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It's the most wonderful time of the year, and superstar a cappella group Pentatonix are celebrating the holiday season in Orlando with The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year! Fresh from taking the stage at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on August 10, three-time Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling a cappella group Pentatonix have announced a return to Florida for the holidays. Pentatonix will take to the stage at Amway Cebter here in Orlando on December 13, 2023 with The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year . Don't miss your chance to celebrate the holidays with Pentatonix! Tickets on sale this Friday August 25. Pentatonix is renowned for their stunning vocal harmonies and innovative arrangements, the group has redefined modern a cappella music. From chart-topping pop hits to timeless holiday classics, Pentatonix boasts an extensive repertoire showcased across multiple albums, attracting an immense global following. Comprising Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee, the group's enchanting performances have resonated with audiences around the world, including their most successful Christmas tour ever last year, playing to 200,000+ people across 22 cities across the country. Since opening in 2010, downtown Orlando's Amway Center has firmly established itself as one of the finest multipurpose venues in the country. Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, and the Orlando Predators also hosts major national events, concerts and shows. The venue regularly hosts numerous milestone events including NBA All-Star Weekend, NCAA March Madness, Wrestlemania 33 and sell-out concerts by the biggest names in the business like Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and Billie Eilish. Amway Center welcomes roughly 225 events and more than 1.3 million patrons annually. 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

Hear ye, hear ye! World Princess Week has arrived at Walt Disney World, and to celebrate, Disney PhotoPass have revealed brand new Magic Shots. World Princess Week has arrived at Walt Disney World, and Disney PhotoPass is going all in on the regal celebration that takes place now through August 26. Two brand new Magic Shots are available now through August 26, exclusively at Walt Disney World. One features the good fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Walt Disney's 1959 film Sleeping Beauty, while the other includes magical princess-themed confetti. Also for World Princess Week you can indulge in eats and treats fit for a Princess through Walt Disney World. With a combination of exciting new items, like the Rapunzel Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie, and returning favorites, including the Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is no shortage of the ways you can commemorate this occasion through your taste buds. Disney Resort Hotels Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) How Far I’ll Go Haupia Pie: Rich chocolate-coconut pie with a layer of coconut haupia custard topped with sweet cream and macadamia nut Disney’s Beach Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Part of Your World Mousse: Blueberry mousse with a lemon curd insert, milk chocolate mousse, and crispy strawberry cobbler crumble with chocolate décor (New) Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Ariel Milk Shake: Chocolate chip-mint milkshake with green caramel and a specialty vanilla cupcake (New) Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Cinderella Cupcake: Vanilla cake with vanilla crème custard filling, buttercream, white chocolate slipper, and fondant pumpkin Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available at The Artist’s Palette only) Snow White Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with caramel apple filling, white chocolate-dipped caramel buttercream, and fondant décor Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Kona Island Coffee Bar (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Moana Mini Cake: Vanilla Cake, mango mousse, glaçage, buttercream, fondant, and white chocolate décor Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Currently available; mobile order available) Wishing on Stars: Mango mousse with coconut-lime gelée, coconut glaze, and décor fit for a princess Disney’s Riviera Resort Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Available Aug. 1 through 31 during dinner only) Make It Pink, Make It Blue: Orange blossom honey mousse transformed by color changing flavors of citrus accompanied with strawberry curd and almond crumble (New) Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Part of Your World Mousse: Blueberry mousse with a lemon curd insert, milk chocolate mousse, and crispy strawberry cobbler crumble with chocolate décor (New) Disney Springs Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Rapunzel Petit Cake: Layers of confetti cake, vanilla mousse, and Italian buttercream (New) The Ganachery (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Princess Chocolate Bars with ruby chocolate, pistachios, crisp raspberries, and white crisp pearls (New) Marketplace Snacks (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Little Mermaid Waffle Sundae: Vanilla soft-serve in a bubble waffle with rock candy, green apple sauce, pineapple wedges, and a chocolate decor Swirls on the Water (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Rapunzel Cone: DOLE Whip lemon and DOLE Whip raspberry swirled in a lavender cone with sugar flowers (New) Magic Kingdom Park Storybook Treats (Currently available) Rapunzel Sundae: Shortcake with wild berry soft-serve and DOLE Whip lemon and topped with berry compote and sugar flowers (New) Aurora Cone: DOLE Whip strawberry and blue soft-serve topped with white chocolate crisp pearls in a sugar cone (New) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Moana Heart of Te Fiti Cupcake: Coconut cake, pineapple custard filling, coconut buttercream, white chocolate ‘Heart of Te Fiti,’ and coconut crumble (New) Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fairfax Fare (Available starting Aug. 1; mobile order available) Enchanted Rose: Dark chocolate mousse with a taste of blackcurrant and morello cherry-chocolate shortbread cookie, whipped cookies ‘n cream fluff, and gilded chocolate-covered cacao nibs Cup of Enchantment: Cranberry and passion fruit-orange-guava juices topped with yellow shimmer and strawberry boba pearls (Non-alcoholic) (New) Hollywood Scoops (Currently available through Aug. 31) Little Mermaid Milkshake: Vanilla milkshake with mango, guava, and ginger topped with whipped cream and a pineapple-guava seashell cake EPCOT Coral Reef Restaurant (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Bubbles of the Sea: Gold Peak Sweet Green Tea, lemon juice, pineapple, and guava topped with boba pearls and a splash of shimmer (Non-alcoholic) (New) Oasis Sweets & Sips (Available Aug. 1 through 31) Jasmine Cookie: Sugar cookie with apricot jam Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available Aug. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Jasmine Banana Pudding 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

Phoenix who have been on the road this summer with Beck, on the co-headling Summer Odyssey tour, have announced a show at House Blues Orlando this fall. French indie legends Phoenix are currently touring with Beck on 19-city co-headlining run that wraps up on September 10 in Columbia, Maryland. Previous to this, Phoenix embarked on a tour of Asia, and then Europe which all began back in March! Now you would think the band might be ready to put their feet up for awhile, but no, Phoenix will be back on the road this fall including a stopover in Orlando. The bad will take to the stage at House of Blues Orlando on November 12. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 25, at 10 am, with a Live Nation Presale on Thursday, August 24 at 10 am. (Code: TRACK) Featuring a beautiful music hall and soul to spare, House of Blues is one of Orlando's premier live entertainment venues that packs in an impressive line-up of artists from around the world. The two-story Music Hall is decorated with original folk art, hardwood floors and a mainstage that has been graced by B.B. King, Pearl Jam, James Brown and Norah Jones. With its unique and eclectic atmosphere, the 12,637 square-foot space accommodates up to 1,500 guests, as well as having a huge hall for the big concerts, House of Blues doubles up as a casual restaurant in the daytime, with plenty of seating options if you want a few drinks in the evening. This really is an Orlando nightlife venue that takes its live music seriously, with huge homegrown and international names booked in on a regular basis. 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

Lana Del Rey has revealed a small 10-date tour across the U.S. in September and October, and it includes a stop in Tampa at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre! Lana Del Ray has announced a surprise U.S. tour starting next month in Franklin, Tenn. The limited-run tour will take in 10 cities including two in Florida, Sept. 23 at West Palm Beach at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, and Sept. 25 at Tampa's MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre. Del Rey who returned to the stage this year for the first time in three years, has played to huge crowds on the festival circuit at Outside Lands, Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, as well as sell out shows in Arkansas, Mexico City, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and London. This year's performances are in support of Del Rey's ninth studio album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.,” which was released in March to critical acclaim Tickets to catch Lana Del Rey at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on September 25 go on sale this Friday, August 25 at 10 am. 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 fan favorite Dead Coconut Club once again returns as part of this year's Halloween Horror Nights offerings at Universal Orlando, and annual passholders will get in on the spooky fun before anyone else! The countdown in on for the start of this years Halloween Horror nights at Universal Orlando, and this year Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk will transform into Revenger Of The Dead Coconut Club from September 1, 2023. As we get ever closer to this years after hours event, Halloween Horror Nights starting on September 1, 2023, Universal Orlando have just revealed the theme, and a slight name change for this years Dead Coconut Club, which will be transformed into the Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club!! The frightful fiends of Monstergram Pictures have completed their latest B-movie epic: Target Planet Coconut, and they are premiering it at the one and only Dead Coconut Club. Guests can enjoy a drink will taking a bite out of the horror, with a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage items, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries. To premier this year's Dead Coconut Club, Universal Passholders will be among the first to experience Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club at a preview event the night before it opens to the public. On August 31 from 6 pm to 9 pm, passholders can enjoy a family-friendly event with previews of spooky performances, a live DJ and themed mocktails and cocktails (must be 21+ to purchase). The Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club will be open on select nights during the Halloween Horror Nights season. There is no cover charge to enter, and all ages are welcome. The club will serve a variety of spooky themed cocktails and mocktails in a fun, retro environment. The great news is that the Revenge of the Dead Coconut Club is free for everyone to enjoy, located at CityWalk you do not need a ticket for HHN to enter. 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

Mel’s Drive-In Diner is currently closed for a period of refurbishment, and the American Graffiti-inspired 50s drive-in may not be ready in time for this years Halloween Horror Nights! A popular tradition for many, including ourselves is to dine at Mel’s Drive-In Diner when visiting Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida. The location is transformed into Mel’s Die-In, courtesy of the neon signage being switched off in the letters R and V! This year Mel's has been receiving a much needed re-fresh, which began back in late June, and with the refurbishment still happening, it looks like Mel's may not be open for the start of this year's Halloween Horror nights on September 1, 2023. Universal Orlando have not given a timeframe for when Mel's will re-open, and a quick look at the dining locations that will be open during HHN on the official website is not listing Mel's! Obviously this could change, and Mel's could be open for the start of HHN, or even further into the events run. Hopefully the classic neon signage will still be partially illuminated for Mel's Die-In! 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

In the ever changing choice of retail locations at Disney Springs, another retail location is set to close soon. Tulsa based jewelry and accessories company, Rustic Cuff, owned by Jill Donovan is to permanently close its Disney Springs location. The company who also have locations in Oklahoma and Texas will close its Disney Springs locations at the end of regular hours at 10 pm tonight, Monday August 21, 2023. The location which sold cuffs, bangles, beads, leather, lucite, metals, charm bracelets and personalized pieces, has already been removed from Rustic Cuff's website. Rustic Cuff have had three location in Disney Springs, first appearing as a pop-up store across from Wine bar George at the beginning of 2020, it then re-located to a kiosk in front of Paddlefish before moving to its current Town Center location. 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 Great Irish Hooley returns to Raglan Road in September with a rip-roaring, toe-tapping, dance-in-your-seat party featuring incredible music and amazing food and drinks! Need a good dose of authentic Irish music? Then you’re in for a treat at Central Florida’s only authentic Irish and roots music festival--the Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. This intimate music experience returns to Disney Springs this Labor Day Weekend, September 1 - 4, featuring top Irish bands playing everything from trad and folk to Celt grass and blues. What’s a “Hooley?” you may be asking yourself. It’s a Gaelic term for a lively party with music, entertainment and fun for the whole family. To pair with the Irish vibes and in keeping with the Hooley spirit, Raglan Road will debut its new “Stars & Hearts” Keeper’s Heart Whiskey flight, an Irish-American collaboration aged in stout barrels. Plus talented bartenders will be whipping up new Hooley cocktails including “Heart of the Hooley” made with Keeper’s Heart Irish Bourbon and blackberry and mint shrub. Guests can also enjoy the return of the popular Hooley brew, De Fesht, a limited release collaboration with The Tank Brewing in Miami along with creative new bites whipped up by Raglan Road’s outstanding culinary team. There’s no cover charge to join the Hooley fun, which begins Friday afternoon, Sept. 1, and continues through late-night Monday, Labor Day. Celtic face painting is complimentary. In addition to the pub’s All-Day Menu, the delicious Rollicking Raglan Brunch will be served throughout the weekend and Monday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. The Raglan Road Irish Dancers will showcase their fancy footwork throughout the event. Reservations are recommended. This year’s Hooley entertainment headliners are a rare collaboration of luminaries from the traditional Irish music world: Strings & Things The exceptionally talented Strings & Things are back for an encore on the Raglan Road stage. Hailing from Tipperary and Galway, Strings & Things are a contemporary Irish Trad/Folk/ Roots crossover band with a large repertoire of Irish songs, airs and traditional pieces presented in a very contemporary arrangement and style. Their unique sound and high stage energy ensures a raucous night of music and song. Sina Theil Sina is a German born, Irish based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and winner of several Irish music awards including “Rising Star of the Year 2022”. She started playing piano and composing her first songs at age 7. Sina is making waves - and is one of the most energetic, passionate, and hardest-working artists - on the Irish music scene and loves nothing better than having her audience interact and sing along. One for the Foxes Award-winning instrumentalists Dave Curley (SLIDE) from Galway, Tadhg Ó Meachair (Goitse) from Dublin & Joanna Hyde (The Hydes) from Colarado form an exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio. Through a shared deep-rooted passion for Irish traditional music they present a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music and song in an energetic and engaging manner creating an eclectic vibe. The Byrne Brothers Hailing from Donegal, Ireland, are a family band and Irish dancers who have garnered much success and recognition. Their achievements include winning the 2022 Young Artist Academy© Award for Outstanding Music Ensemble and being named Rising Stars of the Year 2021 and Best CD Cover of 2021 by American Celtic Radio Listeners for their album "Living the Dream." The band consists of Luca 19 on accordion, Finn 17 on banjo, mandolin, and guitar, Dempsey 14 on bodhran and whistle, and their father Tommy on uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar, and bagpipes. The Byrne Brothers are known for their electrifying high-energy performances, infectious humour, and talent. The Connemara Ramblers Orla Leavy and Sam Carey, a dynamic two-piece traditional Irish music ensemble from Connemara, on the West Coast of Ireland, represent a harmonious blend of talent and passion for their heritage. Both musicians have been deeply rooted in the traditions of Irish music, song, and dance since their early years, which shines through in their captivating performances Oliver Havlin A talented musician from Co. Down, Oliver has steadily been making a name for himself singing and playing guitar as a member of our house band Gobhán at Raglan Road. Performing all over Europe he has supported leading Irish artists Sharon Shannon & Paul Brady. He had the honour of being invited to perform for the Prince of Wales & The President of Ireland. With his unique vocals, catchy songs and passion for music - you are in for a real treat! The Great Irish Ceili Cian O’Flynn - our show choreographer, and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will lead guests through Ceili (KAY-lee) dances during the Great Irish Hooley. The Ceili step dances, date back to the Celts and Druids who inhabited Ireland in the 1500s, are usually a main event of local celebrations in Irish and Celtic communities. Cian will call the steps as our dance troupe invites guests to dance along. So wear your dancing shoes and come join the Ceili fun! 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

Beep beep! Parking trams are returning to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With this update, trams will once again be available at ALL Walt Disney World theme parks. Miracles do happen! Walt Disney World have made the happy announcement that parking trams are to finally return to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios this September. When the parking trams resume operations, this will be the first time since that parking lot trams have operated in all Walt Disney World theme parks since 2020. Disney made the announcement via the official Disney Parks X account (formerly known as Twitter), this afternoon, Sunday, August 20, 2023. They have not given a specific date in September, so watch this space! All parking lot trams were stopped in March 2020, when all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks temporarily closed due to the worldwide COVID- 19 pandemic. When the theme parks resumed operations in July 2020, all parking lot tram services remained suspended due to physical distancing restrictions that were put into effect at the resort. As physical distancing rules were relaxed, and operations slowly returned to normal at the resort, Walt Disney World did not resume parking tram operations within any of the theme parks. Even as mask requirements were dropped for all Disney Transportation options, Disney cited health and safety concerns for not resuming operations on the parking trams. Eventually in the face of criticism from guests who were having to walk to their vehicles in theme park parking lots, often enduring long walks in extreme heat, Disney eventually announced that parking trams would return to the theme park in December 2021, with service resuming at all other parks in 2022. It was on December 19, 2021 that parking trams were returned to service at Magic Kingdom, and it was a further 5 months before parking trams resumed operations at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2022. The remainder of 2022 came and went, with no parking trams in sight at either EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios, and only now, three years later we will once again have parking lot tram service at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Beep! Beep! Hurray! 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

Get ready for a weekend of sun, fun, and football at the 4th annual Bucs Beach Bash, September 8 - 10, presented by TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach. Get ready for a weekend of fun in the sun at the Bucs Beach Bash, presented by TradeWinds Island Resorts! Join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at RumFish Beach Resort at St. Pete Beach on September 8-10 and party like a pirate. There will be music, drinks, prizes, and more all weekend! On Sunday, get ready to see the Buccaneers kick off their season against the Minnesota Vikings with a special Watch Party on the beach! Admission is free and hotel packages will be available at discounted rates for two-night stays. Highlights include the Buccaneer’s Cheerleaders, Captain Fear, and the Buccaneer’s Street Team. Plus, don't miss live music from Austin Snell & Dylan Marlowe! The FREE Bucs Beach Bash kicks off on Friday, September 8 with a Cornhole Tournament, and Live Beachfront Music Event with national touring act David Nail. Then on Saturday, September 9, get ready for a day on non-stop fun with more Cornhole, Bucs Activity Zone and more! Plus catch appearances from Bucs Mascot Captain Fear, TB Buccaneers Cheerleaders, Pirates, and Street Team, plus contests, giveaways, inflatable games, and more! As the sun goes down, get ready for Live Beachfront Music with Austin Snell & Dylan Marlowe. Ready for more? On Sunday, September 10, enjoy the Bucs Tailgate All You Can Eat beachfront buffet, then settle down for the Buccaneers gameday WATCH PARTY! Tampa Bay Buccaneers -vs- Minnesota Vikings on the huge outdoor screen - GO BUCS. There will Live DJ, contests, and happy hour specials. The Bucs Beach Bash is free and open to the public, but you can enjoy an extra special VIP experience. Party like a pirate when you reserve the VIP package with an all-access pass to live music, the watch party, official Buccaneers party swag, a tailgating experience on the beach, and more! PARTY LIKE A PIRATE VIP PACKAGE: VALID FOR STAYS SEPT. 8-10 A Two-night Stay for Two Adults Access to VIP Lounge/Bar during Friday & Saturday's live beachfront music events Sunday All You Can Eat Buffet: beachfront from 11 am – 1 pm for 2 people (additional Tailgate buffet tickets can be purchased during the online booking process for $23 each) Access to VIP Lounge/Bar at the Buccaneers gameday WATCH PARTY on Sunday at 1 pm EST. (Bucs vs Vikings) Official Buccaneers Swag Bag Entry into raffle to win a Gameday Giveaway** 50% off two entries to participate in the Bucs Beach Bash Cornhole Tournament on Friday & Saturday (discounted registration link provided closer to event date) VIP wristbands provided to # of people on reservation – includes (1) cabana for two people (limit 4 wristbands/hotel room, 6 wristbands/villa) - VIP bands given at check-in. Special Weekend Activities: Bucs Kid Zone, Cornhole Tournament, Cheerleader Appearances, Bucs Street Team, and of course, PIRATES!! Includes Nightly Resort Amenity Fee - What's included? To view rates, select 2 nights between Sept. 8 through Sept. 10, 2023. Promo code: BUCS23. To book additional nights, please call 888.345.9930 for rates and availability. 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

Two key events in Sanford's events calendar have now been cancelled, with Jingle Jam following Hollerbach’s Oktoberfest. Both events claim that issues associated with the city of Sanford have forced them to cancel the cherished local events. The city of Sanford has just lost two of its major festivals within days! Following the sad news that Hollerbach’s German Restaurant located at 205 E 1st St, Sanford, will not be hosting their usual Oktoberfest celebration this year, due to what they say are increasing costs associated with putting the event on within the city, yet another much loved city event has been cancelled, again with organizers blaming the city of Sanford for rising costs. The second event to be cancelled is the much loved holiday tradition, the annual Jingle Jam which is usually enjoyed by families throughout the city. Jingle Jam is organized by Sanford Main Street, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Sanford. In announcing the news that the 2023 Jingle Jam was cancelled, Sanford Main Street explained the decision in a press release, "After careful consideration and in consultation with key players, the decision was made due to rising costs and the mounting fatigue caused by the ever-increasing regulations." The release continued, "the festival's sustainability has been challenged by a series of factors that have made it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary resources and meet evolving regulatory demands." They went on to say that they are concerned that due to the event's ever-increasing demands. it's affecting the team of volunteers who tirelessly work to bring Jingle Jam to life every year, with the volunteers expressing concerns of fatigue. Sanford Main Street commented, "As a non-profit organization, Sanford Main Street relies heavily on the generosity and commitment of these volunteers. Their well-being and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us." Even though they have canceled Jingle Jam, the non-profit say that they are still committed to its mission of breathing new life into downtown Sanford and supporting community development initiatives. They commented, "Sanford Main Street remains committed to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown Sanford and appreciates everyone's understanding during this challenging transition. We are confident that together we will identify new opportunities to raise funds and create memorable experiences for the community." Following the cancelation of the two events and the criticism it has brought the city of Sanford, the city Mayor, Art Woodruff released a statement to defend the city and himself. "The City of Sanford regrets that promoters are not holding events that have been popular in the past. Hollerbach’s Octoberfest had a successful run and by all accounts did well at the Sanford Civic Center site the last two years. Hollerbach’s withdrew this year’s application - after the commission approved it in June. I have been told increases in both city costs and other costs for the event, including rental equipment and insurance, led to the decision. The event was scheduled for November which would allow Hollerbach’s to participate in other events throughout Central Florida in October. After some complaints about Jingle Jam in 2021, changes were made in 2022 including one less stage and more coordination with businesses. I did continue to have concerns about the number of street closures since the event extended from Sanford Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. After the 2022 event the promoter told me they were considering major changes in the event including a possible change of location. One of the considerations was whether the event was a service for the community or a fundraiser for Mainstreet. Mainstreet did not submit an event application to host Jingle Jam in 2023 so there was no review by the city. The most recent changes to our event guidelines were made in 2022 and included ending outdoor entertainment at 10 p.m. to encourage people to move inside, giving extra scrutiny to separate but adjacent events, trying to maintain north-south access between Sanford Avenue and Park Avenue since most of our parking is north of First Street, making sure multiple outdoor stages do not expose residents or other businesses who are midway between stages to competing performances, and requiring the events help manage parking. Here is some history of what the city charges for the events. The city costs are what the event promoter must pay to cover the actual costs of the city. 2019 – Ocktoberfest held in Magnolia Square with private security used for overnight City fees $8,946 including $5051 for police. 2020 – Canceled due to Covid 2021 – Ocktoberfest moved to Civic Center. City fees $10,365 including $3756 for police, $1425 for fire, and $2750 for Civic Center rental 2022 – Oktoberfest planned for Civic Center and rescheduled to November because of flooding. City fees $16,103 including $5,254 for police, $1770 for fire, and $5330 for Civic Center rental. 2023 – Novemberfest Estimate – event requested for November 3 – 5. Request was withdrawn by Hollerbach’s before the City Commission was to consider it at the June 26 meeting. Estimated City fees - $17,492 including $7505 for police, $2680 for fire, and $3947 for Civic Center rental. In each case the nonprofit rate for the Civic Center was used because the applicant was Hollerbach’s Has Heart nonprofit organization. 2021 – Jingle Jam – City fees $6377 including $4674 for police and $356 for fire. 2022 – Jingle Jam – City fees $4981 including $2451 for police. (the costs decreased from the previous year) 2023 – No application for Jingle Jam was submitted.” Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff It will be interesting to see if any more events are canceled in Sanford as we move forward. 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. 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One little spark, of inspiration, is at the heart, of all creation, and it looks like Walt Disney World is getting ready to create the long awaited Figment Meet & Greet at EPCOT! Finally, Walt Disney World are apparently getting ready to bring the long promised Figment meet and greet to the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT, and to make way for Figment, Vanellope von Schweetz from “Wreck-It Ralph” is being evicted from ImageWorks in the Imagination Pavilion. Today, August 19, will be the last day to meet Vanellope von Schweetz, as the meet and greet is closing permanently to likely transform the area into Figment's meet and greet area. Vanellope has been meeting guests in front of a cityscape background inspired by “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” since the meet and greet first opened in 2019, back then Wreck it Ralph greeted guests also, but when character meet and greets returned post-Covid 19, Ralf was no longer at the location, leaving Vanelolpe to meet guests herself. 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