Speaking today, April 3 at The Walt Disney Company 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger implied that Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be the final piece of the major EPCOT expansion. Does this mean no Play Pavillion (of course it does!), no Mary Poppins Land (this would be criminal), or no new hotel (shocking!) Iger said Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana signals Disney’s “completion of our spectacular transformation of EPCOT.” At the meeting, video footage showed Iger touring what appears to be an almost complete Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction. IF the transformation is over it would truly be a sad day that Igor is not green lighting the Mary Poppins ride and expansion of the UK Pavillion! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Speaking today, April 3 at The Walt Disney Company 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger addressed the current controversy surrounding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis apparent war on the company. Iger said that The Walt Disney Company were exercising their right to free speech and that now Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is retaliating against them and their right to free speech. Iger proudly proclaimed “We love the State of Florida,” before pointing out the company’s many investments in the local community over the years, he in turn, also acknowledged that he respected and appreciated what the State has done for Disney. He then went on to reference Disney's response to the Don’t Say Gay controversy (Parental Rights in Education bill), and said that although he thought that the situation was not well handled, Disney still has a right to free speech. “While the company may have not handled the position that it took very well, a company has a right to freedom of speech, just like individuals do, and obviously in taking the position, the governor got very angry about the position Disney took, and seems like he’s decided to retaliate against us, including the naming of a new board to oversee the property and the business, in effect to seek to punish a company for its exercise of a constitutional right,” He directly accused Governor DeSantis of retaliating against Disney and punishing them for exercising a constitutional right. He claimed that “Any action that supports those efforts simply to retaliate for a position Disney took sounds not just anti-business, but it sounds anti-Florida, and I’ll just leave it at that” This is in reference to DeSantis and his apparent war against Disney ever since they condemned the Don't Say Gay bill, including taking over Reedy Creek with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board. Iger said it seems “really wrong” for DeSantis to punish and call out a company that loves and provides so much for the state of Florida “in the form of jobs and community service taxes... tourism, of course, and all sorts of other responsible business practices.” Igor pointed out the importance of Disney to Florida, and what the company bring to the table, with over 75,000 employees in Florida and the 50 million plus visitors they have brought to the state this year alone, including 8 million internationally. Igor went on to reveal that Disney is set to invest billions in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years, bringing thousands of new jobs to the area. The Disney CEO also pointed out that Disney is the largest taxpayer in the state. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site

Speaking today, April 3 at The Walt Disney Company 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger revealed that Disney is set to invest $17 Billion in alt Disney World over the nest 10 years. While addressing the current situation with Governor DeSantis over Reedy Creek Improvement District, Iger noted that The Walt Disney Company will be investing billions in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years, bringing thousands of new jobs to the area. Iger announced that Disney are planning on investing $17 Billion in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years. They will be creating 13,000 new jobs, leading to thousands more indirect jobs, as well as attracting more tourists. Iger pointed out the importance of Disney to Florida, and what the company bring to the table, with over 75,000 employees in Florida and the 50 million plus visitors they have brought to the state this year alone, including 8 million internationally. The Disney CEO also pointed out that Disney is the largest taxpayer in the state. With the announcement of $17Billion in investment its exciting to speculate what this could mean for Walt Disney World, in terms of new attractions and more! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site

Bad news for Disney fans who love to visit BOTH Disneyland and Walt Disney World ! Speaking at The Walt Disney Company 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders today, CEO Bob Iger has stated that there was "not enough interest" in the Premier Pass which gives guests access to both Disney Parks on the east and west coast. Iger went on to say that the Premier Pass “didn’t really achieve much in the way of accessibility.” The Disney Premier Pass allowed United States residents to access the Walt Disney World Resort parks and Disneyland Resort parks for an entire year before it was discontinued during the pandemic. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site

At today's 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that a Moana live action remake is in the works, could this mean we will finally see the Moana Land come to life at Disney's Animal Kingdom? Should we get excited?? Rewind to the D23 Expo last year, when Disney revealed that Moana is a “potential expansion” opportunity and “early concept exploration” for Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom. The Animal Kingdom expansion news was announced during the “A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products” presentation at D23 Expo 2022. Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered a sneak peek at concept art for the future in addition and teased what was to come in a few years. This information, linked to the remake of Moana, and Walt Disney World fans should be excited that this is a real possibility! The concept art appears to show two attractions, with the main ride being a log flume. In the concept art, you can see boats going down a modest drop and then circling around Moana’s wa’a kaulua outrigger canoe before heading under waterfalls and into a show building. Looking at the concept art, we can also see that one of the attractions would be a spinner ride featuring Moana sails. We really hope this happens, as it would be a much more fitting land than Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Walt Disney World is an amazing place to enjoy the major holidays, and Easter is no exception! One of the best things to do is meeting Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny at Magic Kingdom, and the adorable couple are back today, Monday, April 3 for Easter 2023. Guests can hop on over the Magic Kingdom and meet Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny at their traditional meeting location in Liberty Square in the Bunny Lane Garden Gazebo, near Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. You can meet the cutest bunnies in Orlando daily, between now and Easter Day, intermittently between 9 am and 5 pm. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Musical legend and award-winning singer-songwriter and producer, Brian McKnight, has announced his return to Hard Rock Live Orlando on June 9. A 16-time GRAMMY-nominated musician, McKnight has sold out shows around the globe for decades, and this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to experience the multi-talented R&B artist perform live in an intimate setting. Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday, April 7 at 10 am. As an artist who needs no introduction, Brian McKnight has gained international and domestic recognition, earning himself a spot in contemporary music history. He has released 19 albums to date over the past twenty-five years, selling over 30 million albums worldwide. With 16 Grammy Award nominations and numerous chart-topping songs, McKnight has established himself as a musical legacy. In 1992 McKnight released his self-titled and first album, which landed on the Billboard 200 chart. His video for "Anytime" was nominated for Best Male Video at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards. McKnight has been the recipient of Soul Train Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. His most notable album, Back At One, sold over 3 Million copies. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Get ready to party Orlando as the Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam is returning to Amway Center on July 15. It's going to be an unforgettable night of freestyle jams from the 80s and 90s, featuring iconic artists like Lisa Lisa, Stevie B and TKA. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 am! The biggest names in freestyle music collaborate performing their biggest rhythmic dance hits during the Freestyle Explosion Throwback Jam at downtown Orlando's Amway Center on Saturday, July 15. Catch the King of Freestyle Stevie B., the Queen of Freestyle Lisa Lisa, freestyle icons TKA and many more perform their biggest hits during Freestyle Explosion. Artists Performing at Freestyle Explosion include: As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is still clearly mad that Disney have made a fool out of him in public, and is still not in the mood to let his personal war against Disney go as he has now ordered a criminal investigation into the deal that Disney openly made with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District that gave Disney maximum developmental power over its territory for the next 30 years. Of course, we are now seeing a push back from the governor who will not want to be seen as the man who got out-manouverd by Mickey Mouse! Last week DeSantis said “There’s a lot of little back-and-forths going on now with the state taking control, but rest assured, you know, you ain’t seen nothing yet,” telling a crowd in Smyrna, Georgia. “There’s more to come in that regard.” And now we know the governors latest move, as he has officially ordered an investigation into potential civil and criminal violations of the previous Reedy Creek Improvement District Board of Supervisors. Read on for details... The Executive Office of the Governor shared the following letter from Governor DeSantis to Melinda Miguel, Chief Inspector General of the State of Florida outlining the ordered investigation: Dear Ms. Miguel: On February 27, 2023, I signed House Bill 9-B, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Orange, and Osceola Counties, which replaced the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID) with a new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), and appointed five new members to the CFTOD board. Recently, the new board members informed the public that they had uncovered that, immediately before the enactment of House Bill 9-B, the RCID Board of Supervisors attempted to enter into last-minute development and restrictive covenant agreements with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. (Walt Disney World), designed to usurp the authority of the CFTOD board. These collusive and self-dealing arrangements aim to nullify the recently passed legislation, undercut Florida’s legislative process, and defy the will of Floridians. In addition, based on initial observations of counsel, the RCID board’s actions appear to suffer from serious legal infirmities, including, among other things, inadequate notice, lack of consideration, improper delegation of authority, and ethical violations, such as conflicts of interest and self-dealing. Therefore, pursuant to Section 14.32, Florida Statutes, I formally request that you, as the Chief Inspector General of the State of Florida, in consultation with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, launch a thorough review and investigation into the actions of the RCID Board of Supervisors described above. Such investigation should include analysis of the following: RCID’s adherence to applicable Florida civil and criminal laws and ethics requirements; The qualifications of RCID’s prior Board of Supervisors and the legal validity of their actions; The involvement of Walt Disney World employees and agents in the execution of RCID’s actions; Any financial gain or benefit derived by Walt Disney World as a result of RCID’s actions and RCID’s justification for such actions; All RCID board, employee, or agent communications related to RCID’s actions, including those with Walt Disney World employees and agents; and All RCID board, employee, or agent communications related to House Bill 9-B, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Orange, and Osceola Counties, and the CFTOD. Any legal or ethical violations should be referred to the appropriate authorities. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Last week, Christina Pushaw, of DeSantis’ rapid response team said "Governor DeSantis’ new board would not, and will not, allow Disney to give THEMSELVES unprecedented power over land (some of which isn’t even theirs!) for 30+ years" And we have seen the office of state Attorney General Ashley Moody swing into action, making an official request for the procurement of all pertinent records, emails, text messages, and other correspondences relevant to negotiations between the now-defunct Reedy Creek Improvement District and Disney. SO HOW DID DISNEY MANAGE TO PULL THE WOOL OVER THE GOVENORS EYES? On February. 8, 2023, as the Florida House was passing legislation to give DeSantis his new power, Reedy Creek’s board members signed a development agreement with Disney that allowed the company maximum developmental power over its territory for the next 30 years. According to the new board members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight board, and their attorneys, Disney is allowed the maximum possible density and building heights inside Walt Disney World. Other property owners will need Disney’s permission to expand within the district, and they and Reedy Creek leaders will need to seek Disney’s approval if they made any aesthetic changes to their properties within the district. The district is also not allowed to permit advertisements of any companies that compete with ones that operate within Reedy Creek, board members said. “We lose control over everything other than to maintain the roads and maintain the infrastructure,” one board member said. It appears that board members only discovered the agreement after their appointments! Both they and their newly appointed attorneys called the agreement null and void. Particular focus was paid to one section that board members said locked in development rights of a particular parcel until 21 years after the death of the youngest current descendant of King Charles, or until Disney abandons the resort. Board members have hired multiple politically-connected law firms to represent them and analyze the agreement, and discussed bringing on as many as four different firms to battle the mighty Disney corporation as they desperately attempt to nullify the agreement. The new board are claiming that they will take the case to the United States Supreme Court if necessary, although backtracking on this, some board members said they hoped Disney executives and attorneys would be willing to reach a compromise before any legal action was taken... Disney then issued the following statement: “All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.” With both sides appearing to be gearing up for a legal battle. It’s unclear what further actions the DeSantis administration might take in response to Disney’s one-upmanship, but it's very clear that Gov DeSantis is not a happy man right now! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

A brand new Disney100 collection has launched today, Monday, April 3, that is is full of character – literally! This new collection is available at select locations in Walt Disney World, and also on shopDISNEY. Introducing Disney100 Unified Character Collection: apparel, accessories, trading pins and more themed to some of the incredible characters and stories across the Disney landscape. Grogu, Woody, Moana, and Mickey Mouse are just a few of the favorites featured in this eye-catching, colorful line. Disney100 is a celebration for all, and we can think of no better way to celebrate than with the whole family in matching threads. The Disney100 Unified Characters T-Shirt for Adults, Disney100 Unified Characters Pullover Hoodie for Women, and Disney100 Unified Characters T-Shirt for Kids all boast a large circle of characters from the worlds of Disney. Chewbacca, Snow White, and many others make an appearance throughout the items. And for our little ones, the Disney100 Unified Characters Pullover Sweatshirt for Girlsensures you’re as comfortable as you are stylish. Pair it up with the Disney100 Unified Characters Pants for Girls with character art pictured down the sides. Style and comfort, as mentioned, go hand in hand with this collection, and the Disney100 Unified Characters Woven Shirt for Menwith its full button-down front, chest pocket, and collar can be dressed up or down. Perfect for celebrating Disney100 during any day of the week. Travel around in the company of your Force-sensitive friend with the Grogu Unified Characters Crossbody Bag featuring a detachable shoulder strap. Women can cozy up with the Disney100 Unified Characters Short Sleep Set, while little ones can count characters (instead of counting sheep) on their Disney100 Unified Characters PJ Pals for Kids or Disney100 Unified Characters Sleep Set for Kids in a beautiful lilac shade. Pajama pants more your style? We’ve got something for you, too! The Disney100 Unified Characters Sleep Pants for Adults are made of soft flannel cotton and will lull you right to dreamland. No good celebration is complete without a surprise, and for all you loyal fans out there, head over to the Disney100 page on shopDisney and you might find some new items themed to the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection that originally launched last December! Here’s a sneak peek of some of what you’ll find: As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Hop on over to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this Easter weekend and enjoy special festivities all weekend long as the theme park celebrates Easter with an Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza, fun activities, animal interactions, and a special story time with your favorite Sesame Street friends! All events are free with park admission this weekend, Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9. Easter Egg Hunt Kids ages 10 and under can enjoy a special Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday & Sunday April 8-9 at the Festival Field. There will be four egg hunts per day, one for each age group. Parents are allowed to join children ages 3 and under. Registration is required. Egg Hunt Times are: ● 1:00 pm: 2–3 years old ● 1:30 pm: 4-5 years old ● 2:00 pm: 6-7 years old ● 2:30 pm: 8-10 years old Golden Egg Hunt 40 golden eggs will be hidden throughout the park on Saturday & Sunday in areas accessible to guests! Once found, head over to Guest Services to celebrate your find and claim a special prize! Special Animal Enrichments Join Busch Gardens on Easter weekend for special Easter egg hunt animal enrichments at select habitats in the park. Enjoy special educational activities in the Animal Care Center. Plus, learn from the Zoo Team about these magnificent animals and the care they provide every day at Busch Gardens. Saturday, April 8 11:30 am – Cheetahs 1:00 pm – Chimps Sunday, April 9 All Day – Easter Activities at Animal Connections & Snake Room 12:00 pm – Komodo Dragon egg hunt at Congo River Rapids 1:00 pm – Gorillas 2:00 pm – Elephants Busch Gardens’ animal care specialists have developed innovative enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviors and offer our animals challenging activities on a regular basis. Activities like Easter egg hunts engage the elephants to help stimulate their minds, sense of smell and foraging ability as they explore their habitats for holiday treats as a special addition to their daily nutritionist-curated diets. Food & Wine Festival A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival with a delicious menu and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park's thrilling roller coaster collection. Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail. Park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup on the Festival Field. Saturday, April 8 at 7:00pm: +Live+ Sunday, April 9 at 6:00pm: The Fab Four As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

The 50th Anniversary Celebrations are done and dusted at Walt Disney World, and as the resort cleans up after the 18 month long celebrations, overnight the large 50th Medallion at the front of Cinderella's Castle has been removed. Once again the clock sits proudly at the front of the castle, and all that remains is for the rest of the 50th decor on the castle to be removed. The remainder of the castle decor will be removed over the coming weeks, including the bunting and spire ribbons. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.