It's official! The votes are in, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been recognised as one of the top zoo's in North America. In the 2023 USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards, the zoo has secured the honour of being named of the top 10 zoos in the country, placing 6th place in the Best Zoo (2023) category. Plus, in addition the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has secured 4th place in the Best Zoo Exhibit. “We are honored to have been recognized in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and thank our guests, members, employees and residents for their continued support throughout the voting process,” said President and CEO Joe Couceiro. “Tampa Bay is an award winning city in so many areas and we are proud to add another accolade and point of pride to our amazing community.” Sitting on 56 acres, ZooTampa is home to endangered, threatened and vulnerable animal species from such areas as Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. "This is one of the most amazing zoos in America," 10Best expert Nikky J says. "Not only do they have a mission of rescue and rehabilitation, [but] they're [also] always hosting events to bring the community of Tampa together." Examples of that programming include Day of Discovery, a low-sensory morning for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and Speakers of the Wild, a series that features discussion of wildlife and wild places. The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center of ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been helping manatees since it was founded in 1991. It was the first manatee critical care center ever built specifically to care manatees who are injured or ill. Guests can observe the rehabilitation process in the recovery pools of Manatee Mangrove, and the non-profit organization hopes to inspire young people to protect these creatures. 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, don't forget to 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.

One of the best free things you can do in Central Florida at the weekends, is to visit Old Town on Highway 192 in Kissimmee for the famous Saturday Nite Cruise, and for the past 33 years, Old Town in Kissimmee has been hosting the weekly Saturday Nite Classic Car Show and Cruise on Saturday nights, and to mark the occasion, a day-long celebration is happening tomorrow, Saturday March 18, 2023. Visiting the SaturdayNite Cruise is something our family have enjoyed so many time over the years, and its definitely a must do we recommend for visitors. It's a unique event, watching the cars drive down Main street, with the smell of the gasoline, and the roar of engines, it's a unique night out, that's got to be experienced. It’s been 33 years since Old Town invited classic cars to drive down the brick-paved main street and the beginning of a Saturday tradition. Recognized as America’s longest running weekly car show and cruise, Old Town invites car cruisers, enthusiasts, and admirers to come and celebrate tomorrow night. The anniversary show will feature show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. The all-day celebration begins at 11 am. and includes live entertainment, giveaways, and more, until 11 pm. Live Music will feature The Dukes from 1 pm – 5 pm, and Johnny Wild and The Delights from 7 pm – 11 pm. “We are excited to celebrate this year’s 33rd Anniversary Car Show & Cruise and recognize the car owners who have helped keep Old Town’s title of America’s longest running weekly car show,” says Thearon Scurlock, Old Town Vice President and General Manager. “Old Town continues to offer great, free family-friendly events and is perfect for car enthusiasts and admirers of all ages.” The Classic Car Show and Cruise is free for car owners to participate and spectators to enjoy. For more information, check out the Old Town website. 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, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Walt Disney World are expecting a busy April as they have today updated the theme park calendar for the month to show extended hours throughout the resort. Magic Kingdom April 2-29: Park hours extended 9am to 11pm (previously 9am to 10pm) Hollywood Studios April 2-12, 14-15, 17-29: Park hours extended 8:30am to 9:30pm (previously 8:30am to 9pm) April 13, 16: Park hours extended 9am to 9:30pm (previously 9am to 9pm) Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 2-16, 21-23, 28-29: Park hours extended 8am to 8pm (previously 9am to 7pm) April 17-20, 24-27: Park hours extended 8am to 7pm (previously 9am to 7pm) EPCOT As of right now there is no changes to park hours at EPCOT. 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, don't forget to 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.

Due to expected inclement weather this weekend throughout Central Florida, Walt Disney World have delayed the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon water park. Typhoon Lagoon which was scheduled to reopen this Sunday, March 19, has had its operating hours removed from the Walt Disney World website and app. It is now likely that the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon, will be delayed until at least Monday, March 20 or beyond. The forecast for Sunday shows cloudy with a chance for showers, but the main story is the cooler temps, with a high of 63F, and even on Monday the high is only 67F. As of right now, operating hours of 10 am to 5 pm are posted for Monday, March 20, however, with the current forecast showing a high of 67°F, the waterpark may have to delay reopening again. As a reminder, Blizzard Beach will be closed starting March 19 with no reopening date known at this time, possibly leaving Typhoon Lagoon as the only water park open at Walt Disney World throughout Spring and Summer at least. 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, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Walt Disney World has updated the performance schedule for Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios and it's great news for guests this April. Fantasmic! will now be performed twice-nightly throughout April. From April 2 through April 22, Fantasmic! will now have performances at both 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Previously,Fantasmic! was only scheduled to have one performance nightly at 8:30 pm. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

The popular, fast-casual, fresh food chain Kona Poké has announced the official grand opening celebration of its latest location in Melbourne. The latest Kona Poké restaurant will open on Saturday, March 25, 2023 with a ribbon cutting at 11am. The first 150 guests will receive a limited edition print of the wall mural signed by local artist Christopher Maslow, who will also be signing the wall mural at 3pm. DJ DVCATI will play on the patio from 11am-4pm, and Kona Poké Melbourne will offer free Dole Soft Serve throughout the day (or until sold out). Melbourne is the first Kona Poké restaurant in Brevard County, to add to Kona Poké Central Florida locations in Sanford and Apopka and Kona Poké Express in Melbourne Beach. “We're excited to finally open Melbourne, the first Kona Poké in Brevard County,” says Co-Founder Ernie Falco III. “As a Brevard county resident myself, my team and I couldn't be happier to bring our love of fresh, healthy, quick-serve food options to the local community. We look forward to everyone joining the celebration all day and experiencing the incredibly delicious, unmatched fresh island bowl offerings we’re known for.” Guests of Kona Poké Melbourne will enjoy Kona Poké’s healthy and delicious menu of Hawaiian-style poké bowls with fresh sushi-grade fish, chicken, shrimp or tofo, topped with their house sauces and over 40 fresh ingredients to choose from, including vegan and gluten-free options. They can choose from a variety of Signature Poké Bowls, like classics Kona Fire and Tidal Wave, or new menu items like the Volcano Shrimp Bowl, Honey Sriracha Chicken Bowl, Smoked Wahoo Fish Dip and Poké Bites (Kona's versions of sushi), plus Build Your Own Bowls, soup, salads and Dole Soft Serve, which they’ll savor inside Kona’s contemporary restaurant vibe with subtle elements of poké’s Hawaiian heritage. Kona Poké Melbourne will also offer third-party delivery starting next month on Uber Eats, and pick-up orders can be placed at www.konapoke.com. Kona Poké Melbourne is a partnership of Kona Poké Founders Matthew Ting and Ernie Falco III and Operating Partner Tyler Pracon. Enjoy Kona Poké Melbourne at 1675 W. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32904 (Across from Melbourne Square Mall). Hours of operation at the new restaurant will be 11 am - 9 pm daily. 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, don't forget to 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.

Disney Vacation Club has announced an exclusive member voyage aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World this August. Here is the details for the DVC Voyage: Save 30% on a special Disney Vacation Club Member voyage from August 19 to 21, 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort! Board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser, where your onboard cabin or suite offers an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with your fellow Members (and an eclectic collection of Characters), sit down to galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together. As a bonus, when the launch pod returns to the terminal at the end of the voyage, you’ll receive special parting gifts to forever remember your time in a galaxy far, far away. It’s an out-of-this-world adventure fueled by Membership magic. Get ready to feel at home in hyperspace! To register: Select “Reserve Your Spot”. Be sure to have your Member number ready. You will enter a virtual waiting room, which secures your place in line. Do not refresh the page. When it’s your turn, you’ll be sent to the registration form to reserve your spot on the Member Voyage! Registration begins March 21, 2023. Important Details: Members must be eligible for Membership Extras to take advantage of this special offer. Maximum of 3 cabins per Membership. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Member Voyage can be booked using Points or cash. Not transferable or redeemable for cash and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change. Reservation is subject to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser terms and conditions—which can be found on the booking confirmation email received after booking—and the Disney Vacation Club cancellation policy. There is no $95 transaction fee required for this Disney Collection reservation. You will receive a call requesting payment within 72 hours of completing your booking. If payment is not received within 72 hours following this call, Disney Vacation Club reserves the right to cancel the reservation. Cancellation valid up to 30 days prior to travel. 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, don't forget to 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.

AAA is reminding drivers not to drive home impaired on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, and once again the AAA is is providing tow services for free throughout the weekend to help keep the roads free of impaired drivers. AAA will take the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius if the driver believes he or she is too impaired to drive. The service is available now to 6 am Sunday, March 19. The AAA Tow to Go program – for members and non-members is as a last defence to keep impaired drivers off the road during the holidays. The service will be in place to help drivers who may have had too much to drink and don’t have a ride home. The AAA stresses that it should only be used as a last resort, with the service only available to one person and their vehicle. AAA said it would dispatch a tow truck to those who call Tow To Go and take the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. According to AAA, Tow to Go aims to remove impaired drivers from roads and get people home safely on nights when impaired driving may be more likely. AAA has offered Tow to Go during major holidays for 25 years. During that time, they removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. The number to call is (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. Important Tow To Go Guidelines Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating. The Tow to Go program operates here in Orlando and throughout Florida, and in addition offers service in Georgia (excluding Savannah), Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Denver, Colorado, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fort Wayne/South Bend, Indiana. 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, don't forget to 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.

NBA legend Shaq O'Neal revealed last year that he is opening one of his hugely popular Big Chicken restaurants in Orlando, and now we know the when and the where! While a specific date for the opening has not been announced yet, we do know that the restaurant will open in Fall 2023. The new Orlando restaurant will be located at the Market at Southside at 250 E. Michigan Street. It's great news that Shaq is opening his first Floirda outpost of Big Chicken here in Orlando, especially as he's a former resident of Orlando played for the Magic for many years! The Orlando restaurant will not be alone, as Big Chicken have signed a 45-unit franchising deal with Florida's DMD Ventures which will bring Big Chicken to several locations across the state including Tampa, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 2018 with the opening of a restaurant in California, Big Chicken fuses Shaquille O’Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors. From crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders to Cheez-It crusted mac n’ cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes, each menu item tells a story all while offering guests an inside look into the life and personality of Shaquille O’Neal. Big Chicken offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, sliders, and tenders. The big and sloppy consists of a fried chicken slab, mac and cheese, crispy fried onions, and roasted garlic bbq aioli, while Shaq’s signature Sammy, the Shaq attack, features fried chicken with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, and spicy chipotle bbq sauce. A popular choice is the Nashville hot chicken sandwich called the Uncle Jerome, named for O’Neal’s bodyguard, or you can try the Charles Barkley, a fried chicken sandwich loaded with mac and cheese, crispy fried onions, and roasted garlic barbecue aioli. Customers can also order crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, along with Cheez-It crusted mac n’ cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes. Sides include French fries, sweet potato fries, and mac and cheese modeled after the side made by Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mom. 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, don't forget to 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.

Tonight, Friday, March 17, enjoy a Free Movie In The Park at Lake Eola Park. One of the best free things you will enjoy here in Orlando is snuggling up in a blanket with your loved ones, and watching a movie under the stars. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for the free, family-fun screening of Turning Red! Come down to the East Lawn at Lake Eola Park and enjoy the popular kids film Turning Red. Tonight's movie will take place from 8 pm to 10 pm. at Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington Street in downtown Orlando. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and snacks to the East Lawn of the park for the screening, which is free and open to the public. Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! For more information visit the Downtown Orlando events page. 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, don't forget to 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

Gideon's are treating everyone to a pretty big slice of St. Patrick's Day goodness with extra special offerings this weekend only! First up is the delicious Mega Mint St. Patrick's Day Cake! Three Layers of soft, delicate vanilla cake perfectly pairs with a Super Mint Green Buttercream! This cake tastes like a perfect Mint Ice Cream! By the slice only. ⁣⁣ Next up is Gideon's delicious Mint Cookies & Cream Cookie! Infused with mint and topped with some Andes Mint pieces, this Gideon's staple gets an extra blast of flavor! No, it's not green because Gideon's don't use food coloring, but you can close your eyes and pretend!! ⁣ Next up is an extra special treat for St. Patrick's Day, a Mint Chocolate Bite Bag! This is a delicious six-pack of Triple Chocolate Salted Andes Mint Bites with a sprinkling of green sugar crystals! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ All these items will be available today, Saturday, and Sunday only. Limited 2 Per Person! While Supplies Last!⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ You can visit Gideon's in Disney Springs, Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11:30 pm. Or you can visit Gideon's at their original location at the East End Market, which is located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, the store here is open seven days per week, 10am to 7pm. Gideon's Bakehouse began in a home kitchen with one goal: to create an extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie. Fifteen years and thousands of tests later, the work was complete, Staying true to the original process, cutting no corners, putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake, Gideon's invite people from around the world to share in the sweet and the salty goodness that is hand baked into every Cookie or Cake. Gideon’s Bakehouse has two locations, the original bakery at East End Market, 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, and the bakeries newest location at Disney Springs. Things To know Before Visiting Gideon’s At Disney Springs! Gideon’s Bakehouse is a popular single-owner small business based in Orlando that has gained international attention when it opened it's location at Disney Springs. It can get pretty crazy at the Disney Springs store with people waiting for hours to get their hands on a prized Gideon's near half pound cookie! To help you get enjoy lots of yummy Gideon's goodness, the bakery have shared some helpful information based on an average day to set an expectation and help you plan. • The bakery opens at 10 am, but the line typically begins to form at 9 am, when the parking garage opens. • Once the bakery opens, when the line gets too long, they switch to a Virtual Queue. This allows you to go anywhere while waiting for a return text. On weekdays the Virtual Queue can start anytime from open to evening or not at all, depending on crowds. On weekends and holidays it can happen right at 10am. After receiving your text, you will check in at the end of the return line. It looks scary but is typically no more than a 15-minute wait. For international guests, we will give you a return time if you can’t receive texts. • Sign up for the queue must be done in person. When active, you will find Gideon's staff to the right of the front door under the protection of Gideon's Gargoyle. • Plan for wait times of around two hours. For busy days (Friday through Sunday, holidays, holiday seasons), the virtual queue averages five hours. The earlier you arrive, the shorter the wait and the better the selection since limited edition items will sell out. A general rule, if you know the parks are slammed, we’re slammed. • On average, between 6 pm and 8 pm every day the virtual queue is active, and the waiting list will hit capacity. When this happens the bakery closes the queue to handle everyone on the list and to ensure the bakery closes on time. 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, don't forget to 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.

Its time to enter the grid! As we predicted earlier this week, Walt Disney are to begin soft opening TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom in advance of the attractions grand opening on April 4. Walt Disney World has today announced that TRON Lightcycle / Run will begin soft openings next week. Between March 20 and April 2, guests may have the opportunity to ride the latest attraction at Magic Kingdom. It is not know what days, or times the ride will operate during a soft opening, and guests should expect th the attraction to operate at irregular intervals. During the soft opening a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass or Individual Lightning Lane Acess will be required. 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, don't forget to 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.