As we get ever closer to spooky season, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay have revealed more details on this years after hours event, Howl-O-Scream. Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream returns in full force select nights from September 8 to October 31, taking over the entire park with haunted houses, scare zones, sinister shows and more. We already know many of this years haunted houses, and scare zones, which you can read about in this article, but first up, the latest news from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the news that three fan-favourite scare zones are making a return the this years event. First up is the news that The Junkyard is back. Try and make it out in one piece You’ll find more than spare parts as you rummage through this surly scrap site. Will you make it out in one piece or be devoured by the haunted rubble? Next up, the dark fairies and orcs are dying for you to experience the depths of their magically sinister forest. Think you have what it takes to go Beyond The Veil? The third scare zone announced this week is Raven's Mill. Within the walls of the cornfield lies a horrific nightmare you cannot awaken. The scarecrows of Raven's Mill are back and ready to play. Ready for more? Check out the fun that's already been revealed for this years Howl-O-Scream... The Residence: Home For The Holidays, is making a haunting return to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay this spooky season... but things are definitely not as merry as they may seem! The Residence: Home For The Holidays is a fan favorite house at Howl-O-Sceam, where merriment turns murderous at a suburban family home, and this year Christmas arrives earlier than ever at The Residence, with all-new horrors eager to be unwrapped, but will you survive this silent night. In addition to The Residence: Home For The Holidays returning, Ms. Stranglewood is back for more haunts this year, and has something sinister waiting behind every corner. The Forgotten: Uprising Haunted House is back this year, and its been re-vamped!! A year has passed, and lately more and more people have been going missing. The great battle has begun, and the only way to survive is to be brave, fearless, and survive the Night. Making a return is Witch of the Woods. The Witch is back, and just as wicked as ever. Curiosity has brought many travelers into this dark forest, but only bone-chilling stories and dying screams make their way out. With each step deeper into the woods, the prospect of survival quickly fades as demonic disciples hunt wandering intruders through their abandoned village. Coming to Howl-O-Scream this year is an all new scare zone, Big Ed's Demolition Derby, which features a rather sinister Big Ed! Step into the twisted and adrenaline-fueled world of Big Ed's Demolition Derby. He has pulled together some of the roughest, toughest, and meanest baddies from all over Howl-O-Scream and brought them here to compete— but there’s always room for some surprise guests. Step up and see how long you can survive and navigate this automotive nightmare. A brand new scare zone for 2023 is Sin City Zombies, On the outskirts of the Vegas strip lies a small town that is home to some of the best entertainers to ever live, and is overrun by zombies who run rampant. Try your luck and hope your number wins because this is one town you don’t want to lose in. This years Howl-O-Scream will see a brand new haunted house, D.H. Baggums, Circus of Fear. Come one, come all, to the most terrifying show you’ve ever seen! D.H. Baggum brings you all his monstrosities that are sure to make your spine tingle and your blood run cold! As unsuspecting patrons walked the midway, D.H. would capture them and take them backstage to carry out his evil plan. as you wander the midway, watch out for D.H. and his crew. don’t get distracted by the magic— you might just be the next FREAK to take the stage! Are you brave enough to be amongst the first to experience the circus of fear? Grab your tickets now, before it's too late!! Haunted Houses Dark minds have been brewing new ways to terrify those brave enough to enter our sinister haunted houses with new unsuspecting scares. Scare Zones & Unpredictable Hordes The scares are everywhere as new terrors lurk in every corner of the park. Experience screams & frights at any moment as you make your way through several scare zones. Plus, with roaming hordes, horror awaits at every twist and turn. Pulse-Pounding Attractions With exhilarating coasters and thrilling attractions, guests can take on their favorite rides in the dark in between the frights and scares of Howl-O-Scream. Bring your fears to new heights on Iron Gwazi & SheiKra, then let the adrenaline rush as you launch into the shadows of Cheetah Hunt & Tigris. Howl-O-Scream is intended for a mature audience. This event contains intense adult content such as violence, gore, and blood. Oh yes it does... For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Great news as the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command have announced that the DOD Warrior Games are returning to Walt Disney World Resort in 2024. Let the countdown begin ... the Department of Defense Warrior Games will return to Walt Disney World in June 2024! The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in 2024 following a successful games at the resort in 2022. “Adaptive sports play such a powerful role in the mental and physical recovery of wounded, ill and injured military members, and we are excited to once again be back at ESPN Wide World of Sports,” said Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of TRADOC. “These men and women deserve our support as they overcome these obstacles, and it’s an honor to host the Warrior Games on behalf of the U.S. Army and DoD, and to provide another way for these athletes to leverage the power of adaptive sports.” First held in 2010, this annual event will feature hundreds of elite-athletes, including those from international allied nations, who will compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball, among others. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which will serve as the Warrior Games venue for the second time, is a 220-acre facility that features multiple indoor and outdoor competition sites. This award-winning complex, which combines the spirit of sports with Disney magic, previously hosted the 2016 Invictus Games and the 2022 DoD Warrior Games. “We are humbled to again welcome these heroic service members and veterans, their families and supporters to ESPN Wide World of Sports next summer,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Their sacrifice has allowed us the freedoms we enjoy daily, and we are honored to be able to witness their spirit of determination, boldness and loyalty come alive during the games!” The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. Military paralympic adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports. The 2024 Warrior Games, which are open to the public, will welcome the community and the world to be part of the excitement by supporting these heroes. Details about the sports schedule, viewing opportunities, corporate sponsorships and more will be available closer to the event. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Sad news as family owned ice cream shop, Allen’s Creamery in Windermere has announced its closure after more than 15 years in business. The Allen family have been serving up home made ice cream at Allen's Creamery & CoffeeHouse for over 15 years, but sadly the family will be serving its last scoop very soon. Allen's Creamery was started in 2008 as a local coffee and ice cream shop reminiscent of what the Allen's grew up with, and its been a roaring success ever since, but sadly the family have decided that after 15 years plus, its time to say goodbye. The family have posted a message to the community on its Facebook page announcing that the shop will close forever on Friday, September 22, inviting customers to stop by and say goodbye. The Allens say that due to the new Downtown Windermere Property project, it is time for them to close up shop. Here is the message from the family in full: Well....definitely a hard post for the Allen Family! After 15+ wonderful years of service to the Windermere Community, we have to say goodbye! The town of Windermere is evolving and due to the new Downtown Windermere Property project, it is time for our chapter to end! We hope we have provided as many happy memories to families and friends of our community as you have provided for us. The fond thoughts of the many events and milestones here will forever live in our hearts! When we opened the shop over 15 years ago, our goal was to offer this wonderful community a local ice cream shop much like the one we grew up with. Hopefully, we accomplished this! Our last day will be Friday, September 22 (Food Truck Night)! Please stop by and say goodbye! Sincerely, Anne, Amy, Mark & Matt Allen (& Allen Children)! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

It looks like David S. Pumpkins will be appearing at this year's Halloween Horror Nights 32. Every year there is many rumours surrounding Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, and in fact its half the fun of waiting for the event to start! This year we have heard persistent rumours that the spookiest man in town, the Saturday night Live character David S Pumpkins would be appearing at this years Halloween Horror Nights 32. Rumours pointed to David S Pumpkins show, but it now seems that a meet and greet will be happening at this years HHN 32. The meet and greet is expected to be within the new Peacock Halloween Bar which is to be located behind Lombard’s Seafood Grille. The character HAS already appeared at Halloween Horror Nights, having previously cameoed in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure. David S Pumpkins is the brainchild of SNL head writer Streeter Seidell, SNL alum Bobby Moynihan, and cast member Mikey Day, who created the character leading up to Tom Hanks' hosting the late-night sketch program on October 22, 2016, where Hanks portrayed the character. The sketch Haunted Elevator, featuring David S. Pumpkins, took place on a Tower of Terror-esque ride where a decidedly unterrifying and not- well-known character played by Hanks would greet the riders The final product involved Hanks in his pumpkin suit, flanked by two dancing skeletwins played by Day and Moynihan. David S. Pumpkins, his two-finger point, and his dance moves delighted viewers so much that Hanks' fictional character became an instant icon and an actual Halloween costume. David S. Pumpkins made such a splash that the following year NBC released The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special, a 30-minute animated comedy special devoted to all things Pumpkins related, featuring Hanks, Day, Moynihan, Cecily Strong, and Peter Dinklage. Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Orlando Resort Select Nights September 1 - November 4, 2023 Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) at Universal Orlando Resort is huge, its one of the biggest Halloween events in Florida, and features horror of all genres, from cinematic greats and crazed cult favorites to the park’s original abominations, and each year the legend grows and the experience reaches beyond your wildest nightmares. Halloween Horror Nights 32 includes 10 terrifying haunted houses, 5 sinister scare zones and live entertainment. This year's haunted houses include The Exorcist: Believer, Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count, Universal Monsters: Unmasked, Stranger Things 4, and The Last of Us. Guests can purchase a variety of tickets and vacation packages for Halloween Horror Nights 2023, including single-night tickets and event upgrades like the R.I.P. Tour, Express Pass and the daytime Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Get ready to go back in time to May 1999, to a time when Universal's Islands of Adventure had just opened, yes, it's finally happened, we can now close our eyes and listen to the original soundtrack from Universal Islands of Adventure. Universal's Islands of Adventure opened on May 28, 1999, and now thanks to Universal the original Universal’s Islands of Adventure soundtrack is now available to stream on YouTube! To celebrate the occasion, Universal Orlando Resort held a live premiere of “The Call to Adventure / Main Theme” on Thursday morning to mark the first-ever digital release of the park’s original music. Listen right now on YouTube! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

It's the weekend and with no shortage of things to do here in Orlando, we've chosen all the fun and FREE EVENTS that are taking place throughout the weekend here in the city beautiful. Best FREE Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2023 Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise Weekly, Every Friday Join the heart pounding excitement of high-performance engines and true horse power for our Muscle Car Show every Friday night at Old Town in Kissimmee. The Friday Muscle Car Show will begin at 3:00pm and the qualifications are show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate. Winter Garden Friday on the Plaza Weekly, Every Friday Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza in Winter Garden. Art After Dark at Lake Nona Weekly, Every Friday Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm, and it's a perfect free night out for the whole family. Enjoy a stroll through the Town Center as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine. Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while to enjoy the art displayed on the six story art installation, The Beacon. Sunset Walk Fired-up Fridays Weekly, Every Friday Friday nights, the Promenade at Sunset Walk presents Fired-Up Fridays, a free Car & Truck Show event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality. Featuring music by DJ Scotty B and Company, plus the very best regional live bands. The Promenade is home to over 2 dozen restaurants, retail shops, movie theaters, and entertainment options, located just ½ mile from the intersection of State Road 429 and U.S. 192, at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. FREE admission and parking. Little Listeners at Altamonte Library Weekly, Every Friday Experience stories brought to life at Altamonte Library with fun books, interactive rhymes and craft activities during Little Listeners Storytime every Friday at 11 a.m. Sessions are tailored for ages 3 to 5 to help foster a love of reading. Sessions run for 30 minutes. Parents must stay with child. Reservations are required. Free Bingo Night at District Eat and Play Oviedo Weekly, Every Friday Free Bingo each Friday night at District Eat and Play Oviedo Mall, Oviedo at 6pm. SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 Apopka Police Department Cookies & Milk with Cops Saturday, August 19, 2023 Join the Apopka Police Department at the North Orange Branch Library to meet the local police officers, enjoy a story, arts and crafts, and cookies and milk provided by LCL Food Services (McDonald's). This free event is held on the third Saturday of the month. YMCA Winter Park's Backyard BBQ Saturday, August 19, 2023 Get ready for an awesome time at the Winter Park YMCA’s Back-to-School Backyard BBQ, a free community event you won’t want to miss! Enjoy a day packed full of exciting activities and delightful treats. Bring your whole family for games, crafts, and a blast of a time. This is not only a chance to have a great time but also an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors in our wonderful community. Rain or shine, we’re making sure this event happens, no matter what! BLK Joy Festival Saturday, August 19, 2023 Join the Black Health Commission as they host the 3rd annual BLK JOY Festival at Lake Lorna Doone Park! The free BLK JOY Festival is an event set for everyone to come together and center mental wellness. They will have community resources and tools, music, wellness activations, performances and more! Saturday Special at Pioneer Village Weekly, Every Saturday Visit Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek 2491 Babb Road, Kissimmee every Saturday morning and enjoy a special activity. All materials will be provided with admission and is great for all ages. Disney Springs Kids Club Weekly, Every Saturday Dance, play and be entertained at engaging shows for kids of all ages at the Disney Springs Kids Club, taking place every Saturday. Free Entertainment and Free Parking. Live Music on the Lawn in Lake Nona Weekly, Every Saturday Live on the Lawn is your Saturday oasis to relax and recharge while listening to live music and playing lawn games with family and friends. Join Lake Nona from 11am – 3pm every Saturday! Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise Weekly, Every Saturday Join Old Town in Kissimmee every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate. The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend. It’s the perfect outing for families of every generation, young and old, to enjoy. Show Car Saturday Night at Promenade at Sunset Walk Weekly, Every Saturday Storybook Adventures Weekly, Every Saturday Each week, begin your free Storybook Adventures tour at the St Cloud Police substation on 10th street to pick up a map that will lead you on a stroll through downtown St. Cloud. the map will take you to specific locations to glance into the storefronts of participating businesses, reading one page at a time until you complete that week’s story! On Saturday at 10 am, the host business welcomes you to meet the author and the first 20 families in attendance will receive a free book to have autographed and take photos, plus, there will be an extra treat from the host business. Orlando Area Saturday Farmers Markets Weekly, Every Saturday The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden. The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am - 1 pm in Central Park. The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall. Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more. Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more. SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2023 Family Fun Day at Boxi Park Sunday, August 20, 2023 Join in Family Fun Day at Boxi Park! Bring the whole family & enjoy activities for all ages! Bouncy Houses, Face Painters, Live Music & More. Ren Fair at The Renaissance Theatre Company Weekly, Every Sunday Renaissance Fair at The Ren, is a unique outdoor and indoor event, featuring drag shows, live music, and more. Diverse and Queer-friendly, 18+. Shops! Vendors, Artists, Crafts, Food Vendors/Trucks, Plants, Merchandise. Orlando Area Sunday Farmers Markets Weekly, Every Sunday One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 am - 4 pm. Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm. The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm. Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors. THIS & EVERY WEEKEND Disney Springs Disney Springs is a wonderful place to waste away a few hours or more, and it's free to visit, and parking is free too. Stroll through Town Center at Disney Springs to view vibrant displays from talented artists at the Art Walk, let the kids enjoy the interactive fountains, while everyone will love checking out a unique collection of stores including The Coca Cola Store, M&M's World, Lego Imagination Center and more. You can take a break at The Welcome Center with air conditioning, comfy chairs and freeice water. Enjoy the free entertainment atmultiple locations where individual musicians and bands perform in the evening, plus House of Blues frequently offers free live music at its Front Porch Bar, Raglan Road usually has free live music on their patio, and on a Saturday morning there is even a free kids club with lots of entertainment! Disney's Boardwalk Disney’s BoardWalk is gorgeous, built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s. It’s free to enter and fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, in the evening you can enjoy street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.), and at any time of the day or nigh you can take a trip on a friendship boat! Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation You can take three different Monorail rides at Walt Disney World, all for FREE. The inner Monorail circles the three Monorail resorts, Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. You can get off and explore each resort, or just enjoy the ride and the view, as often as you wish, altho at night you might just want to stop at the Contemporary and enjoy the spectacular view of the fireworks from the balcony, and yes its free. You can also ride the express Monorail that just goes between the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Magic Kingdom for the same view, but no stops at the resorts, although this can get very busy! The third option is the longest, and the Monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot is also a nice trip with great views of the resort, and you get to ride through the inside of Epcot for a great view of the park. Walt Disney World Water Transportation All of the water transportation options at Walt Disney World are free, and offer a relaxing way to enjoy the resort from the water, and is amazing day or night. Options include taking a friendship boat and cruising the loop around Crescent Lake, which visits Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios without going into the parks. Take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, or the boat that visits the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. Or another great option is the Water Taxi from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or Old Key West and back, along the Sassagoula River. Disney Skyliner Transportation You can ride the Disney Skyliner cable-car system for free, and this is a great option to get some great views of Walt Disney World from above. You can get on and off at Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort and at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In addition to taking a scenic ride, you can get off at one of the Skyliner resorts and take a stroll and explore for free. Universal CityWalk Universal CityWalk is a lively entertainment complex just before the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure, it’s FREE to enter and there is so much to do. Parking is costly during the day, but at most times of the year, parking after 6 pm is free. At CityWalk you can stroll, take in the atmosphere and simply enjoy people watching, or you can ride the free water taxi to the resorts and explore, a must do is the opera filled Italian piazza at Loews’ Portofino Bay Hotel. Back at CityWalk the kids will enjoy cooling off in the splash pad, and the adults will love the free nightly entertainment including outdoor DJ, stilt walkers and more. ICON Park Orlando Located in the heart of Orlando's International Drive, ICON Park offers attractions, dining, shoppings, entertainment and more. Not only is there a ton to see and do at ICON Park, admission to the complex is always free, plus parking is free too! It's a great place to stroll or simply sit back, relax and enjoy nightly light shows and people-watching on the central green, all without spending any money. Parks, Gardens and the Great Outdoors Orlando is blessed with an abundance of parks, gardens, and the chance to escape the tourists and enjoy the great outdoors where you'll get the chance to become one with nature. The variety of parks, gardens, nature trails, bike trails and more here in Orlando is breathtaking, get outside and enjoy! Lake Eola Park Lake Eola Park is a must visit, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, with a sidewalk that circles the lake 0.9 miles in length, making it easy for visitors to keep track of their walking or running Relax amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline and the gorgeous Lake Eola, enjoy the swans and other birds inhabiting the park, or you can check out a free concert, movie or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Harry P Leu Gardens Explore an amazing botanical oasis nearly 50-acres minutes from Downtown Orlando. Harry P Leu Gardens features landscaped grounds and lakes, with walking trails all shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. Free entry days at Leu Gardens are offered on select Mondays throughout the year, check the website for details. The UCF Arboretum The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States. Covering 80 acres, it contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads, in cultivated gardens. Lake Lotus Park Lake Lotus Park is the City of Altamonte Springs’ nature preserve. The total area is approximately 150 acres, including 120 acres of woods and wetlands. The park is a diverse, natural habitat that provides limitless natural encounters with flora and fauna. Oakland Nature Preserve West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a "hidden gem." Oakland Nature Preserve is a150-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages. Mead Botanical Garden With 47 acres to explore in Winter Park, your senses will come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. Mead Botanical Garden offers hiking trails, creek, boardwalk, tall pine trees, greenhouse, butterfly garden, and pond that’s home to turtles, fish and wading birds. Kraft Azalea Garden This 5.22-acre public garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open year round from 8 a.m. until dusk. Kraft Azalea Garden is a beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm of the 13-acre property Orlando Urban Trail The Orlando Urban Trail is located near Downtown Orlando and is considered the spine of Orlando’s trail network. The trail is approximately three miles long and runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include connections to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail. West Orange Trail The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use rail trail. The paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka with most of its length built on old railroad alignments. Lake Nona Sculpture Garden The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a 50,000 square-foot outdoor space designed for the exploration and discovery of a distinguished selection of sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections, The Lewis Collection. Orlando Wetlands Park The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities. The Park is 1650 acres in size and located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can visit the Park seven days a week, between sunrise and sunset, to enjoy primitive and passive activities including, Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, and Guided Tours Cranes Roost Park Cranes Roost Park is at the heart of Uptown Altamonte surrounding Cranes Roost Lake. The lake is encircled by one mile of continuous walkway with benches and covered seating areas. Within the 45-acre park is a European-style plaza including a choreographed fountain show, a 62-foot picturesque tower and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater which features stadium-style seating and a one-of-a-kind floating stage. The Seminole Wekiva Trail The nearly 14 mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is a paved recreational trail that has been designated as one of Seminole County's Showcase Trails because of its length, beauty, and accommodation of many users. The section of the trail that runs west of the I-4 trail overpass to the County line at the Wekiva River is also a designated part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Dr. P. Phillips Community Park Dr. P. Phillips Community Park provides a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including playgrounds, splash pad, plus sports fields, picnic areas & a dog run Wekiva Island Central Florida’s favorite watering hole Wekiva Island. Located just north of Orlando, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the incredible natural springs in Florida. Explore the pristine Wekiva River and its fascinating Florida wildlife with more than 2,000 square feet of Island fun. Artlando Grab a map from the DT Orlando Information Center and go on a self-guided tour of downtown Orlando's streets to discover the contemporary sculptures which are Art Orlando. Not only will you get to know Downtown as you walk around, you’ll be seriously impressed by these stunning works of art. Orlando Murals Take a walk through downtown Orlando, and you’ll discover art in unexpected places, including larger-than-life butterflies, a vintage Orlando postcard, hanging gardens, even a parking garage covered with murals, and the latest downtown mural, Unbelievable Real! East End Market The East End Market is a neighborhood market & food hall in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando featuring a vast array of artisanal vendors in one marketplace, from bakers to pasta makers to coffee roasters. Church Street Station The unofficial centre of Downtown Orlando, Church Street really is the place to go for first-timers wanting to get to know the city a little better. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, a bustling nightlife scene and the iconic Railroad Depot (that now sits alongside the newly-built ‘SunRail’). For more than 100 years, Church Street has been the heart of downtown Orlando. The revitalized Church Street Station continues this tradition, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, retail and business for locals and tourists alike. Discover several clubs, theatres, shopping dining and more! Plus, check out the iconic ad historic Railroad Depot, that sits alongside the modern SunRail station. Celebration Town Center Travel back in time to find the town of Celebration in Kissimmee, a planned community originally developed by the Walt Disney Company. This is a pedestrian-friendly, wonderful small town where you can explore the old-fashioned downtown, including Market Street, and Lakeside Promenade, or you can enjoy the miles of walking paths and nature trails. On Market Street there is various events throughout the year including craft festivals, antique car shows, and a wonderful holiday event where it snows on Market Street every night. Check out the events calendar for more details. Old Orlando Mixing architecture and history is a great way to spend the day and learn more about downtown Orlando with a self-guided Historic Districts Walking Tour. You’ll learn about structures that were designed and built when horses were still clopping along Church Street and see how they’ve been adapted for modern uses. The Downtown Orlando Historic District Self-Guided Walking Tour gives you the opportunity to experience Orlando history first hand. This self-guided walking tour is available online. Thornton Park Just east of the central Lake Eola, you’ll find this cool and quiet neighbourhood that really feels like you’ve escaped the city for an out-of-town suburb. This charming neighborhood is home to some of Orlando's best restaurants, hip cafés, cool galleries and a few bistros, all set around some ever-so-quaint old cobbled streets. Well worth a few hours to stretch your legs and take in the sights and sounds of Thornton Park. Campus Tour At Rollins College From the sparkling waters of Lake Virginia to the energy of the residential halls, Rollins College’s 80-acre campus really has to be seen to be believed. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the campus by booking a spot on one of the daily campus tours or by signing up for one of the special on-campus events Dinky Dock Spend a day at the beach in Winter Park. Dinky Dock is a 1.56-acre year-round park and offers a fishing pier and boat ram.Yes there is a beach and swimming is permitted. Winter Park The Orange County city of Winter Park, situated north of Orlando, was once considered a winter resort. Today, the arts- and culture-filled city of Winter Park includes Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art. Winter Park is also is a nature lover's destination. In Winter Park you'ill find more than 70 parks, all home to various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, plus don't miss the dining, shopping, the arts and more in the Park Avenue District. Winter Garden Nestled on beautiful Lake Apopka about 20 minutes west of Orlando, this former citrus town established in 1908 is known for its many recreational amenities, events and historical assets. Winter Garden is home to the Garden Theatre, the SoBo Gallery and Art Center, several museums and the Downtown Pavilion, which is home to the Winter Garden Farmers Market that is held every Saturday morning. Whatever You Do This Weekend, Have An Awesome Time! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Beep! Beep! The City of Orlando has unveiled its latest free shuttle program, which will offer free travel around downtown's Creative Village. The City of Orlando have announced the start of a six-month autonomous shuttle pilot program in partnership with Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) and Beep Inc., the Lake Nona provider of autonomous shared mobility solutions. The autonomous pilot, called SWAN Shuttle (Shuttling With Autonomous Navigation), will provide the city and LYNX data and learnings to guide the city’s transportation strategy on how shared, electric and autonomous vehicles can enhance accessibility, improve the quality of life for residents and ensure the city remains future-ready and sustainable. “The City of Orlando believes communities must be connected to thrive and so we are always looking at new ways to embrace creative, innovative ways to do this,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “With the expansion of autonomous vehicle shuttles into our neighborhoods, we can converge cutting-edge technology with new mobility solutions to further redefine the way our community moves. The SWAN shuttle builds on our diverse network of mobility options and furthers our commitment to our residents, our environment and our future.” Residents, visitors and businesses will have access to the fare-free SWAN Shuttles seven days a week in Creative Village starting on August 20, 2023. The roughly one-mile route will have five stops connecting LYNX Central Station and SunRail to UCF/Valencia Downtown, Luminary Green Park, Electronic Arts (EA), and Parramore and Creative Village residents and businesses. The shuttles will operate in the existing bus lane dedicated to the LYMMO Orange line in the early-afternoon and evening from 10:00am to 2:00pm and 6:30pm to 10:30pm. “We move thousands of customers each and every day,” said Tiffany Homler Hawkins, CEO of LYNX. “This partnership is an innovative way to test technology and understand how it will benefit our riders in a real-time setting that we believe will benefit the community for years to come.” Beep is an Orlando-based company with extensive experience in safely deploying and testing autonomous shuttles in communities from Florida to California, including the country’s largest and longest running autonomous shuttle network in Lake Nona, a living lab and master-planned community in the City of Orlando. Beep’s national command center in Lake Nona will provide monitoring and oversight of the Creative Village SWAN Shuttle pilot alongside its other project sites across the United States. “We are proud to be part of a forward-thinking and innovative community committed to the investment in technology that will improve the quality of life for its residents and the livability of our city,” said Joe Moye, CEO of Beep. “Our partnership with the City of Orlando and LYNX provides the collaboration necessary to ensure autonomous vehicles are tested safely so that we can incorporate community feedback and prepare for the coming era of autonomous electric transportation, which will improve road safety, decrease carbon emissions, and extend mobility to everyone.” For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Summer is in full swing at Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels with sizzling offers steps away from the enchantment, excitement, and signature events at Walt Disney World Theme Parks including EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival starting late July, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party beginning August! Save 20% this fall at Disney Spring Resort Area Hotels, steps away from the enchantment, excitement, and signature events at Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs. Right now, special rates are available to book August 15 through November 30, 2023, for stays September 5 through December 21, 2023, based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include Resort Service Fees or daily parking fees (if applicable), taxes, or gratuities. The offer is exclusively available through the promotion website and is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or for groups. The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include B Resort & Spa, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista. All Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are conveniently located in the Walt Disney World Resort with spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, dining, and recreation offerings. Each resort is an Official Walt Disney World Hotel and is within walking distance of the area's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment via the pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs. This fall at Disney Springs, guests can enjoy Fall into Magic, Halloween, and Together We Are Magia to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with entertainment, seasonal shopping, and autumn flavors. Guests of Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels receive additional benefits to add value to their Orlando area vacation experience including: Complimentary transportation – Daily bus shuttle service is available to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks for Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels guests. Individual hotel shuttle schedules vary. Early Access – Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests enjoy even more magic with exclusive 30-minute early entry to any theme park every day. Golf - Tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance with discounts on greens fees and rental equipment to play on all four Walt Disney World Golf courses. Plus, guests can purchase tickets including Walt Disney World Tickets with Park Hopper options and upcoming special events including: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Gather round goblins, gargoyles, ghosts, and all! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is making its return to Magic Kingdom Park! It’s a ghoulishly good time filled with everything from a themed parade and spelltacular stage show with favorite characters to a festive fireworks extravaganza and plenty of sweets for all trick-or-treaters. Choose from select nights now through November 1, 2023. Come on...Let’s Boo This. EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Sip, savor, and stroll through a tasty selection of global marketplaces at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival now through November 18. Experience an entire menu of family fun including a Remy-inspired scavenger hunt and the return of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. The Magic Of Possibility EPCOT will be the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World® this fall. Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum best in the Imagination! Pavilion. Spaceship Earth will light up each night with special colors and lights accompanied by the Disney100 anthem, a unique rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Discover more about the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels here! B-Resort & Spa Discover B Resort & Spa, a boutique hotel experience that indulges discerning guests with a chic mix of modern sophistication and playful, family-friendly fun. This luxurious oasis offers an incredible array of exclusive amenities—when you are not too busy enjoying theme park thrills. B Delighted in stylish spaces complete with signature B Hotels & Resorts amenities that make staying with us in the Disney Springs Resort Area the place to be. The 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. Doubletree Suites by Hilton Orlando The only all-suite hotel in the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels and is the natural choice for a family vacation! The hotel offers 229 newly renovated one and two bedroom suites,at the DoubleTree, guests enjoy spacious suites with a private bedroom plus a separate living room that includes a queen sleep sofa, dining/work area and wet bar. Start the day with the bountiful breakfast buffet, then catch a complimentary shuttle to the Disney park of your choice! Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista is more than a hotel. It’s an experience. One that allows its guests to Travel Happy and stay enchanted, entertained, and eventful! In addition to everyday free meals, this stunning new hotel offers exciting amenities for both the young and young-at-heart. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel keeps you connected. An on-site arcade, oversized resort-style pool and playful splashpad keep you entertained. Numerous indoor and outdoor dining options satisfy any appetite. Unmatched views of Black Lake and nightly views of Magic Kingdom Park fireworks keep you enchanted. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is a vibrant resort offering spacious accommodations, an energetic Float Lagoon pool with Kid’s Splash Pad and unsurpassed hospitality. Each of our 1,011 renovated guest rooms is stylishly appointed and features luxurious pillow-top mattresses and bedding, along with thoughtful amenities such as a 46” HDTV, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator and high-speed Internet access. Splash and relax in our expansive Float Lagoon pool complex, or enjoy delicious poolside drinks and casual cuisine at Shades Pool Bar & Grille. Citrus 28 market is the perfect place to grab breakfast or a quick snack before you head off to the parks. In the evening, wind down at Sunnies in the lobby, or enjoy some quiet time enjoying a cocktail around the firepits at Shades. Our on-site arcade is a perfect late-night activity for the kids. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista offers 814 non-smoking deluxe guest rooms and suites, with select guest rooms offering incredible views of Disney Springs. The resort offers several dining options sure to please all of the members of your family. For your convenience, Mainstreet Market offers delicious grab and go options throughout the day. Savor tempting sushi and steaks prepared in the 1,000-year-old style at Benihana Steakhouse and Sushi. Sip frosty beverages and enjoy casual cuisine outdoors at the Rum Largo Poolside Bar and Café, or unwind with a hand-crafted cocktail and dinner in John T’s while watching your favorite game. The hotel offers 2 heated swimming pools, Jacuzzi tub and splash pad perfect for those warm Florida days. Stay active in our fitness center, have fun with the kids in the arcade or catch up on business in the 24-hour business center. Holiday Inn Orlando The 323-room Holiday Inn Orlando is the only Holiday Inn and InterContinental Hotels Group hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort. With a prime Disney location, you won’t find any better value from this TripAdvisor Top 30 ranked, award-winning Holiday Inn for your vacation, meeting, or wedding plans. Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Each of the resort’s 394 newly renovated, modern guest rooms are located in one of the hotel’s two 5-story buildings. All guest rooms feature exterior entrances, pillow top mattresses with luxurious linens, premium WI-FI, a 55-inch flat-screen HDTV, mini-refrigerator, and an in-room safe large enough to accommodate a laptop. The hotel offers a variety of food and beverage options for your enjoyment. Start your day off right and fuel up at our daily breakfast buffet in the LakeView Restaurant. Joffrey’s Coffee shop located in the lobby is also open for breakfast daily and serves coffee, tea, an assortment of pastries and hot breakfast sandwiches. The Oasis Restaurant, located poolside is open daily for lunch, dinner and refreshing beverages. The Sundial Café, also located in the lobby offers an assortment of grab n go snacks and beverages. Kids of all ages love the newly re-imagined Oasis Aquatic Pool Playground, an exciting focal point of this family-friendly resort featuring two pools, interactive water features, and a large hot tub. Adults can relax on the beautiful pool deck and soak up some of the Florida sunshine or relax with some great food and refreshing beverages from our poolside restaurant and bar. Additional amenities include a business center, state of the art fitness center, sand volleyball court, basketball court and a game room. 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, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

Aldi has agreed to purchase the parent company of Florida-based grocery store Winn-Dixie and plans to convert many locations into the ALDI format, Southeastern Grocers Inc. have announced. It looks like its the end of the road for Florida based grocery store Winn-Dixie, as international grocery giant ALDI has agreed to purchase around 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores across the southeast US, with around 75% of stores here in Florida, including stores here in Orlando. Retail stores in Mississippi, Floria, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama will be purchased in a deal with the two firms' parent company Southeastern Grocers, expected to be completed in 2024. ALDI CEO Jason Hart said it was the "right time to build on our growth momentum." The acquisition continues the growth of ALDI in the U.S., "Like ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast and we look forward to serving them in the years to come," CEO Hart continued. In addition to purchasing these stores, ALDI plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end. Despite many retailers shuttering stores due to economic conditions, ALDI is doubling-down on expansion plans, supporting its position as one of the fastest-growing grocers in the country. "This merger agreement is a testament to our successful transformational journey and the tireless work of our dedicated associates who serve our communities," said Anthony Hucker, President and CEO, Southeastern Grocers. "ALDI shares our vision to provide exceptional quality, service and value - and this unique opportunity will evolve our business to benefit our customers, associates and neighbors throughout the Southeast." "ALDI will operate Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service, as we also evaluate which locations will convert to the ALDI format to better support the neighborhoods we'll now have the privilege of serving," added Hart. "For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores." The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Get ready for frightful family fun at Gaylord Palms Resorts annual Goblins & Giggles Weekends returning to Orlando this spooky season. Bewitching thrills, chills and laughter will once again fill fall weekends as guests are treated to family-friendly Halloween fun beginning Sept. 9, 2023, when Gaylord Palms Resort kicks off its annual Goblins & Giggles Weekends celebration. The much loved event which runs through Oct. 29, will feature live shows, interactive events, dance and costume parties, character experiences, spooky animal encounters, a themed scavenger hunt and escape room, and plenty of sweet treats. Plus this year, Gaylord Palms Resort is offering two “Fall Into Family Fun” hotel packages with features like free resort credit, premium guest room views, and tickets to popular Goblins & Giggles Weekends events. This fab event is once ago jam-packed with tons of Halloween hijinks that guests can enjoy during the event, lets check out the highlights! A SPIRITED DANCE & COSTUME PARTY Young ghosts and goblins are invited to join a few fun-loving frights like Morgana the Witch, Vlad the Vampire and Grimm the Good-Hearted Goblin, for the Monster Mash Bash Dance Party & Costume Contest. Presented inside the resort’s replica of St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos fort, Monster Mash Bash takes place multiple times each Saturday during the event. Tickets are $16.99 per person, plus tax and fees, based on availability. GET CRAFTY THIS HALLOWEEN The all-new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse invites guests to let their imagination soar as they paint Halloween-themed art on their own canvas. This hands-on, family-friendly activity provides all the tools for guests to create treasured keepsakes to take home. The clubhouse art activity is open Fridays and Saturdays, and tickets are $14.99 plus tax per craft. A HAUNTED ESCAPE Locked in the Captain’s Quarters of an ancient pirate galleon, guests are challenged to find Captain Horswaggle’s most valuable treasure in the Pirate’s Treasure Escape Room. The captain’s wife, Emerald, is on hand to help guests set sail on their escape room adventure, solve intricate puzzles, and disembark the ship before the captain and crew discover their pilfering plans of plunder. Reservations are needed, and prices start at $120 for a party of four. The escape room operates on Fridays and Saturdays during Goblins & Giggles Weekends. SPOOKY SCAVENGER HUNT The Gaylord Hotels Adventure Kids invite families to join the Adventure Kids Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt. Taking place daily at the guests’ leisure, the Adventure Kids have hidden pumpkins around the resort’s 4.5-acre garden atrium. This interactive quest invites guests to learn and explore the spookier side of nature while searching for clues, solving riddles and finding the pumpkins. Tickets are $12.99 per scavenger hunt booklet, plus tax and fees. GOBLIN SOME CANDY Youngsters can add to their candy collection with tasty treats on the Trick-or- Treat Expedition. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to wear their best costumes as they meet some cheerfully spooky characters in the Gaylord Palms’ atrium. Trick-or-Treat Expedition is presented each Saturday during the event and is an exclusive activity for Gaylord Palms’ overnight guests. CARVING OUT SOME FALL FUN Elaborate pumpkin art is showcased on the Jack-O’-Lantern Walk, with crafty pumpkin carvings inspired by the spirit of the Sunshine State displayed inside the hotel’s atrium. Admission is complimentary. DIVE-IN MOVIE It's time for a delightful dive-in movie as the family-friendly, animated feature film "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" is presented for overnight resort guests in Cypress Springs Water Park each Friday and Saturday evening during the event. GIVE ‘EM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT Spookley the Square Pumpkin will also make multiple appearances each Saturday during the event, offering picture-perfect photo moments for guests. EERIE ADVENTURES Adventure Kid Sophie, Seth the Sea Turtle, and Ava the Alligator showcase some of Florida’s creepy creatures, like snakes and alligators, inside the resort’s garden atrium in the Adventure Kids Spooky Celebration. The live show is presented each Saturday during Goblins & Giggles Weekends and is complimentary for guests. FRIGHT NIGHT, LIGHT SHOW Gaylord Palms’ animated LED light curtains, suspended high above the atrium, create a multi-sensory spectacle that tells the musical tale of The Phantom of the Atrium. The show centers around a mysterious figure who lurks in the rafters while composing his latest musical masterpiece. Presented at 9 p.m. nightly, the show can be viewed at many spots in the atrium, while guests with select atrium-view rooms can enjoy the show from their balconies. FANG-TASTIC FLORIDA ANIMALS Spooky Animal Encounters will be presented each Saturday evening during Goblins & Giggles Weekends. Guests will learn more about snakes, alligators, and other amazing animals and how they contribute to Florida’s autumn ecosystem in this up-close experience with some of the Sunshine State’s diverse wildlife. In addition to the Halloween special events, Gaylord Palms guests can enjoy plenty of year-round fun for the family across the 64-acre resort. Gaylord Palms features a 4.5-acre atrium with indoor gardens, winding paths, a full-size sailboat, a 161,000-gallon lagoon, and Florida wildlife. The resort also features the 3-acre Cypress Springs Water Park (an exclusive amenity for overnight guests), a variety of soothing treatments at the 25,000-square-foot Relâche Spa, a world of dining options and more. Another popular year-round activity is the Wildlife Rescue, an augmented reality (AR) experience that takes guests on a virtual safari using a free app that can be downloaded to a smartphone. Exotic animals from around the globe magically come to life in the AR environment, allowing guests to take a sharable photo with each species. Goblins & Giggles Weekends tickets are on sale at GaylordPalmsGetaway.com/FallActivities. For more information about the Goblins & Giggles Weekends packages, guests may visit GaylordPalmsGetaway.com, or call 407/586-0000. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

On the day that SeaWorld Orlando have teased a new roller coaster, they have also teased a new water attraction for Aquatica Orlando Water Park! Today, August 16 has been a busy day for the SeaWorld social media team, as not only have they teased Project Penguin, their currently under construction at SeaWorld Orlando, they have also teased Project Shark at Aquatica Orlando on the Aquatica Facebook and Instagram pages. When you click the link you can sign up for details on the new attraction, with the words, "The water is swirling. Be the first to hear about Project Shark by signing up for emails below. The wording on the social media post is overlaid on the Tassie's Twisters bowl slide, so with the wording "the water is swirling" this could be an update to the slide, or something altogether new, guess we will just have to wait and see! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Set sail this weekend for a fun-filled adventure at The Orlando Boat Show, Central Florida's premier boat show. The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida (MIACF) presents the Orlando Boat Show for a three-day event this weekend, August 18 - 20, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center, North Hall B. The highly anticipated show features 20 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 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. “The Orlando Boat Show is designed for new and avid boaters 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 president of MIACF. “With interactive displays and a new kids’ fishing clinic, the whole family will enjoy the best of boating at one show.” Husby continued that the boating lifestyle promotes physiological and psychological changes spanning health and wellness, awe and wonder, creativity and play, happiness, and relaxation. Ticket prices are $10 per person and are available for purchase online at https://orlandoboatshow.com/tickets or at the gate. Kids under the age of 12 are free! Orange County Convention Center parking is $20 with cashless pay only. The show is set to feature a variety of special events too, with all events included in show admission. NEW: Hook The Future kid’s fishing clinic Captain Don Dingman, as seen on the Sportsman Channel's Hook The Future TV show, presents kid’s fishing clinics and interactive discussions of basic fishing techniques, tackle, safety, and conservation. Kids aged 5-15 receive a free rod and reel combo following each clinic while supplies last. Twiggy, the waterskiing squirrel In 1978, a baby squirrel was rescued after being blown from her nest during a hurricane. Lou Ann and Chuck Best chose to take her in and make her a part of their family. Twiggy the world-famous water-skiing squirrel has been entertaining adults and children alike with her water ski show since 1979. Due to her husband’s passing in 1997, Lou Ann decided to make water safety an important part of Twiggy's act. She created a squirrel-sized life jacket for Twiggy to wear in her performances. Thereafter, all of Twiggy's shows are focused on teaching her fans about water safety. Today, Twiggy starts a new chapter in her legacy. Lou Ann’s son, Chuck Best Jr. has decided to take on the family business and continue Twiggy’s story. Chuck and his fiancé, Toni, have reimagined his parents’ show and together they have embarked on an all-new, revamped, interactive and exciting show for Twiggy. Twiggy is now the spokes animal for The National Safe Boating Council's "Wear It" Campaign promoting water safety all over the world. Additional Activation Areas Kids aged 12 and under can catch a live fish at the Let’s Go Fishing Trout Pond and receive a custom caricature driving a boat by Cartoon You Caricatures. 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. New Model Debuts The all-new Super Air Nautique GS24 recently made its global debut featuring a multitude of winning attributes and high-level multi-sport performance, rounding out the new GS-Series with a 24-foot offering that takes versatility to a whole new level. After undergoing a groundbreaking redesign, the GS24 delivers unparalleled performance for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing in a 24-foot boat. That multi-sport performance, paired with Nautique's renowned quality and dependability, creates an extraordinary boat model fit for the family that likes to do it all. See it first at the Orlando Boat Show! Action Water Sports to Feature New Models from MasterCraft and Barletta MasterCrafts’ SurfStar Surf System delivers award-winning wakes and waves at the touch of a button. Surfers can adjust wave height, shape, and push to their liking. The NXT21 can hold 14 passengers, as well as up to 10 boards. This boat also includes the flip-down swim step, pop-up pylon, and clamping board racks. Barletta’s Meridian layout plan is available in the Lusso Series. The Meridian-Lounge layout won the NMMA Innovation award in 2023. This style is a combination of Ultra-Lounge and Quad-Lounge layouts. The Barletta Aria Series is 25% off MSRP at the Orlando Boat Show. National Marine Manufacturers Association 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. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.