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A new vegan cafe with a latin twist in downtown is ready to nourish your body. An exciting vegan cafe called Earthy Picks has opened in downtown Orlando at 420 E. Church Street, in the base of the Camden at Thornton Park Apartments. The health food cafe with “a Latin twist” is the creation of entrepreneur Tatiana Henao who was born and raised in Pereira, Colombia, and then moved to the US when she was 17. Henao grew up in a Colombian family that loves to cook and enjoys gathering people around food. In her quest to enhance her lifestyle choices, she discovered the benefits of plant-based foods and submerged herself into Holistic Health and Nutrition studies, and graduated from IIN (Institute of Integrative Nutrition) in 2017. Inspired by her mother’s idea to share her favorite vegan recipes at the Orlando Vegan Market, she decided to listen to her entrepreneurial spirit and opened Earthy Picks pop-up in July of 2020 during the pandemic at the Orlando Farmers market in Lake Eola Park. In addition to the new downtown cafe, the booth at Orlando Farmers Market is continuing, which is open Sundays, 10 - 3. The new cafe which is open Tues-Fri 12 pm- 6 pm, and Sat-Sun 11 am – 5 pm, serves a menu of plant-based dishes, including tacos, grain bowls, empanadas, and more. Here is a few of the delicious dishes you can enjoy at Earth Picks. Crazy About You Bowl Organic mixed greens, organic black beans, jasmine rice, beyond meat grilled with onions and spices, sweet plantains (maduro), fresh pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro-garlic cream, spicy mayo, sprouts. (GF) (SF) Locos Tacos Three crunchy corn tacos with black bean purée, portobello mushrooms sautéed with onions and special flavors, fresh pico de gallo, avocado, spicy mayo, micro greens, and lime on the side. (GF) (SF) Colombian Hot Dog Colombian-style hot dog, onions, potato chips on top, pink sauce (mayo-ketchup), pineapple sauce & mustard. Served with potato chips on the side. (Vegan) 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.

Independent craft brewery, Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company are celebrating 5 years in Orlando with a beer festival, and everyone is invited! Calling all beer enthusiasts and fans of Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. Get ready to raise your glasses and celebrate five fantastic years of craft beer excellence, as Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. is hosting the Return to Joyland Invitational Beer Fest - 5 Year Anniversary Party. On October 14, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, join Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. at Gaston Edwards Park for an extraordinary beer festival that promises to be the highlight of the year. This special occasion takes place at the historic site of the Joyland amusement park, which stood in this very location in the early 1900s. Prepare for a day of unparalleled beer tastings, live music, and an atmosphere brimming with excitement and camaraderie. Honoring Joyland's Rich History: Gaston Edwards Park holds a significant place in Orlando's history as the former site of Joyland, an amusement park that captivated visitors in the early 1900s. This beer festival is an opportunity to pay homage to the past while celebrating the present and future of Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. and the craft beer industry. As you explore the festival grounds and sample incredible brews, take a moment to imagine the joy and laughter that once filled this same location. Let the echoes of Joyland's amusement park rides and attractions serve as a reminder of the enduring spirit of fun and community that continues to thrive in this space. A Beer Lover's Paradise: The Return to Joyland Invitational Beer Fest is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide array of craft brews from both established and up-and-coming breweries. With over 35 breweries participating, attendees will have the opportunity to savor an impressive selection of beers, from classic styles to innovative and experimental brews. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, crisp lagers, or unique barrel-aged creations, this festival has something to tantalize every taste bud. Discover new favorites, engage with passionate brewers, and raise a glass to the spirit of Joyland while celebrating Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.'s 5th anniversary. Immersive Experience at Gaston Edwards Park: Located in the historic site of Joyland, Gaston Edwards Park provides the perfect backdrop for the anniversary celebration. This spacious and picturesque venue offers a breathtaking setting with scenic lake views, lush greenery, and ample room for both beer enthusiasts and breweries to come together in harmony. Stroll through the festival grounds, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere as you sample remarkable beers, engage in lively conversations with fellow beer lovers, and create lasting memories. The park's inviting ambiance, coupled with the rich history of Joyland, adds an extra layer of significance and meaning to the festivities. Beyond the Beer: The Return to Joyland Invitational Beer Fest goes beyond beer, offering a diverse range of experiences to enhance your enjoyment throughout the day. Live music performances will keep the energy high and pay tribute to the spirit of Joyland. Local food vendors will be on hand, serving up delicious bites to pair with your favorite brews, ensuring your taste buds are satisfied throughout. To get your tickets which start at $35, click here. 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 community-driven barbecue brand is offering Pulled Pork Big Deals for $5.50 on October 12 at all locations. Sonny's BBQ, the Winter Park headquartered, mission-driven BBQ restaurant known for quality BBQ and spreading kindness in the communities they serve, today announced in recognition of National Pulled Pork Day on October 12, they will be providing an extreme value on their Pulled Pork Big Deal. The holiday, which began back in 2016 with Sonny's BBQ earning a Guiness World Record for the largest serving of pulled pork, this year will allow guests to purchase a pulled pork sandwich, one sidekick and one soft drink for only $5.50. "We are thrilled to be celebrating another National Pulled Pork Day, and providing this deal to give our guests the opportunity to come celebrate with us," said Peter Frey, Sonny's BBQ CBO. "When we started celebrating this holiday eight years ago, we could only dream that it would become as big and important of a celebration as it has become today. It's a chance to highlight our top quality, award winning pulled pork at a value that our guests deserve. " Since its founding in 1968, Sonny's BBQ has emphasized the importance of slow-smoked pulled pork, a time-honored southern tradition with roots dating back to the origins of barbeque. Sonny's BBQ had the holiday officially recognized in 2016, hoping to encourage barbeque enthusiasts around the country to spend time with family and friends while enjoying this delicious dish. Throughout the years, Sonny's BBQ has introduced new partners and charitable initiatives to support this holiday tradition, while maintaining their commitment to giving back to the communities they service, in line with its 'Q the Kindness and Random Acts of BBQ initiatives. "Over the course of 55 years, our Sonny's BBQ Pitmasters have become experts at the barbeque process, including smoking and pulling pork," explained Shannon Snell, Sonny's BBQ Pitmaster. "It's always a pleasure to celebrate one of my personal favorite dishes, and I encourage everyone to find their local Sonny's and take advantage of this offer!" For more information about National Pulled Pork Day, or to find a Sonny's BBQ near you, visit SonnysBBQ.com. 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 808 island bar and diner has closed in Thornton Park with a new dining concept opening in the space this month. The 808, a Hawaiian-themed, island pub in the heart of Thornton Park in downtown Orlando, at 808 E. Washington Street has closed, with a new upscale dining concept, Jack & Honey's set to replace it later this month. The 808 posted the news on it's Facebook Page, proclaiming that "the tide is changing, something new is coming in!" The new eatery moving into the space, Jack & Honey's is a partnership with Jason Lambert, owner/operator of The Hammered Lamb, and Wendy Connor, owner of The Abbey, and an original partner in The 808. It is expected that Jack & Honey's will be open for Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21, as the new diner has Pride events booked in for those date, April Fresh Comedy Brunch - PRIDE Edition and PRIDE: Show Me Yours and I'll Show You Mine, which are both listed on Jack & Honey's new Facebook Page. 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.

Orlando’s first airfield is still flying high, and celebrating nearly a century of aviation. On October 4, 1928, Orlando Municipal Airport, later renamed Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), was officially dedicated. Two days of celebration attracted approximately 40,000 people from all over the state. Ninety-five years later, Orlando Executive Airport is among the country’s busiest General Aviation (GA) airports that continues to prove itself a valuable economic and transportation asset. According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2022 Aviation Economic Impact Study, Orlando Executive Airport supports 4,078 jobs and contributes $ 577M to the state’s economy. “Our prime location in close proximity to downtown Orlando and the region’s top attractions is an important advantage, but our reputation as a premier GA airport has been achieved as a result of performance,” said Judith-Ann Jarrette, Vice President-ORL Operations. “A combination of personnel, facilities and amenities make the airport a favorite of corporate aviation departments and private pilots alike.” Highlights of ORL’s 95-year history include: 1951 New passenger terminal opens 1982 Renamed Orlando Executive Airport 1995 New FAA-operated air traffic control tower built 2007 U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility opens 2022 Hosted National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) static display for 12th time Orlando Executive is among a select group of General Aviation airports to serve as a port of entry with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. This enables ORL to provide global access to the most visited region in the United States. So far in 2023, international activity has increased for every month but one and CBP has processed 246 more flights through August than the same time frame in 2022. FAA-reported operations total nearly 172,000 on a rolling 12-month basis. For more information contact Angela Starke, Rod Johnson or Larry Ell in the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055. All photographs courtesy of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. 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!

Pinktoberfest is an annual event at Lakefront Park,, raising awareness and supporting those battling any cancer. October is here, and the City of St Cloud and St Cloud Chapter of Pink Heals are making plans for this year's Pinktoberfest celebration to raise awareness and support for those battling any cancer. The Pinktoberfest event, featuring the ever popular Pink Truck Pull, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakefront Park, 1402 Lakeshore Blvd. Pink Heals is a community driven supporter of those effected by various diseases, helping support those in need within the community! You can register your team for the truck pull by emailing stcloudflpinkheals@gmail.com. On the day of the event there will be vendors, food trucks, raffles, fun for the kids and more. 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.

Moana is now greeting guests at World Nature in EPCOT. Fellow voyagers can find the Wayfinder in her own dedicated space across from Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Guests visiting EPCOT at Walt Disney World can now meet Moana in the new World Nature section of the park. Moana is meeting guests near the entrance to the new walk-through attraction, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moan which has of opened at EPCOT, ahead of its official opening on October 16, 2023. Oct. 16 is also the day that the new Moana meet and greet was originally set to debut, but park bosses have decided to move the date up. Guests can now find Moana near the entrance to the Journey of Water attraction from park opening through until the afternoon. 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.

Gideon's Bakehouse is celebrating spooky season and it's birthday in October, with an extra special month full of limited time treats every weekend! Gideon's Bakehouse is celebrating this month, not only is October spooky season but it's Gideons birthday month! To celebrate Halloween, Steve Lewis, the creator and owner of Gideon's is proclaiming that Gideon's Bakehouse shall be named Gideon's Spookhouse this October, and not only is it the best month because of Halloween, but as it's Gideon' birthday month, Steve will be dropping new desserts AND merch drops every weekend!! Frankenstein Cake Slices! Three layers of Chocolate Cake, a ridiculous amount of Oreo Buttercream, and M&M's! Don't forget that upside down dripping chocolate ganache! How do we do it? Dark magic! Duh. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Bride of Frankenstein Cake Slices! The Bride Cake is just like the Frankenstein Slice but featuring two layers of our delicate Vanilla Cake sandwiching a single layer of Chocolate Cake. Cover that in Golden Oreo Buttercream and accent it with that supernatural reverse ganache drip, and you've got something special for Halloween!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Available by the slice at both locations every Wednesday and Saturday of October. First Come First Serve. While Supplies Last. Both Flavors are Available as a Whole Cake Preorder this October at gideonsbakehouse.com. ⁣⁣ TWO NEW COOKIES!! Frankenstein Lives! This Cookie stitches together various Chocolates, Double Stuff Oreos, and M&M's to resurrect one of our most popular Limited Edition Cookies of the year. ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ Bride of Frankenstein Returns! Designed in the same mold as Frank but featuring White Chocolate, Golden Oreos, and M&M's! ⁣⁣Superior in our view, but to each their own. ⁣ ⁣ French Toast Cold Brew is Back for October and November! It legit tastes like a complete Coffee and French Toast Breakfast wrapped all in one! So much deliciousness! Only at Gideon's in Disney Springs!⁣ ⁣ It's Cat Charity Month, so there will be items coming that help benefit the Liberation Cat House! First up:⁣ ⁣ Meet Benedict Piccadilly, who has stepped into our world to guide you through Gideon's October Cat Charity! His 8x10 print is available at both stores while supplies last, signed by Steve! The 11x14 print is available online only and signed by Gideon's art director, Michael Reyes! The online print is a 24-hour release, so check gideonsbakehouse.com for details! Proceeds of these prints go to Liberation Cathouse! ⁣ ⁣ Now onto this month's merch... Both in stores and online, Gideon's is kicking the month off with a unisex Benedict Piccadilly T-shirt. Gideon's Spookhouse Collectible Pin limited to only 1000 pieces. Plus, this month there is a crazy amazing smelling new Pumpkin Chai Car Air Freshener!! ATTENTION MENU PEEPS! There will be four designs in October, starting with Benedict Piccadilly! Menu designs will drop on October 1st, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Per usual, these menus are handed out to those waiting in line at Gideon's in Disney Springs. The only other path is to place a merch order at gideonsbakehouse.com during the week the menu is available. So ordering each week of October will give you the free gift of that week's menu. There will be many reasons to order merch this month, so get ready! Gideon's Bakehouse began in a home kitchen with one goal: to create an extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie. Fifteen years and thousands of tests later, the work was complete, Staying true to the original process, cutting no corners, putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake, Gideon's invite people from around the world to share in the sweet and the salty goodness that is hand baked into every Cookie or Cake. You can visit Gideon's in Disney Springs, Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 10 am to 11:30 pm. Or you can visit Gideon's at their original location at the East End Market, which is located at 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, the store here is open seven days per week, 10am to 7pm. Things To know Before Visiting Gideon’s At Disney Springs! Gideon’s Bakehouse is a popular single-owner small business based in Orlando that has gained international attention when it opened it's location at Disney Springs. It can get pretty crazy at the Disney Springs store with people waiting for hours to get their hands on a prized Gideon's near half pound cookie! To help you get enjoy lots of yummy Gideon's goodness, the bakery have shared some helpful information based on an average day to set an expectation and help you plan. • The bakery opens at 10 am, but the line typically begins to form at 9 am, when the parking garage opens. • Once the bakery opens, when the line gets too long, they switch to a Virtual Queue. This allows you to go anywhere while waiting for a return text. On weekdays the Virtual Queue can start anytime from open to evening or not at all, depending on crowds. On weekends and holidays it can happen right at 10am. After receiving your text, you will check in at the end of the return line. It looks scary but is typically no more than a 15-minute wait. For international guests, we will give you a return time if you can’t receive texts. • Sign up for the queue must be done in person. When active, you will find Gideon's staff to the right of the front door under the protection of Gideon's Gargoyle. • Plan for wait times of around two hours. For busy days (Friday through Sunday, holidays, holiday seasons), the virtual queue averages five hours. The earlier you arrive, the shorter the wait and the better the selection since limited edition items will sell out. A general rule, if you know the parks are slammed, we’re slammed. • On average, between 6 pm and 8 pm every day the virtual queue is active, and the waiting list will hit capacity. When this happens the bakery closes the queue to handle everyone on the list and to ensure the bakery closes on 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. 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Earlier this week, Walt Disney World announced the lineup of celebrity narrators for the 2023 Candlelight Processional adt EPCOT, and now we have details and pricing for this year's dining packages. Earlier this week, Walt Disney World announced the celebrity narrators for this year's EPCOT Candlelight Processional which kicks off on November 24, 2023, and now the company have announced details on this year's Candlelight Processional Dining Packages. Long a guest favorite, the EPCOT Candlelight Processional is the retelling of the Christmas story by a narrator and a massive choir, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra, herald trumpets and the incredible Voices of Liberty. This spectacular event returns this year with more new celebrity narrators than ever before! Nine new voices join the ranks of captivating storytellers who share the universal message of this heartwarming story. This years celebrity narrators include new narrators including Brendan Fraser, Sterling K. Brown, Eva Longoria, and more, and if you wan to ensure your seat for the performance, there is no better way than to book a Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Choose from EIGHT distinctive eateries, offering everything from character dining at Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land pavilion to signature dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. A meal at participating restaurants includes: At Spice Road Table: 2 small plates and one nonalcoholic beverage per person, plus a tagine and dessert platter for your party to share All other participating restaurants: an appetizer, entrée and dessert, or one full buffet/family-style meal, as well as a nonalcoholic beverage One guaranteed seat per person to the Candlelight Processional held on the same day Participating restaurants and dining package prices, which exclude tax and gratuity: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion Adults, $71.00 – Breakfast, $83.00 – Lunch/Dinner Kids, $45.00 – Breakfast, $53.00 – Lunch/Dinner Garden Grill Restaurant, The Land Pavilion Adults, $63.00 – Breakfast, $78.00 – Lunch/Dinner Kids, $40.00 – Breakfast, $50.00 – Lunch/Dinner Biergarten Restaurant, Germany Pavilion Adults, $65.00, Kids, $37.00 Coral Reef Restaurant, The Living Seas Adults, $78.00, Kids, $32.00 Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canada Pavilion Adults, $104.00, Kids, $42.00 Rose & Crown Dining Room, United Kingdom Pavilione Adults, $66.00, Kids, $29.00 Spice Road Table, Morocco Pavilion Adults, $55.00, Kids, $24.00 Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue $41.00 Same-Day Dining Packages Planning a last-minute visit? You may be able to purchase a same-day dining package, which allows you to: Dine without reservations at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue that day Enjoy guaranteed seats to a Candlelight Processional performance later that day To check availability for same-day dining packages, visit Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue during the Festival. Packages are subject to availability and may not be available on peak dates. Make Reservations Beginning October 17, 2023, check availability online—and secure your spot for this limited-time dining experience. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Important Information Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are only offered during the holiday season. Alcohol will only be served to Guests ages 21 and older. Reservations require a credit card guarantee. Guests will receive Candlelight Seating badges at the restaurant after their meal. The badge will specify the date and show time they have reserved. Guests with the Dining Package will enter America Gardens Theatre in a separate queue and will be seated on a first-come, first served basis. Seating is guaranteed. Guests who have not reserved a Candlelight Processional Dining Package will be seated at the Candlelight Processional on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity. To enter EPCOT, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package. For more information, including pricing and availability, visit DisneyWorld.com. Here’s the full list of this year’s celebrity narrators: Chrissy Metz (NEW): Nov. 24-25 Luis Fonsi (NEW): Nov. 26-27 Ann-Margret (NEW): Nov. 28-29 Simu Liu: Nov. 30-Dec. 2 John Stamos: Dec. 3-5 Neil Patrick Harris: Dec. 6-8 Marlee Matlin: Dec. 9-11 Brendan Fraser (NEW): Dec. 12-14 Eva Longoria (NEW): Dec. 15-16 Joey McIntyre (NEW): Dec. 17-18 Sterling K. Brown (NEW): Dec. 19-20 Jordan Fisher (NEW): Dec. 21-23 Steven Curtis Chapman: Dec. 24-26 Audra McDonald (NEW): Dec. 27-28 Lisa Ling: Dec. 29-30 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.

Known for custom, hand-decorated sugar cookies and southern desserts, Southern Home Bakery is expanding with a second location now open. Southern Home Bakery located at 2322 Edgewater Drive in College Park, has expanded with a new location, now open at 6 E Plant Street in Winter Garden. Known for creating custom, decorated sugar cookies and classic southern desserts, Catherine Cramer began Southern Home Bakery in 2016. The bakery offers hand-decorated sugar cookies, bars, gourmet cookies, cupcakes and a monthly subscription box which can be delivered anywhere in the country. The new bakery has had a grand opening tonight, and will be open from tomorrow, Saturday, October 6. 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.

After announcing a new location for this year's Surfing Santas event on December 24th, organizers have changed the location back to the original location on Cocoa Beach! Every year, on Christmas Eve, hundreds of Surfing Santas come together on Cocoa Beach for a morning of family fun on the beach, and this year's Surfing Santas 2023 was set to take place at a new location on Cocoa Beach, after organizers announced the move earlier this week. But after an uproar from attendees, the organizers have been forced to change the location from the new location at Shepard Park, back to the original location at Coconuts on the Beach at Minutemen Causeway. Organizers had said that the move would bring many benefits to the Christmas Eve event, including more parking, less stressful traffic jams, plus, guests in the nearby beachside hotels could walk to the venue. Another benefit organizers cited was that there would have been more room for food trucks to participate, and that the new location was to be only block from the Florida Surf Museum, which actually hosts the event. With so many benefits you would have thought the move would have been welcomed by participants, but no, with many people taking to social media to complain about the move, and now only days later, organizers have now said that the event is NOT moving. Organizers have posted on their socials the following message, "You spoke, and we listened! Surfing Santas 2023 is officially taking place at our original beach… Coconuts on Minutemen Causeway! At the end of the day, this is YOUR event, and we simply want to spread the Surfing Santas spirit. Grab your boards and Santa hats… see you all on December 24th at the beach by Coconuts. " Hundreds of surfers and thousands of spectators dressed in holiday-themed outfits are expected to participate this year, with live music, Hawaiian dance demonstrations, and the ever popular costume content. Anyone can participate by dressing in the christmas-themed outfit of their choice, and prizes will be awarded for best babies, children, groups, men, and women! Surfing Santas is the Space Coast’s most anticipated holiday event, and this is your chance to take to the waves with hundreds of holiday revelers for a Florida Christmas celebration you'll never forget. Once you’ve experienced Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach you’ll never want to spend your Christmas anywhere else. Surfing Santas is traditionally held on December 24, at Cocoa Beach, with the event bringing hundreds of surfers dressed up as Santa to the city’s beach. It is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the holidays, having lots of holly jolly fun with friends and family. In addition to catching the waves, the event also features costume contests, live music, performances, photo opportunities, and more. 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.

Orlando Science Center is hosting a stellar party for the eclipse happening this October! The Orlando Science Center is hosting a solar eclipse party for the eclipse happening on October 14! The eclipse will travel a path between Oregon and Texas, so we'll see about a 60% eclipse here in Orlando. The eclipse will begin at 11:52 am, peak at 1:26 pm, and end at 3:02 pm giving viewers an adequate amount of time to see this celestial event as it happens. IT IS NEVER SAFE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN DURING A PARTIAL ECLIPSE WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EYE PROTECTION! This can cause severe retina damage. Orlando Science Center staff will be on hand to highlight how to correctly use solar eclipse glasses. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the planet. However, there are different types of solar eclipses. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely blocks the face of the Sun. A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon, Sun, and Earth are not perfectly aligned, causing only a part of the Sun to be covered and giving it a crescent shape. An annular solar eclipsehappens when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than the Sun in our sky. This creates a ring effect around the Moon. The term "annular" refers to this ring effect! Tickets for the event cost $27 for adults and $21 for youth aged 2-11. You will receive a pair of viewing glasses, access to all exhibits and the latest traveling exhibition, and access to special eclipse-related programming. Please note the that no tickets will be sold at the Science Center on the day, you must book in advance. 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.