Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez tells NewsNation that Gov. Ron DeSantis' actions against Disney "Looks like now it's something that's spite or made potentially a personal vendetta" and says he's "strongly considering" a run for President. As Disney's decision to pull the plug on a $1 Billion investment in Orlando that would have brought 2,000+ jobs to Central Florida, many are questioning whether the decision is due to Florida Governor Ron Desantis and his ongoing war against Disney in Florida. Some local leaders and lawmakers have already hinting at or are openly blaming the Florida Governor for the loss of investment and thousands of jobs in the local area including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings who in an apparent dig at DeSantis commented, "these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community." Democrat Anna Eskamani, who is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 42, went further and laid the blame squarely at DeSantis for the cancelation of the Disney project, "Governor Ron DeSantis is a job killing moron who cares more about his own political ambitions and culture wars than Florida and our future." Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried pulled no punches when she said "Florida just lost 2,000 jobs and millions in additional revenue because of Ron DeSantis’ unhinged personal vendetta against Disney" Now, in an explosive interview presented last night on NewsNation’s The Hill, the Republican Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez reacted to the latest news that Disney is pulling the plug on a $1 billion dollar investment in the state of Florida saying, “He [Gov. Ron DeSantis] took an issue that was a winning issue that we all agreed on, which was parental rights for K through third graders, and it looks like now it's something that’s spite or maybe potentially a personal vendetta which has cost the state now potentially 2,000 jobs and a billion-dollar investment. Also, as Gov DeSantis is gearing up to announce a run for President, Suarez was asked if he has plans to run for president he said, “I definitely haven’t ruled it out. I am strongly considering it.” 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

Disney's decision to cancel the $1 Billion project to relocate its Imagineering department from California to Lake Nona has sent shockwaves through the local community. Today, Disney shelved its $1 Billion plans to relocate Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona here in Orlando, a project that would have created 2,000+ jobs here in Central Florida. Many are speculating that the cancellation of the project is in direct response to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his current war against Disney here in Florida. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Iger threatened to pull a planned $17 billion in investment in Walt Disney World due to the Governor's recent actions against the company. Iger who was speaking at an investors conference call stated “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more taxes, or not?” Fast forward to today, and with the Lake Nona project now cancelled, local leaders and lawmakers are responding to the bombshell news and are either hinting at or directly blaming the Florida Governor for the loss of investment and thousands of jobs in the local area. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has issued a statement saying it's "unfortunate" Disney won't move forward with the Lake Nona Project, and in an apparent dig at Florida Goivenor Ron DeSantis and his war against Disney in Orlando, he commented, "these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community." Democrat Anna Eskamani, who is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 42, went further and laid the blame squarely at DeSantis for the cancelation of the Disney project, "Governor Ron DeSantis is a job killing moron who cares more about his own political ambitions and culture wars than Florida and our future. According to him, ‘woke makes you go broke’ but this is another example of how it’s actually the complete opposite. DeSantis is not who you want for President - ever." Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried has issued a statement pulling no punches, fairly and squarely blaming DeSantis, "Florida just lost 2,000 jobs and millions in additional revenue because of Ron DeSantis’ unhinged personal vendetta against Disney. DeSantis has single-handedly and decidedly made Florida an anti-business state, not only with his continued attacks on companies that dare challenge his fascist policies, but also by forcing draconian laws that will decimate the workforce of the backbone industries of our state’s economy. Unfortunately, today’s news isn’t a shock for those of us who have been living through his reign of terror, and Floridians are already paying a high price." 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a statement on Disney's decision to cancel its $1 Billion project to relocate Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona. Following Disney's announcement that it has shelved its $1 Billion plans to relocate Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona here in Orlando, many are questioning whether the cancellation of the project has something to do with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his war against Disney.... Some local leaders and lawmakers have already hinting at or directly blaming the Florida Governor for the loss of investment and thousands of jobs in the local area including Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings who in an apparent dig at DeSantis commented, "these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community." Democrat Anna Eskamani, who is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 42, went further and laid the blame squarely at DeSantis for the cancelation of the Disney project, "Governor Ron DeSantis is a job killing moron who cares more about his own political ambitions and culture wars than Florida and our future." Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried pulled no punches when she said "Florida just lost 2,000 jobs and millions in additional revenue because of Ron DeSantis’ unhinged personal vendetta against Disney" Now in response to the news that Disney have shelved its Lake Nona Project, DeSantis has issued a statement via his press office where he makes no mention of his feud wth Disney, rather he blames Disney's financial situation for the cancellation, commenting "Given the company’s financial straits, falling market cap, and declining stock price, it is unsurprising that they would restructure their business operations and cancel unsuccessful ventures.” Here is his statement in full: "Disney announced the possibility of a Lake Nona campus nearly two years ago. Nothing ever came of the project, and the state was unsure whether it would come to fruition. Given the company's financial straits, falling market cap, and declining stock price, it is unsurprising that they would restructure their business operations and cancel unsuccessful ventures. 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

Its time to go bananas as Universal Orlando have shared new info on the currently under construction Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction at Universal Studios Orlando. Yesterday, Wednesday May 17, Universal Orlando Resort shared exiting new details about all the ways guests can eat, laugh and make mischief with the Minions in the currently under construction Minion Land. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the 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. From savoring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favorite characters along the way, the new land is sure to be an instant hit when it opens. Now today, Universal have shared additional details on the new Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction. Read on for the details! Within the new attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast, guests will compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience to see who will be the newest member of the infamous supervillain group - Vicious 6. Guests will use an E-Liminator X blaster and move along a moving walkway “causing as much chaos and destruction as possible to impress the villains and get more points”. Universal also revealed that there will be no height requirement on the new attraction, but kids must be able to stand on their own to ride it. In addition, guests will be to track their progress on the Universal app and customize the E-Liminator X blaster for subsequent rides for unique experiences. Here is the highlights of the new Minion Land. 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. Evil Stuff Once guests exit Villain-Con Minion Blastthey will arrive within Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. 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-NANA 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. For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com. 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

As Disney's decision to pull the plug on its plans to relocate Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona causes shock in Orlando, Disney issues statement to local community leaders. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle has issued a statement to local community leaders here in Orlando where many are in shock that the project that would have brought thousands of jobs to the area has been cancelled. In the statement Vahle acknowledged the canceled Lake Nona project by saying "several dynamics have changed, including a change in company leadership and evolving economic and business conditions." He also goes on to reiterate the past, present, and future investments that Disney have made in the local community here in Central Florida. Here is the full statement from Vahle: Dear Community Leaders, Today, you may have heard the news that Disney is no longer moving forward on the construction of a new campus in the thriving and growing community of Lake Nona in Orlando. Since we first announced this project, several dynamics have changed, including a change in company leadership and evolving economic and business conditions. Regarding our world-class destination, our desire is to continue investing in our core business in an effort to attract and welcome millions of visitors to Walt Disney World and Central Florida each year so they can enjoy the kind of hospitality our region is known for around the world. Our plans currently call for us to invest $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next 10 years and create 13,000 new jobs to continue doing our part as a leading employer in the hospitality and themed entertainment industry. We hope those plans will become a future reality. For decades, we have operated our business responsibly and being the region's largest taxpayer, we paid and collected over $1.1 billion in state and local taxes during last year alone. As the largest single-site employer in Central Florida, we are deeply rooted in this community, and we continue to make investments for the betterment of our region such as our contribution of 80 acres of land to create affordable and attainable housing for our community, which we announced last year. Groundbreaking on this development is targeted for next year, with the first of 1,400 units anticipated to be completed in 2026. We also continue to invest in our community through our broad array of philanthropic and citizenship efforts. Over the last 20 months, we've provided $6.5 million in grants to locally based, non-profit organizations such as Give Kids The World, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Conservation Florida, Heart of Florida United Way, Hope Partnership, The Nature Conservancy and more. This is on top of the donation of millions of hours of time that our Cast Members have contributed to deserving organizations over the decades. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing dedication of the 75,000 Cast Members who call Central Florida their home. To them, we offer the best overall benefits package in the Central Florida hospitality industry, including an $18 minimum wage by the end of the year-which is well above the state's minimum wage - affordable medical coverage, subsidized childcare, access to free higher education through Disney Aspire our 100% paid tuition programs, and pathways to help Cast at every step of their career. While today's decision was not easy, we remain committed to our Cast Members as well as you and our wonderful community. Sincerely, Jeff Vahle President Walt Disney World Resort 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

Disney had planned to relocate its Imagineering department from California to Lake Nona in East Orlando, but as Florida Govenor continues his war against Dsiney, the company have pulled the plug on the project. The relocation of Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Florida has been canceled. The New York Times are linking the cancellation of the project to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his current war against the company. Earlier this month, Disney CEO Bob Iger threatened to pull a planned $17 billion in investment in Walt Disney World due to the Governor's actions. Iger who was speaking at an investors conference call stated “Does the state want us to invest more, employ more people, and pay more taxes, or not?” Fast forward to today, Thursday, May 18, and Iger has binned the $1 billion office complex that was scheduled for construction in Lake Nona. The project would have led to 2,000+ jobs in Orlando, including the relocation of more than 1,000 employees from Disney Imagineering in California, and with some employees already in Orlando, its believed that they have been offered a move back to California, plus as many California Imagineering employees did not want to move to Florida, they actually left the company. In a letter to employees today, Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s theme park and consumer products chairman, cited “changing business conditions” as a reason for canceling the Lake Nona project. “I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business,” Mr. D’Amaro said in the memo. He noted that $17 billion was still earmarked for construction at Disney World over the next decade — growth that would create an estimated 13,000 jobs. “I hope we’re able to,” he said in a seemingly thinly veiled dig at Ron DeSantis The NY Times have spoken to two people briefed on the matter, and the feeling is that the war DeSantis is waging against Disney here in Florida has figured greatly in Disney’s decision to cancel the Lake Nona project... 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

As Disney announce that it has cancelled the project to relocate its Imagineering department from California to Lake Nona in East Orlando, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says it's "unfortunate" Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has issued a statement following todays decision by Disney to cancel the relocation of Walt Disney Imagineering from California to Lake Nona. Demings says it's "unfortunate" Disney won't move forward with Lake Nona Project, and in an apparent dig at Florida Goivenor Ron DeSantis and his war against Disney in Orlando, he commented, "these are the consequences when there isn’t an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community.: This comes on the back of reports that insiders with knowledge of the plans to cancel the Lake Nona project , say that the decision was in direct response to the war DeSantis is waging against Disney here in Florida, and that it has figured greatly in Disney’s decision to cancel the Lake Nona project. Here is Mayor Demings full statement: "It is unfortunate that Disney will not be moving forward with construction of the Lake Nona campus. However, these are the consequences when there isn't an inclusive and collaborative work environment between the state of Florida and the business community. We will continue to work closely with our valued partners at Disney. Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor The now cancelled project would have led to 2,000+ jobs in Orlando, including the relocation of more than 1,000 employees from Disney Imagineering in California. In a letter to employees today, Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s theme park and consumer products chairman, cited “changing business conditions” as a reason for canceling the Lake Nona project. “I remain optimistic about the direction of our Walt Disney World business,” Mr. D’Amaro said in the memo. He noted that $17 billion was still earmarked for construction at Disney World over the next decade — growth that would create an estimated 13,000 jobs. “I hope we’re able to,” he said in an apparent dig at Ron DeSantis 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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 writing has been on the wall for months now, and today Walt Disney World have announced that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is being shuttered permanently! In news that is both shocking, while at the same time not surprising, Walt Disney World has announced that the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser that has been suffering with Lowe occupancy will set sail on its last voyage this September. The final voyage will be September 28, and while Disney have not revealed what will happen to the hotel building itself, could we see it reopened simply as a themed Star Wars Hotel without the interactive elements? We will just have to wait and see... Disney’s statement announcing the news reads: “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is one of our most creative projects ever and has been praised by our Guests and recognized for setting a new bar for innovation and immersive entertainment. This premium experience gave us the opportunity to try new things on a smaller scale of 100 rooms, and we will take what we’ve learned to create future experiences that can reach more of our Guests and fans. We will be contacting Guests booked for voyages departing on or after Sept. 30 to discuss their options and modify their plans. To prioritize these Guests, we are pausing new bookings until May 26. 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.

Did you know The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios has a seasonal menu? Take a peek at all of the delicious dishes in the spotlight for the summer at this fan-favorite restaurant. The Golden Age of Hollywood has gotten some additions because The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently launched its seasonal menu. The culinary team has masterfully put together dishes featuring the freshest of ingredients for the summer and created a menu that will leave you and your taste buds wanting more. This fan-favorite location nestled within Hollywood Boulevard is quite the popular spot and for good reason. The contemporary American cuisine speaks for itself, and this summer menu is no different. With several delicious additions from the kitchen, you’ll want to come back again and again to try them all. Whether you’ve been here before or want to try this restaurant for the first time, The Hollywood Brown Derby has something for everyone to enjoy. The appetizers have several eats that are packed with flavor. Starting off, we’ve got some seafood options resurfacing for you. The Crab Louie features crispy olive bread, citrus blend, fried capers, and Louie sauce. For those shrimp fans out there, the Shrimp Cocktail is topped with shaved fennel cucumbers and a traditional cocktail sauce. If you’re a cheese lover like me, then there are two items that will spark your interest. The Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad combines shaved onions, Thai basil, gremolata, and a delicious citrus vinaigrette into a can’t-miss dish, while the Charcuterie Board features the Chef’s selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. For the more adventurous eaters, the Escargot is accompanied by roasted garlic béchamel and crispy prosciutto and the Roasted Bone Marrow is composed of braised beef, pickled mustard seeds, and a fig bread crostini. How delicious do these all sound? And we haven’t even gotten to the main course yet! The entrée menu is packed with flavorful delights with a variety of options for everyone to enjoy. Let’s start with some new ones for the land lovers out there. The classic Filet Mignon is paired with glazed carrots, potato pave, horseradish cream, and a tasty peppercorn sauce to finish it off. The Lamb Shank is accompanied with summer vegetables, harissa vinaigrette, and nasturtium chermoula. Do you love chicken? What about dumplings? How about them together? If that sounds good. then the new Free-Range Chicken and Dumplings is the dish for you. It brings together these two classics with a lemon-ricotta Gnudi, shishito cream, and a gooseberry jus. If you like pork, the recently added Grilled Pork is right up your alley with a mouthwatering lavender-sage polenta and local corn salsa, complete with a huckleberry barbecue sauce. Now that’s a dish! The seafood aficionados have a couple options to choose from as well – the new Sustainable Fish and the Seafood Cioppino. The Sustainable Fish with white bean ragout, derby summer vegetables, and roasted tomato emulsion is a lovely addition to the menu while the Seafood Cioppino brings together favorites from the sea with shrimp, sea scallops, seasonal fish, mussels, a toasted baguette, and aromatic tomato broth – yum! Last, but certainly not least for the new items, we have The Hollywood Brown Derby’s latest rendition of a classic comfort food dish – Shepherd’s Pie. This option combines roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, and carrot Romesco into a plate that will warm your soul and ignite your taste buds. Did I mention this one is plant-based? For those repeat diners, don’t you worry, because some fan-favorites are still here to stay for both lunch and dinner. The Famous Cobb Salad is a classic, and for good reason. This famous dish is made up of spit-roasted turkey, bacon, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado, and a classic dressing. If you want to enhance this dish even more, you can add chicken or shrimp. The sweet tooths out there will be pleased to know that the sweet staple, the Grapefruit Cake, isn’t going anywhere. This Brown Derby original combines a moist vanilla sponge cake, grapefruit syrup, and cream cheese icing into a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Happy eating! 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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 city of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board is making it easier than ever to drive, park, and explore the tastes, sights, and experiences found only in downtown. The city of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board is offering a new program that provides free parking and complimentary valet when visiting participating restaurants in downtown Orlando. Visitors can now enjoy FREE parking at on-street metered and non-metered spaces, via the ParkMobile app, and complimentary valet at participating restaurants, while dining and shopping downtown thanks to the ParkDTO Program Developed as a strategic initiative of the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area Plan, the new initiative started on Monday, May 15, with the aim of offering greater access to downtown for visitors. The new program will give up to 2 hours of FREE parking at any metered and non-metered parking spot in downtown by using the ParkMobile code: ParkDTO. To spread the FREE parking love, you can use the code a maximum of four (4) times per account. Download the ParkMobile app now to be ahead of the parking game. Plus if you are dining downtown you will receive validation for valet at participating downtown restaurants between 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Promotion codes are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any amount owed in excess of the validated time is the responsibility of the person parking. Parking meters are free in downtown Orlando before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, as well as all day Sunday. Park DTO will run until Dec. 31, or whenever funds run out. A list of participating restaurants and a map of the designated area for parking are now available. Downtown Orlando continues to see multiple closures of businesses that have been in the area for years. That includes establishments like Harry Buffalo, Latitudes, Finnhenry’s, Lizzy McCormack’s, Walgreens, Mad Cow Theatre, and Barbarella, which all closed their doors in the past 18 months after multi-year runs in the area. At the same time, over a dozen businesses have celebrated grand openings in downtown Orlando since the beginning of last year, including Proper, Pups Pub, Stemma Craft Coffee, Parlay, Bellhop, Solita, Tacos My Guey, High Tide, High-T, and Fixtion, among others. For a list of the restaurants participating in the parking program, or for more information, visit the Park DTO 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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 journey into your imagination with the new Walt Disney world Passholder Magnet... it's Figment!! After teasing us over the last few days, Walt Disney World have now confirmed that a brand new annual passholder magnet is coming soon and it will feature everyones favorite EPCOT character, Figment! The new Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Magnet will be released as part of the resorts new V.I.PASSHOLDER Days which are coming soon to the resort. The details were revealed in a short video shared on the Disney World Passholders Facebook page, where it was revealed that a new Figment Passholder magnet will be coming soon. 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.

Ariel is going to be part of your world soon at Walt Disney World, as a new live-action meet and greet swims into the resort soon. Just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the live-action version of Ariel will begin character meet and greets atWalt Disney World Resort from May 26, the day that the new live-action movie adaptation of The Little Mermaid is released in theatres. The live-action Ariel meet and greet will open at Walt Disney Presents in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, also for a limited time, a sneak peek and props from the film will be available at the Walt Disney Presents Theater. 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. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. 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.