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Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, today announces its final Travelers' Choice Award for 2023: Best of the Best Restaurants and a theme park favorite makes the list! Tripadvisor's 2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards has revealed travelers' top-rated eateries, and in a new category for 2023, the best Family–Friendly Restaurants, an Orlando theme park favorite has made the top 10 list. Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom is in the top 10, named as a Tripadvisor Best Of The Best Restaurant 2023 Discover exciting pan-Asian cuisine at this fan-favourite restaurant which Disney have styled as a quaint village home that’s been transformed into a restaurant. Yak & Yeti is a table-service eatery serving delicious dishes from various regions across Asia. Decorated with a collection of Southeast Asian artifacts, this eclectic eatery offers a menu of sweet-and-sour chicken, ahi tuna nachos, pork pot stickers and Kobe beef burgers. Vegetarian options abound, as do kid-friendly choices like cheeseburgers and mac and cheese. Unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages include cocktails, chilled sake, Asian beers, wine and an assortment of hot teas. Those with a penchant for exotic tastes might try a specialty drink from our full-service bar. Be sure to save room for one of the sumptuous desserts—chocolate pudding cake, mango pie or fried wontons served with fresh pineapple and ice cream. As Tripadvisor's latest seasonal travel data indicates, food is the most exciting factor of upcoming trips – over two-thirds of travelers will prioritize food (67%) during their fall travels Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor commented, "Restaurants provide a great way for travelers to get immersed in a destination's history and culture. This year's Travelers' Choice Restaurant winners—whose diversity and geographic reach reflect the fact that the last remaining pandemic-era travel restrictions have lifted—are especially exciting. We know Tripadvisor travelers seek out first-hand intel and guidance, and that's exactly the spirit of these lists: All of our winners were selected not by professional food critics or editors, but by real diners who have left their feedback on Tripadvisor within the past year." 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.

Spooky season is upon us and Museum of Illusions Orlando is celebrating with a Spooky Spectacular!! During the month of October there willl be trick-or-treat weekends, costume contests and more! With over 50 mind-bending exhibits, Museum of Illusions at ICON Park invites guests to trick their senses and treat themselves to a day of fun with their “Spooky Spectacle: Halloween at the Museum of Illusions Orlando” specials and events. Halloween-themed Illusion Installations All month long, Museum of Illusions is transforming its most popular exhibits to truly immerse guests in the spooky spectacle. There will be specially curated illusion rooms inspired by classic horror stories and Halloween motifs. Guests can get lost in a haunted mansion, encounter supernatural creatures and experience optical trickery that defies the laws of physics. Trick-or-Treat Illusion Hunt As the museum’s exhibits play tricks on guests’ eyes, they can discover treats around every corner as they embark on a unique trick-or-treat adventure throughout the museum's corridors. On weekends this October guests can solve riddles, decode illusions and unlock hidden doors to discover hidden candy treasures. Bark-O-Ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty — Friday, October 13 One of Museum of Illusions’ most popular events is back! And keeping with the season, this time it has a spooky twist. That’s right — even your dogs can get in on the Halloween fun with “Bark-O-Ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty.” On Friday, October 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., the museum will be hosting a puppy party with dog-friendly treats, tons of adorable photo ops and a costume contest with a prize of $150 for the winning pup and their owner. Tickets will be $29.99 and include admission for the owner and their pet. Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree — Saturday, October 28 If you’re looking for a unique Halloweekend celebration in Orlando, you won’t want to miss Museum of Illusions’ “Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree” on October 28. The exclusive event will feature a cash bar, photo ops with the Halloween-themed illusions and more spooky surprises. No Halloween party is complete without a costume contest. Dress up in your spookiest, most mind-bending costume and compete in the illusion-themed costume contest. Prizes await the most creative and mesmerizing disguises. Admission to the party is included with regular admission. Spooky Social Media Challenges For those who celebrate Halloween all month long, Museum of Illusions will host spine-tingling challenges on social media. Share your own illusion-inspired tricks, create eerie illusions using everyday objects and tag @museumofillusions.orlando for a chance to win exclusive museum passes. 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.

Do not miss the opportunity to catch pop star Kim Petras performing live this weekend in Orlando. As GRAMMY-winning, international pop sensation Kim Petras continues her milestone year, she will bring her larger-than-life live show to Orlando at Addition Financial Arena on October 1 as part of her Feed The Beast World Tour in support of her debut album Feed The Beast which made a huge splash upon release. This past Month (9/18), Kim unexpectedly released her long-awaited album Problematique! Shimmering with magnetic, laissez-faire confidence and giving Kim even more new music to perform, Problematique is euphoric escapist pop inspired by French house music and Parisian soundscapes. 2023 is the year of Kim Petras. This summer alone, she performed at a huge radio show alongside Jonas Brothersand performed at festivals around the world like Osheaga Festival in Montreal, Corona Capital in Mexico City, and theupcoming Life is Beautiful in Las Vegas. Kim’s monumental year began with her history-making GRAMMY win (for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance with Sam Smith for “Unholy”) and her debut on the stages of the GRAMMY Awards (introduced by Madonna), Saturday Night Live, and BRIT Awards. Kim also attended the Met Gala as a guest of Marc Jacobs and graced many covers including the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Kim Petras has been on an incredible trajectory, becoming a pop star all on her own terms. The culmination of years of steadily releasing acclaimed singles and projects, Feed The Beast and the announcement of her world tour saw Kim deliver an epic live concert on the TODAY Plaza as part of the Citi Concert Series that included her standout new track “King of Hearts.” Drawing major praise for everything from her prolific songwriting and vision for pop music to her fashion, Kim is also an LGBTQ icon and inspiration to many - not only for her immense musical talent but for her authenticity. As she has taken the music world by storm, she has remained steadfastly committed to advocating for equality by showing that its one’s talent, work ethic, and character that really matter, not gender or any other label, and her groundbreaking impact on pop music and our culture at large is undeniable. Kim will take to the stage this Sunday, October 1 at Addition Financial Arena, Orlando. Head on over to the Addition Financial Arena website and get your tickets now to this must see concert! 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.

Pop star Kim Petras embarks on a huge world tour in support of her latest album, Feed The Beast in a matter of days, with the Feed The Beast World Tour arriving in Orlando this October. GRAMMY-winning, German pop sensation Kim Petras is hitting the road with the Feed The Beast World Tour, including a stop in Orlando on Sunday, October 1 with Petras taking to the stage at Addition Financial Arena. Right now, Addition Financial Arena is offering limited time 4-pack tickets, bwher you buy three and get one free! Head on over to Addition Financial Arena, and offer the code QUEEN from now until Monday 9/25 for the limited 4 packs. And head to @additionfiarena on Instagram for a chance to win a Feed The Beast Vinyl AND two tickets to the show!! The massive 34 date tour will kick off on September 27 in Austin, Texas, criss crossing the country with dates in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and more. Then, Petras will cross the pond for a set of European dates starting in February 2024 in Birmingham, U.K., before closing out in Milan on March 5. 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.

The 2023 Ultimate Car Show & Festival is returning to Longwood for a second year, promoting Seminole County nonprofit Meals on Wheels, Etc. Meals on Wheels, Etc. will be rolling into Longwood on Saturday, Sept. 30 alongside classic cars, sports cars and more for the 2023 Ultimate Car Show & Festival. Proceeds from the Ultimate Car Show & Festival will go toward Meals on Wheels, Etc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing nutritious meals and support services to Seminole County seniors. The event, presented by LiquidTech Chemicals Corporation and the City of Longwood, is free to attend and will take place Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reiter Park in Longwood. “It makes perfect sense for Meals on Wheels to be involved with a car show. Just look at our name,” said Michael McKee, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels, Etc. “Our phones are ringing off the hook with elderly clients needing services. Inflation has taken a tremendous toll on many seniors’ ability to stay afloat financially. The Ultimate Car Show and Festival is a great opportunity for the Central Florida community to come out and have a great time while supporting a wonderful cause.” Attendees can enjoy a car show with five categories of cars, including sport, muscle and exotic cars; classic cars; SUVs and trucks; new cars; and electric vehicle. In addition to the Car Show, attendees will enjoy: A farmer’s market Gourmet food trucks A beer garden A DJ and music Games for children 50/50 Raffle and more For Car Show participants, there will be cash prizes of $150, $75 and $25 for each car category, plus Best of Show awards. For more information on the Ultimate Car Show & Festival, including sponsorships and car registration, visit www.theultimatecarshow.org. For more information about Meals on Wheels, Etc., visit https://www.mealsetc.org/. 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.

The Orlando Home & Garden Show returns to the Orange County Convention Center, West Concourse this month. The popular twice-yearly consumer show, The Orlando Home & Garden Show takes place on Friday October 6 - Sunday, October 8, 2023. The fall edition of the show has everything you need to turn your home improvement and outdoor projects from fantasy to reality! Enjoy strolling through thousands of square feet of exhibits featuring the latest in products and services for everything from builders, contractors, materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage, plants, landscape displays, kitchenware, and more! Bets of all their is need to buy a ticket as admission to the show is FREE all weekend long courtesy of Spa Manufacturers. For this one weekend, the Orange County Convention Center will offer wall-to-wall displays and exhibits filled with ideas and products to spark your imagination, and transform your home. The Orlando Home & Garden Show features local, regional and national exhibitors with fabulous ideas for consumers, at the show you’ll find the latest in products and services for home improvements, this is your opportunity to meet the experts who will make your next remodeling, renovation, landscaping, patio or decorating project a big success. Obviously living in Central Florida we enjoy outdoor living, and at the show you’ll find landscapers, gardening, plants, hardscapes, sheds, decks, patios and so much more! Plus, outdoor furniture, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fountains – everything to build your perfect outdoor living space. In addition to the latest in home improvements and outdoor living, the show features lots of shopping, find items for your home, things to eat, to give and share, and to enjoy. See the latest gadgets for your home. Shop the art, gift and gourmet area. Meet local artisans, and discover items you won’t find in stores. For more information click here. 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 Friday you have the opportunity to receive free hands only CPR training from Orlando Fire Department. The Orlando Fire Department is inviting members of public to join them on World Heart Day, September 29 at Lake Eola. In celebration of World Heart Day, OPD will be conducting free hands only CPR training near the park area at Lake Eola from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. A fire engine will be on site and personnel will be conducting free blood pressure checks from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This event is free and open to everyone The Lake Eola fountain will also be lit red in recognition of the day. 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 a year that over 300 new babies have arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom, yet another baby has been born at the resort! Exciting news from Walt Disney World! An Addax has given birth to a beautiful baby girl at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Mom Lavender delivered her baby a little earlier than expected, but keepers were delighted by the surprise. The calf is healthy and already bonding with mom on the savanna. Births like these are made possible thanks to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, ensuring the responsible breeding of animals in managed care like the critically endangered addax. 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 year's Halloween Horror Nights 32 is in ful on scare mode and is proving as popular as ever. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort is back and better than ever until November 4, and the popularity of the event is proving as strong as ever with Universal announcing that Frequent Fear Passes are now sold out for the remainder of the year. Single night tickets are still available though! Click Here to Purchase tickets! See below for more details on the spine-tingling terrors that await at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023. 10 CHILLING HAUNTED HOUSES To make it through the night alive, guests will have to survive ten haunted houses where they will confront their deepest fears in “Stranger Things 4” as they come face to face with otherworldly creatures like demogorgons, demobats, and even Vecna himself within his blood-red Mind Lair in a race against the clock to escape from his deadly curse. Face an evil reawakened in “The Exorcist: Believer” inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment. HHN fans will find themselves navigating through the carnage and mayhem of Pittsburgh in “The Last of Us” inspired by Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game as they join a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into a new threat, the Infected. Maneuver an underground labyrinth below the streets of Paris filled with iconic characters from the Universal Monsters canon, including The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man, in “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” Enter a living slaughterhouse inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” with Chucky out to kill every person who enter. This year you can encounter five original haunted houses fresh from the fog created by Universal Orlando’s award-winning Entertainment team where willing guests will fall prey to a demented, late-night circus led by an evil ringmaster and notorious icon looking for human souls to fuel his dark intentions in “Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origins”. Dueling Dragon fans will love the horrific twist to a frightening, yet familiar tale and sinister battle between Fire and Ice in “Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate” HHN fans will also enter the blood-soaked campgrounds deep in the trenches of mountains where vicious, bloodthirsty yetis have returned with a vengeance in “YETI: Campground Kills” Then selling their souls for fame in “The Darkest Deal” where they quickly learn a deal can be more than they bargained for... Lastly for the houses this year, watch out for a colonial cult looking to slaughter those who dare refuse to worship the Bloodmoon in “Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings” FIVE DAUNTING SCARE ZONES As Dr. Oddfellow steps out of the shadows and onto the streets of Universal Studios Florida for the first time, swarms of taunting scareactors lurk through the park looking for guests to haunt within these five scare zones. This year on the streets of Universal Studios Florida, guests will come face to face with the devious legend who is promising immortality for those who dare to enter “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror” Cowel in fear as the signs of the zodiac come to life in “Dark Zodiac” where Dr. Oddfellow uses his power to transform the zodiac signs into horrifying horoscope creatures, then venture into the “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror” where Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted and bizarre experiments combine elements of nature and animals to create vicious jungle creatures looking to satisfy their cravings. This year don't forget to attend a music festival crashed by bloodthirsty vampires let loose by Dr. Oddfellow in “Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood” befoe you stumble upon Dr. Oddfellow’s crates and cages that once housed monsters of all kinds who have escaped in pursuit of chaos in “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged” SPINE-CHILLING EXPERIENCES AND KILLER FOOD Offering guests a break from the fog with frightening experiences like never before with: another twisted chapter in “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream” a pyro and aerial stunt show that is sure to fire guests up to the beat of metal and electronica an all-new Tribute Store taking guests back to a 1960s NYC Comic Shop where they step into the pages of their own truly terrifying comic a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries the return of the Dead Coconut Club to Universal CityWalk with an all-new theme and menu themed libations, photo opportunities and more within an ominous nightclub vibe at the all-new Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar EXCLUSIVE PEACOCK OFFER FOR HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS GUESTS Guests can also unlock six months of Peacock Premium with the online purchase of single-night event tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes. Limited time offer. Eligibility restrictions and Terms Apply. EXCLUSIVE HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCES FOR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HOTEL GUESTS Guests can have the fall getaway of their screams by staying near the fear at one of Universal Orlando’s eight hotels and enjoy exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission to the theme parks during the day and access to priority event entrance to Halloween Horror Nights at night as well as complimentary transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. For the first time ever, the fog has spread to all eight hotels with exclusive activations and experiences for hotel guests inspired by this year’s event, including Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s exclusive “Chucky’s Twisted Playground” photo illusion experience based on the USA and SYFY series, plus, the Universal Monsters Gallery of Legends lobby photo opportunities in all other hotel lobbies. Guests can even enjoy Halloween-themed bars like the Spooky Swizzle Lounge at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or the Spooky Sunset Lounge at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, plus themed food and beverage offerings across the destination. Guests can take advantage on a variety of vacation packages and discounts on hotel stays to plan the ultimate fall getaway. Guests can also purchase single-night tickets or the popular Frequent Fear and Rush of Fear Passes, plus event upgrades like Express Pass, R.I.P. Tour and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. Click here for more information and to book a fall getaway. For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023, visit www.universalorlando.com/Halloween. 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.

ESPN Events and the Orlando Sports Foundation on Tuesday announced the 2023 Cure Bowl will be played at FBC Mortgage Stadium on the UCF campus. The 2023 Cure Bowl which raises money for cancer research, kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 on ABC. This year’s game will mark two firsts. It will be the first Cure Bowl played on ABC and the first time FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando has hosted an NCAA-sanctioned bowl game. “We are excited about the Cure Bowl’s partnership with UCF and bringing a postseason bowl game to FBC Mortgage Stadium,” said Alan Gooch, Orlando Sports Foundation CEO and Cure Bowl Executive Director. “The ability to directly inform Knight Nation about the bowl’s ties to UCF College of Medicine’s cancer research is a unique opportunity to further the Orlando Sports Foundation’s mission of bringing teams together to find a cure for cancer.” In the fall of 2007, UCF debuted an on-campus stadium, forever changing the college football experience in Orlando. It was a game-changing moment for a group of community leaders and philanthropists as well. These pioneers developed a vision to create a one-of-a-kind bowl game tied directly to a charitable cause. With that goal in mind on May 28, 2008, they introduced the Orlando Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to funding cancer research. Six years later in the spring of 2014, OSF gave Orlando its third college bowl game. On Dec. 19, 2015, San Jose State beat Georgia State 27-16 in the inaugural Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium. With the Cure Bowl as a platform, OSF has raised $4.1 million for cancer research since 2015. The Central Florida community has benefitted directly: Dr. Annette Khaled at the UCF College of Medicine received nearly 1.6 million for her cancer research from the funds raised by the game. “We are thrilled that the Cure Bowl is coming to FBC Mortgage Stadium on our UCF campus in December,” said Terry Mohajir, UCF Director of Athletics. “It’s my belief and experience that for college football programs Orlando is a premiere destination, if not the destination, for a postseason bowl game.” “It’s also appropriate that the proceeds from this game benefit cancer research that takes place right here on the UCF campus.” UCF has been a key contributor to the Cure Bowl’s success. More than 100 UCF alums have served on the OSF board of directors, advisory board, volunteers and staff. All of these individuals helped elevate the organization’s mission of bringing teams together to find a cure for cancer, while supporting UCF’s College of Medicine and Cancer Research Center. The 2023 Cure Bowl matchup will be revealed on Dec. 3. For the latest news anhd information from throughout Central Florida, here at eral public tickets will go on sale later this fall. For more information, visit CureBowl.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.

Yet another new route is coming to Orlando International Airport! Viva Mexico! Viva Aerobus, one of Monterrey’s top airlines, has announced new nonstop service between Monterrey, Mexico, and Orlando International Airport. The route to Orlando will commence on May 9 with three weekly flights. Fares for the new routes will start at $65 for a one-way flight. With this move, Viva Aerobus is responding to the growing demand in the world's most dynamic international two-country passenger market. According to Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, tourists from the U.S. entering by air account for 63% of all foreign air arrivals in Mexico. The launch of this new route comes in a year of historic growth for Viva Monterrey, one of Viva’s most important operating hubs, where it has positioned itself as the leading airline marked by the extent of its route coverage, flight frequency, and passenger traffic. In 2023 alone, the airline has added 15 routes to/from Monterrey. A few months ago, it began operating flights to Mexicali, Bogotá, and Puerto Escondido and resumed its seasonal summer routes to Cozumel and Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. It is also launching services to Durango, Tulum, La Paz, and Tapachula, By 2024, the airline will operate 49 routes to/from Monterrey, including 12 to the U.S., one to Bogotá, one to Havana, and 35 domestic routes. To support this expansion, Viva has already dedicated 28 aircraft to its Monterrey hub operations. Book at www.vivaaerobus.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.

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.