains where vicious, bloodthirsty yetis have returned with a vengeance in “YETI: Campground Kills” Then selling their souls for fame in “The Darkest Deal” where they quickly learn a deal can be more than they bargained for... Lastly for the houses this year, watch out for a colonial cult looking to slaughter those who dare refuse to worship the Bloodmoon in “Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings” FIVE DAUNTING SCARE ZONES As Dr. Oddfellow steps out of the shadows and onto the streets of Universal Studios Florida for the first time, swarms of taunting scareactors lurk through the park looking for guests to haunt within these five scare zones. This year on the streets of Universal Studios Florida, guests will come face to face with the devious legend who is promising immortality for those who dare to enter “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror” Cowel in fear as the signs of the zodiac come to life in “Dark Zodiac” where Dr. Oddfellow uses his power to transform the zodiac signs into horrifying horoscope creatures, then venture into the “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror” where Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted and bizarre experiments combine elements of nature and animals to create vicious jungle creatures looking to satisfy their cravings. This year don't forget to attend a music festival crashed by bloodthirsty vampires let loose by Dr. Oddfellow in “Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood” befoe you stumble upon Dr. Oddfellow’s crates and cages that once housed monsters of all kinds who have escaped in pursuit of chaos in “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged” SPINE-CHILLING EXPERIENCES AND KILLER FOOD Offering guests a break from the fog with frightening experiences like never before with: another twisted chapter in “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” a pyro and aerial stunt show that is sure to fire guests up to the beat of metal and electronica an all-new Tribute Store taking guests back to a 1960s NYC Comic Shop where they step into the pages of their own truly terrifying comic a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries the return of the Dead Coconut Club to Universal CityWalk with an all-new theme and menu themed libations, photo opportunities and more within an ominous nightclub vibe at the all-new Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar EXCLUSIVE PEACOCK OFFER FOR HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS GUESTS Guests can also unlock six months of Peacock Premium with the online purchase of single-night event tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes. Limited time offer. Eligibility restrictions and Terms Apply. EXCLUSIVE HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCES FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HOTEL GUESTS Guests can have the fall getaway of their screams by staying near the fear at one of Universal Orlando’s eight hotels and enjoy exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day and access to priority event entrance to Halloween Horror Nights at night as well as complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. For the first time ever, the fog has spread to all eight hotels with exclusive activations and experiences for hotel guests inspired by this year’s event, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s exclusive “Chucky’s Twisted Playground” photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series, plus, the Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends lobby photo opportunities in all other hotel lobbies. Guests can even enjoy Halloween-themed bars like the Spooky Swizzle Lounge at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Spooky Sunset Lounge at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, plus themed food and beverage offerings across the destination. Guests can take advantage on a variety of vacation packages and discounts on hotel stays to plan the ultimate fall getaway. Guests can also purchase single-night tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes, plus event upgrades like Express Pass, R.I.P. Tour and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. Click here for more information and to book a fall getaway. For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023, visit www.universalorlando.com/Halloween. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Boo! More dates are continuing to sell out for this years Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. This year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is proving to be very popular, with August already sold out, and only 4 nights in September with any availability: 19, 26, 28, and 29. Now, Thursday, October 12 has now sold, joining Halloween itself, October 31, as the second October date to be sold out. In November, the final night of the party, November 1 is still available. For all remaining dates between September and November, the price of tickets range from between $139 to $199, depending on the date and age of the guest. Here’s a look at the currently available and sold out dates and prices: Dates And Prices The adult price is for for guests ages 10 and up, with the child prices for guests ages 3-9. Friday, August 11th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, August 15th — SOLD OUT Friday, August 18th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, August 22nd — SOLD OUT Friday, August 25th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, August 29th — SOLD OUT Friday, September 1st — SOLD OUT Monday, September 4th — SOLD OUT Friday, September 8th — SOLD OUT Sunday, September 10th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, September 12th — SOLD OUT Friday, September 15th — SOLD OUT Sunday, September 17th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, September 19th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Friday, September 22nd — SOLD OUT Sunday, September 24th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, September 26th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Thursday, September 28th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Friday, September 29th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Sunday, October 1st — $149 for adults, $139 for children Tuesday, October 3rd — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 5th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 6th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Monday, October 9th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 10th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 12th — SOLD OUT Friday, October 13th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 15th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 17th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 19th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 20th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 22nd — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 24th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 26th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 27th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 29th — $199 for adults, $189 for children Tuesday, October 31st — SOLD OUT Wednesday, November 1st — $199 for adults, $189 for children Read on for all the details for this years Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom on August 11, and runs through select nights to November 1, 2023. Highlights of this years party include a new spirited pirate band and their crew taking over Adventureland, plus Max Goof and his Powerline party pack will star in all new pop-up parties throughout Magic Kingdom. Also new this year, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade will includeUrsula, Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and the newly announced Sanderson Sisters Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle. Plus, The Seven Dwarfs will be returning to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Read on for all the details for this years Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Pirate Crew in Adventureland Adventureland will be taken over by a spirited pirate band and their crew. Be sure to listen for their sea shanties while their shipmates roam the land sharing tales of their explorations at sea. New Powerline Pop-Up Parties Get ready for even more chances to “Stand Out” with Max Goof and his Powerline party pack at new pop-up parties throughout Magic Kingdom before this popular crew dances onto Main Street U.S.A. ahead of Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. The Seven Dwarfs Return! The Seven Dwarfs will be returning to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Even if you are a little bashful, stop by and say hello! They’ll be happy to see you. Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A. Alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers and Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade will be more villainous than ever, with favorite foes Ursula, Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts and the newly announced Sanderson Sisters Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle joining the frightful finale. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Enjoy projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, you won’t want to miss this! Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic Hocus Pocus films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion during the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show at Cinderella Castle. Also during the party, you may have the opportunity to experience some of your favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Sprinkles at Disney Springs is know for delicious freshly baked cupcakes, and you’ll find new and seasonal cupcakes each month, all offering a delicious twist on American Classics. Sprinkles are baking up some delicious cupcakes for August, let's dive in and check them out! Avocados From Mexico Chocolate Dulce De Leche Baking Now - 8/6 This pecan-studded banana cupcake is filled with a dulce de leche core and finished with a zesty dark chocolate avocado cream cheese frosting made better with fresh Avocados From Mexico. Cookie Cupcake Baking 8/7-9/19 Chocolate chip studded yellow cake is lined with a cookie crust, topped with brown sugar frosting and dusted with cookie crumbles. It's impossible to have just one. Matcha Yuzu Baking 8/14-8/27 Matcha is BACK! This delicate matcha cake is filled with a marshmallow cream core and frosted with a yuzu citrus buttercream. Hurry, pick these up before they're gone again! Banana Split Baking 8/21-8/27 Top off Summer with our take on this classic childhood treat - banana cake filled with marshmallow and topped with a strawberry frosting, then dipped in ganache and finished with crushed peanuts and a maraschino cherry. I am Fierce Red Velvet Baking 8/26 only In celebration of Women's Equality Day, we're baking up our classic southern style light chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and topping it with a special I am Fierce decoration. German Chocolate Baking: 8/28-9/3 This decadent, indulgent classic is back for a limited time. Enjoy light chocolate cake topped with fresh coconut and crunchy pecans laced with gooey caramel. Visit Sprinkles at Disney Springs - the one stop shopping, dining, and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World. What better way to further enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth! Sprinkles Disney Springs is located near the Disney Springs Walking Bridge. Sprinkles bakes fresh throughout the day, their cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, brownies, and ice cream are handcrafted from the finest ingredients. Plus, don't forget the Cupcake ATM located near the shop’s entrance, the delightful powder pink cupcake and cookie dispensing machine operates 24/7 and is an attraction in itself, ready to dispense delicious cupcakes anytime! For more details check out Sprinkles website. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Now is the perfect time to visit LEGOLAND Florida, not only is the weather starting to cool down as we head into fall, but LEGOLAND Florida is offering great savings on tickets! Drop in and save big this Labor Day weekend at LEGOLAND Florida Resort with limited-time deals that will have everyone ready to play! From today through Tues., Sept. 5, families can buy single-day tickets for ONLY $59.50. Here’s a look at the awesome savings: 50% OFF Single-Day Tickets to LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park – Tickets for $59.50 This limited-time ticket deal is valid for LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park only, with travel dates NOW through Nov. 10 (blockout dates apply) Tickets can be used select Brick-or-Treat event dates, including Saturdays in September and Sundays in October Buy 2-Day, 2-Park Tickets for $99 – Less than $45 a day This 2-Day, 2-Park ticket includes admission to LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and LEGOLAND® Water Park Valid for travel dates NOW through Nov. 10 (blockout dates apply), including select Brick-or-Treat event dates. For the ultimate LEGO vacation, book a 2-Day, 2-Park + Hotel Package to save even more These limited-time deals arrive just in time for families to experience the most monstrous party of the year. This Halloween, Brick-or-Treat presents Monster Party returns select Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 29. Encounter all the LEGO monsters, brick-or-treat throughout the Park and catch the ALL-NEW fireworks show that will leave everyone “spellbound.” Rush into these fast-moving deals now because they’ll be gone in a flash. Learn more and BOO-k your awesome fall vacation at LEGOLAND.com/Florida. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Gideon's Bakehouse introduce a new limited edition cookie every month, and this month Gideon's Bakehouse have not 1, but 2 Limited Cookies! Note: Gideon's at Disney Springs is closed today, September 1, as they scramble to replace an AC unit. You can visit Gideon's at their original location at the East End Market, which is located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando Gideon's Bakehouse is celebrating this month, as Stuart and Bonnie, two of Gideon's beloved characters, have, at long last, found each other, and Gideon's have 2 Limited Cookies to Celebrate!⁣ Lemon Poppy Crumb Cookie AKA Bonnie's Cookie! An updated version of Bonnie's Original, this Cookie is a muffin lover's dream! Gideon's start with the OG Lemon Poppyseed Cookie filled with Poppyseeds and pockets of White Chocolate. Then they top things with a new covering of Lemon Butter Crumbs covered in a thin Sugar Glaze!⁣ Orange Pecan Chocolate Chip AKA Stuart's Cookie Returns! This popular flavor is a Vanilla Bean Chocolate Chip Cookie infused with Orange magic and topped with our favorite Dark Chocolates, delightful South Florida Pecan Pralines, and a very special Candied Orange Peel given to Gideon's by Stuart himself. They don't know where he gets them, but he assures everyone they're organic! ⁣ ⁣ This month's Limited Edition Cookies are available while supplies last each day at both locations throughout September. Limit two per person. ⁣ To match the big Cookie releases for the month, Gideon's Cake Slices for you! Every Wednesday & Saturday throughout September, you'll enjoy the decedent Orange Pecan Chocolate Cake and/or Bonnie's Lemon Crumb Cake! These are available by the slice only on their listed days while supplies last!⁣ Now onto this month's merch... Available in both Ladies Crop Top and Standard T-shirt, this new Death's Head inspired Cookie Shirt is exactly what you need if you are both a little grim yet find happiness in dessert. The Crop Top is Online Only! The Standard Shirt is Available In Stores and Online! ⁣ ⁣ One of the most sentimental releases to come out of Gideon's Bakehouse, this Limited Edition Stuart & Bonnie Print to commemorate the love connection between two of our favorite characters. This is a 24-hour open edition. Online only. 11×14 and signed too1 Finally, a Brand New Candle is ready to bring sweet joys to your home! Stuart's Orange Cookie Candle! In Stores and Online Today! Gideon's Bakehouse began in a home kitchen with one goal: to create an extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie. Fifteen years and thousands of tests later, the work was complete, Staying true to the original process, cutting no corners, putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake, Gideon's invite people from around the world to share in the sweet and the salty goodness that is hand baked into every Cookie or Cake. You can visit Gideon's in Disney Springs, Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11:30 pm. Or you can visit Gideon's at their original location at the East End Market, which is located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, the store here is open seven days per week, 10am to 7pm. Things To know Before Visiting Gideon’s At Disney Springs! Gideon’s Bakehouse is a popular single-owner small business based in Orlando that has gained international attention when it opened it's location at Disney Springs. It can get pretty crazy at the Disney Springs store with people waiting for hours to get their hands on a prized Gideon's near half pound cookie! To help you get enjoy lots of yummy Gideon's goodness, the bakery have shared some helpful information based on an average day to set an expectation and help you plan. • The bakery opens at 10 am, but the line typically begins to form at 9 am, when the parking garage opens. • Once the bakery opens, when the line gets too long, they switch to a Virtual Queue. This allows you to go anywhere while waiting for a return text. On weekdays the Virtual Queue can start anytime from open to evening or not at all, depending on crowds. On weekends and holidays it can happen right at 10am. After receiving your text, you will check in at the end of the return line. It looks scary but is typically no more than a 15-minute wait. For international guests, we will give you a return time if you can’t receive texts. • Sign up for the queue must be done in person. When active, you will find Gideon's staff to the right of the front door under the protection of Gideon's Gargoyle. • Plan for wait times of around two hours. For busy days (Friday through Sunday, holidays, holiday seasons), the virtual queue averages five hours. The earlier you arrive, the shorter the wait and the better the selection since limited edition items will sell out. A general rule, if you know the parks are slammed, we’re slammed. • On average, between 6 pm and 8 pm every day the virtual queue is active, and the waiting list will hit capacity. When this happens the bakery closes the queue to handle everyone on the list and to ensure the bakery closes on time. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Tactile tours will take place this month at the museum, a partnership with Lighthouse Central Florida, sponsored by United Arts of Central Florida Donna Castellanos, mixed-media artist and finalist of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s sixth triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, will conduct a series of workshops for youth and adults in September at the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA). The tactile tours and workshops are a partnership between OMA and Lighthouse Central Florida, funded by a project grant from United Arts of Central Florida. This project represents a renewal of a previous partnership between Lighthouse Central Florida and the Orlando Museum of Art. OMA has a history of serving special populations through its Community Access suite of programs, and workshops for people with visual or auditory challenges are an excellent addition to these offerings. Lighthouse Central Florida believes that people of any age can and should seek to fulfill their highest ambitions well beyond the perceived restrictions of blindness and vision loss. Tactile Tours and Art Workshops for People with Vision Loss and Blindness are a first step towards creating alternative ways to experience art and connect to the mission of both institutions. The project seeks to inspire lifelong learning in participants by presenting a safe and friendly opportunity to engage in activities that may have previously seemed out of reach. Working together, OMA, Lighthouse Central Florida, and Donna Castellanos will host workshop experiences that minimize the restrictions that visual art poses for the participants. OMA materials, such as gallery didactics for artwork referred to in the artist talk and studio activities, will be translated into Braille or audio transcribed by Lighthouse staff. The workshops will take place on Thursday, September 14, and Saturday, September 16. Donna Castellanos earned a degree in graphic design from The American Academy of Art in Chicago. She creates in a wide range of mediums, including found objects found at estate sales and in thrift stores. In 2013, she became an art instructor at Elmhurst Art Museum, teaching mixed media art classes. Donna’s projects invite visitors to participate in artmaking of their own. Her work uses a variety of textures, including fabric, yarn, and cast-off items sourced from estate sales and thrift stores, incorporating them into a variety of media from painting, sculpture, installation, wearable jewelry, and clothing. The Outwin: American Portraiture Today, is an exhibition organized by the National Portrait Gallery and on view at OMA through October 8. The Outwin: American Portraiture Today is a major exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Every three years, artists living and working in the United States are invited to submit one of their recent portraits to a panel of experts chosen by the Portrait Gallery. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Miami's Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream is debuting its first Orlando-area location in Winter Park this Saturday, Sept. 2 where it will be giving away free ice cream to celebrate its grand opening. Exciting news as Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream (Chill-N), the made-to-order nitrogen ice cream pioneer, is opening its first Orlando-area location in Winter Park this Saturday, September 2. Located at 1100 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 at City Place, The new Chill-N is owned and operated by new franchisee Christopher Wirth, who also plans to open a second Chill-N location in Lake Nona later this year. In celebration of its grand opening, the Winter Park shop will be giving away free small ice creams with one Mix-N on Saturday, September 2 from 1-11 p.m. (limit one free ice cream per guest). “We are so excited to bring Chill-N to the Orlando area,” said Christopher Wirth, owner of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream Winter Park. “Chill-N has established itself as a legacy brand in Miami with a proven track record of success, so we wanted to take what the concept has already perfected and bring it to a new market in Florida. Not to mention, the ice cream is smoother than anything you’ve ever tasted before. Come try for yourself this Saturday where we’ll be giving away free scoops all day during our grand opening.” Here’s how Chill-N works: customers choose a portion size, then an ice cream base (milk, yogurt, or alt-milk option – coconut, almond, or oat) and then a flavor. Then the fun begins with the addition of Mix-N’s: premium toppings including candies, cookies and cereal, fresh fruit, sauces, nuts, and more. Each scoop of ice cream is hand-crafted to order, and flash frozen on the spot using liquid nitrogen at a startling -320° Fahrenheit. Chill-N’s unique freezing process results in a fresh ice cream that is ridiculously rich and decadently creamy. “This marks our first Sunshine State location outside of South Florida and we couldn’t be more excited to make our Orlando debut in Winter Park,” said David Leonardo, CEO of Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream. “Central Florida is a prime development market for us, and we feel grateful to have an operator like Chris ushering us into this new region. We look forward to his continued growth with our brand with the opening of his second location in Lake Nona later this year.” Since opening its first location in the Village of Pinecrest in Miami 10 years ago, Chill-N has developed a cult-like following and was recently voted Best Ice Cream in Miami by Miami New Times. The brand now has over a dozen locations throughout Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, and will enter its fourth state later this year with the opening of a new shop in Bluffton, South Carolina. Chill-N’s ongoing commitment to innovation has consistently positioned it as a standout concept within its category and as a profitable franchise opportunity. The brand has rolled out new in-shop technology that includes an automated base dispenser, eliminating the need for hand-pouring, which has increased labor efficiency and reduced overall waste. The new Winter Park Chill-N is open Sundays – Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. To contact the store, visit chilln.com or call 689-444-3198. Follow on Instagram at @chilln.orlando. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs is getting a little hot under the collar and has had to temporarily close. On no! The first day of the month is usually when Gideon's Bakehouse introduces its limited edition treats for the month, but this month there is a problem! Gideon's Bakehouse at Disney Springs is currently closed due to an ongoing air conditioning failure!! The stores A/C unit is currently broken with the store having to close yesterday as the staff battled the heat inside, now the store is closed today as they scramble to fix the broken A/C unit. This has caused the new yummy treats and merch to not be available at Disney Springs for now, but you can still get you hands on the new goodies at the bakeries original location at the East End Market on Corrine Dr, Orlando, which is unaffected by the issue at the Disney Springs location. Gideon's have posted on its social media sites about the current issue: "The temporary portable AC units are not adequately cooling the store today. The shop is empty with ovens off, yet the temp is still pushing 100. The fried AC part is out of stock until late September, so the next stage is to completely replace the AC unit, which was installed only a few months ago! Given that it's the size of a car, it will take some planning. Please send positive thoughts to the universe that it can get done tomorrow night. In the meantime, Gideon's at Disney Springs will likely be closed on September 1. Everything will launch tomorrow per usual, but Gideon's at East End is the only game in town until we're back on track. 100+ degrees is impossible for my team, my desserts, and you. Thank you for understanding, and my greatest apologies to the many people visiting from other parts of the world with Gideon's as an important part of your trip. I hear you, and failing you causes unpleasant emotions in me. My team is pushing every option. I promise we are doing our best for you all." Gideon's Bakehouse began in a home kitchen with one goal: to create an extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie. Fifteen years and thousands of tests later, the work was complete, Staying true to the original process, cutting no corners, putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake, Gideon's invite people from around the world to share in the sweet and the salty goodness that is hand baked into every Cookie or Cake. You can visit Gideon's in Disney Springs, Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11:30 pm. Or you can visit Gideon's at their original location at the East End Market, which is located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, the store here is open seven days per week, 10am to 7pm. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Check out all the latest news from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including special events, ride closures and more. Welcome to another month of special events, closures and refurbishments at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. We know it can be difficult to keep up to date with what's happening at the theme parks, and that's why we produce this monthly update, so you can enjoy all that's new and happening, together with helping you avoid any disappointment when you arrive at the parks and your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment! In July, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is alive with the limited time Summer Nights, featuring shows, firework, free beer and more! Read on for all the details. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights Now - August 6, 2023 Great News! Summer Nights is back at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 2023. As the sun goes down, the party heats up with extended park hours every night, themed party zones throughout the park, electrifying entertainment, and fireworks on select days during Summer Nights including special 4th of July Fireworks! Summer Nights Highlights Cirque Electric Back by popular demand, this revamped acrobatic show brings all-new music to the Stanleyville Theater for the summer! Witness the extraordinary talent of cirque-style performers undertaking edge-of-your-seat feats alongside an electric ensemble of dancers. Gwazi Beats You won’t want to miss this atmospheric show returning for summer! With a combination of drums, dancers, and stilt walkers, this pulse-pounding display of music and dance will leave you wanting more. Icons New for 2023, step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seat. Icons starts June 11th. Turn It Up! Remix This popular award-winning ice show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater with beloved original and all-new routines. Talented skaters, stunning video and projection elements demonstrate the power and beauty of living life to the fullest. Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular As the sun goes down, the park lights up with a dazzling display of colors and sound. From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, presented by Bad Boy Mowers, will leave guests in awe. With the perfect music to accompany the show, it's an unforgettable experience that will make it a summer night to remember. Don't miss this dazzling show every Friday and Saturday plus Memorial Day Weekend & July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th on the Festival Field. Bier Fest Now - September 4, 2024 Beer lovers rejoice as Bier Fest is back Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Park guests can toast delicious brews and soar on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ beer-inspired food festival as a slice of Bavaria returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay now through Sept. 4, including Labor Day. This hugely popular event, now in its sixth consecutive year, allows guests to sip, sample and savor classic German flavors while enjoying tunes from rising local artists. This year guests can raise a stein to 15 newly created menu items inspired by classic German flavors and 60 brews from regions near and far. Pair pub-inspired bites with a new local craft brew or enjoy a fan favorite from international and domestic breweries. Whether you like IPAs, stouts, porters, lagers, sours or ciders, the beer selection at Bier Fest has something for every taste. We will have the full menu soon, but for now, new items on the menu includes Braised Pork Shank, Bratwurst on a Pretzel Roll with Spicy Mustard, and Chicken Schnitzel with Brown Butter Spätzle. As in previous years, guests can purchase a sampler lanyard, which can be redeemed for any food or beverage item offered throughout the festival. Pass Members will be able to sip and savor more samples for less. Get 15 punches for the price of 12 with this pass member exclusive. Once again Bier Fest will feature live music. Make a toast while tapping your toes to the sounds of live local bands performing throughout the event! Enjoy live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Coke Canopy. Bier Fest is included with park admission. Food & Beverage available at an additional cost. Passport To Summer Now - August 6, 2023 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is rewarding Pass Members simply for visiting the park this summer, and the more you visit the park the more free perks you will receive, it's a win-win for sure!! Pass Members who visit the theme park between 2 and 20 times between now and August 6, qualify for various parks including free drinks and popcorn, free animal encounters, and a free all-day dining pass, all for visiting the theme park multiple times over the summer, and as soon as you collect enough vouchers, you can redeem then for a free perk! At the park use the self-service kiosks where pass members can log in and receive a Passport visitation voucher. Once enough vouchers are collected, they can be redeemed for a reward. The top reward for 20 visits is an invitation to the parks exclusive Passport to Summer Party on August 18 from 8 - 10 pm, which will feature exclusive ride time on Serengeti Flyer, Iron Gwazi, Gwazi Flyers, Cheetah Hunt, Cobra’s Curse, and Montu—plus free popcorn, soda, and more! Passport to Summer Rewards 2 Visits - FREE Fountain Soda & Bag of Popcorn 5 Visits - One-time RESERVED SEATING at Cirque Electric or Turn it up! Remix 8 Visits - One FREE Animal Encounter / Animal Tour (select from Lory Landing Feeding, Aldabra Tortoise Insider Tour, Animal Ambassador Insider Tour, Animal Care Center Behind the Scenes Tour) 15 Visits - One FREE All-Day Dining 20 Visits - Invitation to Passport to Summer Party Adventure Island Water Park With temperatures sizzling in August its the perfect time to cool off in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's awesome water park Adventure Island! All-New Interactive Splash and Play Zone Shaka-Laka Shores, located in the heart of Adventure Island, features 25 play elements and a central kid-friendly play structure bound to entertain and engage even the youngest of guests. The newest addition also includes a variety of interactive aquatic components, all within a zero-depth area - ideal for smaller kids - as well as additional shaded sections. Sand Serpent Permanently Closed After 19 years, Sand Serpent permanently closed at the park on July 9 to make way for a new attractions. Ride & Attraction Schedule Updates The following areas and attractions are temporarily closed: Skyride Upcoming closures for scheduled maintenance No scheduled maintenance for July Serengeti Flyer Don't miss Serengeti Flyer this July! Earlier this year Busch Gardens Tampa introduced a swinging new attraction for 2023, Serengeti Flyer which is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing. With each swing, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak. Plus, now you can choose your Serengeti Flyer adventure? That's right, customize your ride-time to be milder or wilder! From park-open until 1 pm, go "mild" and see the breathtaking views of the Serengeti Plain WITHOUT the full height or speed of the ride, OR, go "wild" from 1.15 pm - Park Close while experiencing the max height and speed that Serengeti Flyer has to offer! Howl-O-Scream At Busch Gardens Tampa Select Nights, September 8 - October 31, 2023 Tampa’s premier Halloween event returns earlier than ever with new frights & scares taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. Until October 31, unspeakable horror lives in every dark corner, including on Busch Gardens’ pulse-pounding thrill rides. Howl-O-Scream is bringing fear to the next level and once you’re in, there’s nothing to fear but everything... Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, on select nights from September 8 through until October 31, 2023, with the event taking over the entire park once again, expect haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. This year's haunted houses include the return of Ms. Stranglewood, who is back for more haunts than ever before, and has something sinister waiting behind every corner. Once a lively home filled with laughter and lavish parties is now filled with darkness and the spirit of evil. Welcome back to the Stranglewood Estate! The Residence: Home For The Holidays, is also making a haunting return to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this spooky season... but things are definitely not as merry as they may seem! The Residence: Home For The Holidays is a fan favorite house at Howl-O-Sceam, where merriment turns murderous at a suburban family home, and this year Christmas arrives earlier than ever at The Residence, with all-new horrors eager to be unwrapped, but will you survive this silent night. This year's scare zone's include the all new Big Ed's Demolition Derby, which features a rather sinister Big Ed! Step into the twisted and adrenaline-fueled world of Big Ed's Demolition Derby. He has pulled together some of the roughest, toughest, and meanest baddies from all over Howl-O-Scream and brought them here to compete— but there’s always room for some surprise guests. Step up and see how long you can survive and navigate this automotive nightmare. Another scare zone is Sin City Zombies, another brand new scare zone for 2023. On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a small town that is home to some of the best entertainers to ever live, and is overrun by zombies who run rampant. Try your luck and hope your number wins because this is one town you don’t want to lose in. A new haunted house this year is D.H. Baggums, Circus of Fear. Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen! D.H. Baggum brings you all his monstrosities that are sure to make your spine tingle and your blood run cold! As unsuspecting patrons walked the midway, D.H. would capture them and take them backstage to carry out his evil plan. as you wander the midway, watch out for D.H. and his crew. don’t get distracted by the magic— you might just be the next FREAK to take the stage! Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Oh yes it does... For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Check out all the latest news and happenings from SeaWorld Orlando, including special events, limited time offers, ride closures and more. Welcome to another month of special events, closures and refurbishments at SeaWorld Orlando. We know it can be difficult to keep up to date with what's happening at the theme parks, and that's why we produce this monthly update, so you can enjoy all that's new and happening, and check out which rides and attractions are closed for refurbishment. Get ready for a spectacular summer at SeaWorld Orlando, throughout August SeaWorld is celebrating with fun days amped up with gnarly entertainment, thrilling rides and breathtaking presentations, and when the sun goes down, enjoy fiery nights featuring new shows, entertainment and a brilliant fireworks spectacular. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster Now Open! First up is Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, which is Orlando's newest and most unique coaster. Pipeline is the first-of-its-kind stand up surf coaster where you experience the rush of launching 110 feet up at 60 mph and feeling every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to innovative dynamic seats that gives you unparalleled freedom of movement. Experience the ultimate thrill with the addition of this seventh coaster to the Coaster Capital of Orlando. Summer Spectacular Now - September 4, 2023 When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way. Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular. Club Sea Glow The party amps up in the evening at Bayside Stadium, where a DJ will be mixing dance music all evening leading up to the start of our nighttime fireworks show. Enjoy plenty of space to spread out and dance while enjoying the entertainment. That includes dancers and high-energy atmospheric acts to get the party going! Surf Holiday at Nautilus Theater Surfers and dreamers, join us for the wildest party on the sea! You’ll feel the motion of the ocean in a live stage show with singing, dancing, and an inspiring story of preservation and conservation for the beauty within our living ocean. Summer Spectacular Concert Series Enjoy the Summer Spectacular Concert Series within the Nautilus Theater August 5: A Flock of Seagulls August 6: Skillet Best of all, the summer concert series is included with park admission. Pearl Divers This one-of-a-kind experience gives you the chance to watch pearl diving live! Witness a pearl diver pick the perfect Akoya oyster for you in our lagoon. The oyster will produce a beautiful pearl for you to add to a setting of your choice. In the lagoon next to Oyster's Secret, starting at Noon. Ignite Fireworks Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park. The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway. Plus, enjoy a special 4th of July firework spectacular on SeaWorld’s large central lake with inspiring music synced to beautiful fireworks in celebration of America. View from areas like Bayside Stadium or find a spot along the water. This event will bring the red, white, and blue, to you, so be sure not to miss it! For more details on SeaWorld Orlando's spectacular Sumer events: SeaWorld Orlando Free Beer Now - September 4, 2023 It wouldn’t be summer at SeaWorld Orlando without FREE BEER! When you visit SeaWorld Orlando this summer, from now through until September 4, park guests 21 and older, can enjoy a free 7oz. brew every time you visit!​ The free beer is available daily at Waterway Grill from 11 am until an hour before the park closes. As always, SeaWorld will offer a variety of beers throughout the promotion. Craft Beer Festival Now - September 3, 2023 SeaWorld is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers this Summer, with the return of the Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando through September 3, 2023. Taking place weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the festival will feature more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails. Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. Best of all, admission to the Craft Beer Festival is included with admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Aquatica Orlando Aquatica Orlando, recently voted America’s Best Waterpark for the fourth year in a row by USA Today’s 10Best 2023 Readers Choice awards, is getting ready for a fun filled summer. Turi’s Kid Cove Now Open Grab your best buddies and get ready to splish, splash, spray, and play in this ALL-NEW water adventure attraction filled with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more. Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into fun on the ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them! Fun Fact: The ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl is a smaller version of the water parks big kids slide, KareKare Curl! Other new attraction in the ALL-NEW Turi’s Kid Cove includes the slides, Zippity Zappity, Slider Rider, Racer Chaser, and Slippity Dippity. For more info on Aquatica Orlando check out the official website. Ride & Attraction Refurbishments And Closures The following areas and attractions are temporarily closed: None!!! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Check out all the latest from Universal Orlando Resort, with the latest special events, closures and refurbishments. Welcome to another month of special events, closures and refurbishments at Universal Orlando Resort. We know it can be difficult to keep up to date with what's happening at the theme parks here in Orlando, and that's why we produce this monthly update, to help you enjoy all that's new and happening, together with keeping you updated on what rides and attractions are currently closed for refurbishment! August is a busy month at Universal Orlando as the resort is getting ready to celebrate spooky season, and if you visit Universal Studios Florida you will see lots of props, lighting, and more being added for the scare zones. August also sees the official opening of the new Minion Land including new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, and more. Plus, Universal Orlando are currently working on multiple new attractions, including a brand new Theme Park, Epic Universe which is due to open in Summer 2025. Minion Land For summer this year, the huge news at Universal Orlando is that a brand new land is now open, currently in soft opening Minion Land and its brand new attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will have a grand opening on August 11. Minion Land invites guests to step inside the world of the Minions, with unique dining experiences like Minion Cafe, Bake My Day and Pop-a-Nana, plus Minion Land will also be home to new Villain-Con Minion Blast Attraction which is not yet open. Minion Land on Illumination Ave. is an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. The new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon. Illumination’s Minion Cafe It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land. Bake My Day Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more. Pop-A-Nnana Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket. Freeze Ray Pops Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages. Illumination Theater Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade. Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films. Taste of Terror Dining Preview A brand new Taste of Terror Dining preview for this years Halloween Horror Nights 32 is happening in August. This brand new preview dining experience will take place on select night in August, ahead of this year's Halloween Horror Nights which kicks off September 1. This will be an all-you-care-to-enjoy preview of select Halloween Horror Nights food and drink options in Soundstage #33 at Universal Studios Florida. Taste of Terror Dining costs $159.99 per person. Theme park admission for the same day is also required and not included. One Taste of Terror ticket (available to purchase here) is valid for one night on the following dates: Aug. 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, or 26. The colourful world of DreamWorks Animation is coming to Universal Studios Florida in an Immersive and Interactive New Land in 2024. Next year, Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animation’s beloved animated characters. Universal Orlando have announced that the colourful world of DreamWorks Animation is replacing the already closed Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone at Universal Studios Florida. As guests step into this new land, their imaginations will run wild as they take in the vibrant colors, sights and sounds that surround them. They will share special moments with their favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and explore themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring popular franchises like Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda to life in the most imaginatively fun ways. The concept art mainly shows the land’s marquee sign, which includes Shrek, Donkey, Po, and Trolls, but if you look a little more closely to the right hand side of the sign you can see a glimpse of what we can expect when the new land opens in 2024. You can see a new swamp home for Shrek and Donkey, and a roller-coaster inspired by Trolls. In the concept art you can see one of the franchise's purple spiders, and a spider web above the coaster track. With the new land taking over the previous home of Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, the new Trolls coaster will probably be a re-theme of the Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster that wa sin the previous land. Most of the old land has been cleared but the coaster is still standing, so it seems very likely this Troll coaster will indeed be a retheme. The new DreamWorks land, coming to Universal Studios Florida, is already under construction at Universal Studios Florida, and will debut at Universal Orlando Resort in 2024. Stay tuned – more details will be revealed in the future! New UNIVRS Store Universal UNIVRS, a first-of-its-kind retail destination, recently opened on Hollywood Boulevard inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort, and we love it! This shop-in-shop brings favorite brands from across NBCUniversal to life through seasonal apparel offerings that lean into the "get it before it's gone" drop culture shopping mentality. Launching with this new location, and now also available at Universal City Walk Hollywood, is a summer collection inspired by JAWS, Felix the Cat and the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park. Tapping into entertainment and fashion tastemakers through their style-driven offerings, merchandise at UNIVRS marries popular brand designs with current fashion silhouettes and trending styles, driven by favorite characters and iconic on-screen moments. Exclusive merchandise will be released in limited quantities, from tees and jackets, to tracksuits and skirts, to tote bags and hats, products will range in price from $30-$150 and in size from XS-2XL, across the mens, womens and unisex categories. Jurassic Park Tribute Store A new Jurassic Park Tribute Store: Jurassic Park takes over this summer in the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. The immersive retail location will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film. Guests can also shop exclusive 30th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles, and more. Passholder Appreciation Days at Universal Orlando Resort is happening from August 15 to September 30, 2023. The highlight of the event is Passholder Night which will take place at Universal's Island Of Adventure on August 26 from 7 pm - 11 pm. Registration opened earlier today but the event has already been FULLY BOOKED. Now, Universal Orlando have revealed the perks that will be available during Passholder Appreciation Days, including exclusive UOAP merchandise, a free art print, dining offers, and more! Current Universal Orlando Resort Closures & Refurbishments Fortunately in August as the summer temperatures rise, the refurbishments and closures fall, with guests able to enjoy just about everything the Universal theme parks have to offer! Universal Studios Florida KidZone Closed January 15, 2023 The majority of KidZone closed at Universal Studios Florida on January 15, with Fievel's Playland, Woody Woodpecker Family Coaster, Curious George, DreamWorks Destination and Shrek & Donkey Meet & Greet all now gone forever. While no official announcement has been made what is replacing the closed attractions, the area will be transformed into Universal's DreamWorks Animation Land which is scheduled to open in 2024. Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration Dates: March 9 - Permanent Universal Orlando's Cinematic Celebration night show which took place in Universal studios Florida lagoon featured fountains, pyrotechnics, lasers, water screens an more. While the show has ended, it's known that Universal is working ion a new nighttime show and is set to feature drones. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Dates: August 14 - 18 Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will be closed between August 14 and 18 for a brief refurbishment Universal's Islands of Adventure Poseidon's Fury at Universal's Islands of Adventure Permanently Closed Poseidon's Fury will permanently close at Universal's Islands of Adventure on May 9. Universal Orlando have not announced a replacement for the attraction, only promising "exciting new experiences,". Poseidon's Fury was an opening day attraction at Universal's Islands of Adventure when it opened back in 1999. Dark Arts At Hogwarts Castle November 1, 2022 - September ? Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle had its last show of the season on October 31 and will not return to Universal's Island's Of Adventure until September, 2023 where it should return until Halloween, October 31, 2023. And that's everything, with no current closures, and it's no surprise at we head into the hot and very busy summer months. Have a great month! Happy Summer!! 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