Cirque Du Soleil at Disney Springs has announced a new performance schedule, with the big news that Drawn To Life is gaining a Sunday matinee performances starting in January 2023. Right now, Drawn To Life has performances at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. most Tuesdays through Saturdays. But, starting on January 4, 2023, the show will move to a Wednesday through Sunday performance schedule. On Wednesday through Saturday, performance time will remain unchanged at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. On Sundays, Drawn to Life will be performed in the afternoon, at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with no evening performances. Commenting on the performance changes, Heather Reilly, Drawn to Life Company Manager commented, “Based on feedback from guests, we determined this new schedule will offer great daytime opportunities for travelers and locals to see the show, especially those with children.” Replacing La Nouba, Drawn to Life at Disney Springs premiered on November 18, 2021. In this first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, the audience journeys into a world where an animator’s desk becomes the stage and drawings come alive. The show is a celebration of life, accentuated by the delightful, mesmerizing movements of Cirque du Soleil’s acrobatic mastery, and is a must see show.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay are offering visitors a spooky twist on the traditional holiday family photos. This year, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is inviting guests to create all-new family traditions at “The Residence: Home For The Holidays” where holiday merriment suddenly turns murderous. 'The Residence: Home for the Holidays' the theme park’s Christmas-themed haunted house, and for a limited time, visitors can get a free family photo session inside. How awesome are the family holiday photos going to be this year! The limited-time Howl-O-Days photo sessions will be offered Oct. 13 – 16, 2022 with complimentary digital photo download available as part of the eerie experience. To participate in this complimentary experience, guests are required to make an advance booking by visiting the park’s website. Daytime park admission is required to participate and is not included with the creation of a Howl-O-Days reservation. Don't forget that the parks awesome Howl-O-Scream seasonal event continues select nights through Oct. 31, and brave souls can save up to 55% on Howl-O-Scream event admission when purchased online. Howl-O-Scream continues select nights through Oct. 31.

Thankfully we don't have traditional fall weather here in Central Florida, but we still get to enjoy the rustling of leaves falling, thanks to Celebration Town Center. On October 21st and 22nd, 2022, Celebration will transform before your very eyes as the falling leaves of the season drop on Market Street in the town's 16th Annual Oktoberfest, a one-of-a-kind themed event not to miss! Listen to the rustling of leaves falling at 7, 8, and 9pm, hop on a hayride, paint a pumpkin, enjoy live music, enjoy unique shopping and delicious dining for all. On Friday October 21st, join Celebration Town Center in welcoming Central Florida favorite Bryan Malpass. Bryan, a mainstay on the Central Florida music scene brings an eclectic mix of musical genres that leaves audiences wanting more. Come join in this interactive, live show, featuring German customs such as yodeling, sing-a-longs, and much more. On Saturday October. 22nd, the celebration continues as Celebration Town Center will celebrate “Rocktoberfest”. Featuring Central Florida’s own Cat Ridgeway & The Tourists with opening act Fairview. It’s the coolest family-friendly Oktoberfest in the Southeast, so don’t miss it. Parking and admission are free. For more information,visit the Celebration website.

Florida’s tourism marketing agency Visit Florida has begun efforts to offset images of damage from Hurricane Ian, filming "blue sky" footage of unaffected areas of the state for a soon to launch promotional campaign. Visit Florida want to show that Florida is open for business, and here ready to welcome visitors. Filming has already taken place here in Orlando for the project. “This content, along with PR programming and talking points, will be ready to go when the time is right for statewide promotion, including banner ads, video and social media,” Visit Florida said in a news release. Florida’s tourism marketing agency has paused advertising as it crafts this new campaign to offset the negative images of washed-out communities and damaged bridges from Hurricane Ian. The agency didn’t give a timeline about when the ads would start to run. The agency has already recorded images of Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Tallahassee and Amelia Island for the post-storm effort and will soon film in St. Augustine and the Florida Keys, the news release said. Visit Florida has similarly worked to offset past negative media coverage from hurricanes and issues such as the Zika virus and algae blooms. Also under development, according to Visit Florida, is a package for the heavily impacted areas “when they are ready to welcome visitors again.”

Thankfully a decision has been taken to remove the Orlando FreeFall ride from ICON Park following the tragic death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson. Sampson died on March 24, after plunging to his death while riding the Orlando FreeFall, which has been closed ever since. Video of the incident was shared widely on social media. The towering ride has been a blot on the landscape of International Drive ever since. Sadly no announcement has been made on when the ride will be removed, we can only hope it is soon. The rides operators, Orlando Slingshot made the announcement today, Thursday 6 October, 2022. In a statement, CEO of Orlando Slingshot, Ritchie Armstrong said: "We are devastated by Tyre’s death. We have listened to the wishes of Tyre’s family and the community, and have made the decision to take down the FreeFall," Armstrong's statement read. "In addition, Orlando Slingshot will honor Tyre and his legacy in the classroom and on the football field by creating a scholarship in his name." Armstrong's company also owns Orlando Slingshot, a slingshot ride at ICON Park, next to the drop tower. This ride has not been operational since the accident, but with no mention of it in the statement, we assume the ride will be re-opening, perhaps after the drop towers removal. Orlando Slingshot also own the popular Orlando Starflyer, which is near the location of the drop tower, with this ride continuing to be in operation. Other rides owned by Orlando Slingshot include the slingshot ride at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, plus another slingshot and a separate ride called The Vomatron at Old Town in Kissimmee. They also own slingshots in Daytona and Panama City. ICON Park officials said they support the decision to take the ride down. “Tyre’s death is a tragedy that we will never forget. As the landlord, ICON Park welcomes and appreciates Orlando Slingshot’s decision to take down the ride,” said ICON Park.

Walt Disney World Resort have announced that they will be reinstating their cancellation fees for dining and other experiences next week. Last week as Hurricane Ian tore through Florida, and Walt Disney World closed it's parks and attraction, to waived its normal cancellation fees, as many travelers had to cancel or alter plans. Disney will begin enforcing cancellation policies again on Sunday, October 9., 2022. These policies apply to dining reservations, and experiences, including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and Droid Depot, Savi's Workshop bookings.

Disappointing news for horror fans hoping to catch the new lagoon show Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale at Halloween Horror Nights, it appears that the show may have scared its last guests, and could possibly not be returning to this years event. Screamscape have reported that the show has been badly damaged when Hurricane Ian raced through the park last week, so badly damaged that's it seems impossible for the Universal team to get it back up and running. Ghoulish was an all new high energy show this year at Halloween Horror Nights 31, located in the Universal Studios Lagoon. The show featured the Grim Reaper on the undertaking of what happens beyond the grave, all set to eerily-remixed music. The show included lights, lazers and fountains.

If your visiting Universal Orlando Resort in October you'll be looking forward to all the spooky goings on at Halloween Horror nights 31, visiting the Tribute Store for the latest merchandise, and enjoying the limited time food offering, plus in general the parks are not overly crowded in October, obviously HHN is an exception but during the day you'll enjoy lower wait times and more room to move around the parks. Ok, so that's the plus points, now the bad news... Well not to much thankfully in the way of closures right now but still a few significant attractions currently CLOSED in Universal Orlando's theme parks, plus refurbishments are happening, so read on for this months closures and refurbishments. As always dates and information are subject to change, but rest assured we will keep you updated. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT CLOSURES Universal's Islands Of Adventure Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls It has been confirmed by Universal Orlando Resort that Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls is currently closed due to damage the attraction suffered from Hurricane Ian. There had previously been no mention of scheduled maintenance or refurbishment prior to the closure of the theme parks due to Hurricane Ian. There is currently no date for when Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls will reopen, but we will update you as soon as there is confirmation of a date. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Universal has confirmed on it's official calendar that the popular kids ride where you can and do get wet, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish will be closed for maintenance between October 24 - 26, 2022. Marvel Super Hero Island Extensive areas of Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal's Islands of Adventure are now behind construction walls, and are closed for refurbishment. Universal have not indicated how long this refurbishment will be, or to what extent the refurbishment will be. Could we be seeing the rumours that Marvel Super Hero Island is to be re-themed coming true? Probably not, as right now Universal are pretty much busy building Epic Universe! Universal Studios Florida Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale The brand new new lagoon show Ghoulish! A Halloween Tale that took place within the parks lagoon during Halloween Horror Nights is indefinitely cancelled, and could possibly not be returning to this years event. The show was badly damaged when Hurricane Ian raced through the park last week, so badly damaged in fact, that's its seems impossible for the Universal team to get it back up and running for the remainder of this years event. And that's the closures throughout Universal Orlando Resort for October, as always stay tuned to Gotta Go Orlando for all the latest news and info from Orlando's Theme Parks and Attractions.

The much loved Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will return for its 13th year this November, treating guests to a street party festival with unlimited food and beverage tastings at diverse food stations, featuring unlimited culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, and wine, beer and other sips from around the world. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic takes place on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, an annual tradition here in Orlando since 2010. Set outside among the scenic ambiance of the resort, the event features live music, over 20+ food stations, 100+ beverage selections and immersive themed areas, such as the beer garden and the bubble lounge. Stroll the causeway where you will be tempted with a diverse selection of delectable delights prepared by the resorts award-winning chefs. The talented chefs will be offering unrivaled cuisine to please every palate, and you can meet the star line-up of award-winning chefs including Todd English, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. “This event means so much to us because we get to share our passion for food and beverage with our guests in a tangible, interactive way,” said Luciano Sperduto, the resort’s director of food & beverage. “We couldn’t be more excited to create an even more delicious, energetic and memorable experience this year.” Tickets to this special event are available now, and guests purchasing event tickets can also book a room at a special rate. Visit www.FoodandWineClassic.com for more information and to purchase tickets to the event.

LEGOLAND Florida have announced that LEGOLAND Water Park will re-open this Saturday, October 8, 2022. LEGOLAND Florida Resort temporarily closed its theme park, water park, and Peppa Pig Theme Park ahead of Hurricane Ian last week, all the parks have since reopened with the exception of Legoland Water Park. Two of the Water Park’s slides, the Twin Chasers and Splash Out, will remain temporarily closed. The park was affected by the storm, with employees having to work tirelessly to clean up. As well as announcing the re-opening of the water park, LEGOLAND Florida announced that due to storm damage the main theme parks new water boat ride, Pirate River Quest was now not opening in November, but is delayed until early next year. As Hurricane Ian has affected so much of Florida, now through this Sunday, Oct. 9th, $20 from every LEGOLAND Theme Park ticket sold on LEGOLANDFlorida.com will be donated to the American Red Cross to help support Hurricane Ian relief efforts up to a maximum of $100,000. This donation will enable the American Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park reopened on Saturday, Oct. 1st following an incredible clean-up effort by the Resort’s dedicated team of employees and partners.

So, let's talk Harmonious, the show that will be forever remembered, not as a great show, but for the ugly barges that ruined World Showcase Lagoon. EPCOT's much hyped new nighttime show debuted at EPCOT for the start of the 50th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World with so much promise, and well, that went really well, it's been cancelled! Firstly a disclaimer, we enjoy Harmonious, yes, we hate the barges on the lagoon, but we admit it, we do love the show... if only the ugly barges would disappear during the day. Of course the show is no IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, but its fun and whenever we catch it, guests in the park seem to be loving it! Anyway, whether you love it, or hate it, it's going bye bye forever, publicly humiliated by Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro, who made a surprise announcement during the D23 Expo in Anaheim at the beginning of September, that after only one year, a brand new show will replace Harmonious in 2023! With the surprise announcement by D’Amaro that Disney were confining Harmonious to a mere footnote in the history of Walt Disney World, it begs the question, what will Disney replace Harmonious with, and more importantly, does this mean the end of the barges that ruined views across the picturesque World Showcase Lagoon? No official end date for Harmonious has not been announced, and no details have been released for the new show, not even a single piece of concept art, but there is now speculation that the giant Harmonious barges will be removed from World Showcase Lagoon and destroyed, yes you read that right.... DESTROYED! Surely they could be used for a dance party somewhere on property, what about Main Street U.S.A. New Year's Eve anyone? The latest rumor online from wdwnt, is that the new nighttime show for EPCOT will see the controversial barges blasted from the lagoon, and drones flown over the lagoon instead. It's all due to the incredible success of Disney D-Light at Disneyland Paris for their 30th anniversary, and now it appears that Disney will bring drones stateside for the new EPCOT show. The OCRegister said earlier this year that Disneyland were considering ways to use drones in its nighttime shows, so this is obviously something that Disney is researching into. Of course, drones have been used for a nighttime show at Walt Disney World already, they were used in the short-lived Starbright Holidays show at Disney Springs which ran only for the 2016-17 holiday season. Obviously, we don't have any confirmation from Disney that drones are going to be used in the new nighttime show for EPCOT but it makes sense, and does appear to be the way that Disney will go with this new show. There is currently no confirmed end date for Harmonious, although with March 31, 2023 the official end date of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebrations, its possible that could be when the show is killed off. THE new EPCOT nighttime show is expected to debut in late 2023 with EPCOT Forever due to return again to bridge the gap.

Pup-kin spice and everything nice! Museum of Illusions Orlando is bringing back it's popular Puppy Paw-ty just in time for spooky season. Puppy Paw-ty returns to the popular ICON Park attraction, Museum of Illusions Orlando on October 13, 2022, and for the first time ever, the fan favorite event will be held in the evening, with the attraction throwing open the doors to the interactive and immerse museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Four-legged friends, and their humans will have the opportunity to take one-of-a-kind pictures with the immersive and interactive experiences throughout the museum. There’s no need to use photoshop as the museum has plenty of rooms to make humans and pups appear bigger or smaller, upside down and even multiplied. “We love having guests bring their dogs in and seeing all the fun photos they take with their pups in our illusions. The photo paw-sibilities are endless!” said Marc Gregory Tipton, sales and marketing director for the museum. This year’s edition will feature a Halloween-themed experience. Visitors are encouraged to get creative and dress up their canine best friends for the evening’s costume contest. The lucky winner will get $150. Sponsored by Fairytale Pet Care, Puppy Paw-ty admission is $29.99 per owner, per dog. Tickets are limited, and advance reservations are required to book a time slot. All guests will receive a free return ticket to come back and visit without their four-legged friend. Don’t forget to dress up your pup! Museum of Illusions Orlando is putting the howl in howl-o-ween, with a costume contest at the event. Photos will be judged on the museum’s social channels and the winner will receive a prize of $150. So, what is Museum of Illusions Orlando? Museum of Illusions isn’t your average museum, it encourages guests to get a hands-on experience and explore all the wonders of the mind throughout more than 50 engaging exhibits. Guests can multiply themselves in the Infinity Room, become as big as a giant or small as an ant in the Ames Room, create colorful shadows in the Color Room, and turn upside down in the Reversed Room. Commemorate your trip with endless photo opportunities. Friends and family will be left scratching their heads as they view impossible pictures! For more information visit the museum’s website.