As Walt Disney World prepares for the return of the nighttime spectacular EPCOT Forever on April 3 as the temporary replacement for Harmonious, firework testing is due to take place this week. Guests staying at any of the hotels in the EPCOT Resort Area (including Disney's Boardwalk Inn, Disney's Yacht Club, and Disney's Beach Club) should be aware that rehearsals for the EPCOT Forever nighttime spectacular are scheduled to take place after park close on Wednesday, April 22, and Friday, April 24. The EPCOT Forever rehearsals are currently expected to begin around 11:45 p.m. (or whenever the park is clear of Guests) until around 12:15 a.m. The rehearsal will include fireworks, lasers, smoke/fog effects, and audio testing. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Yet more 2023 Disney After Hours events at Walt Disney World are sold out. Following Monday's news that all dates for Magic Kingdom's After Hours events have sold out, Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are now sold out for the the month of April, with the next available date May 3. Here’s a look at the remaining available dates: May 3, 17, 24, 31, 2023 June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023 Disney After Hours, are late-night, separately ticketed events that let you enjoy a Walt Disney World theme park for three additional hours after regular park hours, with treats such as ice cream, popcorn and select beverages included. The number of tickets for these events is limited, which means lower wait times for attractions. With Disney After Hours tickets, you can enter the park where the event is taking place as early as 7 p.m. giving you the opportunity to get a jump on the fun! Disney After Hours admission is a separately priced ticket not included with regular daytime park admission. Event tickets range from $129 to $159 (plus tax). For a full list of events, dates and times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Disney After Hours page of DisneyWorld.com. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Universal Orlando Resort have officially extended the refurbishment of Me Ship, The Olive at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The refurbishment which was originally scheduled to end on March 10, has now been extended through March 24, 2023. Me Ship, The Olive, a colorful ship is an imaginative play area packed with fun from bow to stern. Across three decks you'll find passageways, slides, climbing nets, horns, an interactive piano and more. You can even squirt unsuspecting passengers of Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges® with water cannons as they sail by below. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Spring is here, and Central Floridians can look forward to a wonderful evening of food, beverages, and live entertainment at the third annual Corks & Forks…and all that Jazz! Presented by Mercedes-Benz of Orlando, this year's event takes place on Thursday, April 20, from 6 – 9 p.m at the beautiful Venue on Lake Lily at 641 S. Maitland Avenue, Maitland. At the event, guests will enjoy samples of signature dishes from some of the finest local chefs and restaurants along with fine wines, spirits, and beer from favorite local and national brands. The participating restaurants for the highly anticipated 2023 Corks & Forks…and all that Jazz! have been announced, and its a mouth watering list! Participating Restaurants: An Tobar Irish Pub Anejo Cocina Winter Park Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Francesco’s George’s Café - Cookies & Catering Jazz Tastings Luke’s Kitchen and Bar Maitland Chocolate Factory Nothing Bundt Cakes® Outpost Kitchen Bar + Provisions Puff ‘n Stuff Events | Catering Sakari Sushi Bar Sanford Brewing Company Sonny’s BBQ Strive Senior Living Catering The Tap Room at Dubsdread Tickets are on sale now for $65 for general admission and $125 for VIP with additional perks including exclusive early entry to the VIP reception at 5 p.m., exclusive access to the VIP lounge, hors d’oeuvres, and a premium open bar with full pours. All proceeds benefit Venue on Lake Lily. Some of the platinum-level sponsors include Barfield Fence, Certified Financial Group, Charlan Brock Architects, and MiGre Engineers LLC. For a complete list of generous sponsors, visit www.corksandforksmaitland.com. Founded and funded in the 1960s by individual members, The Maitland Civic Center has thrived for decades as the epicenter of Maitland’s social, civic, and cultural life. As with all places that enjoy rare tenure, the civic center, now known as Venue on Lake Lily is continuing its journey as a vital member of the community by exploring ways to evolve and redefine its purpose, position, and promise within the community. “Our mission is to identify trends that can be used to activate and market Venue on Lake Lily while reframing its time-tested place as an invaluable community asset for generations to come. We seek to celebrate its history, charm, and future while aiming to ensure that the promise of the Venue touches all generations and maximizes its reach to inspire new members, supporters, and patrons,” said the President of Venue on Lake Lily Renee Charlan. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Spring has arrived, and Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs will once again be blooming with creativity and color as The Uptown Art Expo returns for a three day celebration of the arts, featuring art, chalk and music! The popular and free 10th Annual Uptown Art Expo takes place this weekend, from Friday, March 24 until Sunday, March 26, 2023, and will feature over 140 of the finest art and fine craft artists with displays of glass, jewelry, mosaics, paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and more, all available for purchase. Uptown Art Expo also features the most creative Chalk Street Artists, who will be creating mesmerizing chalk masterpieces on the sidewalks of Cranes Roost Park right in front of your eyes. Plus, throughout the weekend there will be live musical performances including a kick off concert on the Friday night, March 24 at 6.30 pm with local rockers Rockit Fly kicking off the event before Beyond Frontiers take to the stage featuring six-time Grammy nominated and singer for the heavy metal group Anthrax Joey Belladonna, who will be performing an evening of Journey's classic. Saturday night, March 25, will see Skin Deep perform before the legendary Firefall performing their classic hits "You Are the Only Woman", "Just Remember I Love You", "Strange Way" and more. Concerts at Uptown Art Expo are VIP seating-only, with tickets costing $20 in advance with guaranteed amphitheater admission . For ticket information, visit www.uptownartexpo.com. Uptown Art Expo will also feature a great variety of free concert including Sunday, March 26, when you can enjoy Acoustic music with Loria, the funk, jazz and soul of the Franchise Players with Andrew Luv, and more. Not forgetting food, this years event features delicious international street cuisine and good old-fashioned festival foods, food trucks, craft beer from Sanford Brewing Company and more throughout the festival. Celebrating the events 10th year, organizer Jim Barton commented "The event has evolved so much over the years, and it is now truly such a wonderful weekend filled with original art, classic music and fun-filled activities for the whole community that we are very proud of. We look forward to everyone coming out next month and enjoying all the Uptown Art Expo has to offer." Experience the 10th Annual Uptown Art Expo March 24-26, 2023 at Cranes Roost Park at Altamonte Springs located at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd, Altamonte Springs. Admission is free and parking is free, with parking is available in the Altamonte Mall parking lots. For more information, visit www.UptownArtExpo.com. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

The following article is proof in our opinion that Disney need to get their heads back in the game and start being innovative again, start investing in its theme parks properly, not half hearted, cutting budgets, cancelling projects, etc, especially at Walt Disney World. When we were first told about the EPCOT overhaul at D23 Expo 2019, it promised so much, and in reality its delivering so little.... We we're promised a spectacular events center, and that was quite literally cut in half, the Play Pavilion was quietly forgotten about, an overhaul of Figment's Journey into Imagination was seriously only mentioned in passing, rumours of new countries came and went, and for us personally, two of the biggest missed opportunities was the apparent cancelation of the Spaceship Earth overhaul and the new Mary Poppins area in The United Kingdom Pavilion. Leaked concept art shared by former Imagineer Damon Pressman who was working on the EPCOT overhaul project reveals details for the paused/canceled Mary Poppins attraction at EPCOT. The project looks amazing, even a simple spinning cups ride looks beautiful in the park setting in London, ok it's not a dark ride like Mary Poppins deserves, but at least it was something, rather than what we have now, NOTHING! Disney management should be hanging their heads in shame not going ahead with this project, and don't forget that Universal Orlando is building a entirely new them park just down the road from Walt Disney World, seriously, are Disney going to let Universal overtake them in Orlando? The concept art, and architectural designs, were included in a portfolio that included other projects such as “Project Gamma” which is the World Celebration overhaul, and other projects at non-Disney theme parks. So why did the MARY Poppins project not go ahead? Following the COVID-19 shutdowns, Disney in their words, paused the Mary Poppins attraction due to budget constraints, but as of right now, it's dead in the water sadly. The leaked plans and concept art reveals that the planned attraction was to have been an indoor teacup-style attraction, themed to a park in London, featured in the "Jolly Holiday” sequence from the original “Mary Poppins” film. The leaked plans show a wonderfully themed queue area leading into the "park." By placing the attraction indoors, Disney would have been able to control the environmental settings, with wind to make the balloons fly, the leaves to blow and more. It would have been a fully immersive experience. Since saying the project was paused, Disney has not announced any plans to resume development of the Mary Poppins attraction. .Last year during the Annual Shareholder Meeting, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that the ride was still on hold, not cancelled, expressed his disappointment that the projects had to be put on hold.... Come on Mr Iger you can make this happen!!! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Walt Disney World have given us extra time to enter the grid! TRON Lightcycle Run began soft opening at Magic Kingdom this week in advance of the attractions grand opening on April 4. Until now the ride was only open reduced hours, from 9 am to 6 pm, but Walt Disney World management have pushed the closing time back to 7:30 pm today, Wednesday, March 22. While its not guaranteed that the ride will open to 7.30 pm every day, we are hopeful that this will be the case, as it will give more guests the opportunity to ride TRON, while also allowing for a little nighttime riding under the glow of the attractions LED lights! TRON Lightcycle Run is operating with a variable-priced Individual Lightning Lane pricing scale, with the price currently set at $20 per person. Guests who are unwilling to pay that price can join the Virtual Queue for free, while its important to remember that there is no traditional standby line for TRON. During the soft opening a Virtual Queue Boarding Pass or Individual Lightning Lane Acess will be required. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Splitsville Luxury Lanes, located at the West Side in Disney Springs is the place to bowl down memory lane while enjoying delish dishes, and catching up with friends and family. And now the 50,000-square-foot family entertainment destination has been crowded the Best Kid Friendly Restaurant in the Orlando/Central Florida area by the Open Table's Annual Diners' Choice Awards. Return to the “Golden Age of Bowling” at Splitsville, a modern venue that exudes retro-glam vibes across 2 floors. In addition to 10-Pin bowling, billiards and lively bars, Splitsville features flat-screen televisions throughout, live music and an eclectic contemporary menu! In the Splitsville Dining Room, strike up an appetite for fresh sushi, pizza, burgers and other delish dishes—or simply catch up with friends and family. Whatever your pleasure, this isn’t your grandfather’s bowling alley! Ready to bowl the night (or day) away? Book your lane by calling (407) 938-7467 or reserve online. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. You don’t have to bowl to enjoy a delicious meal at the Splitsville Dining Room! Start off with a delicious appetizers like the Macho Nachos or Cheeseburger Sliders. Enjoy tasty sushi like a California Roll or Crouching Dragon. For your entrée, order classics like Fish n’ Chips or a Taco Bowl. Don’t forget that sweet tooth! Delectable desserts include the Ghirardelli Brownie a la Mode, Super Sundae and Root Beer Float. Nonalcoholic beverages are available as well as specialty cocktails, beer, wine, frozen libations and bowl drinks for Guests 21 and older with a valid ID. Advanced dining reservations are recommended. Book your table today by calling (407) 938-7467 or reserve online. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Vintage shop and button manufacturer Kick Bright Shop & Buttons is officially back in a “brick and mortar” store. The store is now open in the Milk District, at 2436 E Robinson Street, Orlando, 32803. Owners Jeffrey & Kristin are celebrating with a Grand Opening Party, this Saturday March 25, 2023 from noon until 10pm! There will be special exclusive buttons available only for the event and other top secret surprise, plus live music from 7 pm -10 pm. Check out the new vintage clothing selections, decorative kitschy artwork, toys & collectibles and their “world famous” button wall will be in full effect. Previously, Jeffrey & Kristin were at Artegon Marketplace before they shut down and have been part of the pop-up market scene ever since. At the beginning of 2022 they did a two month stint as part of an incubator program organized by Zach Alfson, director of the Milk District Main Streets Orlando. That was before a car ran into and destroyed the front of the building, and that was that! Their new place is the stand alone building in the back parking lot behind the Nook on Robinson and Etoile Boutique. It was the former location of Vinyl Richie’s Wiggly World of Records and a previous location of Etoile Boutique.  The stores hours are: Monday CLOSED Tuesday 6pm-10pm for Tasty Takeover, a weekly food truck event in our parking lot. Wednesday CLOSED Thursday 12-6pm Friday 12-6pm Saturday 12-6pm Sunday 12-5pm Jeffrey & Kristin say they will still be doing pop up markets and conventions, but they really want you to stop by the new place to show you what the've done with the place. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

If you're visiting Orlando on vacation, or you're local to Orlando and wanting an extra special place to celebrate Easter, then look no further than Rosen Hotels. Treat your family to a delicious Easter Brunch at choice of Rosen Hotels, all featuring an incredible spread of savory eats and sweet treats. There are a number of Rosen Hotels in the Orlando attractions area, all offering an extravagant Easter Brunch that has something to delight the full family. In addition to the Rosen Hotels Easter Brunch, you'll discover a choice of luxurious Easter Getaways at Rosen Plaza, Rosen Center, and Rosen Shingle Creek. Easter Brunch 2023 Easter Brunch at Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Fill your Easter plate with wonderful, delicious treats from Rosen Plaza’s decadent Easter brunch. Choose from a delightful spread of savory and sweet treats. $55.95 Per Adult, Children (Ages 4-11) $23.95, Children (Ages 3 & Under) Free Easter Brunch at Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando This years Easter Buffet at Rosen Centre Hotel features an incredible spread of savory eats and sweet treats. Check out the carving station which will feature a roast leg of lamb. Hit up the hot buffet for honey-glazed salmon, chicken osso buco, and sous vide short ribs with wild mushrooms and pearl onions. The dessert bar that is stuffed this year. Here you’ll find delights like pastries, chocolates, cupcakes, tarts, cakes, and cookies. Adults $65.95 | Pre-paid Adults $58.95, Children (ages 4 – 12) $24.95, Children (ages 3 and under) Free Easter Brunch at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Enjoy a wonderful Easter brunch with family exploring the variety of delicacies at the Easter Buffet at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando. You’re in for a real treat as we love to feature traditional and uniquely hand-crafted dishes. Unlimited Champagne and Mimosas Adults: $89.95, Children (Ages 4-11) $37.95, Children (Ages 3 & Under) Free Easter Stay Specials Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Celebrate Easter with a luxurious stay at Rosen Plaza. The special package includes a decadent Easter brunch for two for $209. Hop on over to Rosen Plaza Hotel for a luxurious Easter getaway, which includes a one-night stay in a deluxe room, Easter brunch for two (reservations required), complimentary self-parking, a 25% discount at Jack’s Place and Cafe Matisse, and more fun. Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando Rosen Centre Hotel is offering an Easter Stay Special for stays between April 8 – 11, 2023, featuring 15% off deluxe accommodation, 25% off Easter Brunch, a 15% discount at The Spa at Rosen Centre (not including hair & makeup services), and 50% off self-parking rates. Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Rosen Shingle Creek is offering an Easter getaway package from April 7 – 8, 2023, including luxurious accommodations, complimentary breakfast for two and free dining for children 3 and under at Cafe Osceola, 20% off golf and spa services, and 50% off self-parking. For added fun, one lucky guest will find a golden egg in their guestroom and will receive a Rosen Shingle Creek gift certificate, good for a future hotel stay. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Taste of Oviedo is back this weekend for its 29th year presented by Oviedo Medical Center in partnership the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce and City of Oviedo. Taking place this Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10 am to 6 pm, this huge annual event will be taking over most of the Oviedo Mall parking lot for a day of music, food and beverage, with lots of family fun activities. Taste of Oviedo began back in the 1990s as a small community festival to bring together the town and its patrons while showcasing a fine arts and crafts area with live music, and a kid’s zone. Over the years, this event has seen a tremendous growth in size with recent events hosting thousands of participants. This years event includes some fun, new activities including a Beer Garden, Silent Disco, Culinary Demonstration Tent, Sports Zone, Food Trucks, Bungee Jumps and a Train! You’ll be able to learn new techniques from a culinary demonstration, sip on adult beverages, discover your new favorite festival food, dance to live music, find unique shopping vendors in the Oviedo Roots Farmer’s Market area, or jam to ther silent disco. Two musical stages will get you moving to the beat. There will be more than 150 vendors offering a variety of goods and services. You’ll be able to enjoy food from more than 20 restaurants and food trucks along with beer, wine, and specialty drinks throughout the event area. There will be tons of kid’s activities including a STEM and arts area, free kids crafts, games and more. An escape room will thrill teenagers and adults with an adjacent area holding bounce houses and bungee jumps that are guaranteed to give the little ones many happy memories. All of this and admission is free! As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

Music Fest Orlando is a new one day outdoor live music festival, taking place this Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1 pm until 11 pm, at Central Florida Fairgrounds, on West Colonial Drive here in Orlando. Hosted by STAR 94.5′s very own morning show host Rickey Smiley! Music Fest Orlando will present a great experience bringing people of all genres together to celebrate life through music, art, and food. The festival has a stellar lineup including Fantasia, Babyface, Goodie Mob, Plies, Lyfe Jennings, JT Money, Levelle, 69 boyz, and more. Tickets start at $75, and are available now. Music fest Orlando, is bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry for its inaugural event. Featuring acts like Fantasia, Babyface, and Goodie Mob, you’ll be treated to an incredible lineup of performers. And with Ricky Smiley as the host, you know this is going to be a festival you won’t forget. But Music Fest Orlando is more than just music. It’s a celebration of art and culture, featuring a diverse range of genres from hip-hop and rap to R&B. With artists like Plies, 69 Boyz, and JT Money on the bill, you’ll have the chance to dance and sing along to your favorite hits. Music Fest Orlando is giving back to the community too. through the HBCU Initiative, the festival is offering an educational assistance platform for local students looking to further their education. So not only will you have a blast at the event, you’ll also be supporting a great cause. For more info and to secure tickets, go to Music Fest Orlando. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.