Hop on over to Disney's Contemporary Resort for adorable (and delicious) Easter offerings! Check out the Easter egg display, and enjoy the egg-cement selection of Easter treats. The goodies can be found on 4th floor of the resort. The yummy treats include Spring Bunny Tart, 5 Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly), Hummingbird Cake, Peanut Butter Eggs and Spring Coconut Macaroons 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.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa have been named among the best aquariums in the United States. In the 2023 USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been named number two. Clearwater Marine Aquarium will forever be known as the home of Winter the Dolphin, whose story was told in "Dolphin Tale." Although Winter sadly died in 2021, her legacy remains at this aquarium that focuses on animal care and education. Visitors can see and learn more about a variety of animals inside the aquarium or take a guided eco-tour right outside in Clearwater Bay. 10Best expert Nikky J. shares, "I love this place because they focus on rescue, rehab and release of aquatic animals. Plus, it's a fun place to hang out with the family for a few hours!" Meanwhile, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa has came out in 8th place. One of the top aquariums in the South, the Florida Aquarium displays some 8,000 plants and animals from a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including alligators, sharks, seahorses, river otters and free-flying birds. The Florida Wetlands trail highlights regional life in a recreated mangrove forest, while the Journey to Madagascar takes visitors across the globe to observe a host of interesting animals – ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches and colorful chameleons. At Stingray Beach, visitors are invited to touch stingrays and sharks. 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.

Right now at Walt Disney World, Spring has sprung and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing! The festival is happening now through July 5, 2023 and there are more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens blooming with delicious eats and sips that are sure to satisfy your palate, and if you have special dietary needs or just looking to enjoy some delicious plant-based options, Disney have brought together a selection of 22 plant-based and/or gluten/wheat friendly food items you can find at the festival! So with that, let’s take a look! Gluten/Wheat Friendly Items EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet) Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available March 1 through April 8) Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available May 20 through July 5) Northern Bloom (Canada) Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany) Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico) Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Plant-Based Food Items BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet) Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders) Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco) Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) Grilled Chicken or Lamb Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) La Isla Fresca Between Morocco and France Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) Pineapple Promenade Near Port of Entry DOLE Whip (Plant-based) Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Near Port of Entry Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) The Land Cart hosted by Advent Health Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based) Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based) Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) Gluten/Wheat Friendly & Plant-Based Food Items Refreshment Outpost) Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany) Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) And there you have it, the 22 dishes that are plant-based and/or gluten/wheat friendly! 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.

Orange World on the 192 is currently closed, but hopefully not for too long! Orange World in Kissimmee suffered extensive interior damage to the iconic giant orange structure on Highway 192 on Tuesday, March 7, forcing the business to remain closed. "The Big Orange" as its affectionately known by locals and tourists alike is an iconic structure known to millions who have visited the gift shop that has been selling citrus, gifts and all things Florida since the early 1980's. The fire broke out around 6 pm near the rear of the store, on Tuesday, March 7, and filled the surrounding area with thick black smoke. Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS quickly responded, with around a dozen firefighters in attendance, who fortunately extinguished the fire quickly, and kept the impact of the fire mainly to the rear of the store, with the main damage being smoke and water damage. Fortunately the orange roofed building is mainly unaffected, with the roof sustaining no damage, and THE mural featured in the Florida Project movie is unaffected. As you can see the main damage is to the rear of the store. The square hole that you can see cut out the side of the building is one of many that firefighter cut out to help ventilate the roof space. Firefighters quickly brought the fire unde control, preventing any damage to the nearby Waffle House and Stayable Suites Hotel. It's thought that the fire likely started in a storage area in the rear of the shop. The good news is that the building is structurally safe, and the owner, Mason Rahman is planning to have the store back up and running as soon as possible, with plans to reopen within the next few months. Orange World was the idea of Eli Sfassie who moved from Indiana to Florida to open a Texaco gas station near Walt Disney World when the park opened in 1971. To further capitalize off tourists in the area, Sfassie began selling souvenirs in the service bay. The gift store was so successful that in 1988, he had the building converted to resemble an orange fruit for $6,000, and called it Eli's Orange World. The building was billed as the "world's largest orange" by Sfassie and stands at 60 feet. 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.

It's official! The votes are in, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been recognised as one of the top zoo's in North America. In the 2023 USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards, the zoo has secured the honour of being named of the top 10 zoos in the country, placing 6th place in the Best Zoo (2023) category. Plus, in addition the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has secured 4th place in the Best Zoo Exhibit. “We are honored to have been recognized in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and thank our guests, members, employees and residents for their continued support throughout the voting process,” said President and CEO Joe Couceiro. “Tampa Bay is an award winning city in so many areas and we are proud to add another accolade and point of pride to our amazing community.” Sitting on 56 acres, ZooTampa is home to endangered, threatened and vulnerable animal species from such areas as Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. "This is one of the most amazing zoos in America," 10Best expert Nikky J says. "Not only do they have a mission of rescue and rehabilitation, [but] they're [also] always hosting events to bring the community of Tampa together." Examples of that programming include Day of Discovery, a low-sensory morning for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and Speakers of the Wild, a series that features discussion of wildlife and wild places. The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center of ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been helping manatees since it was founded in 1991. It was the first manatee critical care center ever built specifically to care manatees who are injured or ill. Guests can observe the rehabilitation process in the recovery pools of Manatee Mangrove, and the non-profit organization hopes to inspire young people to protect these creatures. 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.

One of the best free things you can do in Central Florida at the weekends, is to visit Old Town on Highway 192 in Kissimmee for the famous Saturday Nite Cruise, and for the past 33 years, Old Town in Kissimmee has been hosting the weekly Saturday Nite Classic Car Show and Cruise on Saturday nights, and to mark the occasion, a day-long celebration is happening tomorrow, Saturday March 18, 2023. Visiting the SaturdayNite Cruise is something our family have enjoyed so many time over the years, and its definitely a must do we recommend for visitors. It's a unique event, watching the cars drive down Main street, with the smell of the gasoline, and the roar of engines, it's a unique night out, that's got to be experienced. It’s been 33 years since Old Town invited classic cars to drive down the brick-paved main street and the beginning of a Saturday tradition. Recognized as America’s longest running weekly car show and cruise, Old Town invites car cruisers, enthusiasts, and admirers to come and celebrate tomorrow night. The anniversary show will feature show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. The all-day celebration begins at 11 am. and includes live entertainment, giveaways, and more, until 11 pm. Live Music will feature The Dukes from 1 pm – 5 pm, and Johnny Wild and The Delights from 7 pm – 11 pm. “We are excited to celebrate this year’s 33rd Anniversary Car Show & Cruise and recognize the car owners who have helped keep Old Town’s title of America’s longest running weekly car show,” says Thearon Scurlock, Old Town Vice President and General Manager. “Old Town continues to offer great, free family-friendly events and is perfect for car enthusiasts and admirers of all ages.” The Classic Car Show and Cruise is free for car owners to participate and spectators to enjoy. For more information, check out the Old Town website. 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 are expecting a busy April as they have today updated the theme park calendar for the month to show extended hours throughout the resort. Magic Kingdom April 2-29: Park hours extended 9am to 11pm (previously 9am to 10pm) Hollywood Studios April 2-12, 14-15, 17-29: Park hours extended 8:30am to 9:30pm (previously 8:30am to 9pm) April 13, 16: Park hours extended 9am to 9:30pm (previously 9am to 9pm) Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 2-16, 21-23, 28-29: Park hours extended 8am to 8pm (previously 9am to 7pm) April 17-20, 24-27: Park hours extended 8am to 7pm (previously 9am to 7pm) EPCOT As of right now there is no changes to park hours at EPCOT. 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.

Due to expected inclement weather this weekend throughout Central Florida, Walt Disney World have delayed the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon water park. Typhoon Lagoon which was scheduled to reopen this Sunday, March 19, has had its operating hours removed from the Walt Disney World website and app. It is now likely that the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon, will be delayed until at least Monday, March 20 or beyond. The forecast for Sunday shows cloudy with a chance for showers, but the main story is the cooler temps, with a high of 63F, and even on Monday the high is only 67F. As of right now, operating hours of 10 am to 5 pm are posted for Monday, March 20, however, with the current forecast showing a high of 67°F, the waterpark may have to delay reopening again. As a reminder, Blizzard Beach will be closed starting March 19 with no reopening date known at this time, possibly leaving Typhoon Lagoon as the only water park open at Walt Disney World throughout Spring and Summer at least. 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 has updated the performance schedule for Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios and it's great news for guests this April. Fantasmic! will now be performed twice-nightly throughout April. From April 2 through April 22, Fantasmic! will now have performances at both 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm. Previously,Fantasmic! was only scheduled to have one performance nightly at 8:30 pm. 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 popular, fast-casual, fresh food chain Kona Poké has announced the official grand opening celebration of its latest location in Melbourne. The latest Kona Poké restaurant will open on Saturday, March 25, 2023 with a ribbon cutting at 11am. The first 150 guests will receive a limited edition print of the wall mural signed by local artist Christopher Maslow, who will also be signing the wall mural at 3pm. DJ DVCATI will play on the patio from 11am-4pm, and Kona Poké Melbourne will offer free Dole Soft Serve throughout the day (or until sold out). Melbourne is the first Kona Poké restaurant in Brevard County, to add to Kona Poké Central Florida locations in Sanford and Apopka and Kona Poké Express in Melbourne Beach. “We're excited to finally open Melbourne, the first Kona Poké in Brevard County,” says Co-Founder Ernie Falco III. “As a Brevard county resident myself, my team and I couldn't be happier to bring our love of fresh, healthy, quick-serve food options to the local community. We look forward to everyone joining the celebration all day and experiencing the incredibly delicious, unmatched fresh island bowl offerings we’re known for.” Guests of Kona Poké Melbourne will enjoy Kona Poké’s healthy and delicious menu of Hawaiian-style poké bowls with fresh sushi-grade fish, chicken, shrimp or tofo, topped with their house sauces and over 40 fresh ingredients to choose from, including vegan and gluten-free options. They can choose from a variety of Signature Poké Bowls, like classics Kona Fire and Tidal Wave, or new menu items like the Volcano Shrimp Bowl, Honey Sriracha Chicken Bowl, Smoked Wahoo Fish Dip and Poké Bites (Kona's versions of sushi), plus Build Your Own Bowls, soup, salads and Dole Soft Serve, which they’ll savor inside Kona’s contemporary restaurant vibe with subtle elements of poké’s Hawaiian heritage. Kona Poké Melbourne will also offer third-party delivery starting next month on Uber Eats, and pick-up orders can be placed at www.konapoke.com. Kona Poké Melbourne is a partnership of Kona Poké Founders Matthew Ting and Ernie Falco III and Operating Partner Tyler Pracon. Enjoy Kona Poké Melbourne at 1675 W. New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32904 (Across from Melbourne Square Mall). Hours of operation at the new restaurant will be 11 am - 9 pm daily. 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.

Disney Vacation Club has announced an exclusive member voyage aboard the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World this August. Here is the details for the DVC Voyage: Save 30% on a special Disney Vacation Club Member voyage from August 19 to 21, 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort! Board a launch pod and rendezvous with the magnificent Halcyon starcruiser, where your onboard cabin or suite offers an exquisite view of space. Throughout the ship, you’ll interact with your fellow Members (and an eclectic collection of Characters), sit down to galactic cuisine and perhaps even plot a secret mission together. As a bonus, when the launch pod returns to the terminal at the end of the voyage, you’ll receive special parting gifts to forever remember your time in a galaxy far, far away. It’s an out-of-this-world adventure fueled by Membership magic. Get ready to feel at home in hyperspace! To register: Select “Reserve Your Spot”. Be sure to have your Member number ready. You will enter a virtual waiting room, which secures your place in line. Do not refresh the page. When it’s your turn, you’ll be sent to the registration form to reserve your spot on the Member Voyage! Registration begins March 21, 2023. Important Details: Members must be eligible for Membership Extras to take advantage of this special offer. Maximum of 3 cabins per Membership. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Member Voyage can be booked using Points or cash. Not transferable or redeemable for cash and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Activities, entertainment and Characters are subject to change. Reservation is subject to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser terms and conditions—which can be found on the booking confirmation email received after booking—and the Disney Vacation Club cancellation policy. There is no $95 transaction fee required for this Disney Collection reservation. You will receive a call requesting payment within 72 hours of completing your booking. If payment is not received within 72 hours following this call, Disney Vacation Club reserves the right to cancel the reservation. Cancellation valid up to 30 days prior to travel. 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.

AAA is reminding drivers not to drive home impaired on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, and once again the AAA is is providing tow services for free throughout the weekend to help keep the roads free of impaired drivers. AAA will take the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius if the driver believes he or she is too impaired to drive. The service is available now to 6 am Sunday, March 19. The AAA Tow to Go program – for members and non-members is as a last defence to keep impaired drivers off the road during the holidays. The service will be in place to help drivers who may have had too much to drink and don’t have a ride home. The AAA stresses that it should only be used as a last resort, with the service only available to one person and their vehicle. AAA said it would dispatch a tow truck to those who call Tow To Go and take the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. According to AAA, Tow to Go aims to remove impaired drivers from roads and get people home safely on nights when impaired driving may be more likely. AAA has offered Tow to Go during major holidays for 25 years. During that time, they removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. The number to call is (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. Important Tow To Go Guidelines Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating. The Tow to Go program operates here in Orlando and throughout Florida, and in addition offers service in Georgia (excluding Savannah), Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Denver, Colorado, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fort Wayne/South Bend, Indiana. 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.