Search this site

A Florida developer wants to give surfers an inland option to surf at the Orlando Surf Park which they hope to build in Winter Garden. Back in early October we first brought you the news that Coral Springs based developer, Ocean Sports Development had to build a massive 13 acre Surf Park near to Walt Disney World in a former construction land-fill site close to the Horizon West development in Winter Garden. Initial plans had been submitted to Orange County, and now requests have been submitted in Orange County on Dec. 11 for a development plan review and change determination related to the development. Developers are poised to officially announce the project next week, which will also include volleyball courts, pavilion, tiki bars, surf shop and more. Ocean Sports Developments hold the USA exclusive license to the Webber Wave Pool system invented and patented by Greg Webber. A peerless surfboard designer, Webber has been setting the world standard for shaping boards since the 1990s. With the Webber Wave Pool, he is now poised to set the global standard for shaping waves as well. The unique patented Kelvin wave drive mechanism and basin design will deliver the perfect barrel, with numerous wave height and shape variations. Simplicity of design means Ocean Sports Developments can make surf pools in multiple sizes and shape configurations, including round, half-moon, straight, looped linear and rectangular. The stadium-sized looped linear and rectangular designs generate waves in four separate zones of the pool, thereby providing rides customized for everyone from the seasoned professional to the young novice, without interference to any surfer in any other zone of the pool. OSD acquired the exclusive rights to this wave pool technology in order to create the NATIONAL SURFING LEAGUE surf parks across the USA and to help advance surfing as a high school, collegiate and Olympic sport. Their ability to create a world-class hollow barrel – and change its shape in motion on demand – provides OSD with the ability to create a unique onshore surfing experience with the potential for television programming content. These stadium resort locations will make the proliferation of surfing possible by providing municipalities, non-profits, high schools, colleges and the Olympics with the same economically feasible training facilities for all. This development has the potential to be huge news for Orlando and we will be sure to keep you up-to-date on this exciting project. 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!

Get ready to party like its 2024, as Universal Orlando Resort reveals plans to celebrate New Year's Eve 2023! Universal Orlando Resort has revealed it's resort-wide New Year's Eve plans, including DJ parties, confetti, and more! Closing out 2023, Universal Orlando will be hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations at Islands Of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, CityWalk, and the resort hotels! Read on for all the details to ring in 2024 at Universal Orlando. Universal Studios Florida Universal Studios will be open New Year's Eve until 1 am, hosting a high-energy party night in the Music Plaza are of the park, including live band, DJ, special appearances by the Universal characters and more. As the clock inches closer to Midnight, there will be a special countdown and then as the clock strikes 12, there will be a small pyrotechnics display at midnight. Islands Of Adventure Universal's islands of Adventure will also be open unitl 1 am on New Year's Eve, with a DJ in the Port of Entry area, hyping the crowd towards 2024, including a special countdown as the clock strikes Midnight. The New year's Eve celebrations at both parks are included in regular admission to the parks. Universal CityWalk New Year's Eve at CityWalk is going to be epci with live music on the Waterfront Stage, and a DJ party on the Promenade. To ring in the New Year, CityWalk will also host a countdown to midnight, featuring a confetti storm to mark the arrival of 2024. The party runs until 2 am, with free admission! Universal's hotels are also getting in on the fun this New Year's Eve! New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Loews Portofino Bay Hotel presents New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza, a New Year's Eve celebration on the hotel's picturesque outdoor Harbor Piazza. Enjoy gourmet foods (served until 11pm), desserts, beer* and wine*, live DJ and dancing. The countdown to midnight will include a live performance by Portofino's opera singers and a sparkling wine* toast. New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza is a family-friendly celebration for guests of all ages and is a great way to welcome in the new year! Aventura's New Year's Eve Celebration Universal's Aventura Hotel Celebrate New Year's Eve in style with Universal at Bar 17 Bistro's rooftop celebration and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the night skyline and area fireworks as you count down to 2024. ROCK-IN 2024! New Year's Eve Lobby Party Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Come rock in the new year at the exciting Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Enjoy specially prepared desserts and entertainment that includes a DJ, roaming magicians, balloon artist, countdown live from Times Square via satellite, and midnight balloon drop with champagne toast. ROCK-IN 2024! New Year's Eve Lobby Party is a family-friendly celebration for guests of all ages and is a great way to rock in the new year! Strong Water Tavern New Year's Eve Celebration Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando Come join Universal in Strong Water Tavern at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando for a celebration to ring in the new year. Our adults (ages 21+) only New Year's Eve party will feature live entertainment and music and dancing. Plus, enjoy assorted favorites from Strong Water Tavern's menu throughout the evening, as well an open bar from 10pm - midnight featuring select beers, liquors and wines (cash bar from midnight - 2am). Watch the New Year's Eve ball drop live from New York City's Times Square on the tavern's giant video wall while you raise a glass to welcome in the new year with midnight champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar's New Year's Eve Celebration Loews Royal Pacific Resort Come join us in Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando to ring in the new year. Our New Year's Eve celebration will feature family-friendly entertainment that includes live jazz music, origami artist, stilt walker, Balinese dancers and 360 photo booth. 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!

This holiday season the Frog Squad Elves at Jeremiah's Italian Ice have crafted a few winter wonderland-inspired Holiday Flavorites! Check out these festive frozen treats that capture the minty essence of holiday flavor! Jeremiah's Italian Ice has been scooping fresh Italian Ice and Creamy Soft Ice Cream since 1996, and with 26 locations throughout Central Florida, Jeremiah's is a popular go-to spot for delicious icy treats, and this holiday season, Jeremiah's Holiday Flavorites are available now, go on, treat yourself to the flavors of the season with these minty, wintry Flavorites! Peppermint Bark Indulge in a blast of holiday bliss with the Jeremiah's Peppermint Bark Flavorite! Elevate your holiday dessert game with this delightful symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling with minty, chocolaty joy! Featuring Peppermint Bark, Cookies and Cream Italian Ice, Chocolate Soft Ice Cream, and Crushed Peppermint Candies. Peppermint Sugar Cookie The Peppermint Sugar Cookie Flavorite is the sweetest, creamiest, mintiest frozen holiday treat of the season! Featuring Cookie Butter Ice, Cake Batter Ice, Vanilla Soft Ice Cream, and Crushed Peppermint Candies. Hop on in to Jeremiah's Ice before 'you know who' eats all of the cookie-inspired treats! Ice Peppermint Mocha Calling all frozen coffee lovers... this seasonal treat is for YOU! Indulge in Jeremiah's Ice Peppermint Mocha Flavorite, a seasonal treat that packs a holiday punch... Caffe Latte Italian Ice, Chocolate Soft Ice Cream, and Crushed Peppermint Candies. Don't forget to ask about Jeremiah's Holiday Flavorites Collectible Sticker when you hop in for a tasty frozen treat this month! Fid your local sweet spot at Jeremiah's Italian Ice. 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!

Walt Disney World has extended the hours for three of its theme parks on New Year's Eve. As Walt Disney World gears up for the busiest time of the year, park hours has been extended at three out of the four Walt Disney Parks on December 31, 2023, Magic Kingdom will open 8 am to 1 am, Disney's Hollywood Studios open 8:30 am to 12 am. and Disney's Animal Kingdom from 8 am to 8 pm. The only park with unchanged hours is EPCOT, which is already open extended hours, from 9 am to 1 am. The extra hours adds 2 hours of extra park time to Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom, while Disney's Hollywood Studios has gained an additional 30 minutes in the morning. Walt Disney World New Year's Eve Fireworks are not-to-miss spectaculars! On New Year's Eve both Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT will have fireworks, dance parties and DJs. Plus its not just New Years Eve, Walt Disney World celebrate New Year's Eve on December 30 also, so you can celebrate the occasion in both parks, and party two nights in a row! Magic Kingdom Fireworks Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at 6.30 pm and 11.50 pm EPCOT Fireworks New Year’s Countdown Fireworks at 11.54 pm No additional entertainement is expected at Animal Kingdom which will close at 8 pm, although it is not known if any fireworks will be taking place at Hollywood Studios which will close at 12 am, although no fireworks have taken place at the park in several years on New Yerar's Eve. 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!

If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, you'll feel right at home at MEGACON Orlando, and organizers have added several new celebrities to the 2024 lineup at the Orange County Convention Center. MegaCon Orlando is one of North America's largest comic con's and each year the event gets bigger, and bigger, bringing exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned celebrities to Orlando. If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, the hugely popular MegaCon Orlando returns to take over the Orange County Convention Center on I-Drive from February 1 - 4, 2024, and organizers have added even more celebrities to the list of stars appearing at the show. His name is Monkey D. Luffy, and he's gonna be King of MEGACON Orlando Join the Straw Hat Pirates when Iñaki Godoy (Luffy) from One Piece sets sail for his first-ever convention appearance this February. The Charmed stars are also bringing their magic to MEGACON Orlando. as Alyssa Milano and Shannen Doherty will be joining the already announced Holly Marie Combs and Rose McGowan. Also added to the shows list of celebrities is C-3PO, Star Wars legend Anthony Daniels, Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis who portrayed Neville Longbottom, actress Alex Kingston (Arrow, ER, and of course Dr Who), Jason Lee (Earl Hickey) from My Name is Earl, Jonathan Frakes (William Riker) from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth) from Ahsoka. Check out ALL THE celebrities announced so far for the 2024 MegaCon Orlando. His name is Monkey D. Luffy, and he's gonna be King of MEGACON Orlando Join the Straw Hat Pirates when Iñaki Godoy (Luffy) from One Piece sets sail for his first-ever convention appearance this February. Prepare yourself for battle. Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth) from Ahsoka is coming to MEGACON Orlando this February. Calling all Trekkies. We're bringing Jonathan Frakes (William Riker) from Star Trek: The Next Generation 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. 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!

Groundbreaking began on downtown Orlando's Amway Center on July 25, 2008, with the $380 million arena opening on October 1, 2010, since opening the arena has been home to the Orlando Magic, but soon the Amway Center will have a new name! Downtown Orlando's Amway Center will soon be no more, with the popular multi-purpose arena announcing a new big name sponsor next week. Amway has held the naming rights to the arena since it opened 13 years ago, with the deal costing Amway $40 million. Previously, before the Amway Center was built, Amway also sponsored downtown's Orlando's previous arena, the Amway Arena from 2006 until it closed in 2010. The Amway Center is home to the Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, big-name music concerts and more, 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!

Great news as the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board has extended it's free parking offer in downtown for another year. The city of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board began it's ParkDTO Program back in May, with visitors enjoying FREE parking at on-street metered and non-metered spaces, via the ParkMobile app, together with complimentary valet via participating restaurants, while dining and shopping in downtown. Developed as a strategic initiative of the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area Plan, the new initiative started on Monday, May 15, with the aim of offering greater access to downtown for visitors. The scheme has proved so successful, that the Downtown Development Board has now agreed to extend the scheme until December 31, 2024, providing another $100,000 for the ParkDTO program. But there's more...the usage limit has doubled! You can now use the code "ParkDTO" up to eight times on the ParkMobile app , making parking in downtown a breeze. Whether you're savoring the local flavors, taking in the sights, or diving into unique experiences, drive here, dine here, and let DTO take care of parking. Here's how it works: Get up to 2 hours of FREE parking at any metered and non-metered parking spot in downtown by using the ParkMobile code: ParkDTO. To spread the FREE parking love, you can use the code a maximum of eight (8) times per account. Download the ParkMobile app now to be ahead of the parking game. Dining downtown? Receive validation for valet at participating downtown restaurants between 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Promotion codes are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any amount owed in excess of the validated time is the responsibility of the person parking. For more details, check out downtownorlando.com/parkdto. Happy exploring! The program gives up to 2 hours of FREE parking at any metered and non-metered parking spot in downtown by using the ParkMobile code: ParkDTO. To spread the FREE parking love, you can use the code a maximum of four (4) times per account. Plus if you are dining downtown you will receive validation for valet at participating downtown restaurants between 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Promotion codes are valid 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any amount owed in excess of the validated time is the responsibility of the person parking. Parking meters are free in downtown Orlando before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, as well as all day Sunday. So far, approximately 6,500 ParkDTO codes have been used, with 2,500 codes used for valet service. A list of participating restaurants and a map of the designated area for parking are now available. 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.

Allianz Partners USA has announced its annual Top 10 Holiday Destinations survey, with Orlando high on the list of places where Americans are planning holiday trips! Allianz Partners USA has announced its annual Top 10 Holiday Destinations survey, with Orlando second only to New York for where Americans are planning holiday trips. After reviewing over three million itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports beginning Saturday, December 16 and returning by Friday, December 29, the travel insurance and assistance company found that 79% of the itineraries reviewed are for domestic travel and 21% are for international trips. New York City headlines for the third year in a row as the number one domestic destination on American travelers' wish lists this holiday season, followed by sunny Orlando (#2), Las Vegas (#3), Los Angeles (#4) and Atlanta (#5). Travelers planning an overseas holiday should be prepared for busier airport gates at warm-weather destinations. For the sixth time in a row, Cancun stays on top with travelers opting to escape the cold to relax on Mexico's sunny beaches. Not far behind, London, England (#2), continues to be a top contender while sunnier destinations like San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (#3), Montego Bay, Jamaica (#4) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (#5) continue to attract U.S. travelers. For everyone choosing Orlando this holiday season, you should check out our guide to all the holly jolly festivities taking place throughout December! 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!

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede was located in Orlando between 2003 and 2008. When the dinner show closed its doors, Dolly said the show would return to the Orlando area, but sadly it never did, but now Dolly is bringing a new dinner show to Florida, but NOT Orlando! Dolly Parton brought her spectacular Dixie Stampede dinner show to Orlando in 2003, and after receiving an offer for the land that they could not refuse, the show alongside the I-4 next to the Premium Outlets Vineland Road, closed in 2008 with little to no warning. At the time that the show closed Dolly said in a statement, "This was an opportunity we could not pass up. . . . We will be back better than ever!" Sadly the show never did return, although the show lives on until this day in Pigeon Force, TN, and Branson MO, although the Dixi was dropped from the name some time ago. In addiditon to Dolly's Stampede, Dolly Parton offers another dinner show, Pirates' Voyage Dinner and Show – with two already open in Myrtle Beach, SC and Pigeon Forge, TN. Dolly now plans to opn a third Pirates' Voyage Dinner and Show, sadly not in Central Florida, with Dolly choosing to open in the Florida panhandle at Park Pier in Panama City Beach. “I’m so excited about bringing this show to such a great destination,” Dolly said. “With pirates, mermaids, exciting acrobatics, pyrotechnics, and even a few songs that I wrote, it’s a show that is perfect for all ages. My Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show has been a huge success in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and I knew that Panama City Beach was the perfect spot to open our third location,” Dolly said. “Everyone knows that I dream big, so we are going ‘overboard’ with the details as we prepare everything – from the show to the four-course pirates feast to the exterior of the building itself. I told my folks to get started as soon as possible, so we’re breaking ground for construction in January!” The 60,000 square foot indoor theater will have more than 1000 seats. Guests will be treated to a dinner and show where the Crimson and Sapphire pirates battle on deck, in the water of the 15-foot-deep lagoon, and in the “sky” above the two full-sized pirate ships that serve as the swashbuckling stage for adventure, excitement and fun for everyone. The new dinner show is anticipated to create 300 jobs, and an extensive nationwide talent search will begin in mid-2024 for the cast. The total cost for the project is estimated at $60 million. More information on the Pirates Voyage experiences in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is available at piratesvoyage.com. 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!

A significant storm that is likely to bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and the possibilities of flooding and tornadoes to Central Florida this weekend, has forced the closure of Disney's Blizzard Beach Expected severe weather this weekend has forced Walt Disney World to close its water park, Blizzard Beach this weekend, Disney's Blizzard Beach will close today, Friday, December 15 at 5 pm, and will remain closed on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday Decemebr 17. Severe weather is forcast to sweep into Central Florida Saturday into Sunday bringing wind gusts of over 40 mph, and heavy downpours with the threat of flooding in many areas. As this storm deveolps we will be bringing you the latest news on the storm, and any weekend event cancelations, with outdoor holiday events particulary at risk. 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!

A significant storm looks likely to bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and the possibilities of flooding and tornadoes to Central Florida this weekend, with the storm threatening many holiday events planned for this weekend. A significant storm is likely to affect your outdoor weekend plans here in Orlando as a strong, non-tropical area of low pressure threatens to bring heavy rains, gusty winds, flooding, and the chance of tornadoes. The worst of the weather is forcast to sweep into Central Florida late Saturday into Sunday. Today, Friday, December 15, we can expect cloudy skies with temperatures maxing out in the mid-70s, then as today progresses we should expect increasingly gusty winds, and even a few isolated showers. Saturday will see winds ramp up throughout the day, with gusts reaching 25 - 35 mph. then Saturday evening into Sunday the wind will really increase, with gusts of over 40 mph forecast. Along the west and east coasts of Florida, gusts could be nearer 55-60 mph at their peak. As for rain, Saturday will see a few showers possible through the late afternoon, but come Saturday evening, downpours, and storms move in from the south. Expect it to be very wet everywhere from Saturday night and Sunday morning to midday. Expect between 1" and 4" of rain, with a few isolated areas receiving over 4" of rain, bringing the threat of flooding. As this storm deveolps we will be bringing you the latest news on the storm, and any weekend event cancelations, with outdoor holiday events particulary at risk. Stay safe, and make sure your outdoor Christmas Decorations and Holiday Lights are secure! 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!

Get ready for buckets of splashy fun! Castaway Falls, an all-new tropical splash and play area will have multiple levels and more than 100 colorful elements, and is an ideal oasis for kids of all ages— even the littlest adventurers! Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has announced that Adventure Island, Tampa’s water park, will debut Castaway Falls, in Spring 2024. The all-new multi-level, interactive water-play attraction will feature more than 100 play elements, including two giant tipping buckets that dump more than 1,300 gallons of water combined. Castaway Falls will have four exciting water slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose jets, spray jets, water shooters, water curtains, tipping troughs, spinning and sliding buckets, and much more. The new attraction replaces the former splash area and is double the size of the former Splash Attack, making the new addition to Adventure Island bigger and splashier than ever before. "We are thrilled about Adventure Island’s 2024 season!" said Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. "With the unveiling of Castaway Falls, the largest expansion in the water park’s history continues, adding attractions, dining options and events to enhance the guest experience.” Harmonizing with the water park’s paradise-like ambiance, Castaway Falls resembles a splash haven and a fun-filled retreat for the young and young-at-heart. Castaway Falls will immerse guests in a watery world of excitement, perfect for all park guests, even the littlest splashers. Castaway Falls is part of the waterpark’s largest expansion in more than four decades. Said expansion includes a park-wide modernized theme, the recently opened Shaka-Laka Shores, water slides Rapids Racer and Wahoo Remix, the renovation of Captain Pete’s, the popular full-service Hang Ten Tiki Bar, and new lounging areas and cabanas. Year-Round Fun Under the Sun with an Adventure Island Annual Pass Adventure Island’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy year-round family fun under the sun, including the new Castaway Falls and seasonal events included with admission. As part of the Holiday sale, guests can save up to 40% on passes and enjoy monthly rewards on top of unlimited seasonal admission and benefits like free parking, in-park discounts, and more. Guests can visit AdventureIsland.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program benefits, new events, special deals and future announcements by following Adventure Island on Instagram,Facebook, X and YouTube. 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!