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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has celebrates the reimaging of Downtown with annual State of Downtown Address. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has delivered his annual State of Downtown address to hundreds of downtown residents, business owners, professionals, and community members, together with the Downtown Orlando Partnership. During his speech inside Steimetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Mayor Dyer highlighted the work of “Project DTO” and its transformational impact on Downtown Orlando over the last ten years. He noted that because of the foundation and investments that were made through that strategic vision process, even in this post-pandemic environment, Downtown Orlando is in a strong position, but there is still much work to do and meaningful challenges to overcome. “COVID altered the landscape for every major downtown on earth, so, as we examine the state of Downtown Orlando, we’re at an inflection point,” said Mayor Dyer. “We find ourselves with both the opportunity and the imperative to be a city that leads.” Dyer highlighted the city’s efforts to lead this charge and take advantage of this opportunity with DTO 2.0, Orlando’s new playbook to further reimagine downtown, together with the community. The initiative puts Downtown’s evolution into a true neighborhood as the key focus. “It’s about doing more and being more,” said Mayor Dyer. “It’s about building a downtown that appeals directly to the workers themselves. [We’ll do that] by reimagining Downtown Orlando, not as a singular employment destination, but as an authentic neighborhood, a neighborhood that belongs to everyone in Central Florida.” Mayor Dyer went on to showcase key areas of the plan that focus on enhancing quality of life, growing amenities, furthering safety and opportunity and addressing community challenges. He noted this would take continued commitment, partnership and being bold and brave to approach what’s next for Downtown. “The rise of our downtown as a true neighborhood for everyone is here,” said Mayor Dyer. “If we work together, we know that Downtown Orlando is ready to be that neighborhood.” To help illustrate the speech, as part of the event, Mayor Dyer also showcased the stories of Orlando businesses, residents and city employees who are helping reimagine the future of downtown and transforming it into that “neighborhood for everyone.” Additional highlights from the speech included: A DIVERSE & THRIVING ECONOMY Reimaging the Bob Carr Theater into an iconic physical town square for Orlando’s digital economy and to foster in-person creativity. Working with one of Central Florida’s largest publicly-traded companies, Travel & Leisure, to explore bringing its 900-person headquarters to Downtown. Growing the innovation economy at Creative Village with new partnerships like the self-driving SWAN Shuttle in partnership with LYNX and BEEP. ONLY-IN-DTO EXPERIENCES AND DESTINATIONS Bringing Fringe back to downtown, which will soon be joined by SAK Comedy Lab on Church Street. Opening two new downtown parks in the last two years including Luminary Green Park and Lake Lorna Doone Park; expanding and modernizing the iconic, signature park at Lake Eola and soon opening Art-squared, which will feature a café and the works of local artists, full performance stage, covered seating and rotating food trucks. Working with the Downtown Arts District to transform nine crosswalks into public art and add four more murals from local artists. Transforming five more Downtown traffic boxes into pieces of public art. Activating alleyways on Church Street and Magnolia Avenue and transforming them into unique gathering spaces. Expanding “Downtown for the Holidays” programming and features with new decorative light displays, a larger holiday market and the addition of a Shop & Stroll from Lake Eola to City Hall. And, upgrading Amway Center and Camping World Stadium to continue to host and attract more major events that bring major community impact. A HOME FOR EVERYONE More than 20,000 people call Downtown home, with more choosing Orlando’s urban environment every day. Today, more than 1,300 new residential units are currently in development throughout Downtown, including - Society Orlando is set to open this January with 462 new apartments, including studios and lower cost options. The Commons will add 400 more apartments at the corner of Rosalind Avenue and Pine Street with retail and office space. And, the Edge will usher in a new SunRail station at Church Street along with 234 multifamily units. The city continues to remain committed to creating and preserving housing units for all income levels in Downtown, including – More than 350 units of affordable housing in Creative Village. More than 200 units of affordable housing at Parramore Oaks. The preservation of nearly 200 affordable housing units for seniors at the Roberts in the South Eola district. The construction of 16 new single-family homes for working families. And, the creation of the Parramore Asset Stabilization Fund, a partnership with the Central Florida Foundation, to purchase and renovate more than 80 rental unitsthroughout Parramore. For those who were not able to attend Mayor Dyer’s State of Downtown Address, encore presentations are available at orlando.gov/stateofdowntown. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Sloth Days is back and better than ever! Enjoy fun activities and celebrate some of the sleepiest residents at Wild Florida. Release your inner sloth at Wild Florida! From Friday, October 20 to Saturday, October 21, Wild Florida is once again hosting Sloth Days, packed with fun for you and your family. Sloths are easily recognized for being the slowest (and cutest) species in the animal kingdom. And, there are a ton of other interesting facts about sloths that might make you fall more in love. Because of the love people have for sloths and Wild Florida's mission to build a connection between people and their environment, they are dedicating Sloth Days to celebrating sloths through live demonstrations, interactive experiences and other sloth-related activites. SLOTH DAYS ACTIVITIES: $10 off Sloth Encounter Ever want to be up close and personal with Wild Florida's sleepy pals? Well… here’s your chance! While booking in-person, over the phone, or online, just mention or use the code SLOTHDAYS to receive $10 off regular sloth encounter, only available during Sloth Days. During your sloth encounter, you can interact with sloths in their environment, where you can snag a quick slothie to share all the fun you’re having with your friends. As a bonus, you will even get free admission to Wild Florida's Gator Park. Proceeds donated to APPC Panama The Panamerican Conservation Association is Panama’s leader in Sloth rescues. They care for sick, injured and orphaned animals. Wild Florida loves to support causes that provide to our wildlife which is why a percentage of the proceeds will go to APPC Panama and their continued efforts. Free corn on the cob at Chomp House Grill If you really want to feel like a sloth, visit the Chomp House Grill for free corn on the cob. Fun fact, this is our two-toed friends’ favorite treat! Surprise sloth pop-ups Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sights of our furry friends. They will make special appearances around our Gator Park to celebrate their special day. October 20 – Happy Sloth Day! Hang out with Wild Florida on the official Sloth Day! Take some awesome slothies during a sloth encounter, then grab a bite to eat at the Chomp House Grill, and pick up your free corn on the cob! You and your family can even hang out at the Recreation Area in the Gator Park to test your own sloth skills. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

A mesmerizing ALL-NEW island-themed holiday light spectacle, HOLIDAY NIGHTS will bring dazzling lights, immersive family experiences, unique entertainment, and more to Island H2O this holiday season. Tickets are now on sale for Island H20 Water Park's Holiday Nights, an exciting new island-themed holiday light spectacular will take place select nights at the Kissimmee water park from November 8 to December 31. For 44 nights, this sparkling new event will feature countless twinkling lights, enchanting displays, live entertainment, and delightful treats, all while supporting a charitable cause. Visitors can look forward to hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, themed displays, unique photo spots, live entertainment, and tantalizingly themed treats and gifts, all which will transform Island H2O Water Park into an extravaganza for the whole family. Holiday Nights will light up every Wednesday through Sunday from Nov. 8 – Dec. 10 and everyday Dec. 13 – 31. Tickets are available for purchase at Islando H2O Water Park from $29.99 per adult / $24.99 per child with a portion of proceeds supporting Kissimmee's Give Kids The World Village. “Islad H2O Water Park brings families together while making a splash during Florida’s hot weather and we are excited to offer a tropical island-vibe during our “Holiday Nights” event,” said Ron Sutula, general manager of Island H2O Water Park. “We’re proud to embrace this season of giving by supporting the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village with a portion of the proceeds from “Holiday Nights.” As the sun sets, Island H2O Water Park will transform into a holiday wonderland, adorned with twinkling island-themed lights that'll rival the brightest North Star. Check out island-festive immersive light displays and snap some holiday-card worthy photos with friends and family. This is the ideal place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and reconnect with friends and family “island style.” Guests can indulge in holiday shopping as they surf through the holiday market featuring local vendors with a showcase of unique gifts and handcrafted ornaments. Sip steaming mugs of cider and hot cocoa, enjoy holiday themed bites, and toast s’mores big enough to share all while enjoying unique live entertainment each night. “Holiday Nights” will also offer the perfect venue for holiday parties and gatherings at a great value, allowing you to celebrate the season with your colleagues, friends, or family in a festive environment. For more information on group rates and reservations, contact Sales@IslandH2OLive.com. About Island H2O Water Park: Island H2O Water Park is Central Florida's newest water park, offering over 20 rides, slides and other splashing attractions. The park is themed around social media offering an immersive and interactive experience for all ages. Island H2O Water Park, ranked among the Best Outdoor Water Parks by USA TODAY for four consecutive years, is also a proud recipient of the 2019 World Waterpark Association’s Leading-Edge Award. This award recognizes its creative perfection of themes, facilities, programs, services and operational concepts in the water attractions industry. For more information on hours, birthday parties, groups, purchasing tickets, and season pass information, please visit www.IslandH2OWaterPark.com. Island H2O Water Park is located at 3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL, 34747. About Give Kids The World Village: Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families from around the world with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost. From life’s simple pleasures to the stuff that dreams are made of, every family is treated to an all-inclusive, customized dream vacation including transportation, accommodations, donated theme park tickets, nightly entertainment, daily gifts, and unique experiences at the Village, a storybook destination of its own – featuring an array of accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 178,000 wish families from all 50 states and 76 countries. For more information, visit www.gktw.org. 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.

Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World have been out on the road on a lengthy 29-city North American co-headlining tour throughout the summer, and Manchester Orchestra ain't finished just yet... Atlanta band Manchester Orchestra have announced a run of shows here in Florida, Alabama and Georgia, including a date at House Of Blues Orlando on November 26 with The Get Up Kids. Andy and MO revealed the news on the bands socials, "it’s just about that time for the old MO boys to disappear for a while, get back in the trenches for 10-15 years, see our families, and try to make the next great American masterpiece. before then, we are absolutely delighted to end the year with a run of shows with one of our favorite bands of all time “the get up kids”. Tickets are on sale now for the Orlando show. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Disney Concerts has announced that Disney Princess – The Concert, a celebration of the music of Disney’s iconic princesses performed by Broadway stars, will return to the US for a 39-city run in the new year, including a stop in Orlando. Disney Concerts announced Tuesday that Disney Princess – The Concert, a celebration of the music of Disney's iconic princesses performed by Broadway stars, is coming back in 2024. Since its debut in Saudi Arabia and its inaugural US tour throughout the 2021-2022 season, Disney Princess – The Concert will have visited 18 countries on 5 continents prior to the new US 2024 leg, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Brazil, Poland, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, China and Thailand. The show returns to the U.S. for a 39-city run, kicking off March 5 in Memphis, Tennessee, and wrapping up on April 20 in Buffalo, New York. An Orlando show will take place on April 8 at Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The 2024 cast will feature Lissa de Guzman, who appeared in Broadway’s Aladdin and Wicked, along with Syndee Winters, who played Nala in Broadway's The Lion King. Also taking the stage will be Moulin Rouge and Waitress' Adam J. Levy, as well as That’s So Raven and Raven’s Home co-star Anneliese van der Pol, who was Broadway's final Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Fiddler on the Roof and The Secret Life of Bees' Benjamin Rauhala will serve as musical director. As always, fans attending are encouraged to dress up in their best royal attire for an unforgettable evening, as these Broadway stars perform 30 iconic Disney songs, including favorites like “Part of Your World,” “Let It Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Just Around the Riverbend,” and “How Far I’ll Go.” The 2024 tour includes new arrangements and song additions, adding the music of some of Disney’s greatest heroes and villains. Larger than life animation and theatrical effects accompanying the music will immerse the audience in pure Disney magic. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. local time at disneyprincessconcert.com. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

How much fun can you have in an hour... At Fun Spot America you can find out, as the popular Central Florida attractions launch new week-day special. Looking for some weekday fun? Look no further and get ready to take advantage of Fun Spot America's HUGE Halloween Weekday Special! For just $15 an hour for our first 3 hours of operation, you can ride unlimited roller coasters and go-karts! This offer is available until October 31, 2023 at ether of Fun Spot America's park in Orlando or Kissimmee. To take advantage of this offer you must arrive within 3 hours of park opening, with the offer valid Monday through Fridays only. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Mark your calendar for a night of flavor, fun and culture at Museum of Illusions Orlando. Noche de Sabor is back at Museum of Illusions this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 30, Museum of Illusions at ICON Park invites guests to experience Noche de Sabor, or “Night of Flavors,” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. From 6 to 9 p.m., the interactive attraction will throw an exclusive fiesta featuring a live DJ, dancing and more. The Wheel at ICON Park will also take part in the celebration. During the event, party guests can take a complimentary trip on The Wheel, which will be lit up in Museum of Illusions’ signature orange to add to the fiesta. The party continues and the cerveza is flowing at the cash bar. Admission to the party is $35 per ticket and guests must be 21+ to attend. “Central Florida has such a diverse culture, and Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time for Museum of Illusions Orlando to celebrate that,” said Stephanie Berrios, sales and marketing director. “Guests can learn about our illusions and Hispanic culture at the same time as they party the night away!” To learn more about Museum of Illusions Orlando or to book tickets, visit https://moiorlando.com/. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s love letter to Mexican surrealist artist Frida Kahlo will be performed by Opera Orlando this January. Opera Orlando will present Frida, a beautiful, yet unflinching musical portrait of the life of one of the world's most iconic artists. as part of its 2023-24 All for Art season On the MainStage this January. Join Opera Orlando in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as they present Frida, an operatic celebration featuring fierce characters, life-altering tragedy, and passionate love, set to an alluring and vibrant score, played masterfully by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances will take place on Friday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 29, 2023. No one was more “All for Art” than the incredible Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, and her life story takes Steinmetz Hall by storm this January as Opera Orlando presents Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s operatic celebration of the artist in Frida. This poetic and beautiful retelling of Frida’s life reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality, an artist whose sensual vibrancy came straight from her experiences: her childhood during the Mexican Revolution; a devastating accident at age eighteen that left her crippled and unable to bear children; her tempestuous marriage to muralist Diego Rivera and intermittent love affairs; her association with the Communist Party; her absorption in Mexican folklore and culture; and her dramatic love of spectacle. Robert Xavier Rodríguez’s score, written for chamber orchestra, mixes mariachi-style orchestrations, classical opera, and hints of Mexican folk songs for an authentic, alluring musical reflection of Frida all played masterfully from the pit by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Argentinian maestro Jorge Parodi, who makes a return to the Company. Collaborating with maestro Parodi in developing this all-new production will be stage director John de los Santos making his Company debut. Opera Orlando welcomes back Mexican-American soprano Cecilia Violetta López to sing the iconic title role, and Venezuelan baritone Bernardo Bermudez makes his Company debut as Frida’s formidable husband Diego Rivera. Full of life, full of death, full of wonder, full of pain: Frida is an operatic ride of the most satisfying sort—a sweeping tale of a woman who fulfills her most passionate desire and remains true to herself. Hardly any woman of the 20th century is as unique as Frida Kahlo, and hardly any work captures Frida’s spirit as completely as this opera’s intricate and proud portrait of the iconic Mexican artist’s life. The cast also includes 2023-24 studio artists, members of the Opera Orlando chorus, and members of the Opera Orlando Youth Company. Frida will be sung in Spanish and English with Spanish and English supertitles and have a run time of approximately two hours and twenty minutes with one intermission. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music! as Dr. Phillips Center presents Andrea Bocelli Live In Concert for Valentine's at Amway Center. Celebrate a Valentines to remember as the most successful classical artist of all time, Andrea Bocelli returns to Orlando for a very special Valentine's Concert at Amway Center on February 18, 2024. Andrea Bocelli is an internationally renowned Italian tenor, singer, and songwriter. Bocelli's breakthrough came in 1994 when he sang "Miserere" with Luciano Pavarotti. His 1995 album "Bocelli" marked his international debut and launched him into global stardom. He is celebrated for his powerful and emotive voice, which effortlessly spans various musical genres, including opera, classical, pop, and crossover. Bocelli is well-acquainted with Central Florida, having graced the stage in 2018 to a packed Amway Center. Throughout his illustrious career, Andrea Bocelli has released numerous albums, achieving critical acclaim and commercial success. His iconic recordings include classics like "Con te partirò" ("Time to Say Goodbye") and collaborations with artists from across the music spectrum. Sign up for Orlando venue announcements to get your presale code the night before the presale! For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

This all-day festival includes a FREE sidewalk chalk competition, various food trucks, an entire day of entertainment, and more. Walk of Arts is an all-inclusive art & music festival will take place this year on November 4, 2023. in Floral Park in Floral City, Inverness, a 1.5 hour drive from Orlando. The inaugural Walk of Arts Festival of 2022 drew in a crowd of over 1,800 people, featured 159 competing junior artists, showcased over 30 food and retail vendors, spotlighted 7 different bands, and gave away $4,200 in prizes. And that was just the first year! This year the event is even bigger! With the event including a sidewalk chalk competition for children aged 5-18 with celebrity & local artist judges, a various selection of food trucks, a span of entertainment including local, regional, and national acts, and approximately $4,200 in total prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each age category. The biggest news is that the POP2000 Tour is headed to the Walk of Arts 2023! Featuring O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO, The Pop 2000 Tour delivers the TRL moments that will bring you right back to the early 2000s. Grab your nostalgia and enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun that will get all ages up and dancing! Event/Concert admission is FREE – however, VIP options are available for purchase. Surrounding the event space will be a variety of food trucks, various art-based vendors, performance artists, and cosplayers. In addition, a children's corner providing kids' activities and games will be available for those not participating in the sidewalk chalk competition. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

In partnership with DHL, Dezerland will host a FREE meet and greet with 2018 NHRA Funny Car World Champion J.R. Todd and 2013 NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Shawn Langdon. Today, Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm, thanks to Team Kalitta Motorsports, DHL and Dezerland Action Park, you can meet 2018 NHRA Funny Car World Champion J.R. Todd and 2013 NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Shawn Langdon at a FREE event at Dezerland Action Park at 5250 International Drive Orlando. Shawn and J.R. will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos, plus you can enter to win exclusive DHL replicas of J.R. Todd's Funny Car and Shawn Langdon's Top Fuel Dragster! After the event, put your driving skills to the test on Florida's longest indoor go-kart track, and be sure to visit the Orlando Auto Museum inside Dezerland Action Park, the country’s largest auto museum which is home to more than 2,000 vehicles worth over $200 million. Guests can also enjoy a meal from a variety of cuisines in Dezerland Action Park’s food hall and explore the fun attractions inside including Jump Start trampoline park, boutique bowling and karting. For more information about Dezerland Action Park and the Orlando Auto Museum, visit dezerlandparkorlando.com. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Walt Disney World Resort has launched a new Water Park seasonal pass, exclusively for use at the Walt Disney World water parks. Walt Disney World have launched a brand new seasonal pass just for its water parks. The Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass is valid for use through May 24, 2024, with no blockout dates. The Disney Water Park Seasonal Pass is $79 for adults and $73 for children ages 3-9. This seasonal pass is valid for admission to either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park (whichever is open). This is a great deal, especially as a day tickets for the water parks is $69 for adults and $63 for children ages 3-9, so for only $10 more you can have unlimited water park access through until May, 2024! For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.