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Celebrate the holidays with the City of Orlando, check out all the amazing things to do with all the family here in Orlando. The most wonderful time of the year is here in Orlando. Throughout November and December, the city invites Central Florida residents and guests to celebrate the holidays with family-friendly holiday events and activities for all ages to enjoy, furthering the city’s continued commitment to providing a wide variety of entertainment and festivities for everyone. For more information on events visit orlando.gov/events and downtownorlando.com/holidays. WHEN & WHERE: Now - Wednesday, January 3, 2024 Begins at dusk each evening Luminary Green Park at Creative Village, 437 North Terry Avenue The city, in partnership with QDSi, will light up Luminary Green Park with captivating holiday activations, featuring a mesmerizing art installation, “Loop,” and a dazzling holiday light show segment. At dusk, visitors can enter 8-foot-tall circular cars and bring animated images to life through flickering strobe effects and music to create a unique experience. Thursday, November 16, 2023 6 p.m. - Deck the District: Annual Tree Lighting and Gingerbread Building Contest Church Street Plaza, 54 West Church Street Join City District Main Street for their annual tree lighting, plus other family-friendly activities including gingerbread house building, holiday carolers and vendors. Saturday, November 18, 2023 - Wednesday, November 22, 2023 6:30 a.m. - Installation of the Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Lake Eola Park, Washington Plaza, 195 North Rosalind Avenue The Lake Eola Wonderland Christmas tree will be installed at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza over the course of four days. The 64-foot tree will be adorned with close to 2,000 ornaments and 200 pounds of lights, which will musically sync with the lights on the Lake Eola fountain and will provide animation during the shows. The Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show will run every night starting at 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. from Friday, December 1, 2023 through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Saturday, November 18, 2023 4:30 p.m. - Jingle Eve at Ivanhoe Village Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 North Orange Avenue Annually organized by the Ivanhoe Village Main Street District, Jingle Eve is a family-friendly holiday celebration featuring a Santa’s Village, Christmas tree lighting, food trucks, local artists, vendors, arts and crafts, fireworks, a bubble show and live musical performances. Sunday, November 19, 2023 7 a.m. - Jack Kazanzas Star Installation **Raising of the star will take place between 8 – 10 a.m. Downtown Orlando, Intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard An Orlando holiday tradition, the raising of the Jack Kazanzas Star will be hung 50 feet above downtown Orlando on the morning of Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard. The more than 50-year tradition of raising the 600-pound golden star started in the 1950s. Since then, the star has come to symbolize the start of the holiday season in Orlando. Friday, November 24, 2023 - Sunday, January 7, 2024 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Holidays at Leu Gardens Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue The 3rd annual Holiday at Leu Gardens returns featuring thousands of festive and vibrant poinsettias along with seasonal flowers and foliage to create a holiday themed garden. Additionally, guests can explore inside the historic Leu House where there will be a number of traditional holiday decorations adorning the home, as well as a special garden gnome scavenger hunt for the kids. Friday, November 24, 2023 - Saturday, January 6, 2024 5:30 p.m. - Dazzling Nights at Harry P. Leu Gardens Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue Orlando’s 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform once again into a stunning, winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights. This family-friendly adventure gives guests an opportunity to enjoy interactive holiday experience with new lighting installations, meet and greet characters, a kids’ play area and a 30-foot tree with thousands of shimmering gold sequins. Saturday, November 25, 2023 All Day - Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday provides a unique holiday shopping experience and encourages residents to support many of the independent, family-owned retailers and restaurants throughout the City of Orlando, including Downtown and in Orlando’s 12 Main Street Districts. Friday, December 1, 2023 City of Orlando Annual Tree Lighting Celebration 5 p.m. – Festivities Begin 8 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony Lake Eola Park, Washington Plaza, 195 North Rosalind Avenue Kickoff the holiday season at the City of Orlando's annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Lake Eola Park. The highlight of the event is the lighting of the 64-foot Christmas tree featuring 88,000 animated lights. The event will include holiday performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, food trucks and a holiday market on International Plaza at Lake Eola Park. Friday, December 1, 2023 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 Eola Wonderland Snowfall Eola House, 512 Eola Parkway, near the intersection of East Washington Street and North Eola Drive Experience a Florida snowfall in downtown Orlando near the Eola House. Snow will fall for 15 minutes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings starting at 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 Downtown Orlando Merry Market Lake Eola Park, 512 East Washington Street Support local businesses this season during downtown’s Merry Market where shoppers will find the best in arts and crafts and more. The market will be located on the east side of Lake Eola Park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Friday, December 1, 2023 - Saturday, December 23, 2023 Santa Claus at the Eola House Eola House, 512 Eola Parkway Santa Claus is coming to the City of Orlando and he’s not camera shy. Parents have festive picture-taking opportunities for their children with Santa at the Eola House every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Saturday, December 2, 2022 2 p.m. - Curry Ford West’s Picture-Perfect Holidays Kickoff Justin Bauknight State Farm Office, 2507 Curry Ford Road Curry Ford West Main Street District invites residents to join them for their annual Picture-Perfect Holidays Kickoff featuring themed photography sets located throughout the district, plus holiday vendors, music and more. Saturday, December 2, 2023 4 p.m. - Baldwin Park Winter Wonderland Extravaganza The Village Center, along New Broad Street This family-friendly event begins with a holiday festival featuring live holiday performances, artists, vendors, food, shopping, stilt-walkers, balloon artists and photos with Santa. In the evening, there will be an illuminated parade along with the annual lighting of the holiday tree. Sunday, December 3, 2023 2 p.m. - Light Up SoDo SoDo Shopping Center, 35 West Crystal Lake Street The SoDo Main Street District’s annual holiday event will feature several activities including an appearance from Santa Claus, face painting, train rides, holiday market, live wreath making, beer garden and the lighting of the SoDo Christmas tree. Thursday , December 7, 2023 5 p.m. - Holiday on the Drive Parade College Park, along Edgewater Drive The College Park Main Street District invites families and friends to the Holiday on the Drive parade featuring live music, Santa Claus in Albert Park and other holiday festivities. Thursday , December 7, 2023 7 p.m. - Violectric Holiday Show Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 195 North Rosalind Avenue This live concert features local electric string quintet band Violetric for the 10th Annual Violectric Holiday Show. The 90-minute free concert presented by the City of Orlando’s Department of Families, Parks and Recreation will feature traditional holiday songs mashed-up with classic rock tunes and modern hits to deliver a fun-filled, energetic and highly unique holiday show, which will also be simulcasted throughout Lake Eola Park. Friday, December 8, 2023 7 p.m. - Holiday Movie at Lake Eola Park East Lawn at Lake Eola Park Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “The Polar Express” on the East Lawn. Saturday, December 9, 2023 7:30 p.m. - Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl Wally’s, 1001 North Mills Avenue or Ten10 Brewing, 1010 Virginia Drive Annually organized by the Mills 50 Main Street District, residents can get in the “spirit” of the season at the Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl. Buy a wristband at Wally’s or Ten10 Brewing, then enjoy food and drink specials at several bars and restaurants throughout the district. Friday, December 15, 2023 6 p.m. - The Milky Way Bar & Bites Crawl The Milk District, 2424 East Robinson Street The Milk District Main Street will host their Milky Way Bar & Bites Crawl with favorite bars and restaurants in the district offering specials for participants. Friday, December 15, 2023 7 p.m. - Holiday Movie in the Park Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 195 North Rosalind Avenue Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “Elf.” Wednesday, December 20, 2023 6 p.m. - Holiday Gift Market Thornton Park District, 707 East Washington Street Take care of your last-minute holiday shopping with Thornton Park Main Street District’s Holiday Gift Market with local vendors, festive crafts, seasonal foods, drinks and entertainment. Friday, December 22, 2023 7 p.m. - Holiday Movie in the Park Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park, 195 North Rosalind Avenue Pack your blankets, chairs and snacks for the whole family to enjoy the free holiday movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Saturday, December 23, 2023 8 p.m. - Holiday Drone Light Show Show can be viewed from anywhere in Lake Eola Park Back by popular demand, residents and visitors can enjoy a 12-minute, high-tech holiday drone light show to celebrate the season. This one-night only show is not to be missed and will feature a dazzling display of synchronized drones flying in formation to create beautiful holiday-themed designs in the night sky. 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. 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Mellow Mushroom has revamped its selection of burgers this month, and it’s a SMASH! Now available across all Mellow Mushroom locations, Mellow-lovers can bite into delicious smash-style burgers featuring hand-pressed patties made with 100% black Angus beef. Replacing the concept’s former traditional burger style, the new burgers will keep your mouth watering with two smash-style patties on a buttered brioche bun served with Cascadian Farms Organic Spud Puppies. Guests can choose from Mellow Mushroom’s beloved Mel’s Classic Burger, the Ritz Burger or a Build Your Own Burger – all now made with two smash-style patties. Mel’s Classic Burger Lettuce, tomato, pickle & onions, served on a grilled and buttered brioche bun Ritz Burger Melted Swiss, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes & pickles, served on a grilled and buttered brioche bun Build Your Own Burger BYOBs start with lettuce, tomato, pickle & onions, served on a grilled and buttered brioche bun Locally you can find Mellow Mushroom on International Drive, Colonial Drive, and Winter Park. Mellow Mushroom has been serving out-of-this-world, stone-baked pizzas since 1974. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia & now operating 160+ locations across 18 states, the iconic pizza bakers are all about being high on pizza, people and passion. Elevating the dining experience with A Higher Order of Pizza™, Mellow Mushroom’s coveted secret dough recipe and red sauce has garnered a cult-like following over the years. Mellow Mushrooms’s menu of hand-tossed, stone-baked pizzas also includes calzones, hoagies, munchies, greens, sweets & more with plenty of gluten-free & vegan options. Behind the Mellow bar, guests can enjoy a selection of fun, specialty cocktails & mocktails, wines and a selection of local beers. Each location is locally owned and operated, providing a local flare baked in with Mellow’s trippy vibes, high quality, fresh ingredients and psychedelic artwork. Touted for its cult-like following and counterculture essence, Mellow Mushroom blends the boundaries between art, music, high-quality ingredients and passionate standards for dining. Mellow out… For more information visit mellowmushroom.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!

The coming weeks are jam packed with deals and offerings for Thanksgiving and beyond from restaurants here in Orlando, including Bar Louie, Twin Peaks and Pokeworks! Thanksgiving its a time of giving, and many multi-location restaurants here in Orlando have awesome special offers, and bounce back's to help you celebrate the holidays with delicious offers! Let's check them out! Thanksgiving 11/23 Bar Louie Offer Details: This Thanksgiving Day, stop by your local Bar Louie for some relative relief anytime from 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. In addition, you can skip the pumpkin pie and try the limited time Fall Spiced Old Fashion made with Maker's Mark bourbon, the warm embrace of pumpkin spice, orange bitters and garnished with an orange peel and a cinnamon stick. Hours and participation may vary, please check your local Bar Louie for details. Black Friday 11/24 Bar Louie Offer Details: This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Nov. 24 - 27, Bar Louie is offering guests a deal they can’t resist. Purchase a $25 gift card and earn a $10 bounce back card for later use. Or purchase a $50 gift card and earn a $30 bounce back card. Offer valid in-store and online. Must purchase gift cards by Nov. 27th to receive the offer. Bonus comp cards valid from Jan. 1st to Mar. 31st, 2024. Visit your local Bar Louie location for more information. Holiday Gift Cards Bar Louie Offer Details: The holidays are starting early at Bar Louie with gift card bounce backs from Nov. 13th to Dec. 30th. Purchase a $25 gift card and earn a $5 bounce back card for later use. Or purchase a $50 gift card and earn a $15 bounce back card. Offer valid in-store and online. Must purchase gift cards by Dec. 30th to receive offer. Bonus comp card valid from Jan. 1st to Mar. 31st, 2024. Visit your local Bar Louie location for more information Twin Peaks Offer Details: Twin Peaks is offering $5 bonus cards for $25 gift card purchase, $10 bonus cards for $50 gift card purchase, $20 bonus cards for $100 gift card purchase. Pokeworks Offer Details: Purchase a $25 gift card & get a $5 bonus at Pokeworks. In-store or online. No promo code required. Two (2) promotion windows: Nov. 24 - Dec. 3 and Dec. 11 - 24 Drinksgiving 11/22 Bar Louie Offer Details: It’s time for everyone’s favorite holiday of the year, and no, we aren’t talking about Thanksgiving. Wednesday, Nov. 22 is Drinksgiving, and Bar Louie’s got you covered with their beloved Happy Hour specials available from 4 - 7 p.m. Enjoy 50% off select bar bites, $7 signature martinis, $4 domestic drafts and more. Wanting a little extra relative relief? Bar Louie is everyone’s go-to late night spot, with kitchens at most locations open until 2 a.m. serving your favorite menu items! Hours and participation may vary. Please see your local Bar Louie for details. 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!

Universal Orlando’s Holiday Festivities Run Daily November 17 through December 31 and are Included in Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Holidays celebration officially kicks off this Friday – inviting guests and clients to set their festive side free with a multitude of merry experiences across the award-winning theme park destination. Beginning November 17 and running daily through December 31, guests can celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Universal Orlando as they enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas, Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a delicious assortment of festive-themed fare, an all-new incredibly themed Holiday Tribute Store and so much more. See below for more information about the exciting offerings available at Universal Orlando this holiday season: Festive Experiences at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure Guests visiting Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure can unleash their holiday spirit as they experience a mix of merry and mischief across the theme parks, including: Exploring the wizarding holiday wonderlands of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, then capping the night with the wondrous spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Meeting the mean, green one himself – the Grinch – and reveling in the spirit of Grinchmas with a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” during “The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” at Universal Islands of Adventure Gazing in awe at the larger-than-life balloons, festive holiday floats and beloved characters that wind the streets of Universal Studios Florida during Universal’s Holidays Parade featuring Macy’s Enjoying the sounds of the season with live performances by the top-selling holiday artist of all time, Mannheim Steamroller, at Universal Studios Florida on December 2, 3, 9, and 10 And more! Delight in Holiday-Themed Treats Guests can savor a taste of the holidays with delicious specialty food and beverage offerings inspired by fan-favorite holiday characters along with returning seasonal flavors, including a Holiday Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato, a Turkey Dinner Sandwich, Earl’s Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Acorn Bomb, and Grinch-themed treats like Grinch Cookies, a Grinch Ice Cream Sandwich and a Grinch Hot Chocolate Bomb. At Universal CityWalk, guests can also enjoy the all-new Letters to Santa Holiday Shake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – complete with coquito ice cream, dulce de leche and a chocolate Christmas card. Shop the All-New Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida The whimsical Holidays celebration continues with this year’s newly themed Tribute Store, “Universal Tribute Store and Post,” which captures the warm spirit of gift giving during the holiday season. The post office-themed store includes three rooms inspired by the Hogsmeade Owl Post, Who-ville Post Office and Earl’s Garage Delivery Hub – full of seasonal treats and merchandise like Christmas at Hogwarts sweatshirts and an interactive snowy owl plush, a Grinch plush backpack and popcorn bucket, an Earl the Squirrel spirit jersey and plush, and so much more. Guests can also browse select items from Universal’s assortment of Holidays merchandise and make purchases online by visiting www.Shop.UniversalOrlando.com. The Holiday Adventures Continue at Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando’s Hotels Guests can keep the festivities going at Universal CityWalk with seasonal food and beverage and special entertainment. Plus, all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels will be decked out with festive décor and feature holiday feasts and activities the whole family can enjoy, including special menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, plus menorah lightings and more. Select hotels even offer special holiday entertainment like Christmas tree lightings and strolling carolers. Access to Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. U.S. and Canada residents can now take advantage of the “Get 2 Days Free with a 2-Park, 3-Day Ticket” and spend five days celebrating the Holidays at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure for the price of a three-day ticket. Guests also have the option to upgrade their ticket to include Universal Volcano Bay – click here for more information and to purchase. Guests can also ring in the new year across the destination. Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and select venues at Universal CityWalk will be open after midnight on New Year’s Eve for the festivities. Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration runs daily from November 17 through December 31. For more information and to book a festive getaway, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Winter. 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!

The Deluxe Group, known for crafting immersive themed interiors, is establishing its subsidiary in Orlando, anticipating the creation of 67 high-value jobs over the next three years. The Deluxe Group, an international leading design and fabrication contractor specializing in building authentic and experiential interiors in the entertainment, luxury hospitality, prime residential and cruise line sectors, announced it has established a subsidiary for its operations in Orlando. This comes as part of the company’s strategic expansion within the leisure and hospitality sectors where The Deluxe Group delivers some of the world’s most advanced and captivating themed entertainment and luxurious interiors. “Orlando is the center for themed entertainment in the world,” said Colm O’Farrell, Executive Chairman for The Deluxe Group. “Having worked with a major theme park operator in Orlando for the last three years delivering IP themed attractions, it was perfect timing to put down roots here. Our research highlighted the very positive economic outlook for the Orlando region with continued investment in the tourism, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. This strategic move will allow us to deliver authentic and immersive interiors and experiences on a global scale.” The company is projecting to create 67 high-value jobs over the next three years in Orange County. The company will use its new Orlando expansion to develop services in the growing Florida experience economy for luxury branded residences and hospitality resorts. “This gives us long term prospects and opportunities to work with clients who want to develop high-end experiences for their guests across our sectors,” O’Farrell said. “The reception from our American clients has been overwhelming for all of our services and reflects the exceptional quality of our workmanship coming from Northing Ireland.” Based in Northern Ireland for more than 50 years, The Deluxe Group has been delivering projects internationally since the early 1990’s when the company worked with Disneyland Paris to create decorative themed interiors for the theme park. Working closely with the Disney Imagineering team inspired The Deluxe Group’s company owner, Colm O’Farrell, to build a future for the company in themed entertainment. Since then, The Deluxe Group has been trusted by clients to bring to life iconic film and TV shows through immersive attractions with an authenticity that delights fans around the world. Recent attractions include The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Hotel Transylvania, and Ghostbusters, as well as brand experiences such as the BRC-designed Johnnie Walker Princes Street, a unique whiskey flavor experience in Scotland. “Utilizing our unique blend of artisans, the traditions of Irish craftsmanship, and the most innovative, state-of-the-art digital technology throughout the process, we’re producing high-quality finishes on our interiors while also providing positive experiences for our clients and bringing their visions to life,” O’Farrell said. “We are thrilled The Deluxe Group has decided to expand operations and open its U.S. location in Orlando,” Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said. “We are the number one tourist destination in the world with 74 million visitors coming to Orange County in 2022. We look forward to seeing how The Deluxe Group will take our region’s themed entertainment offerings to the next level.” The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) assisted The Deluxe Group with their expansion by providing relocation services and assisting the company with finding office space and a warehouse in Orange County. The OEP also provided relocation information related to potential housing options for their staff as well as facilitated connections focused on labor, training, and education. “Our region’s flourishing tourism and themed entertainment industries continue to attract some of the top companies from around the world,” Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani said. “This expansion is a testament to the region’s position as a growing hub for innovation and creativity, while also symbolizing Orlando’s appeal as an Unbelievably Real destination for industry leaders.” The Deluxe Group are at IAAPA, the premier global event for the attractions industry happening at the Orange County Convention Center from November 14-17, 2023. During the conference, The Deluxe Group will exhibit one of its newest offerings, Pub Og, an authentic miniature Irish pub that can give U.S. homeowners their very own taste of the famous Irish pub experience in their backyard. 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!

The tour will raise awareness of risk factors that may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure. DaVita is embarking on its national 2023 DaVita Health Tour, a mobile testing center that will provide free health screenings and kidney care education to thousands of people across the country, including those in the Orlando area. The free health screenings include: A fingerstick glucose test to understand diabetes risk A blood pressure reading for hypertension awareness Body measurements such as height, weight, waist and body mass index (BMI) An optional blood draw, which offers an in-depth measure of kidney function Each screening is followed by a personal and confidential patient result review with qualified nurse practitioners When and Where: Thursday, November 16, 2023 L. Claudia Allen Senior Center, 1840 Mable Butler Ave #4261, Orlando, 10 am - 2 pm Friday, November 17, 2023 Serenity’s Grace, 716 W. Robinson St, Orlando, FL 32805, 11 am - 4 pm Sunday, November 19, 2023 Altamonte Craft, Art & Wine Festival, 74 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs, 9 am - 5 pm Orlando is part of the overall 2023 tour’s extended route to nearly 50 communities across the U.S. from Sept. 18 - Nov. 20. Today, 15% of the U.S. population has chronic kidney disease (CKD) – with a significantly higher prevalence in Black and Hispanic populations – and the disease often goes undiagnosed until symptoms become severe. However, by treating kidney health and other related conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, disease progression can be slowed or even prevented. DaVita launched its nationwide Health Tour to promote the importance of regular health screenings for the early detection of CKD, including educating those at greater risk for developing the condition that there’s no treatment as effective as prevention. The tour also comes as National Diabetes Awareness Month kicks off in November – nearly 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. Additional risk factors that can lead to CKD include obesity, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure. 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!

It is simply official. The opening date of Simply Capri will be Monday, November 20 at Flamingo Crossings Town Center. Envisioned and created by Nick Valenti, the long-time CEO of Patina Restaurant Group and Restaurant Associates, Simply Capri will bring the charm, cuisine, and spirit of southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast to Flamingo Crossings Town Center. Simply Capri is located at 114 Ruby Red Place in Winter Garden, and will be open seven days a week serving lunch from noon-3:30pm, and dinner from 4-10:30pm, with late night bites on Thursday through Sunday from 10pm-midnight. For more information on reservations, please visit www.simplycapri.com. Nick Valenti has had an impressive decades-long relationship with Disney by which he developed and operated twelve successful restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. His newest endeavor with his company Simple Hospitality is Simply Capri, which will feature wood-fired pizza, house-made pastas, dishes from the Amalfi Coast, a Negroni bar featuring Italian based cocktails, an outdoor Spritz bar that will offer refreshing summer drinks, and warm hospitality to create an upscale yet casual dining experience. Valenti has also assembled a dream-team for Simply Capri. Here’s what will set the restaurant apart: The Executive Chef is Giovanni Aletto, who was born and raised in Naples, Italy. Aletto was previously Executive Chef in the Italy pavilion at EPCOT and owned his own restaurant in the Marche region of Italy. The General Manager is Benito Sevarin, formerly the Head of Operations in the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT. He was also Director of Operations for 18 years with the famed Le Cirque in New York, Las Vegas and Mexico City. The restaurant was designed by award-winning Italian architects Stefano Nardini and Raffaella Melucci. The interior of the restaurant features imported Italian fixtures which include hand painted tiles that form stunning murals, dining tables, chairs, hand blown glassware turned into nine-foot long lighting fixtures, hand painted pottery, and an Acunto pizza oven. Simply Capri imports Italian ingredients which will include Caputo flour, San Marzano tomatoes, cheeses, and a wine list featuring over 100 labels with many exclusive Italian wines. The restaurant will unveil a cultural exchange program that has brought representatives from Italy to be servers, chefs, and bartenders, allowing them to share their proud heritage with guests. Simply Capri customers will be impressed with its fresh fish offerings that will feature local and imported fish from around the country. Valenti is considered an innovator in the restaurant industry, praised for creating groundbreaking new restaurant concepts and long-time CEO of Patina Restaurant. As Chairman Emeritus at the Culinary Institute of America, Valenti was awarded the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s (IFMA) Silver Plate Award, the industry's premier accolade, for his achievements as an independent restaurateur. He was awarded the prestigious TY Award by the New York State Restaurant Association and inducted into the James Beard Foundation's Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America. Valenti has also received lifetime achievement awards from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and NYC & Company, the official tourism and visitors bureau for New York City. 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!

Here on the show floor at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, Six Flags Great Escape has revealed the ride vehicle for new coaster, The Bobcat. The Gravity Group and Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, unveiled the ride vehicle for The Bobcat, a new wooden coaster opening at the park in 2024. Jason Freeman, Six Flags’ corporate vice president of operations, public safety, engineering and maintenance, put on display the themed vehicle and says Six Flags was excited to launch this new family ride next year. “Rides need to have distinct personalities, and we want this ride to have a distinct personality," says Korey Kiepert, engineer and principal at The Gravity Group. “Bobcats are small but they’re feisty. This will be the first coaster in where all of the track will be our new track, for which we received a patent about a month ago.” This engineered track, precut by The Gravity Group on precision CNC equipment, is designed to be up to 30 times stronger than a traditional wooden coaster track. The ride design company says The Bobcat will have modern trains that can comfortably negotiate the circuit’s tight turns. The new coaster will take riders 55 feet into the air and reach a top speed of 40 mph. Guests at least 42 inches tall will be able to experience the ride, which rolls along more than 1,400 feet of track. 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!

Intamin has revealed Falcon's Flight details and the huge ride vehicle for the record breaking attraction on the show floor at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando. As a crowd gathered at Intamin’s booth on the IAAPA Expo trade show floor, Neil Dwyer, director of park operations at Six Flags Qiddiya, offered background on the location of a new marquee attraction coming to the park. “Six Flags Qiddiya is a global destination of entertainment, sports, and culture being built just outside Riyadh in Saudi Arabia,” shares Dwyer. Before Intamin’s team unveiled the new Falcon’s Flight roller coaster car, Dwyer shared some highlights of the ride slated for the under-construction park. Falcon’s Flight will feature: Double loading stations for increased capacity 13,000 feet of track, utilizing the natural landscape of the desert including a natural cliff Peak height of 600 feet Top speed of 156 miles per hour Magnetic launch system featuring 600, next generation, linear synchronous motors Chassis are equipped with extra-large running wheels of more than 16 inches in diameter Six trains of four cars, with a capacity of 14 passengers per train Cooling systems to keep the train wheels cool in the Saudi climate 35 controllable light modules per train Sleek, falcon-themed train bodies with mysterious glowing eyes Daniel Schoppen, vice president of design and development at Intamin, shares his sentiments on the manufacturer’s involvement with this monumental project, stating, “Falcon’s Flight will be a game changer and the entire Intamin team is very proud to be part of this journey.” Lukas Spieldiener, project and client manager at Intamin, concludes the unveiling by sharing that almost six years of development have gone into creating Falcon’s Flight. “It's surreal to actually have this vehicle here and see it come to life,” says Spieldiener. 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!

Silver Dollar City has revealed the new Fire in the Hole indoor coaster on the show floor at RMC’s booth in Orlando. Casey and The Atta Boys, a lively band of firefighting musicians from Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, heralded the reveal of the park’s new Fire in the Hole roller coaster car on the IAAPA Expo show floor. Like most themed elements at the 1880s-themed park, the “pumper wagon” recalls an earlier era. The car, however, neatly disguises modern-day technology. Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) designed the vehicle and will be building the family coaster, which will feature a modified version of its I-Box track. A hybrid dark ride and coaster, it will replace the original Fire in the Hole, a beloved, quirky attraction that closed last year following 51 years of operation. The new version of the ride will pay homage to the classic coaster and reimagine many of its scenes and characters, including the forlorn Red Flanders, who, Silver Dollar City officials reassure, will still be unable to find his pants. With a $30 million budget, Fire in the Hole 2.0 represents the park’s largest investment ever. “This new indoor coaster will be a first of its kind and will take our guests on an incredible journey,” says Brad Thomas, Silver Dollar City company’s president as well as the city’s “mayor.” “It will feature onboard, high-resolution audio that will immerse our guests in the sights and the sounds of a fiery night.” The new attraction will be housed in a five-story show building behind the park’s existing Fireman’s Landing. With the addition of Fire in the Hole in 2024, the land will be renamed the Fire District. 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!

Holiday World have revealed the gravy boat shaped train at the Vekoma booth at IAAPA in Orlando for new family boomerang opening in 2024, “Good Gravy!” Visitors to Holiday World will soon be able to embark on a journey to save Thanksgiving dinner. The Indiana park’s Vekoma manufactured coaster, Good Gravy!, boasts family-oriented features. With a height minimum of 38 inches and a mild top speed of 37 mph, the attraction is set to appeal to a wide range of guest demographics. “The height limit for this ride was absolutely the deciding factor,” shares Leah Koch-Blumhardt, director of communications at Holiday World and a fourth-generation owner. “This was something that we looked at, and we said, ‘We’re absolutely missing something here.’ We have a teeny, tiny kiddie coaster, and we have The Raven coaster, which has a 48-inch height requirement—and it’s kind of intense. And so, we really were looking to bridge that gap with this coaster.” “This is going to be the first family boomerang in the states,” says Ricardo Etges, Vekoma’s vice president of sales for the Americas. “It’s custom-designed, so it really fits well within the food theme that they have. And also, it’s very catered to the whole family.” "Good Gravy isn't your splashiest ride, but it really is the cheesiest ride," jokes Koch-Blumhardt. "We're really proud that we're owning some of the corny fun that is holidays and Thanksgiving." While aboard the attraction, riders will be whisked into Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Gracy’s house, where she runs out of gravy that is crucial to the family’s Thanksgiving feast. Guests assume the role of heroes, encountering large kitchen accessories that allow riders to fix up a fresh batch of gravy—triumphantly saving the family’s celebration. The ride vehicles revealed on IAAPA Expo's show floor will be part of 10 two-person gravy boat-themed coaches, adding an artistic touch. Good Gravy! is projected to open in May 2024. 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!

At the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Busch Gardens Williamsburg shared new details on the Loch Ness Monster coaster revamp. The "Legend Lives On," promises Busch Gardens and Premier Rides as they unveil plans for a transformation of Busch Gardens’ iconic Loch Ness Monster, originally built by Arrow Dynamics in 1978. While work is swiftly being done in removing the ride’s original track of the roller coaster in Williamsburg, Premier Rides president Jim Shay thanks SeaWorld for trusting Premier Rides with this project. “With almost a thousand feed of new track on this ride, we are excited about that,” says Shay, whose company will be replacing the historic ride’s entire track. Jeff Hornick, vice president of attraction design and development of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, says the transformed roller coaster will debut in 2024. “At Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On will debut as a completely revitalized experienced with thrilling new elements and really cool innovative new experiences inside the cave,” says Hornick. Hornick commits to an “amped up” experience with new technology for a ride that he knows “holds a special place in the hearts of so many of our fans.” 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!