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Feast on traditional Italian cuisine including house-made fresh pasta, pizza, limoncello and more at Ravello, which has been named the first restaurant in US to receive 100 percent Italian Taste Certification, Platinum Level. At the 6th annual “A Taste of Piemonte” Italian celebration at Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in December, Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi was presented with “100 Percent Italian Taste Certification” at the Platinum Level, the highest rank. Ravello is the first restaurant in the United States to receive this designation, bestowed upon by the Milan, Italy based ITA0039 100% Italian Taste Certification organization, which inspects, evaluates, and determines the ratings. Raffaele Trovato, Director and VP of Italian Food Style Education Culinary School, presented Schenardi with the award at Ravello. I'm delighted that Ravello has obtained the highest honour: the Platinum-level certification. This is a testament to how well Fabrizio and his staff are doing." Over the past several months, Ravello underwent an inspection process to review its menu, ingredients, wine list, and even the personnel. To qualify for a 100 percent Italian Taste Certification, Ravello must meet criteria including offering flour, oil, sauces, dairy and meat products of Italian origin; a traditional Italian menu with descriptions in both Italian and English; a wine list with a higher proportion of Italian wines; at least one staff member of Italian origin and with Italian language fluency working in the kitchen; and a demonstrated effort to promote Italy, not only the cuisine, but also Italy as a destination. “I am extremely proud that Ravello received the highest level of recognition for Italian Taste Certification,” says Schenardi. “Since the restaurant opened in 2014, my team and I have focused on giving our patrons the most authentic Italian experience they can enjoy. It thrills me that Ravello is now recognized on a global scale as one of the premier Italian dining experiences available in the world.” In addition to Schenardi, who brings an extensive background in Italian cuisine and experience at restaurants around the world, Schenardi oversees a talented team of culinarians at Ravello. Mario Angel Arredondo is the Ravello Sous Chef.  Originally from Mexico City, Arredondo brings extensive experience with Italian cuisine, working for two Michelin star rated restaurants in New York, Ai Fiori restaurant and Marea, a James Beard Award winning restaurant. Arredondo also served as sous chef at Tavola, the signature Italian restaurant at The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia. Additionally, Executive Sous Chef Matthew Vonderembse is key to Ravello’s success. Vonderembse has been a part of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando team since pre-opening, first starting in Capa as a Cook, moving up to Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Restaurant chef of Ravello, and Outlet Chef, serving across all outlets. Recently, he was promoted to Executive Sous Chef, working closely with Schenardi overseeing all restaurant and banquet operations. Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber is a twice-nominated James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Saber, who holds expertise in chocolate artistry, is known for his intricate chocolate sculptures and exquisite, flavourful desserts, including the Tiramisu Classico and the Stracciatella Tortoni Cake in Ravello. 2024 is already shaping up to be an exciting year in Orlando, with a ton of exciting new additions in the works! Find out what's new and coming to Orlando in 2024, including new Rides & Attractions coming to Orlando's Theme Parks, plus the new Restaurants & Bars, and Resorts & Hotels coming to Central Florida in 2024. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

Come enjoy 3 days of fishing, food, and fun on Lake Monroe at the 5th annual Get Hook’d On Lake Monroe Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival. Come enjoy 3 days of FREE fishing, food, and fun on Lake Monroe in Sanford! Get Hook’d will start Friday January 12 with a Captains meeting, before the main fishing tournament and Seafood Festival on Saturday January 13 , with the event closing out on Sunday January 14 with a kids fishing rodeo. Saturday's main event will include live music from many bands including The Supervillains!, food, and vendors. There will be kids areas and games for all ages. Full Event Schedule Friday Jan. 12 6 - 8 pm, Captains Meeting All fishing teams must come to register for the tournament at the captains meeting to be able to fish in the tournament on Saturday January 13. Anglers are required to stay for the entire captains meeting. An overview of the contest and rules will be given by the tournament director followed by Q & A for anyone with questions. Registered Anglers will receive a free White Claw at the captains meeting and will receive all the rules and regulations and tournament ruler. Saturday Jan. 13 7 am - 1 pm, Fishing Tournament Both the Bass and Crappie tournament will start at 7am. Weigh-ins will start at 1:00pm and will be separated out in flights every 15 minutes. 1 pm - 3 pm, Tournament Weigh-in All anglers will be assigned a time slot to for weigh-in at registration at the captains meeting. Slots will be pulled lottery style. A one pound penalty per minute late for arriving late to weigh in. Angler will be disqualified after 15 min, no exceptions. Anglers must check out if not weighing fish. Noon - 6 pm, Seafood Festival Join the 5th Annual Get Hook'd Seafood Festival right after the Fishing Tournament in beautiful Historic Downtown Sanford! Enjoy fresh and delicious seafood from some of Orlando's best food trucks plus local restaurants! There'll be live music on a large outside stage, artisan vendors, product demos and kid zones. Sunday Jan. 14 10 am - 11 am, Conservation and Fishing education seminar With space for 150 kids to participate in the conservation class. All kids that participate will receive a free fishing pole. Parents must be present for kids to participate. Sign ups will begin Saturday at the Seafood Festival but kids will be able to sign up morning of as well as long as there are still spots available. The class will consist of 5 stages including; Safety, Conservation, Knot tying, Tackle, and Casting 10 am – Noon, Kids Fishing Rodeo All kids will fish the small pond behind the Sanford Museum. All parents must be present while their kids are fishing. There will be volunteers to assist children. Small prizes will be awarded to kids during the tournament. To keep up to date with the latest news in Orlando, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For all the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out our daily updated guides to the Theme Park's: Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Laugh out loud at the 2024 Sunshine Comedy Festival, a 4-day comedy takeover of Tampa and St. Pete! Multiple venues, multiple comics and so much more! Get ready to laugh your way into the New Year at the much-anticipated Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024! From January 11-14, Tampa and St. Petersburg, will be bursting with side-splitting humor as this comedy showcase featuring the finest local comedians and headliners from across the country take to the stage. But that’s not all! Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024 will feature live podcasts, exclusive after parties, live music and a VIP Pool Bash. The festival will showcase a fantastic lineup of national acts including Troy Bond, Kevin Farley, Jeff Dye, Jason Ellis, David Lucas, Marco Delvecchio, Mike Cannon, Ian Fidance, and many, many more! Multiple venues will be hosting the festival in Tampa and St Pete, Side Splitters Comedy Club Tampa, Side Splitters Comedy Club Wesley Chapel, Coastal Creative, The Floridian Social Club, and Sunshine Comedy Club. Tickets for the festival are available either by the day or for the entire festival, with multiple tickets available. Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024 promises endless entertainment and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this laughter-filled extravaganza! Get tickets now. To keep up to date with the latest news in Orlando, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For all the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out our daily updated guides to the Theme Park's: Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Great new from 4 Rivers as the restaurant has introduced Chicken Tenders from The Coop, and that's not all, get ready for the return of John's Big Dog Chili! 4 Rivers Smokehouse' founder John Rivers permanently closed his popular Winter Park restaurant The Coop on Sunday, July 16, 2023 after nearly 10 years. Sadly the closure brought to an an end the restaurants popular Chicken Tenders, but great news from 4 Rivers as The COOP Chicken Tenders have found a new home on the 4R Menu! 4 Rivers announced the news n their social media accounts, "This just in: The COOP Chicken Tenders have found a new home on the 4R Menu! Swing by to give them a try, they are the squawk of the town." And that's not all, 4 Rivers classic John's Big Dog Chili is back!  This hearty, Texas-style chili is made with a diverse blend of peppers and spices. Get it in Chili Mac & Cheese, Chili Fries, or Chili in a Cup, Pint, or Quart for a limited time! Order at 4rsmokehouse.com/order-online. To keep up to date with the latest news in Orlando, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For all the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out our daily updated guides to the Theme Park's: Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Climb aboard the coaster as Theatre South Playhouse celebrates their 15th Year Anniversary with the Central Florida Premiere of RIDE THE CYCLONE! "Come on children, it's time to play!" Join Dr Phillip's Theatre South Playhouse from March 1 - 10 as they celebrate their 15th Year Anniversary with the Central Florida Premiere of the cult hit musical, RIDE THE CYCLONE! With book, music, and lyrics by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmondthis dark comedy musical takes the stage at the Playhouse to thrill and chill audiences in an immersive space. Ride The Cyclone's box office will open on January 11 at 6 pm and will run for two weekends with a possible extension. Buckle up with this hilarious cult story of a chamber choir of teenagers whose lives are cut short aboard a roller coaster... In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, movinglook at what makes a life well-lived! Theatre South Playhouse will present 10 shows over two weekends on March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10, with 2 nights of possible extensions. For more information, call 407-601-4380 or email Admin@TheatreSouthplayhouse.org. To keep up to date with the latest news in Orlando, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our events guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For all the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, and for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out our daily updated guides to the Theme Park's: Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.

Get ready to celebrate as Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is set to return in early 2024 Feet don't fail us now Orlando!! The holidays at Universal Orlando Resort have not even started and the theme park is already looking forward to the 2024 return of Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! The park has announced that the ever popular event will return on February 3, and run through until April 7 2024. All the fun will return including the spectacular parade, beads by the handful, live music, and food from around the world as well as New Orleans favorites! 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!

Celebrity tournament returns for the sixth year to kick off the LPGA Tour and will feature an exclusive invite-only concert series mixing modern pop and classic rock. Hilton Grand Vacations have announces the return of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. The highly anticipated tournament taking place in Orlando’s Lake Nona features approximately 50 of the biggest stars in sports, entertainment and music competing with the LPGA Tour’s champions from the previous two seasons. Known for offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences that extend beyond the golf course, the tournament includes a three-night private concert series headlined by Pitbull, Elle King, Styx and REO Speedwagon – an eclectic lineup of artists spanning a diverse range of genres. Multi-platinum, award-winning recording artist Elle King, recognized for her Grammy-nominated single “Ex’s & Oh’s,” will open the first night of the concert series on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Celebrated for her innovative blend of pop, blues and rock-n-roll, the artist recently released her third studio album “Come Get Your Wife,” signaling an expansion into country. Iconic rock bands Styx and REO Speedwagon will headline the second night of the series on Thursday, Jan. 18 with an electrifying evening of timeless classic rock. To close out the tournament concert series, Pitbull will take the stage on Saturday, Jan. 20. Pitbull, or famously Mr. Worldwide, rose from Miami to achieve international success as a Grammy award-winning global superstar, education advocate and entrepreneur. With hit songs like “Give Me Everything” and “Timber,” Pitbull uniquely infuses what he calls global music, and has collaborated with some of the most popular artists in the world. “It’s a great honor to kick off the LPGA season with HGV’s Tournament of Champions, which will surely be four fantastic days of golf,” said Mark Wang, president and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “This tournament is an unparalleled event with the world’s best women golfers competing with the biggest names in sports and entertainment. In addition to the thrilling competition, we’re pleased to present an outstanding line-up of iconic performers for this year’s private concert series to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our HGV members and guests.” The HGV Tournament of Champions will be held at the renowned, championship golf course Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando on Jan. 15-21, 2024. The tournament will be televised nationally on NBC and Golf Channel and the exclusive three-night concert series will be open to tournament sponsors, participants and invited guests. To learn more about the tournament or inquire about sponsorship opportunities that provide exclusive access to the tournament and concerts, visit www.HGVLPGA.com. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

Fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay, will be converging on MEGACON Orlando this February, with a huge lineup of celebrities in attendance at the Orange County Convention Center! If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, the hugely popular MegaCon Orlando is the only place to be from February 1 - 4, 2024 when the show returns to the Orange County Convention Center on I-Drive. MegaCon Orlando is one of North America's largest comic con's and each year the event keeps on getting bigger, with 2024 bringing an exciting lineup of family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned celebrities to Orlando. The latest celebrity to be announced is the legendary horror director Eli Roth. Roth is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor. As a director and producer, he is most closely associated with the horror genre, namely splatter films, having directed the films Cabin Fever (2002) and Hostel (2005). Roth continued to work in the horror genre, directing the films Hostel: Part II (2007), The Green Inferno(2013) and Thanksgiving (2023). He also expanded into other genres, directing the erotic thriller film Knock Knock (2015) and the action film Death Wish (2018), a remake of the 1974 original. Also in 2018, he directed the fantasy comedy film The House with a Clock in Its Walls, his first PG-rated film and his highest domestic grosser to date. As an actor, Roth starred as Donny "The Bear Jew" Donowitz in Quentin Tarantino's war film Inglourious Basterds (2009), for which he received a Critic's Choice Movie Award and a SAG Award. Other celebrities already announced for this years show include Gina Carano, Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Sofia Boutella, Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis and many more! Check out ALL THE celebrities announced so far for MegaCon Orlando 2024... Love scary movies? We've got the perfect guest for you. Get ready to meet iconic horror director Eli Roth (Thanksgiving, Cabin Fever, Hostel) at MEGACON Orlando this February. Whether or not you know her from The Mandalorian or Deadpool, you won't want to miss meeting the fearless Gina Carano at MEGACON Orlando this February. With the pirates and marines on their way, we're starting to think the One Piece is at MEGACON! Set sail with the One Piece cast as Jeff Ward (Buggy), Jacob Romero (Usopp), and Aidan Scott (Helmeppo) join Iñaki Godoy (Luffy) in Orlando. The star of Zack Snyder's new sci-fi epic is coming to MEGACON. Meet Sofia Boutella (Kora) from the newly released Rebel Moon this February. Ready to bend the rules? Meet Loki and The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston at MEGACON Orlando this February. Hayden Christensen will be at MEGACON. Meet Anakin Skywalker himself this February. Meet the sci-fi superstar Ewan McGregor at MEGACON Orlando in February. Best friends until the end. Oscar-winning actresses Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis are appearing at MEGACON Orlando this February! Prepare yourself for battle. Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth) from Ahsoka is coming to MEGACON Orlando this February. Great news Whovians, Proto-Time Lord River Song is travelling through time to get to Orlando. Meet Alex Kingston when she appears at MEGACON this February. Has anyone seen Trevor the toad? Neville Longbottom is coming to Orlando to search for him. Meet Harry Potter's Matthew Lewis, your favorite Gryffindor/herbology professor, at MEGACON this February. He is C-3PO, Human-Cyborg Relations. Meet your fave protocol droid when Star Wars legend Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) appears at MEGACON Orlando in February. Ready to join the Hellfire Club? Meet Stranger Things stars, Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), and Joseph Quinn (Eddie Munson) at MEGACON Orlando this February. Orlando, did you hear? Ethan Suplee (Randy Hickey) from My Name is Earl is bringing the laughs to MEGACON Orlando, plus you must have great karma because Jason Lee (Earl Hickey) from My Name is Earl is coming too! We're happy to report that Michelle Hurd (Raffaela Musiker) is right on course for MEGACON Orlando. He's a Force to be reckoned with. If you haven't heard, Eman Esfandi (Ezra Bridger) from Ahsoka will be at MEGACON Orlando this February. Don't miss living life in the fast lane with Randy Quaid (Cousin Eddie) from National Lampoon at MEGACON Orlando this February. Did you know? Orlando has a new hero Arrow’s Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen) is ready to save the day and meet fans at MEGACON Orlando. Have you been training in the ways of the Force? If you haven't heard, Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon) from The Mandalorian is coming to MEGACON Orlando this February. Beam us up Orlando, William Shatner, best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise is coming to MegaCon Orlando, They've gone from Minnesota to Cali, and now they're on their way to Florida. Shannen Doherty (Brenda Walsh) and Jason Priestley (Brandon Walsh) from Beverly Hills, 90210 are coming to MEGACON Orlando this February. Orlando, the wilderness can hear you. Get ready to meet Yellowjackets star Juliette Lewis (Natalie Scatorccio) when she flies into MEGACON Orlando this February. As you wish, Orlando. Robin Wright and Cary Elwes are making their first ever convention appearance together this February at MEGACON Orlando. Robin Gayle Wright starred in The Princess Bride, as well as the HBO miniseries Empire Falls, she starred as Claire Underwood in the Netflix political drama series House of Cards. She has also directed ten episodes of the series as well as two episodes of the Netflix crime series Ozark in 2022. Cary Elwes known for his leading film roles in The Princess Bride, and Dr. Lawrence Gordon in the Saw film series. He has appeared on television in a number of series including The X-Files, Seinfeld, From the Earth to the Moon, Psych, and Life in Pieces. In 2019, he appeared in the Netflix drama series Stranger Things and the Amazon Prime comedy series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Danny Trejo has appeared in films including Desperado, Heat, and the From Dusk Till Dawn film series. With frequent collaborator and his second cousin Robert Rodriguez, he portrayed the character of Isador "Machete" Cortez, which was originally developed for the Spy Kids series and was later expanded into its own franchise of the same name. Childs in The Thing, Arbiter in HALO, Goliath in Gargoyles, Dr. Facilier in Disney's The Princess and the Frog... Keith David has some incredibly iconic roles, and now you can meet the star himself at MEGACON Orlando, he is known for his deep voice and screen presence in over 300 roles across film, stage, television, and interactive media. Doesn't matter what your watch says, it's now the witching hour. Meet Holly Marie Combs (Pretty Little Liars, Charmed), Rose McGowan (Scream, Charmed), Alyssa Milano (Wet Hot American Summer, Charmed), and Shannen Doherty (Beverly Hills, 90210, Charmed) this February at MEGACON Orlando. English actor Paul Bettany, who many will know for his portrayal of Vision from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be at MegaCon Orlando. His acting credits include Wandavision, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: Civil War, Iron Man, A Knights Tale, Legion, and so much more! Everyone is a fan of something, and MegaCon Orlando is the place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest, and then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness. HIGHLIGHTS: CELEBRITY PHOTO OPS Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime to meet you favorite celebrity and have the moment captured by a professional photographer. This is the only way to get a beautiful 8x10 glossy photo of you with one of our guests in an intimate setting. AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS An autograph is the perfect opportunity to get that special something signed by your favorite celebrity. Be sure to check out the full schedule so you don’t miss out on any of your faves! ARTIST ALLEY Indie meets pro in this special area where you will find all your favorite pencillers, inkers and writers. This is a ”must experience" area for anyone interested in meeting rising stars and those who work the front lines of the industry! Here you’ll find it all – comics, graphic novels, limited edition prints and best of all, original art and sketches. You’ll also find crafters and makers, all with a nerdy slant to their designs and creations. COSPLAY RED CARPET Get ready for the Cosplay Red Carpet! There's no pre-registration, no competition & no stress! Walk the red carpet and show off your costume in front of adoring fans. Every participant will get a free photo taken by Jeff Jenkins Photography, MEGACON’s official Cosplay Red Carpet Photographer. OVER 400,000 SQ FT OF SHOPPING MADNESS! More than 1,000 retailers join MEGACON Orlando to make your experience an unforgettable one! Specializing in everything comics, anime, gaming, science fiction and horror, these retailers are guaranteed to have what you need. FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Our event prides itself on having so many amazing activities and attractions that are family oriented. Spend the day with the whole family as you meet your favorite Superheroes, Princesses and voice actors. You can even enter the Cosplay Costume Contest as a family! COMMUNITY ZONE Whether you're a Whovian or Jedi, a cosplayer or crafter, the Community Zone is where you find people who share your fandom! Find out about local clubs, get up close to movie props, test your trivia, and snap photos galore with fans who are excited as you are to get together. PANELS, WORKSHOPS & SEMINAR From Celebrity Q&A’s, fan club presentations, hands-on workshops and screening rooms, there’s hundreds of hours of programming available for every fandom. The best part? It’s free with your admission ticket. Check the daily schedule to find out when and where the fun happens. COSTUMES! COSTUMES! COSTUMES! Fans dressing up in costumes (also known as cosplay) is a huge part of the show! Literally thousands of amazing costumes are available for your viewing pleasure throughout the weekend. Don’t be shy: ask for a photo with your favorite characters or come dressed up yourself. MEET LEGENDARY COMIC BOOK CREATORS Comics Legends, Professional Comic Book artists, and writers will be with us all weekend. Be sure to drop by the Artist Alley to meet them and see their amazing work! MEET YOUR FAVORITE VOICE ACTORS The actors that voice your favorite animated characters will be at our show to sign autographs, pose for photos and meet with their fans. They have developed a well-deserved reputation for being super-friendly and enthusiastic! COSPLAY PHOTO PARK Snap the best shot with the coolest background at our Photo Park. From outer space to enchanted lands, there’s a setting for everyone. COSPLAY MEET UPS Meet like-minded fans and get a picture to remember at a themed cosplay meet up. Watch for a schedule of specific fandom meet-ups closer to show time. Get tickets here. 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. 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For soccer fans wanting a little touch of luxury when watching the latest Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride games at Exploria Stadium, the clubs have a new premium option just for you! Orlando City Soccer Club and Orlando Pride are adding an exciting new section to Exploria Stadium for soccer fans wanting a more comfortable view of the game. The Terrace is a new premium seating option for fans inside Exploria Stadium that includes complimentary food and beverage, in-seat service and parking as part of your membership. Terrace Members will have exclusive access to The Terrace, which is to be located in a premium section of the stadium, on the corner flag, at pitch level, giving excellent views of the game. The Terrace Membership gives you exclusive access to your personal table to all Orlando City and Orlando Pride regular season home matches at Exploria Stadium. This exclusive seating option includes wider, breathable seating with in seat wait service, with all-inclusive food, domestic beer, house wine & non -alcoholic beverages. Members will also receive parking in the Mane Street Tailgate parking lot, access to premium lane entrance located at gate B, and access to exclusive premium member event.s In addition, the Terrace Members will have first right to reserve their table for Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, NWSL playoffs, Leagues Cup Knockout Stage Matches and more! For more details, click here. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

White Castle on Daryl Carter Pkway will once again be transformed into the Love Castle on Valentine's Day for couples looking to celebrate their love with sliders! On the evening of Valentines Day, February 14, participating White Castle restaurants throughout the country, including the Orlando location at Daryl Carter Parkway will become Love Castle, offering hostess seating, tableside service and festive holiday décor ! The Valentine's Day promotion began on Valentine’s Day 1991 and has continued at White Castle ever since. "Celebrating Valentine’s Day at White Castle has become a tradition for hopeful romantics and Slider enthusiasts alike," said Jamie Richardson,VP at White Castle. "We look forward to opening our doors once again to romance and fun and making this Valentine’s Day another one to savor." The Love Castle experience is available on February 14, between 4 pm and 9 pm, and reservations are required, and with reservations expected to fill quickly, guests are encouraged to sign up early at OpenTable.com. Participating Castles can be found at WhiteCastle.com/locations (scroll down to "Celebrate Valentine's Day at the Castle!"). In addition to the Valentine's Day Love Castle experience,White Castle will also offer a special meal combo especially for Valentines. The "Love Clutch Collection," which is available exclusively from Feb. 9 to Feb. 18, features 10 cheese sliders, 20 chicken rings and a sack of fries. Cravers should leave room for a sweet nightcap. The Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake-on-a-Stick is the perfect treat to end the night. It features strawberry swirl cheesecake in a chocolate cookie crumb crust. White Castle has also added Valentine’s Day-themed merch to its online store, including a “smooth & luxurious” Love Castle Robe ($60), featuring the Love Castle logo, sliders and, of course, Cupid. The chain also currently offers heart-shaped Love Castle Sunglasses ($9.99), a Love Castle Candy t-shirt ($24.99), and a Love Castle Crave t-shirt ($24.99) printed with “Valentine’s Day is for Cravers.” To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

If your searching for a new Year's Resolution why not Adopt A Pet from Orange County Animal Services. Since reopening for the New Year on Tuesday, January 2, Orange County Animal Services has received more than 90 dogs. The shelter is now caring for more than 200 dogs and asking for the community to step forward to adopt, foster, or attempt to reunite found dogs with their owners before resorting to bringing them to the shelter. Adoption fees have been waived for dogs already spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, those are designated as “ready to go.” “This is a challenging time of year for us as most people aren’t in a position to adopt around the holidays, money is tight, people are travelling and spending time with family,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “Unfortunately, while adoption interest may dwindle around the holidays, our intake does not.” Among the more than 200 dogs in the shelter’s care are some pets that have been waiting for months to land a home, like Keiko (A535091) who arrived on October 12, 2023 and Simon (A535269) who arrived on October 17, 2023. “We have some really great dogs here right now, but they just keep getting overlooked,” said Summers. “A lot of visitors tend to beeline right toward the puppies and small dogs, but we need adopters and foster parents willing to take in the larger dogs.” The shelter recently launched an intake diversion program aimed at providing resources to struggling pet owners and triaging cases where dogs need to be admitted. Due to the volume of pets already at the shelter, Animal Services has yet to be able to begin accepting these dogs. “The queue of people wanting to surrender their dogs continues to grow with each day,” said Summers. Animal Services is asking residents to consider adopting and fostering. For those that have found a stray dog, the shelter is asking finders to first try to locate the owner. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.

Soon you’ll be able to book a Capture Your Moment session with DisneyPhotoPass inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World that captures your Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away! Walt Disney World has shared that soon you’ll be able to book a private photo session with Disney PhotoPass Service inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that captures your Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away! The local Batuu Image Specialists (known on our planet as Disney PhotoPass photographers) will be offering personalized Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge 20-minute photo sessions called Capture Your Moment to document visitors’ adventures. Scoundrels, rogues, smugglers and Resistance sympathizers needn’t worry: The only mission of these Image Specialists is to ensure travelers have scans to take back to their home planet. During these sessions, the Image Specialists, equipped with enhanced holoscanning droids, will travel with you around Batuu, processing scans in front of the Millennium Falcon or a First Order Shuttle, at the market in Black Spire Outpost, among the beautiful landscapes of lush forests and majestic mountains, or as you explore other beloved spots on the planet. The choice is yours!* Your Image Specialist can also offer you an assortment of artifacts that you can use while documenting your mission. Each Capture Your Moment photo session is $99 and can include up to eight guests. Photos are not included with the price of a session. However, those with a Disney PhotoPass entitlement such as Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day, as well as qualifying Annual Passholders with a Disney PhotoPass download benefit, can download the photos taken during a session at no extra cost. You can also opt to purchase photos individually. Bookings for this new Capture Your Moment experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open on Jan. 17, with sessions offered daily during regular park hours starting Jan. 24. Beginning Jan. 17, you can book a session online by clicking here. Bookings can be made up to 60 days in advance, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. A limited number of same-day reservations may be available; to inquire, check the My Disney Experience app. To learn more or to book one of our other Capture Your Moment experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom Park, or the other Capture Your Moment offering at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (available in Toy Story Land or on Hollywood Boulevard or Sunset Boulevard) click here. For the latest news from Walt Disney World click here. To keep up with the latest news from Orlando, plus deals and discounts in Central Florida, sign up for the the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For all the latest events and things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend. For the latest Orlando Theme Park News click here, for the latest Attractions News click here, plus check out Walt Disney World News, Universal Orlando Resort News, SeaWorld Orlando News, LEGOLAND Florida News, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. For the latest Orlando Entertainment News, check out our daily updated news pages: Entertainment News, Live Music & Concerts News, Events & Festival News, Theater & The Visual Arts News, Bar, Club & Nightlife News, and Food & Drink News. To feature your business or events with Gotta Go Orlando, learn more about advertising with us and submit your Orlando events here.