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A 4-day comedy takeover of Tampa & St. Pete is happening in January 2024! Multiple venues, multiple comics and so much more will be included in the 2024 Sunshine Comedy Festival. Get ready to laugh your way into the New Year at the much-anticipated Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024! From January 11-14, Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida will be bursting with side-splitting humor as this new festival showcases the finest local comedians and bring in headliners from across the country. But that’s not all! Sunshine Comedy Fest will include live podcasts, exclusive after parties, live music and a VIP Pool Bash. Presented by Side Splitters and Coastal Creative, Sunshine Comedy Fest will include headline comedians Andy Haynes, Andrea Jin, Comrade Tripp, LeMaire Lee, and Shwan Gardini. With multiple venues including Side Splitters Comedy Club Tampa, Coastal Creative, and The Floridian Social Club, Sunshine Comedy Fest 2024 promises endless entertainment and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this laughter-filled extravaganza! Get details and tickets here. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

It's the spookiest time of the year in Orlando, and ICON Park is celebrating with lots of fun Fall and Halloween fun throughout October. Cooler weather and spooky celebrations have arrived in Central Florida, and ICON Park is joining the fun and getting in the fall spirit. All month long, the 20-acre entertainment destination will have family-friendly themed experiences, events and specials for kids, adults (and even dogs). Check out all the fun... Fall Football Headquarters This fall, enjoy fun-filled weekends at ICON Park, without missing a second of the big games. Each weekend of football season, NFL and college football games will be broadcast on the giant screen (10 ft. by 20 ft.) inside The Wheelhouse at ICON Park. The Wheelhouse is ICON Park’s indoor hall with a giant bar, dining, and attractions for all ages, and will also offer gameday drink specials like select beers for $4. Also new this fall for beer lovers, ICON Park supports local brewers as the Wheelhouse bar launches a new series of custom craft beers fromBrewlando – Orlando’s newest and largest brewery. The new choices include four German-style crafted beers: the Brewlando Hoffner Hefe, the Brewlando Brewliner Weiss, the Brewlando Oktoberfest (Amber Lager) and the Brewlando 501 Oatmeal Stout. For BBQ with your game, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ airs live football games on its many screens every Saturday and Sunday and offers half-price wings and half-price pitchers of Brother Jimmy’s custom ale from noon to 8 p.m. at the bar. At Buffalo Wild Wings at ICON Park this month, all TVs are focused on football every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and there are drink specials like $4 Goose Island Wild Herd Beer, $4 shots of Screwball Whiskey and beer buckets for the table. At Tin Roof, enjoy live music and football every weekend with live games airing on Saturdays and Sundays, game day food platters and drink specials like $3 Jell-O shots, $5 Fireball shots and $18 pitchers of Bud Light. HALLOWEEKEND at ICON Park (Oct 26- Oct. 31) ICON Park is offering a long Halloweekend of fun! Starting Thursday, Oct 26 through Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the park will offer free and discounted tickets, a haunted holiday light show and spooky photo ops. "Wheely” Big Fun for Costumed Kiddos Bring your little princess, astronaut or cowboy out to ICON Park from Oct 26 to 31 for a FREE ride on the Carousel on the Promenade. Offer is valid for all costumed kids ages 12 and under. Your costumed kiddo also will get the whole family 50 percent off tickets for, ICON Park’s signature attraction, The Wheel, so families can take in the views of Orlando together on their own private, air-conditioned capsule (up to five tickets.) Haunted Holiday Light Show Gather outdoors on The Lawn to be immersed in The Wheel’s popular annual light and fog show, as 64,000 LED lights dance 400 ft. in the air while fog drifts across the lawn at your feet. Shows will take place nightly, beginning this Saturday, October 7th through Tuesday, October 31st. Sundays through Thursdays — 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays — 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Best Spooky Selfie Spot Every night in October, the 400-foot Wheel is the ultimate Orlando Halloween photo spot for selfies, as it illuminates the skyline with a magnificent color-scape of orange, purple, green and red lights. Halloween Fun at Museum of Illusions Museum of Illusions is transforming its most popular exhibits to truly immerse guests in the spooky spectacle, all throughout October. Guests can get lost in a haunted mansion, encounter supernatural creatures and experience optical trickery that defies the laws of physics. Each weekend in October, guests can solve riddles, decode illusions and unlock hidden doors to discover hidden candy treasures as they explore the museum. Bark-O-Ween Bash: Spooktacular Puppy Pawty: Friday Oct 13, 6 – 8 p.m. One of Museum of Illusions’ most popular events is back. On Friday, October 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., the museum will be hosting a puppy party with dog-friendly treats, tons of adorable photo ops and a costume contest with a prize of $150 for the winning pup and their owner. Tickets will be $29.99 and include admission for the owner and their pet. Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree: Saturday, Oct. 28 If you’re looking for a unique Halloweekend celebration in Orlando, you won’t want to miss Museum of Illusions’ “Eerie Enchantments: A Haunting Halloween Soiree” on Saturday, October 28. The event will feature a cash bar, a costume contest with prizes, photo ops with Halloween-themed illusions and more spooky surprises. While the kiddos are having a blast, mom and dad can sip on delicious spirits. The Wheelhouse Bar, The Lawn Bar and Sky Bar are offering a variety of specialty drinks now through October 31, including: Shark Attack, Smashin Pumpkins, Columbian Candy Corn, Black Magic Margaret’s, and The Apple of My Eye! ICON Park is a 20-acre, open-air, gate-free entertainment destination with plenty of fun adventures for the whole family. The perfect place to ride, dine, drink, and explore. Located in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District, the complex encompasses 10 entertainment attractions, over a dozen world-class restaurants and bars, nightly live music, retail stores and an outdoor marketplace – all anchored under the brilliant lights of the 400-ft icon of the Orlando skyline, The Wheel. Visit attractions including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and Museum of Illusions Orlando. Choose from a diverse mix of restaurants for lunch, dinner and late-night bites with a wide variety of flavors and cuisines. Find a unique collection of shopping treasures as you explore the outdoor market with its brick promenade and cozy festoon string lights. ICON Park is at the center of the International Drive Resort Area and is conveniently located near I-4, Universal Boulevard and the Beachline. Learn more at ICONParkOrlando.com For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

If you’ve ever stood at the foot of Cinderella Castle and wished you could stay in the fairytale Cinderella Castle Suite, Give Kids The World is giving everyone the opportunity to do just that! The wonderful Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre nonprofit resort in Kissimmee that provides critically ill children and their families with week-long wish vacations at no cost, have unveiled a chance for one lucky winner and three guests to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Magical Celebration Vacation Package featuring a one-night stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite, located inside the iconic Cinderella Castle, four stories above the Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort. Now through October 16, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. ET, Disney fans can visit http://give.gktw.org/castle to enter for the chance to be treated like royalty during this unique fairy tale experience. But there’s more to the prize package than just one enchanted evening; the package also includes domestic round-trip coach airfare; a two-night stay in a standard room at a Deluxe Disney Resort hotel; 3-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper Option; a $500 Disney gift card for the winner; and breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table! Behind the Cinderella Castle’s glowing stained glass windows, the Cinderella Castle Suite is a study in opulence. Designed to resemble a 17th century French chateau, the ornately-decorated suite features coffered ceilings, an antique limestone fireplace, elaborate mosaics and murals, and luxurious furnishings fit for a princess or prince…plus a gilded clock stuck permanently at 11:59 p.m. – since Cinderella’s magic spell ended at midnight in the movie. Prize package recipients are not the only ones who will come away with cherished memories for a lifetime. Proceeds from this chance to win will benefit Give Kids The World Village, an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides critically ill children and their families with week-long wish vacations at no cost. From life’s simple pleasures to the stuff that dreams are made of, every wish family is treated to an all-inclusive experience including transportation; accommodations; all meals and snacks; donated theme park tickets to Walt Disney World Resort and other area attractions; nightly entertainment; daily gifts; and nonstop fun at the Village, a remarkable storybook destination of its own – featuring an array of accessible rides and attractions. Since 1986, more than 188,000 wish families from all 50 states and 77 countries have been welcomed to the Village to laugh together, play together, and create unforgettable memories away from hospital stays and medical treatments. “We are so grateful to our friends at Walt Disney World Resort for their tremendous generosity,” said Give Kids The World President & CEO Pamela Landwirth. “Their support helps ensure that we will continue our legacy of creating happiness, promoting optimism, and inspiring hope for the precious wish families we serve; and what a truly magical way of making that possible!” To learn more about Give Kids The World Village, to sign up to volunteer, or to make a donation, visit http://www.gktw.org. 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.

Be thankful for two amazing restaurants to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Central Florida. Whether your an Orlando local or in town to celebrate Thanksgiving, you will have lots to be thankful for if you choose either The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood at the Melia Orlando Hotel Celebration or the Park Avenue Tavern in Winter Park. Thanksgiving reservations are now open at both locations, read on for all the details. Park Avenue Tavern Park Avenue Tavern is the quintessential American bar and restaurant, centered around a combination of classic elegance and over the top hospitality. Park Avenue Tavern will offer a three-course plated Thanksgiving dinner for $65 per adult and $22 for kids (just the second course). Diners can start with either Butternut Squash Soup or Fall Harvest Salad. For the main course, diners will enjoy a plate of Sage and Rosemary Roasted Turkey Breast with herb cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry-orange chutney, green bean casserole and turkey gravy. For dessert, diners can choose either pecan pie or pumpkin pie. RESERVATIONS can be made HERE. The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood The Wilson, a quirky, coastal bistro, is located at Meliá Orlando Celebration and features a menu of coastal cuisine with global influences and seasonal craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The Wilson is a full restaurant and bar with an outdoor space, complete with an outdoor bar called Wilson’s Backyard, where brightly colored umbrellas seemingly float under Central Florida’s blue skies and a large terrace with a stunning view of the pool. The Wilson Cocktails & Seafood will offer a family-style three-course menu for Thanksgiving for $55 per person and $25 for children under 12. For the first course, diners will enjoy the option of a Mediterranean Salad, Caprese Salad or a Mortadella platter. The second course will be a Cider-Brined Roasted Turkey plate "with all the trimmings," including stuffing, whipped potatoes, green bean casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, gravy and cranberry sauce. For the third course, diners can choose either Pecan Pie or Pumpkin Pie topped with spiced rum whipped cream. RESERVATIONS can be made HERE. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Big news from Everglazed, as the popular Disney Springs donut shop is moving up the 1-4 to Tampa. Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew is expanding, and heading to the west coast, setting up an outpost at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa within the Container Park. Everglazed Donuts which is located next to Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs, will open great to Splitsville in Tampa too, which is no surprise as both are owned by the same people! Like the Disney Springs location, the new Everglazed Donuts at Sparkman Wharf will offer a similar menu, which features hand-crafted confections featuring mouthwatering donuts with an assortment of cold brew pick-me-ups and sweet-yet-savory sandwiches. One major difference is the name, with the new Tampa location being named Everglazed Chickens and Donuts, as the location will be offering chicken tenders and crinkle-cut fries too. Immerse yourself in a complete donut experience as you gaze through the windows of the Everglazed working show kitchen where the humble donut is fried, glazed and piled high with a rainbow of toppings. Featuring both classic donuts and gourmet creations, Everglazed is where happiness is glazed daily. Also specializing in cold brew coffee, Everglazed offers bespoke beverage combinations like the Cinnamon Bun and Strawberry Mocha. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Get ready to discover your inner hero with a first look at the finisher medals for the 2024 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned runner who could finish a race in glass slippers or a rookie with big dreams of a fairy tale finish, there’s a place — and a race — for you at the 2024 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE. Returning to Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 22 – 26, 2024, join some of Disney’s most beloved Princesses and Queens for an unforgettable race weekend celebrating the ways we are all heroes, every day. Being a hero is not just about the happily ever after at the end of the story. For our Princesses and Queens, it’s the courage to embark on the journey, jump out of the tower, open the restaurant, and find the fifth spirit. As a runner, it’s the sweat and determination that goes into each training run, the resilience to rise after every fall, and the unwavering commitment to reach our goals. Today, we’re excited to reveal a first look at what will be awaiting runners at the finish line: Disney Princess 5K presented by CORKCICLE Make a splash in “Part of Your World” during the Disney Princess 5K presented by CORKCICLE! Merfolk and land-dwellers unite in this fin-tastic race! When you can dash past the finish line, you’ll snag a beautiful medal that’ll get you beaming—and bragging. Disney Princess 10K presented by CORKCICLE It’s time to let down your hair and race to new heights with Rapunzel during the Disney Princess 10K presented by CORKCICLE. Celebrate what makes life so special—family, friends, and the freedom to be who you are. Your handsome prince of a reward? A medal like no other. Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by CORKCICLE Your fairytale finish can come true – it all depends on you! Join Tiana for the Disney Princess Half Marathon presented by CORKCICLE, where you can chase dreams and savor every step on a course flavored with music and magic and finish with a beautiful finisher medal. Disney Princess Fairy Tale Challenge presented by CORKCICLE Embrace the frosty thrill of the Disney Fairytale Challenge with Anna and Elsa! Conquer the 10K and Half Marathon distances in this cool challenge to earn a prestigious Queens’ royal medal. From 3.1 to 19.3 miles, you can also plan to join the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend fun virtually! Whether you’re looking for motivation to train for a future runDisney race or get a taste of the magic wherever you run, virtual race events are a great way to reward yourself for staying active! Head over to runDisney.com to learn more about the 2024 Virtual Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

One of the best holiday events in Central Florida is returning for another year of illuminated magic at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. There’s great news for those who are already planning their holiday event calendar this year – tickets are now on sale for Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild, one of the most popular holiday events of the past few years. The event, a Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens tradition, will run on select nights from November 17, 2023 to January 14, 2024. The festival features dazzling, larger-than-life handcrafted lanterns illuminated in the night by thousands of LED lights. Situated around the Zoo on a 3/4-mile loop, they delight visitors with an incredible display of color, light and sound celebrating traditional Asian lantern festivals. Guests can purchase tickets here or visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/lanterns/ for more information. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in order to lock in the best rates and secure preferred dates and times. The event has grown in popularity each year, and nearly every night sold out in 2022. This year’s event will include all-new lanterns, including a section featuring dinosaur lanterns, so even those who have attended in the past will have a whole new experience. “We’re thrilled to offer those in Central Florida the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular event for a fourth time. Almost every lantern is new again this year,” said CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “This is a cornerstone event for us at the Central Florida Zoo, and it truly is a community event. Collaborating with Publix again makes this year’s event even more special.” The festival started in 2019 and was not held in 2020. This is the second year Publix will serve as the presenting sponsor. “It’s exciting to return as the presenting sponsor for the Asian Lantern Festival at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “We love being part of this holiday tradition with our customers, associates and the community.” The festival is presented in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

The South Open Dancesport Championships is bringing the biggest celebrities of the ballroom industry to the JW Marriot Grande Lakes this December. The biggest names in the ballroom industry will take to the dance floor this December, from December 6 - 12, at the beautiful JW Marriot Grande Lakes , 4400 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando when the South Open Dancesport Championships come to town. This glittering occasion brings professional and amateur dancers from across the nation and the world to Orlando, where they will compete to be crowned 2023 champions. Traditionally mornings and afternoons are dedicated to all level Pro/Am dancers and the evenings are set for all the Professional Championships. Or more information and to book tickets to see this spectacular event, click here. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

November sees the return of the popular GROWvember Fall Plant Sale at Winter Park's Mead Botanical Gardens. Head to Winter Park this November for GROWvember, Mead Botanical Garden’s fabulous annual fall plant sale, held every November, just in time for you to prepare your fall garden and beautify your home for the holidays. The event takes place on Friday, Nov. 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee and parking is FREE! Come support your local community and shop at a variety of plant vendors! Shoppers will find a wide selection of beautiful plants including annuals, perennials, house plants, native plants that attract hummingbirds and pollinators, bromeliads, herbs, succulents, ferns, orchids, medicinal plants and many other specialty plants. There will also be a tree give-away by Winter Park’s Urban Forestry department. Food vendors including The Polite Pig and Yum Yum Pops will have delicious food for shoppers to enjoy. Plus there will be a Beer Garden hosted by Ravenous Brewing Co. and Winter Park Distilling Co. That's not all, there will be speakers, workshops, kids activities, and love music from Acoustic Beach on Sat., Nov. 11. VENDORS AND EXHIBITORS A & J Foliage Blue Moon Tropicals Bromeliad Society of Central Florida A Budget Tree Service, Inc. Charter Research City of Winter Park Urban Forestry Easy To Grow Exotic plants A&M The Florida Roots & Greenery Florida School of Holistic Living Founding Flora LLC Fungi Jon Martin George Griepenburg Grassroots Nursery J&P Nursery John Plank Greenhouses Juanita’s Herb Growers Farm Land of Alice Mead Botanical Garden, Inc. Mid Mod Urban Farm Nature’s Gold Nature-based Jewelry by Laura PLANTAS by Lee Revival Gardening Spirit Alchemy Tangled Tropicals Thomas Moreno Landscape Nursery Tim's Tropical Treasures llc Visions in Stained Glass, Inc. Wild Birds Unlimited Wonders of Water, LLC For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Whether you're an Orlando local or a visitor, we highly recommend exploring the many beautiful Orlando-area lakes. You can cruise around on a pontoon or powerboat. Book a jet ski, take your kids out on a tube, or rent a fishing boat to make an epic catch. Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its theme parks and entertainment. But what might be the most prominent part of Orlando’s outdoor culture is its pristine lakes and waterways, which offer a serene escape for boating enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist seeking a unique experience, Orlando's boating scene has something for everyone, from floating parties to active water sports to eco tours. Not sure how to get on the water during your visit to Orlando? Download the GetMyBoat app. GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental platform, bringing thousands of boat rentals and on-water experiences to your fingertips. In Orlando alone, you can find dozens of great boats for rent and charter, plus plenty of other watercraft like jet skis and kayaks. Best Lakes for Boating in Orlando Orlando's lakes are the crown jewels of its boating scene. Lake Eola, situated right in the heart of downtown, offers a unique urban boating experience, allowing you to paddle around the iconic swan boats and take in stunning skyline views. It has a vibrant park and surrounding art installations, creates an urban oasis. For a more natural escape, Lake Apopka provides a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, with its expansive waters and diverse wildlife. The marshes and wetlands of this lake will offer you the escape and connection with nature, which can be much-needed after busy days at theme parks and other attractions of Orlando. You could spot alligators, herons, and even an eagle or two. The Butler Chain of Lakes, a collection of interconnected lakes, offers serene waters framed by luxurious estates – perfect for a leisurely cruise. Admire the mansions that you cruise past, stop for a swim, roll out a floating mat, or enjoy water sports like tubing and wakeboarding. Renting a Boat in Orlando The diversity of Orlando's waterways means that there’s a diversity of boats and boat types you can choose from when you want to get out on the water. On average, you can expect to spend around $75 to $125 per hour for a basic pontoon rental, depending on the size and features of the boat. More luxurious and specialized options, such as yachts or ski boats, will run higher in price, ranging from $180 to over $400/hour. Here are some great options for renting a boat in Orlando, depending on your desired experience and budget: For Luxury and Large Groups Boating Looking for an elevated experience, or want to host a celebration on the water in Orlando? Why not take it on a yacht? Yachts are great venues for hosting your favorite people — a captain and crew can help take care of the navigation and special details while you enjoy cruising on Orlando’s beautiful waterways. Some great boats and yachts you can rent in Orlando include: 1. This Regal Luxury Yacht Cruise with Captain Avery around Orlando, starting at just $700 for a day rental. This yacht accommodates up to 12 passengers and is perfect for hosting a celebration on the water. You can enjoy the services of the captain and crew member, who can arrange catering for you onboard or you can bring your own food and drinks if preferred. Choose your itinerary - whether you want to cruise, stop for a swim at a sandbar, or even enjoy water sports. 2. Captained Riverboat Charters This large riverboat can accommodate up to 25 passengers, and comes with a captain and crew to help you host the perfect day on the water. Plan a birthday party, family reunion, retirement party, or other celebration in Orlando onboard this great riverboat. Cruise through canals of Orlando’s waterways and marvel at wildlife (including alligators!) while enjoying all the comforts you’d need onboard. For Water Sports Adventurers Just because you’re on a lake doesn’t mean you can’t surf! Orlando’s lakes offer great opportunities for surfing the wake behind a boat. Rent a wake boat that includes the gear you’ll need and you’ll be surfing behind the boat in no time. It’s a fun way to be active, outdoors, and on the water. Some great wake boats you can book in Orlando include: 1. This Moomba Wakeboard Boat With a grill onboard so you can BBQ on the water, what’s not to love? This awesome wake boat is perfect for families with kids who want to tube, water ski, or wakeboard. You can spend the whole day cruising around the lakes of Orlando making memories with your loved ones, enjoying a cookout on the water. 2. This Super Air Nautique G23 Cruise the lakes or Intracoastal waterways on this wake boat, enjoying wake surfing, wakeboarding, even hydro-foiling, a new water sports craze that is exciting to learn. This boat accommodates up to 10 passengers, and you can even book a boat captain who is a water sports coach to help new beginners get up and ride the wake for their first time. For Boating on a Budget Pontoon boats are a popular choice for groups, offering spacious decks for picnics and relaxation. Other watercraft you can consider renting for an adventure on the waterways of Orlando include kayaks and canoes, which are perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with nature, exploring the nooks and crannies of the lakes. They are also very budget-friendly, making them affordable options for travelers looking to save their cash for Disney. Another style of boat and experience you can have in Orlando on the water is a fishing adventure. Fishing boats cater to anglers looking for their next big catch, and you can either rent a boat on your own or book a fishing charter with a local guide who will take you to the best secret spots to make an epic catch. Here are some great boats you can rent in Orlando that won’t break the bank: 1. A Godfrey Pontoon Rental For just $425 for a full-day rental, this pontoon is perfect for families looking to cruise leisurely around Orlando. Connect your music to the Bluetooth speakers, roll out a floating mat or stop at a sandbar for a swim. Pontoons are great for groups, since you have ample space to spread out and they offer a smooth ride if you’re traveling with small children or elderly folks. You can even bring your furry friends (up to 20 pounds) onboard too! 2. REGAL LS2 Bowrider Rental Starting at just $130/hour, this bowrider is great for smaller groups looking to cruise the lakes of Orlando or other waterways around Central Florida. Bring drinks and snacks onboard and don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and plenty of sun protection. It’s fantastic for small group celebrations or just getting out on the water and relaxing, with a captain who can provide a flexible itinerary depending on which part of Florida you want to explore. Orlando, Florida, is not just about theme parks – its lakes provide a tranquil and scenic playground for boating enthusiasts. With reasonable rental prices, a variety of lakes to choose from, unique sights to explore, and a wide range of boat types available, there's no shortage of options for a memorable boating experience. Whether you're captivated by urban charm or the allure of untamed nature, Orlando's boating scene offers a remarkable journey on its pristine waters. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

The Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market is Central Florida’s largest winter celebration and market of ceramic art. The Orlando Pottery Festival presents the Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market, Central Florida’s largest winter celebration and market of ceramic art—featuring unique handmade items perfect for the home, garden, and gift giving! The event returns this year on Saturday December 2, 2023, from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Florida Army National Guard Armory, 2809 South Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, 32806. Meet 50+ talented local artists, including highly regarded professional potters who exhibit in galleries and juried art festivals throughout the South; mid-career artists whose distinctive designs and signature items are fast becoming contemporary collectibles; longtime “hobby potters” who are channeling their creativity while mastering their craft in local pottery studios; and younger and emerging ceramic artists, some of whom are selling to the public for the first time. This year, the Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market features artist vendors from coast to coast—Tampa to New Smyrna Beach, and as far north as Jacksonville—in addition to all our many potters living and working in the greater Orlando area! Shop the diverse range of these artists’ original functional and decorative work, such as handmade everyday dishware, elegant ceramic jewelry, sculptural and figurative work inspired by Florida’s flora and fauna, whimsical and practical home and garden decor, and much more—all created on the pottery wheel or using hand-built and slip-cast techniques. Returning visitors know that the Orlando Pottery Festival’s twice-annual events—typically held in the spring and during the winter holiday season—are the best way to get “first dibs” on recent work from favorite local potters, and to meet the new artist vendors added to each festival. The Orlando Pottery Festival’s growth and diversity of artistic work makes for events that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of handmade ceramics. The Orlando Pottery Festival & Holiday Arts Market is a family-friendly event for all ages; free admission, free parking. For more information about the Orlando Pottery Festival, please visit www.orlandopotteryfestival.org. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

This Halloween at Mead Botanical Gardens is where you will uncover real magic, as The Witches need your help to cast a spell. Orlando's Phoenix Tears Productions is bringing The Witches to the Mead Botanical Garden this Halloween. The mood and atmosphere in the evening at Mead Botanical Gardens is the perfect setting to experience The Witches. This immersive audio drama is taking place after dark in Mead Botanical Gardens on October 27, 29, and 30. In the fall air under all hallow’s eve sky, three witches cast a circle and perform a ritual with the hopes of ushering in their deepest desires. The Witches is an immersive audio drama where audiences wear headphones and adventure outside in Mead Botanical Gardens In this interactive choose your own path style show, audience members choose a witch to follow after this ritual goes horribly wrong. With 3 unique tracks and two endings, you’ll want to come back and experience this show again and again. The Witches is a fully realized soundscape that is played over headphones while audiences move through a physical landscape. In the audio dramas a physical guide interacts with audiences, pulling them along on the journey and often requiring their assistance in some way. Through the use of SILENT DISCO STYLE HEADPHONES we make our worlds fully immersive without any noise pollution. The Witches also requires audiences to make decisions. This show is like a choose your own adventure with 3 unique paths and 2 different endings depending on what the audience does. For more info, and to purchase tickets, click here. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!