The Winter Park Playhouse has announced the winning selections for the 6th Annual Florida Festival of New Musicals. This popular festival, which showcases new musical theatre works, will take place June 22-25, 2023 at The Winter Park Playhouse. The Winter Park Playhouse created and launched The Florida Festival Festival of New Musicals in 2017. The purpose of the annual international festival is to advance and elevate the original American art form of musical theatre by fostering the development of new musicals and the artistic growth of writers and composers. The Florida Festival of New Musicals is a 4-day event that showcases six brand-new, never-before-produced musical works and brings together writers and composers with patrons, artists, press, producers and directors. The first act or one-hour version of each selected musical will be fully read and sung concert-style, without staging, by varying casts of professional actors and musicians. Audiences will have the unique and exciting opportunity to see musicals in the early stages of development and offer valuable feedback to the writers in post-reading talkbacks. General admission tickets are $10 per performance, and a Festival Fun Pass is only $50 for all 6 shows. Tickets are on sale now, for more information and to purchase festival tickets, call the box office at 407-645-0145 or click here. The six new musicals selected for the 2023 Florida Festival of New Musicals are: Bats On The Moon Book and Lyrics: Kenny D'Aquila (Vero Beach, FL) Music: Joel Spineti (Old Lyme, CT) When the editor of the Sun, a fledging NYC newspaper, proclaims that a renowned astronomer has found proof of life on the moon, chaos ensues. Is it fact or fiction? Based on true events, Bats on the Moon is a fun and fanciful story about life in the early days of journalism - its twists and turns, drama, ambition and intrigue. How will this discovery impact the public and change life here and now? Gabriel, Blow Your Horn Book and Lyrics: Bryan Leys (New York, NY) Music: James Campodonico (Bloomfield, NJ) A light-hearted fable of good, evil, and shades in between. It's Judgment Day and the Angel Gabriel is assigned to demolish the planet Earth at midnight. But his old girlfriend, Lilith, who is now working for the other team, is doing everything in her infernal power to stop him! Young Dr. Jekyll Book: Philip David Stern (Burlington, VT) & Lisa Hopkins (Burlington, VT) Additional Book: Tim Wells (Burbank CA) Concept, Music and Lyrics: Philip David Stern (Burlington, VT) The infamous Dr. Jekyll never died. After he was committed to an asylum, his two young sons, Harry and Arthur, were left to fend for themselves in London. The young Dr. Harry Jekyll is on the verge of a mind blowing discovery - an "intelligence" elixir. He is confident this will earn him the notoriety of his heroes Newton and Copernicus and erase the stigma of his last name. The story gets tangled up with a besotted roommate, a meddling landlord, a Smart Tart that contains the potion, and a triple threat French songstress. Science or Will Power, if you really believe something, can it come true? A Beautiful Place Book: Linda DeArmond Grady (Prescott, AZ) & Michael Grady (Prescott, AZ) Music: Craig Bohmler (Phoenix, AZ) Lyrics: Steven Mark Kohn (Chagrin Falls, OH) A story inspired by the life of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis who taught art to the children of the Terezin ghetto during World War ll. In 1942, Friedl and her husband Pavel were a part of the thousands of Czech Jews deported to Terezin. A critically acclaimed Bauhaus-trained artist, Friedl packed her one suitcase she was allowed, with paints, paper and books on art. With patience and scarce resources, she taught the children to use their imaginations, rediscover beauty and transform the world in which they now found themselves living. The Couple Company, The Musical Book, Music and Lyrics: Jeff Patrick Johnson (Boston, MA) It's Hollywood, 1976. UCLA film school grads Sonny Wells and Chanelle Williams videotape bar mitzvahs while trying to get their screenplay produced. When Sonny's mother passes, he finds himself the new owner of her lonely-hearts matchmaking agency in Boston. His inheritance comes with a stipulation: in order to sell it, he and Chanelle must stall their film-making careers and operate the wacky singles service for one year. What have they got to lose? Plenty; they're about to learn that some dreams come true... at a price. The Useful Citizen Book, music and lyrics: Katya Stanislavskaya (New Paltz, NY / Odessa, Ukraine) An intriguing examination of America's relationship with poverty vis-à-vis morality. Set in post-Civil War New York State, this musical loosely follows historical figure Josephine "Effie" Lowell. A privileged Civil War widow, Effie dedicates her life to being a "useful" citizen and becomes a renowned charity reformer. As she claws her way up in a world ruled by men, she learns that some of her reforms actually hurt the people they were intended to help. 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.

Cowboy Chicken, known for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken and side dishes, is now open for hungry diners in the heart of the Kissimmee tourism district. The new location, the first of four planned for the greater Orlando area, is located at 3290 Margaritaville Blvd. at Promenade at Sunset Walk with indoor and covered patio seating. Cowboy Chicken’s menu features bold, simple food including all-natural chicken cooked over an open flame and a variety of homestyle sides. Since 1981, Cowboy Chicken has excelled in serving fresh ingredients while treating guests like family and employees like partners. The welcoming, authentic experience, with food as honest as a handshake, keeps guests coming back for more. Cowboy Chicken fire roasts all their rotisserie chicken over locally sourced wood. Unlike restaurants that fire their rotisserie with gas, Cowboy Chicken believes that no other cooking method compares to real wood, patience, and a passion for time-tested recipes. “The only thing you will find here is all-natural chicken that is fresh, never frozen, and slow-roasted over real wood. Every Cowboy Chicken is covered in our secret dry rub before it is fire roasted. Our dry rub gives our chicken that familiar flavor you enjoy and helps form that dark golden crispy skin you crave,” noted Operating Partner Phil Yohannes. Menu Highlights Cowboy Plates - half chicken, three-piece, and chicken and brisket options Salads and Bowls – including the Monterey salad and Keto green bowl Sandwiches – Buffalo, BBQ, Laredo, and pulled brisket options, plus one side Chicken Tenders – crispy tenders for adults and kids Wild West Sides – Twice baked potaters, ranchero beans, fried okra, and more Desserts - including Jeanette’s homemade peach cobbler, banana puddin’, and more Daily Lunch Special (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Quarter dark or white chicken with one side and a fountain drink for $9.50 Cowboy Chicken is open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Catering and delivery services are available. For email perks including coupons, discounts, grand opening news, and much more, join the Campfire Club. For more information, visit www.cowboychicken.com. About Cowboy Chicken Founded in Dallas in 1981, Cowboy Chicken is a fast casual restaurant chain specializing in real wood-fired rotisserie chicken. The brand has been included in Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list every year since 2011 and in 2017 won the Emerging Chain of the Year award from Restaurant Business and was named one of the Top 25 Most Loved Brands by Foodable. Forbes magazine also chose Cowboy Chicken as one “Hot Restaurant Chain to Buy into Now,” and in 2020, QSR ranked Cowboy Chicken #14 in its 40 Under 40 list of the 40 most exciting fast casual concepts with fewer than 40 units. Cowboy Chicken is currently seeking qualified franchisees to help build the brand in select markets across the U.S. The franchise partner and operator, Florida Fine Foods, is owned by restaurant industry veterans and Central Florida residents Jenny and Paul Bellanca. The duo enjoyed the flavorful rotisserie chicken so much when they dined at Cowboy Chicken in McDonough, Ga., they knew they needed to bring the brand to their home state. 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.

Set sail for Central Florida's premier boat show, taking place this weekend in Orlando. The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show for a three-day event March 17 -1 9, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center, West Hall C & D. The highly anticipated show features 21 of Central Florida's top boat dealers representing more than 80 manufacturers with approximately 400 boats on display. The Orlando Boat show features a wide variety of new 2023 model boats including bowriders, center consoles, deck boats, flats boats, freshwater fishing boats, jet boats, pontoons, and surf boats to fit any lifestyle and budget. Extra incentives are available only during the show from dealers and manufacturers such as extended warranties, service packages, waived dockage, enhanced electronics, and accessory packages. Boating is extremely popular in Central Florida with 2.4 million Central Floridians who enjoy boating each year, and with 198,594 registered boats in Central Florida, you can see why the Orlando Boat Show is a very popular event! Ticket prices are $10 per person and are available for purchase online or at the gate. Kids under the age of 12 are free! Please note Orange County Convention Center parking is $20. Guests can enjoy live performances by fan-favorite Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel. Join Twiggy and her team for a family friendly, fun-filled, interactive show, learn about water safety, waterskiing and what wild things Twiggy gets into at her lagoon. This show is full of laughs, surprises and even features a special guest, Roxie the dog, as Twiggy’s trusty lifeguard. Additional activation areas include: Kids 12 and younger can catch a live fish at the Trout Pond. Try the Virtual Saltwater Fishing Simulator to experience the excitement of competition to catch a bull dolphin.  The Fishing Zone is devoted to all types of fishing gear including freshwater and saltwater rod and reels, freshwater, and saltwater lures, clothing for a great day on the water, and all types of fishing gear and accessories. All events are included in show admission. Queen of the Show The Queen of the Show is the 2023 HCB 53 Sueños, a large center console yacht with a sophisticated design to perfectly balance speed, ride, comfort, and all of the luxury a yacht needs. The bow area is dual purpose with seating to accommodate guests on the forward-facing lounger or around bow seats and a table that converts to a large sun pad for lazy days catching rays. Or, remove the cushions for a fully functional fishing platform. The luxuriously functional cabin with a queen-sized berth, storage galore, galley kitchen, and separate head/shower compartment is the perfect place for air-conditioned comfort on hot days as well as longer trips with overnight stays. An automotive-inspired helm station allows the captain to be fully aware of the surroundings while staying in tune with the endless functionality on board including charts and navigation, Sea Keeper®, an ample stereo system, the quad engine package, and more. “The Orlando Boat Show is designed for new and avid boaters alike to explore the latest in boating trends and technology, featuring hundreds of new 2023 models by the world’s leading boat manufacturers,” said Jeff Husby, president of Regal & Nautique of Orlando and the president of MIACF. “Participating exhibitors are excited to bring the best of boating to Central Floridians and look forward to welcoming everyone to the show.” The Central Florida Marine Industry has an important part to play in Central Florida's economy, generating an annual economic impact in Central Florida of $4.1 billion, including manufacturers and suppliers, sales and services, boating activities, and business tax revenue, with the industry supporting 15,641 jobs in Central Florida: 10,276 direct jobs and 5,365 indirect jobs. Created in 1989, the Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) is a not-for-profit trade organization focused on the sound growth of the marine industry for the benefit of its members and their customers, local communities, and the environment. MIACF is comprised of more than 30 members in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties and is the owner and producer of the Orlando Boat Show and the Daytona Beach Boat Show. 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.

Aquatica Orlando first opened to the public back on March 1, 2008, and this year the water park is celebrating its 15th Birthday with a number of major new additions, and special events to celebrate. Voted the nation’s #1 Outdoor Water Park according to the USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, Aquatica is set to open Turi’s Kid Cove this Spring. Turi’s Kid Cove This ALL-NEW water play area will feature watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more. Plus, kids can grab a tube and slide into fun on the ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl water slide featuring a pint-sized half pipe just for them! This new play area will be located between Big Surf Shores and Mango Market and will be the perfect place for our youngest guests to cool off with plenty of splashy water fun and ample seating all around for rest and relaxation. Turi’s Kid Cove is not the only ALL-NEW addition coming to Aquatica Orlando in 2023. Aloha To Summer Welcoming Summer with excitement every Saturday & Sunday in May, Aquatica Orlando is introducing an ALL-NEW event to kick off summer in style and extended park hours until 8 pm. Fiesta Aquatica Back by popular demand, every Saturday & Sunday from September 16 – October 15, Fiesta Aquatica will return to the award-winning water park bigger and better than before to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. This unforgettable pool party will surround guests with sizzling Latin flair, music, and food. Fiesta Aquatica is included with park admission, so guests can keep the summer fun going even longer. Beach Nights Beach Nights is happening every Saturday in October through December. After a day of fun in the water, guests can stay late for family-friendly movies and games on Orlando’s largest beach! Bring a blanket or sit on one of our beach chairs and enjoy a different movie every weekend. Fresh popcorn, delicious food, snacks, hot chocolate, and fountain drinks will be available for purchase at Kura’s Beachside Panini. For additional Polynesian vibes, visit the new Trader Turi’s Tiki Bar for a selection of specialty cocktails, frozen favourites, adult hot chocolate and more. For more information or to book tickets, visit https://aquatica.com/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.

The first ever Orlando Brick Convention takes place this weekend at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, on Saturday, March 18, and Sunday March 19, 2023. The event is building into a must visit event for LEGO fans, and tickets are 70% Sold Out! Organisers promise an entertainment packed day for all the family, with lots to see and do including large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures & accessories and more. Tickets are available now, priced at $15 online, or $18 at the door. Read on for more details about this unique event. Just in time for this weekend's event, organisers have added Christoper Gearhart to the guest list. Christopher is the founder of Bricker Builds, which he launched in 2020. He is also stop motion animator and graphics programmer formerly know for his LEGO animation work on the YouTube channel Bricks Brought to Life. Professional LEGO artists from across the country will be taking part in The Orlando Brick Convention showcasing their amazing LEGO creations and meeting fans, with guests having the opportunity to participate in a meet-and-greet with LEGO celebrities, including the cast from the hit LEGO Masters TV show. Attendees will also be able to let their creativity flow in the Construction Zone where they can build their own LEGO set as well as take photos with life-sized LEGO models. A portion of the proceeds from each Brick Convention is donated to Creations for Charity. Creations for Charity is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that buy new LEGO sets for underprivileged children around the world during the holidays. Special guest PATRICK DURHAM from LEGO Masters Season 3 will be bringing his massive LEGO Star Wars Mustafar display built with over 110,000 LEGO bricks! This amazing Theed Hanger built by ACPin will be featured at the upcoming Orlando Brick Convention! Built with thousands of LEGO bricks, this detailed displayed was featured in bestselling book "LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary" published by DK. This epic MarioKart Roller Coaster built by Scott Makes Mocs was almost 3 years in the making, and will be featured at the upcoming Orlando Brick Convention! This amazing creation is actually similar to the new Super Nintendo World currently under construction at Universal’s Epic Universe here in Orlando! You may know Mel from Season 1 of LEGO MASTERS on Fox or as a guest on the Buddy vs. Christmas limited series on Food Network. And you just may have seen him this past December as the late Leslie Jordan’s teammate on Fox’s Celebrity LEGO MASTERS Holiday Bricktacular! Don’t miss your chance to meet Mel at the Orlando Brick Convention! 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.

Columbian singer-songwriter, Feid, has announced that he’s bringing his Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground Tour to the United States and Canada. The tour is produced by Live Nation, and will launch on April 20th at WAMU Theater in Seattle, WA. The Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground Tour will hit 29 cities, and wrap up on June 17 at Hard Rock Live here in Orlando. Tickets are on sale now. Don't miss out! Feid sold out his debut headlining U.S. tour in 2022 within minutes, so we wouldn’t wait too long to hop on the ticket train. The Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground Tour is ready to take North America by storm, stopping in cities such as: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia! Feid broke through last year thanks to Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo Te Pirateamos El Álbum, which he had to release early after it leaked online. Last month, Feid scored his first two entries on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart. His collaborations “Hey Mor” with Ozuna and “Yandel 150” with Yandel are climbing up the chart. Feid’s Sixdo EP includes his global hits “La Pasamos Cxbrxn” with Zion y Lennox and “Chorrito Pa Las Ánimas.” 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.

Come spend your spring break with Southern Hill Farms in Clermont down on the farm! The family run farm is currently offering u-pick strawberries, sunflowers and seasonal vegetables. Southern Hill Farms is a family owned and operated u-pick and commercially harvested blueberry, strawberry, peach and seasonal vegetable farm. They are nestled in Central Florida atop the rolling hills of Clermont, just southwest of Orlando. They currently have 40 acres of blueberry bushes, five acres of peaches, 15 acres of strawberries and one acre of blooming sunflowers on the 120-acre farm, open for u-pick December - May. This week, the farm is open extended hours, now through Sunday, March 19 from 10 am - 4 pm. The last entrance to the farm will be 3:30 pm daily. You will find Southern Hill Farms at 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, 34714. There are no admission fees to enter the seasonal u-pick events, and pets are not permitted. Please see below for more event details, and thanks for loving your local farmer! At the farm the entire family can enjoy: Sunflower, strawberry and seasonal vegetable picking Southern Hill Eatery food truck serving lunch Seasonal donuts, blueberry cobbler, and more sweet treats available in our bakery Refreshments like our blueberry lemonade, farm-made cocktails, seasonal craft beer and more available for purchase Shop our handcrafted products and merchandise in our Southern Hill Farms Market. Raw, unfiltered honey, hand poured candles, handmade sugar scrubs and more. Rooftop deck Complimentary yard games Fire pits Covered playground Permanent restrooms with baby changing tables Picnic tables – first come, first served Kids Zone Activities – Available at 11 a.m. Kids Zone: Wristbands $22 (plus tax) for children 42” and taller, $18 (plus tax) for under 42” Southern Hill Express (motorized train) Giant fun slide Cyclone swing Pirate ship swing Jump pillows Rock climbing wall Bungee jump trampolines Carousel Berry Go Round Berry-Trooper Papa’s Roadsters Inflatable sports games Bounce houses and obstacle course Be sure to visit the Southern Hill Farms Bakery or donut shed for a sweet treat while you're on the farm! 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.

JoJo Siwa and her Mom Jessalynn have been enjoying a girls trip to Walt Disney World, staying Club Level at the Contemporary Resort. JoJo and her Mom have enjoyed dining at Chef Mickey's, posing for pictures with Mickey Mouse, and of course, JoJo loved the delicious Ohana bread at the Polynesian Village Resort! JoJo was of course excited to ride TRON Lightcycle Run, and shared her excitement with Walt Disney World Ambassadors: Ali Manion and Raevon Redding. Former Nickelodeon child Starr JoJo enjoyed a ride on the new Tron Lightcycle Run coaster with none other than the big boss, Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, and this is not the first time! Last year before its grand opening, Vahle and JoJo experienced Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind together. Vahle took to his Instagram to share his ride with Siwa, stating “Last year, @itsjojosiwa helped me save the galaxy at EPCOT. This year, we hopped into the grid at Magic Kingdom for a race against Team Orange and WON!” 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

Despite Disney unwilling to offer Cast Members a living wage increase in ongoing contract negotiations with unions, Cast Members have been gifted a limited time 50% discount on Disney merchandise. The discount is available online at shopDisney through February 26, 2023, and at Disney Parks through March 7. Walt Disney World Cast Members current contracts ended last October, and negotiations have been ongoing, with Disney returning to the negotiating table with unions yesterday, Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in the latest round of contract negotiations. Negotiations resumed following an overwhelming 96% rejection of Walt Disney World’s offer to gradually raise wages to $20 over the next few years by the Service Trades Council Union, who represent more than 45,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members, yet despite this, unbelievably Disney came back to the table with a WORSE offer than the one that Cast Members had rejected! Plus, this is happening at time when earlier this week, Universal Orlando announced it's raising its Team Members starting pay to $17 per hour, plus additional raises coming to current Team Members. In contrast, Disney’s current base rate of pay for Cast Members is $15 per hour. Read our article sharing our opinion on why Cast Members should be getting treated better by Disney!

Corkcicle became the "Official Premium Drinkware of Walt Disney World Resort" back in August 2021, and now the local Orlando based company is opening its first ever retail location at Disney Springs later this year. Corkcicle creates award winning and innovative hydration products, including high performing insulated drinkware, coolers and accessories, including many Disney designs. The Orlando headquartered company will now launch its own retail location in the Town Center area at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. The Corkcicle retail space will be located in one of the kiosks in front of Paddlefish. Walt Disney World have not confirmed which retailers space Corkcicle will be moving into, but the existing vendor will moving to another location in Disney Springs. 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 Griswold family are heading out on the open road again, and this time it's not Walley World there heading to, it's a vacation to MegaCon Orlando! Yes, it's true, stars of the National Lampoon Vacation movie series are reuniting in Orlando! Don’t miss Photo Ops, Autographs, and Panels with Chevy Chase, Christie Brinkley, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron at MegaCon Orlando, taking place from March 30 - April 2, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center. The National Lampoon's Vacation film series is a comedy film series based on the misadventures of the Griswold family, whose attempts to enjoy vacations and holidays are plagued with continual disasters and strangely embarrassing predicaments. The movies are now cult classics, enjoyed by generations, the series includes National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) and Vegas Vacation (1997), plus the more recent Vacation (2015). Plus, it's not just the cast of National Lampoon's Vacation film series that is attending MegaCon Orlando, in addition to meeting the cast, you can take a photo with the Griswold’s Wagon Queen Family Truckster, Cousin Eddie’s RV, and the Griswold’s Taurus Station Wagon. Scroll down for all the stars heading to MegaCon Orlando this year, and trust us it's a long list!! Meet Koska Reeves when Mercedes Varnado joins Katee Sackhoff, Giancarlo Esposito, Carl Weathers, and Emily Swallow at MEGACON Orlando which is taking place from March 30 until April 2, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center. Mercedes Varnado Mercedes is an American professional wrestler and actress. She is currently signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) under the ring name Mercedes Moné, where she is the current IWGP Women's Champion in her first reign. Varnado also appears in NJPW's sister promotion World Wonder Ring Stardom. She is best known for her time in WWE from 2012 to 2022, where she performed under the ring name Sasha Banks. Outside of wrestling, Varnado began an acting career in 2020. Her debut role was the character Koska Reeves in the second season of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Katee Sackhoff Katee is known for playing Bo-Katan Kryze on the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, and also for providing the voice for Kryze in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. She had lead roles in the films Halloween: Resurrection, White Noise: The Ligh, Batman: Year One, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia, Sexy Evil Genius, Riddick, Oculus and Don't Knock Twice. Giancarlo Esposito Giancarlo is best known for portraying Gus Fring in the AMC crime drama series Breaking Bad, as well as in its prequel series Better Call Saul. He portrays Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian. He is also known for his appearances in several Spike Lee films, such as School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo' Better Blues, and Malcolm X. Carl Weathers Carlis an actor and former professional football player. He is known for his roles as boxer Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films, Al Dillon in Predator, Action Jackson in Action Jackson ,and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore and in Little Nicky, and Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise, and voiced Omnitraxus Prime in Star vs. the Forces of Evil. He has a recurring role as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian. Emily Swallow Emily is best known for her roles as Kim Fischer on The Mentalist and as Amara / The Darkness in the 11th season of Supernatural. She also appears as The Armorer in The Mandalorian . Meet both Daredevil & Kingpin at MEGACON Orlando, as Charlie Cox is joining the previously announced Vincent D’Onofrio at the show. English actor and Marvel superstar, Charlie Cox is known for portraying Matt Murdock / Daredevil in several projects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise, including lead roles in the television series Daredevil (2015–2018) and upcoming series Daredevil: Born Again. Cox also portrayed Owen Sleater in the second and third seasons of HBO's Boardwalk Empire (2011–2012) and Jonathan Hellyer Jones in the 2014 film The Theory of Everything. More recently, he starred in the RTÉdrama series Kin (2021) and the Netflix spy miniseries Treason (2022). Cox's breakout role was as Tristan Thorn in the 2007 fantasy film Stardust, one of a series of roles he had in predominately British productions during the first decade of his career. He made his West End debut the following year in a revival of the Harold Pinter plays The Lover and The Collection. Following his successes on-screen in the 2010s, he acted in a 2019 stage production of Harold Pinter's Betrayal, first in the West End and then on Broadway. Emilio Rivera is joining his Sons of Anarchy co-star Charlie Hunnam who has already been announced for this year's MegaCon Orlando. Rivera's has featured in Manu Hollywood blockbusters, and hit TV shows, including Con Air, Traffic, The Cable Guy, NYPD Blue, Beverly Hills, 90210, Walker, Texas Ranger, Titus, Hitman: Agent 47, JAG, ER, A Man Apart with Vin Diesel, John Cusack's film Never Get Outta the Boat, Ali G Indahouse, Rush, Howard Stern's Son of the Beach, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Z Nation, and Michael Mann's new series Metro. Rivera is well know for his portrayal of Marcus Álvarez in Sons of Anarchy for seven seasons and currently plays Álvarez in Mayans M.C. Trekkies will be delighted to know that Sonequa Martin-Green is joining her Star Trek co-stars Anson Mount & Ethan Peck at this year's MegaCon. Sonequa Martin-Green is best known for her television roles as Michael Burnham, the main character in the streaming television series Star Trek: Discovery, and as Sasha Williams on The Walking Dead. Before that, Martin-Green starred in several independent films before gaining her first recurring role, as Courtney Wells on The Good Wife. Later, she had recurring roles as Tamara in Once Upon a Time and Rhonda in New Girl. 90's kids will be delighted to hear that Saved by The Bell's A.C. Slater, Mario Lopez will be reunited with his Saved By The Bell co-star Mark Paul Gosseelaar. Gosseelaar, who famously portrayed Zack Morris in the series, has already confirmed that he is coming to this years event at the Orange County Convention Center. Mario Lopez, of course is known for his portrayal of A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, and the 2020 sequel series. He has appeared in numerous projects since, including Dancing with the Stars and as host for the syndicated entertainment news magazine shows Extra and Access Hollywood. He has also hosted America's Best Dance Crew for MTV, and more. A huge name that's coming to this years event is none other than comedy legend, John Cleese! At 83 years of age-John Cleese is still the “World’s Funniest Man”. He made his first mark as a member of the legendary Monty Python Troupe in the 1960s and has gone on to write, produce, direct and star in some of the greatest comedic hits of the last 50 years. Cleese co-founded Monty Python, the comedy troupe responsible for the sketch show Monty Python's Flying Circus. Along with his Python co-stars Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Graham Chapman, Cleese starred in Monty Python films, which include Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian(1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983). In the mid-1970s, Cleese and first wife Connie Booth co-wrote the sitcom Fawlty Towers, in which he starred as hotel owner Basil Fawlty, for which he won the 1980 British Academy Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance. Cleese co-starred with Kevin Kline, Jamie Lee Curtis, and former Python colleague Michael Palin in A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and Fierce Creatures (1997), both of which he also wrote. For A Fish Called Wanda he was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He has also starred in Time Bandits (1981) and Rat Race (2001) and has appeared in many other films, including Silverado (1985), Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994), two James Bond films (as R and Q), two Harry Potter films (as Nearly Headless Nick) and the last three Shrek films. The Cobra Kai Dojo will be accepting new students at the Orange County Convention Center, when the cast of hit tv show Cobra Kai, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Jacob Bertrand, and Xolo Maridueña come to Orlando! The headmistress of Nevermore Academy in the hit Netflix series Wednesday, is coming to Orlando. Iconic English actress Gwendoline Christie also played Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones and Captain Phasma in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Charlie Hunnam is well known for his roles as Jackson "Jax" Teller in the FX drama series Sons of Anarchy for which he was twice nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. His has also had roles include Green Street, Undeclared, the title role in Nicholas Nickleby, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, The Lost City of Z, and in the title role of Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Lana Parrilla is an actress well known for her role as The Evil Queen/Regina Mills in the ABC fantasy drama series, Once Upon a Time for which she has won a TV Guide Award for favorite Villain, an ALMA Award for Outstanding TV Actress- Drama and a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress -Sci-Fi Fantasy. She also previously starred in season 5 of Spin City, Boomtown, Windfall, Swingtown, Miami Medical and as Sarah Gavin for the fourth season of 24. Best known for Shazam!, and the follow up, Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, Zachary Livi will be at this year's MegaCon Orlando. Levi has also just signed on for the true survival story Not Without Hope directed by Joe Carnahan. You can meet Levi when he comes to MegaCon Orlando, with the event running March 30 to April 2, 2023. The most powerful Jedi, Anakin Skywalker will be bringing the Force to Orlando as Star Wars legend Hayden Christensen will be appearing at this year's event. Hayden first appeared in the prequel trilogy films, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005), and later reprised his role with a voice cameo in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and as the main antagonist in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022). He will also reprise his role in the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka (2023). Rosario Dawson, star of amazing shows & movies like Daredevil, Clerks 3, Rent, Sin City, and Unstoppable will also be at this year's MegaCon Orlando. Dawson is also known for her role as the fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano in season 2 of The Mandalorian, and will headline her own show later this year, Star Wars: Ahsoka. Another huge name heading to this year's MegaCon Orlando is Scottish actor and Hollywood superstar James McAvoy. McAvoy is currently starring in the HBO fantasy series His Dark Materials, and will be known to many as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men series. Also confirmed for this year's event is familiar faces from Wes Craven slasher-horror classic Scream. Neve Campbell Campbell rose to international prominence for starring as Sidney Prescott in Wes Craven's slasher filmScream (1996), which emerged as a critical and commercial success—becoming the highest grossing slasher film for over 20 years—and obtained a cult following. The success of the film spawned the Scream franchise, for which she reprised the role in the series' second (1997), third (2000), fourth (2011) and fifth(2022) installments, playing the role for 25 years. Also announced from the Scream franchise are: Jamie Kennedy Jamie came to prominence in the late 1990s for playing Randy Meeks in the Scream film series Matthew Lillard Matthew is know for his role as Stu Macher in the horror film Scream. Skeet Ulrich iSkeet played the character Billy Loomis in Scream (1996), and then he reprised his Scream role in the sequel. Star of the comedy classic movie series National Lampoon, Chevy Chase is coming on a vacation to Orlando! Chase also been a staple of Saturday Night Live, where his recurring Weekend Update segment became a highlight of the show. Chase has earned three Primetime Emmy Awards out of five nominations and two Golden Globe Award nominations. Chase has starred in some of the best loved comedies of our generation, including portraying Clark W. Griswold in five National Lampoon's Vacation films including Vacation , European Vacation, Christmas Vacation, and Vegas Vacation. He also played Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher in Fletch and its sequel Fletch Lives. He also starred in Caddyshack, Spies Like Us, Three Amigos!, and Hot Tub Time Machine. This year's MegaCon Orlando has a growing list of celebrities all coming to this year's event at the Orange County Convention Center. Charlie Hunnam is well known for his roles as Jackson "Jax" Teller in the FX drama series Sons of Anarchy for which he was twice nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series is coming! He has also had roles include Green Street, Undeclared, the title role in Nicholas Nickleby, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak, The Lost City of Z, and in the title role of Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Also announced for this year's MegaCon Orlando is Golden Globe, SAG, and Emmy nominee Christina Ricci. Ricci is currently starring in Netflix hit Wednesday, and was seen in the Amazon original series Z: The Beginning of Everything, for which she also served as a producer. she also played the title character in the television series The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, for which she earned a SAG Award nomination. She has also starred in many films including Mermaids, The Addams Family, Casper, The Smurfs 2, Speed Racer and more. Another guest is Vincent D’Onofrio, well known for his roles in both film and television. His credits include Full Metal Jacket, Men in Black, The Cell, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Jurassic World. D’Onofrio is well know for his portrayal of Kingpin across the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Henry Winkler is also attending this years MegaCon, Winkler is an American actor, comedian, author, executive producer, and director, although of course he is best known for his portrayal of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the American television series Happy Days. Also announced is Harry Power star Matthew Lewis, best known for portraying Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Mark-Paul Gosselaar, best know to fans of Saved by the Bell as Zack Morris will also be in attendance at this years convention. Gates McFadden best known for playing Dr. Beverly Crusher in the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series and in the four subsequent films will also be attending this years MegaCon. Another big name coming to Orlando for MegaCon this year is Sean Gunn, best know for playing Kraglin Obfonteri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this role, he has been in the films Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder , the television film The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special and the upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 . He also played Weasel and Calendar Man in the Warner Bros./DCEU film The Suicide Squad. Brec Bassinger has also announced for this years MegaCon! Bassinger is best know for playing the titular role in the series Stargirl from DC Universe and The CW. Legendary director Sam Raimi is also appearing at this year's MegaCon Orlando. Raimi is the man behind your fave films, known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007) and the Evil Dead franchise (1981–present). He also directed the 1990 superhero film Darkman, the 1995 revisionist western The Quick and the Dead, the 1998 neo-noir crime-thriller A Simple Plan, the 2000 supernatural thriller film The Gift, the 2009 supernatural horror film Drag Me to Hell, and the 2013 Disney fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful. Raimi has also produced several successful television series, including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and its spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess. He founded the production company Renaissance Pictures in 1979 and Ghost House Pictures in 2002. His latest film, the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, was released on May 6, 2022, becoming his highest grossing film at the box office. Also announced for this years convention is a bounty of six Star Wars legends. Carl Weathers (Greef Karga), Giancarlo Esposito (Moff Gideon), Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan Kryze) and Emily Swallow (The Armorer) from The Mandalorian, Vivien Lyra Blair, who played young Princess Leia in Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ashley Eckstein, who played Ahsoka Tano in The Clone Wars animated series. MegaCon Orlando have also announced that the original and much loved host of Blues Clues, Steve Burns is heading to Orlando for this year's MegaCon. He is best known as the original host of the long-running children's preschool television program Blue's Clues from 1996 until 2002, for which he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2001. With tickets now on sale, Anson Mount (Captain Christopher Pike) and Ethan Peck (Spock) from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, are coming to this years MegaCon Orlando Anson Mount is an American actor known for his television roles as fictional character Cullen Bohannon in the AMC western drama series Hell on Wheels, Jim Steele on NBC series Conviction, the Marvel Comics superhero Black Bolt in Marvel's Inhumans, and Captain Christopher Pike in season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery. Ethan Peck is an American actor currently playing Spock in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. He is the grandson of a Hollywood legend, Gregory Peck. More recently he accepted the role of Herman Ackermann on the series Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels. MEGACON Orlando is one of North America's largest largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event that attracts hundreds of thousands of people across four BIG days. Every year, MEGACON Orlando offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! Everyone is a fan of something, and MEGACON Orlando is the place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest, and then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness. HIGHLIGHTS: CELEBRITY PHOTO OPS Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime to meet you favorite celebrity and have the moment captured by a professional photographer. This is the only way to get a beautiful 8x10 glossy photo of you with one of our guests in an intimate setting. AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS An autograph is the perfect opportunity to get that special something signed by your favorite celebrity. Be sure to check out the full schedule so you don’t miss out on any of your faves! ARTIST ALLEY Indie meets pro in this special area where you will find all your favorite pencillers, inkers and writers. This is a ”must experience" area for anyone interested in meeting rising stars and those who work the front lines of the industry! Here you’ll find it all – comics, graphic novels, limited edition prints and best of all, original art and sketches. You’ll also find crafters and makers, all with a nerdy slant to their designs and creations. COSPLAY RED CARPET Get ready for the Cosplay Red Carpet! There's no pre-registration, no competition & no stress! Walk the red carpet and show off your costume in front of adoring fans. Every participant will get a free photo taken by Jeff Jenkins Photography, MEGACON’s official Cosplay Red Carpet Photographer. OVER 400,000 SQ FT OF SHOPPING MADNESS! More than 1,000 retailers join MEGACON Orlando to make your experience an unforgettable one! Specializing in everything comics, anime, gaming, science fiction and horror, these retailers are guaranteed to have what you need. FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Our event prides itself on having so many amazing activities and attractions that are family oriented. Spend the day with the whole family as you meet your favorite Superheroes, Princesses and voice actors. You can even enter the Cosplay Costume Contest as a family! COMMUNITY ZONE Whether you're a Whovian or Jedi, a cosplayer or crafter, the Community Zone is where you find people who share your fandom! Find out about local clubs, get up close to movie props, test your trivia, and snap photos galore with fans who are excited as you are to get together. PANELS, WORKSHOPS & SEMINAR From Celebrity Q&A’s, fan club presentations, hands-on workshops and screening rooms, there’s hundreds of hours of programming available for every fandom. The best part? It’s free with your admission ticket. Check the daily schedule to find out when and where the fun happens. COSTUMES! COSTUMES! COSTUMES! Fans dressing up in costumes (also known as cosplay) is a huge part of the show! Literally thousands of amazing costumes are available for your viewing pleasure throughout the weekend. Don’t be shy: ask for a photo with your favorite characters or come dressed up yourself. MEET LEGENDARY COMIC BOOK CREATORS Comics Legends, Professional Comic Book artists, and writers will be with us all weekend. Be sure to drop by the Artist Alley to meet them and see their amazing work! MEET YOUR FAVORITE VOICE ACTORS The actors that voice your favorite animated characters will be at our show to sign autographs, pose for photos and meet with their fans. They have developed a well-deserved reputation for being super-friendly and enthusiastic! COSPLAY PHOTO PARK Snap the best shot with the coolest background at our Photo Park. From outer space to enchanted lands, there’s a setting for everyone. COSPLAY MEET UPS Meet like-minded fans and get a picture to remember at a themed cosplay meet up. Watch for a schedule of specific fandom meet-ups closer to show time.

B Resort & Spa within the Disney Springs Resort Area are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! The resort's signature restaurant, American Kitchen Bar & Grill, is inviting Orlando residents to “B Lucky” with delicious dinner and beverage specials. Follow the rainbow to the Disney Springs Area resort to find a pot o’ gold and festive meals for the whole family! On Friday, March 17, 2023, from 5 – 11 p.m., visitors can enjoy a range of charming bites and handcrafted beverages that will have you green-ing ear to ear. Order a pint of Green Beer to get into the lucky spirit. Emerald Sunrise Mocktail: Lemon-lime soda, blueberry simple syrup, guava or passionfruit juice Sham-rocked Shooter: Irish whiskey, melon liqueur, Irish cream liqueur Farmhouse Shepard’s Pie: braised certified angus beef, smoked Yukon potatoes and thyme-roasted succotash served au jus Fish & Chips: stout-battered cod, fresh-cut malted chips, red ale remoulade Bailey’s Cheesecake: creamy Irish coffee sauce and rich chocolate soil crust B Resort & Spa welcomes guests to embrace the luck of the Irish with this curated menu on St. Patrick’s Day at American Kitchen Bar & Grill. Prices range from $5 - $12 for beverages and $12 - $24 for meals, and prices are subject to applicable tax and 18% gratuity. Interested guests and visitors can reserve a table here. B Resort & Spa, is a boutique hotel experience that offers a mix of modern sophistication and playful, family-friendly fun. Located in the Disney Springs Area, this luxurious resort boasts 394 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the area’s lakes, theme parks and evening fireworks celebrations. The resort features a unique blend of modern amenities and chic sophistication catering to discerning travelers looking for a refreshing escape and convenient access to Walt Disney World with complimentary shuttle transportation. For more information check out the B Resort & Spa's 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.