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Orlando’s first airfield is still flying high, and celebrating nearly a century of aviation. On October 4, 1928, Orlando Municipal Airport, later renamed Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), was officially dedicated. Two days of celebration attracted approximately 40,000 people from all over the state. Ninety-five years later, Orlando Executive Airport is among the country’s busiest General Aviation (GA) airports that continues to prove itself a valuable economic and transportation asset. According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2022 Aviation Economic Impact Study, Orlando Executive Airport supports 4,078 jobs and contributes $ 577M to the state’s economy. “Our prime location in close proximity to downtown Orlando and the region’s top attractions is an important advantage, but our reputation as a premier GA airport has been achieved as a result of performance,” said Judith-Ann Jarrette, Vice President-ORL Operations. “A combination of personnel, facilities and amenities make the airport a favorite of corporate aviation departments and private pilots alike.” Highlights of ORL’s 95-year history include: 1951 New passenger terminal opens 1982 Renamed Orlando Executive Airport 1995 New FAA-operated air traffic control tower built 2007 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility opens 2022 Hosted National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) static display for 12th time Orlando Executive is among a select group of General Aviation airports to serve as a port of entry with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. This enables ORL to provide global access to the most visited region in the United States. So far in 2023, international activity has increased for every month but one and CBP has processed 246 more flights through August than the same time frame in 2022. FAA-reported operations total nearly 172,000 on a rolling 12-month basis. For more information contact Angela Starke, Rod Johnson or Larry Ell in the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055. All photographs courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Pinktoberfest is an annual event at Lakefront Park,, raising awareness and supporting those battling any cancer. October is here, and the City of St Cloud and St Cloud Chapter of Pink Heals are making plans for this year's Pinktoberfest celebration to raise awareness and support for those battling any cancer. The Pinktoberfest event, featuring the ever popular Pink Truck Pull, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakefront Park, 1402 Lakeshore Blvd. Pink Heals is a community driven supporter of those effected by various diseases, helping support those in need within the community! You can register your team for the truck pull by emailing stcloudflpinkheals@gmail.com. On the day of the event there will be vendors, food trucks, raffles, fun for the kids and more. 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.

Moana is now greeting guests at World Nature in EPCOT. Fellow voyagers can find the Wayfinder in her own dedicated space across from Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests visiting EPCOT at Walt Disney World can now meet Moana in the new World Nature section of the park. Moana is meeting guests near the entrance to the new walk-through attraction, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moan which has of opened at EPCOT, ahead of its official opening on October 16, 2023. Oct. 16 is also the day that the new Moana meet and greet was originally set to debut, but park bosses have decided to move the date up. Guests can now find Moana near the entrance to the Journey of Water attraction from park opening through until the afternoon. 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.

Gideon's Bakehouse is celebrating spooky season and it's birthday in October, with an extra special month full of limited time treats every weekend! Gideon's Bakehouse is celebrating this month, not only is October spooky season but it's Gideons birthday month! To celebrate Halloween, Steve Lewis, the creator and owner of Gideon's is proclaiming that Gideon's Bakehouse shall be named Gideon's Spookhouse this October, and not only is it the best month because of Halloween, but as it's Gideon' birthday month, Steve will be dropping new desserts AND merch drops every weekend!! Frankenstein Cake Slices! Three layers of Chocolate Cake, a ridiculous amount of Oreo Buttercream, and M&M's! Don't forget that upside down dripping chocolate ganache! How do we do it? Dark magic! Duh. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Bride of Frankenstein Cake Slices! The Bride Cake is just like the Frankenstein Slice but featuring two layers of our delicate Vanilla Cake sandwiching a single layer of Chocolate Cake. Cover that in Golden Oreo Buttercream and accent it with that supernatural reverse ganache drip, and you've got something special for Halloween!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Available by the slice at both locations every Wednesday and Saturday of October. First Come First Serve. While Supplies Last. Both Flavors are Available as a Whole Cake Preorder this October at gideonsbakehouse.com. ⁣⁣ TWO NEW COOKIES!! Frankenstein Lives! This Cookie stitches together various Chocolates, Double Stuff Oreos, and M&M's to resurrect one of our most popular Limited Edition Cookies of the year. ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ Bride of Frankenstein Returns! Designed in the same mold as Frank but featuring White Chocolate, Golden Oreos, and M&M's! ⁣⁣Superior in our view, but to each their own. ⁣ ⁣ French Toast Cold Brew is Back for October and November! It legit tastes like a complete Coffee and French Toast Breakfast wrapped all in one! So much deliciousness! Only at Gideon's in Disney Springs!⁣ ⁣ It's Cat Charity Month, so there will be items coming that help benefit the Liberation Cat House! First up:⁣ ⁣ Meet Benedict Piccadilly, who has stepped into our world to guide you through Gideon's October Cat Charity! His 8x10 print is available at both stores while supplies last, signed by Steve! The 11x14 print is available online only and signed by Gideon's art director, Michael Reyes! The online print is a 24-hour release, so check gideonsbakehouse.com for details! Proceeds of these prints go to Liberation Cathouse! ⁣ ⁣ Now onto this month's merch... Both in stores and online, Gideon's is kicking the month off with a unisex Benedict Piccadilly T-shirt. Gideon's Spookhouse Collectible Pin limited to only 1000 pieces. Plus, this month there is a crazy amazing smelling new Pumpkin Chai Car Air Freshener!! ATTENTION MENU PEEPS! There will be four designs in October, starting with Benedict Piccadilly! Menu designs will drop on October 1st, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Per usual, these menus are handed out to those waiting in line at Gideon's in Disney Springs. The only other path is to place a merch order at gideonsbakehouse.com during the week the menu is available. So ordering each week of October will give you the free gift of that week's menu. There will be many reasons to order merch this month, so get ready! 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. 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. 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. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Earlier this week, Walt Disney World announced the lineup of celebrity narrators for the 2023 Candlelight Processional adt EPCOT, and now we have details and pricing for this year's dining packages. Earlier this week, Walt Disney World announced the celebrity narrators for this year's EPCOT Candlelight Processional which kicks off on November 24, 2023, and now the company have announced details on this year's Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story. This years celebrity narrators include new narrators including Brendan Fraser, Sterling K. Brown, Eva Longoria, and more, and if you wan to ensure your seat for the performance, there is no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from EIGHT distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. A meal at participating restaurants includes: At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates and one nonalcoholic beverage per person, plus a tagine and dessert platter for your party to share All other participating restaurants: an appetizer, entrée and dessert, or one full buffet/family-style meal, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage One guaranteed seat per person to the Candlelight Processional held on the same day Participating restaurants and dining package prices, which exclude tax and gratuity: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion Adults, $71.00 – Breakfast, $83.00 – Lunch/Dinner Kids, $45.00 – Breakfast, $53.00 – Lunch/Dinner Garden Grill Restaurant, The Land Pavilion Adults, $63.00 – Breakfast, $78.00 – Lunch/Dinner Kids, $40.00 – Breakfast, $50.00 – Lunch/Dinner Biergarten Restaurant, Germany Pavilion Adults, $65.00, Kids, $37.00 Coral Reef Restaurant, The Living Seas Adults, $78.00, Kids, $32.00 Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canada Pavilion Adults, $104.00, Kids, $42.00 Rose & Crown Dining Room, United Kingdom Pavilione Adults, $66.00, Kids, $29.00 Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion Adults, $55.00, Kids, $24.00 Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue $41.00 Same-Day Dining Packages Planning a last-minute visit? You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to: Dine without reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day Enjoy guaranteed seats to a Candlelight Processional performance later that day To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue during the Festival. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates. Make Reservations Beginning October 17, 2023, check availability online—and secure your spot for this limited-time dining experience. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Important Information Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are only offered during the holiday season. Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older. Reservations require a credit card guarantee. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant after their meal. The badge will specify the date and show time they have reserved. Guests with the Dining Package will enter America Gardens Theatre in a separate queue and will be seated on a first-come, first served basis. Seating is guaranteed. Guests who have not reserved a Candlelight Processional Dining Package will be seated at the Candlelight Processional on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity. To enter EPCOT, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators: Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25 Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27 Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29 Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2 John Stamos: Dec. 3-5 Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8 Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11 Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14 Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16 Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18 Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20 Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23 Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26 Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28 Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30 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.

Known for custom, hand-decorated sugar cookies and southern desserts, Southern Home Bakery is expanding with a second location now open. Southern Home Bakery located at 2322 Edgewater Drive in College Park, has expanded with a new location, now open at 6 E Plant Street in Winter Garden. Known for creating custom, decorated sugar cookies and classic southern desserts, Catherine Cramer began Southern Home Bakery in 2016. The bakery offers hand-decorated sugar cookies, bars, gourmet cookies, cupcakes and a monthly subscription box which can be delivered anywhere in the country. The new bakery has had a grand opening tonight, and will be open from tomorrow, Saturday, October 6. 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.

After announcing a new location for this year's Surfing Santas event on December 24th, organizers have changed the location back to the original location on Cocoa Beach! Every year, on Christmas Eve, hundreds of Surfing Santas come together on Cocoa Beach for a morning of family fun on the beach, and this year's Surfing Santas 2023 was set to take place at a new location on Cocoa Beach, after organizers announced the move earlier this week. But after an uproar from attendees, the organizers have been forced to change the location from the new location at Shepard Park, back to the original location at Coconuts on the Beach at Minutemen Causeway. Organizers had said that the move would bring many benefits to the Christmas Eve event, including more parking, less stressful traffic jams, plus, guests in the nearby beachside hotels could walk to the venue. Another benefit organizers cited was that there would have been more room for food trucks to participate, and that the new location was to be only block from the Florida Surf Museum, which actually hosts the event. With so many benefits you would have thought the move would have been welcomed by participants, but no, with many people taking to social media to complain about the move, and now only days later, organizers have now said that the event is NOT moving. Organizers have posted on their socials the following message, "You spoke, and we listened! Surfing Santas 2023 is officially taking place at our original beach… Coconuts on Minutemen Causeway! At the end of the day, this is YOUR event, and we simply want to spread the Surfing Santas spirit. Grab your boards and Santa hats… see you all on December 24th at the beach by Coconuts. " Hundreds of surfers and thousands of spectators dressed in holiday-themed outfits are expected to participate this year, with live music, Hawaiian dance demonstrations, and the ever popular costume content. Anyone can participate by dressing in the christmas-themed outfit of their choice, and prizes will be awarded for best babies, children, groups, men, and women! Surfing Santas is the Space Coast’s most anticipated holiday event, and this is your chance to take to the waves with hundreds of holiday revelers for a Florida Christmas celebration you'll never forget. Once you’ve experienced Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach you’ll never want to spend your Christmas anywhere else. Surfing Santas is traditionally held on December 24, at Cocoa Beach, with the event bringing hundreds of surfers dressed up as Santa to the city’s beach. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays, having lots of holly jolly fun with friends and family. In addition to catching the waves, the event also features costume contests, live music, performances, photo opportunities, and more. 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 Science Center is hosting a stellar party for the eclipse happening this October! The Orlando Science Center is hosting a solar eclipse party for the eclipse happening on October 14! The eclipse will travel a path between Oregon and Texas, so we'll see about a 60% eclipse here in Orlando. The eclipse will begin at 11:52 am, peak at 1:26 pm, and end at 3:02 pm giving viewers an adequate amount of time to see this celestial event as it happens. IT IS NEVER SAFE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING A PARTIAL ECLIPSE WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EYE PROTECTION! This can cause severe retina damage. Orlando Science Center staff will be on hand to highlight how to correctly use solar eclipse glasses. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the planet. However, there are different types of solar eclipses. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely blocks the face of the Sun. A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon, Sun, and Earth are not perfectly aligned, causing only a part of the Sun to be covered and giving it a crescent shape. An annular solar eclipsehappens when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than the Sun in our sky. This creates a ring effect around the Moon. The term "annular" refers to this ring effect! Tickets for the event cost $27 for adults and $21 for youth aged 2-11. You will receive a pair of viewing glasses, access to all exhibits and the latest traveling exhibition, and access to special eclipse-related programming. Please note the that no tickets will be sold at the Science Center on the day, you must book in advance. 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.

It's the weekend and with no shortage of amazing things to do here in Orlando, we've picked five of the best free events that are taking place in the next few days. FIVE FREE Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend KUA Movie in the Park Friday, October 6, 2023 KUA Movie in the Park will feature “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” shown on a giant 50-foot screen. Attendees will enjoy KUA’s inflatable Kids Power Zone, craft station, photo booth, free popcorn, and prize giveaways. Onsite concessions will be available Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. 50th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival Saturday, October 7 - Sunday, October 8, 2023 The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival exclusively featuring Florida artists. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the festival on the second weekend in October each year. The community-oriented sidewalk show presents quality visual art and live entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The festival is held in beautiful Central Park located along historic Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park. Bank of America's Museums on Us Weekend Saturday, October 7 - Sunday, October 8, 2023 During the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America and Merrill Bank offer cardholders free general admission on both Saturday and Sunday to more than 225 cultural institutions in dozens of cities across the US. Click here for details. Valid cardholders can access free admission the first full weekend every month to the following museums: • Orlando Science Center: 407-514-2000, 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803 • History Center: 407-836-8500, 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, FL 32801 • Polasek Museum & Garden: 407-647-6294, 633 Osceola Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789 • Orlando Museum of Art: 407-896-4231, 2416 North Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 • Mennello Museum of Art: 407-246-4278, 900 E. Princeton St. Orlando, FL 32803 • Museum of Arts & Sciences: 386-255-0285, 352 S. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 • Florida Aquarium: 813-273-4000, 701 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 Porch Stock "Porch-A-Palooza" October 7, 2023 Save the date! Porch Stock is back for year three, in the “cooler” fall weather! We have Three amazing bands playing within our neighborhood Saturday October 7th from 6pm- 8pm. Free Family Fun Day October 8, 2023 Every second Sunday of the month is Free Family Funday at The Mennello Museum of American Art. Join us at the museum for free admission, docent led tours of the galleries, and a fine art project! Art Projects are available to make or take home with you between 12 pm – 2:30 pm. The museum galleries also stay open until 4:30 p.m. for all guests. 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.

Here in Central Florida, we have been patiently waiting for the first Raising Cane's restaurant to open, and now we know when!! It was back in January this year that we first reported that Raising Cane’s was coming to Florida, with at least 12 stores in the Orlando area and at least 25 locations across Florida, and now finally, the first three Orlando area restaurant are set to open this winter. The popular chicken finger brand is set to make its Orlando area debut at 7105 Palm Parkway, which opens on November 7, as part of the exciting new O-Town West development - close to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. This Raising Cane's will feature a unique design to fit in with the rest of this long-awaited development. The second Orlando location will be at 12040 Pioneers Way, which will open in December, followed by the third location in Kissimmee at 8170 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Founded by CEO Todd Graves in 1996, Raising Cane’s first opened in Baton Rogue, Louisiana with a menu focused almost exclusively on chicken fingers, fries and coleslaw along with its signature “Cane’s Sauce.” Customers also have the option to order thick Texas toast, or have the chicken tenders between buns as a chicken tender sandwich. No opening date has been announced but with permits filed with the state, it hopefully shouldn't be long before the new store takes shape. 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 Bananas are a viral sensation, drawing millions of fans on social media. They have been compared to the Harlem Globetrotters for their antics which include players on stilts and team dances. The Savannah Bananas are bringing “The Greatest Show in Sports” to one million fans and six Major League Baseball stadiums across 29 cities and 20 states in 2024. The 2024 schedule is out now, with the Bananas expected to play in front of over 1 million people next season, kicking off the fun in Tampa, with a return to George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 8 . Affectionately referred to as “The Greatest Show in Sports” by ESPN with an atmosphere that would “make most Major League Baseball teams jealous,” according to Sports Illustrated, the Bananas have reimagined the baseball experience and the game itself. After selling out every night of their 2023 Banana Ball World Tour, the Bananas will take the show farther than ever before in 2024. The team has been known as TikTok’s favorite team with over 7.5 million followers, millions more than every MLB team. The Bananas have been featured across the globe for everything from playing a game in kilts, using a Dancing First Base Coach, the first-ever baseball player to wear stilts, players backflipping while catching fly balls, and a whole lot more. In 2023, former Major League stars like Jake Peavy, Hunter Pence, Johnny Damon, Josh Reddick and Barry Zito all joined the team at various stops during the tour. Tickets for the 2024 Banana Ball World Tour will be available via a Ticket Lottery. Join the Ticket Lottery List before it closes on December 1, 2023. Joining the list doesn’t guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets. A random drawing will take place about 2 months before the event. If you’re drawn, you’ll have an opportunity to purchase up to four tickets! Joining later does not affect your opportunity to be drawn for the lottery as it is random. 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.

There is no time like the present to start planning your next Walt Disney World family vacation, especially as the resort has just dropped a huge new deal just for families. Everyone want the best deal when they go on vacation, and Disney have shared news and expert tips to help you plan and make the most out of your next Disney vacation. First up is the big news that on Nov. 14, 2023, Walt Disney World will introduce a special package offer for families looking to save on a spring vacation! Children’s (ages 3 through 9) theme park tickets and dining plans will be half off with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Co. package for you and your children that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets and a dining plan. Valid for stays most nights March 3 through June 30, 2024, this will be a great option for those who also want the convenience of having their tickets, room and meals already paid for before they arrive! Visit DisneyWorld.com/SpecialOffers beginning Nov. 14 for additional offer details! To kick off Disney's expert tips, beginning Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for our standard, date-based tickets. For certain other admission types, theme park reservations may be required, and you can visit DisneyWorld.com to see if you need to make a theme park reservation based on your admission type and the date of your visit. Ok, so where to stay? Disney has more than 25 resorts to choose from within the Disney Resorts Collection – from value to deluxe – there’s one to fit nearly every family size and budget. If you’re looking for lower prices, consider any one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts. Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort are other great options as they connect to the Disney Skyliner – the gondolas that run to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. These resorts are also super fun for kids, with themes inspired by popular Disney and Pixar stories, plus themed pools, poolside activities, and more. If you want a few more amenities and dining options to enjoy during your visit, check out Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or my personal favorite, Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. And if proximity is what you want, check out our Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT area resorts. These resorts not only offer fun and convenient transportation options, but some are even within walking distance to the parks. Best yet, if you choose a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you can enjoy even more time in the parks with extended evening hours – available in select theme parks on select nights now through 2024. Combine this with early theme park entry, available to all Disney Resort hotel guests, to truly maximize your time in the parks. Extended evening hours and early theme park entry require valid admission, a theme park reservation and resort ID. From complimentary overnight self-parking to early access to book dining reservations, there are many benefits to staying at a Disney Resort hotel. Plus, with complimentary on-site transportation that’s fun and convenient – like themed buses, water taxis, the monorail and Disney Skyliner (which the kids LOVE) – our family saves on other transportation expenses and really maximizes our time. This is just another reason why we always choose to stay in a Disney Resort. Disney also have special offers on Disney Resort hotels from time to time, so that you can save even more. Right now, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights Jan. 9 – March 24, 2024, and they have special discounts for Florida residents and Annual Passholders, too. Visit DisneyWorld.com/Save to learn more, and be on the lookout for offers that are right for you! If you’re looking to find the lowest ticket prices, then consider visiting in August, September or January. You can check out the date-based ticket calendar online to view prices for each day of the year. Tip: In most situations, the more days you add to a multi-day ticket, the lower the price per day will be. Also, depending on the time of year, there may also be special ticket offers! Right now, Florida residents can save with the Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Ticket! Learn more at DisneyWorld.com/WeekdayMagic. On the day of your visit, you can purchase Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane entrances which can save you time waiting in lines. Just keep in mind that some Lightning Lane entrances are offered through Disney Genie+ service, while other Lightning Lane entrances may be purchased individually or as we like to say “à la carte.” If you’re new to the Disney Genie+ service and individual Lightning Lane purchase options, be sure to check our quick how-to videos available on the My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com/LightningLane – they’ll get you on your way! Tip: You can modify your Disney Genie+ service Lightning Lane selections in the app, subject to availability, so if you want to change your plans, you can search for other available attractions and times. First off, dining plans are coming back for stays beginning Jan. 9, 2024. The majority of guests see a lot of value in ther dining plans and they are a very popular option for those staying at Disney Resort hotels who purchase a vacation package. The dining plans give guests convenience and peace of mind since they pay for their meals and snacks before they arrive – so they can focus on enjoying all the Disney eats during their trip. And for foodies and families looking to book vacations for later this year or early next year, you can get a Disney Dining Promo Card when you buy a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. Check DisneyWorld.com/DineOffer for more details. If you’re looking to indulge in a quick bite that is both delicious and filling, there are dozens of quick-service locations that can help you stretch your vacation dollars. Here are some of the most popular quick serve locations within Disney parks with the best value: With fun food options, Woody’s Lunchbox in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a three-cheese grilled cheese and smoked turkey sandwich – and who doesn’t love “totchos”? These will be sure to satisfy your cravings at a good price. Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers unique choices that are healthier, and taste great like cheeseburger steamed pods, smoked chimichurri braised beef, and chili garlic shrimp bowls. If you’re looking for a great snack or lunch, be sure to stop at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park. If you’re searching for a classic funnel cake – this is the place to go. You also can’t go wrong with a sweet and spicy chicken waffle or fresh fruit waffle. At EPCOT, you can stop by our many food kiosks across World Showcase, where you can treat yourself to different international cuisines. I always look forward to visiting Canada for filet mignon, China for pork egg rolls and Germany for bratwurst on a pretzel roll. Many locations also have kids’ meals that come with two sides and a drink. Of course, there are also some great table-service restaurants available. You can visit DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app to discover and book reservations. 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.