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Walt Dinsey World have announced that they are keeping and refreshing the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection which was introduced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World have revealed FAB-ulous news! Over the next few months, Walt Disney Imagineers are sprinkling a touch of timeless pixie dust to refresh the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection across all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks so guests can continue to discover and interact with all 50 characters! The Fab 50 character statues willhave their 50th Anniversary medallions removed and replaced by "pixie dust", allowing the statues and MagicBand+ interactions to continue. 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.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd announces additional tour dates in support of upcoming new album Dirt On My Diamonds Vol. 1. Celebrated for modernizing the essence of American roots music, the Five-time Grammy-nominated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd has announced a series of new live performances for Winter 2024, which will follow the release of his highly anticipated new album, Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1. Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Dirt on My Diamonds Tour will stop at Hard Rock Live Orlando on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 with special guest Eric Gales. For details and tickets click here. Shepherd’s upcoming album, poised for release on November 17th via Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group, boasts the intoxicating lead single "Sweet & Low," encapsulating modern urban influences blended with traditional blues undertones, bringing together the quintessence of Shepherd's musical expertise. The track offers a fresh perspective on the old-fashioned courting ritual, emphasizing the irresistibly captivating groove. Shepherd recalls, “People I’ve played the album for, they consistently have the biggest reaction to that one.” Birthed from the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, ‘Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1’ chronicles Shepherd's journey of musical evolution, touching on stories of loss, redemption, and memorable melodies, all crafted by an elite team of songwriters. As Shepherd himself describes it, “Every record I make is a moment in time. And this is a really special moment.” Since the release of his debut album, 1995’s ‘Ledbetter Heights,’ this multi-platinum bandleader still sounds like the future of the blues. Approach 'Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 1' expecting autopilot twelve-bars and you’ll instead be thrown a volley of curveballs, from the modern urban edge of "Sweet & Low" to the speaker-tearing production from Shepherd and his partner-in-sound of recent years, Marshall Altman. “Working with Marshall, it’s like any productive relationship,” considers the guitarist. “We put our strengths together and push each other.” Throughout, as the album title suggests, the grit and emotional honesty of these new songs is prized above guitar pyrotechnics (even for one of the modern scene’s most valuable players). Of the 'Dirt On My Diamonds’ guiding philosophy, “Life has imperfections, and I actually prefer it that way. The imperfections are what make it interesting.” With material this strong, no polish was needed. As on any KWS album, songs are the currency, and the seven originals from 'Dirt On My Diamonds Volume 1' demand to be heard, lifting listeners above their circumstances at a time when life often feels bleak and bone-raw. “I didn’t want this record to be dark or dreary,” considers Shepherd. “There’s not a lot of incredibly heart-wrenching or difficult subject matter…My goal is always to make music that makes people feel good, regardless of what it’s about.” 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.

Bush is bringing their fall Nowhere To Go But Everywhere Tour to Hard Rock Live Orlando this November. Platinum-certified rockers Busch will celebrate their career with a new release, "Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023", due on November 10, and in support of the album, the band will embark on a North American headlining tour this November and December. The 15 date tour will kick off in Orlando, when the UK rock band will take to the stage at Hard Rock Live Orlando on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 with support from Bad Wolves and Eva Under Fire. BAD WOLVES stretch the boundaries of hard rock with earthquaking heaviness, enigmatic experimentation, and enthralling melodies. The group--John Boecklin (drums), Daniel “DL” Laskiewicz (lead vocals), Doc Coyle (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Kyle Konkiel (bass, backing vocals), are known for their chart-topping hits and electrifying live performances, and are expected to deliver an unforgettable night of rock in Orlando. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to catch them live. For details and tickets 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.

Florida's biggest Christian music festival will return for its 26th year at Universal Orlando Resort in January 2024 for a weekend of faith and fun, and now we know the festival line-up! Rock The Universe has been held at Universal Orlando Resort since 1998, and Universal have just announced the line-up for when the Christian Music festival returns January 26 - January 27, 2024 to Universal Studios Florida Each year, Rock The Universe features powerful music from Christian Music's brightest stars together with the thrilling rides at Universal Studios Florida. The rocking weekend kicks off Friday night across Universal’s two stages, the Music Plaza Stage and the Hollywood Stage, with six feature performances and continues Saturday night with an additional six performances. This year the festival kicks off on Friday night with electrifying performances by the Grammy nominated rock band, We The Kingdom, and the Grammy award winning rapper, LECRAE, and more. Then on Saturday evening, the festival continues with Dove award-winning sensations Casting Crowns, Grammy nominated singer Phil Wickham, the illustrious Grammy award winning singer Brandon Lake, and more. During Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, fans and youth groups come together to enjoy moving performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences and thrilling theme park attractions at Universal Studios Florida. The Full 2024 Rock the Universe Line-Up: Friday, January 26, 2024: We The Kingdom-Music Plaza Stage LECRAE-Music Plaza Stage Blessing Offor-Music Plaza Stage Cody Carnes-Hollywood Stage ELEVATION RHYTHM-Hollywood Stage Riley Clemmons-Hollywood Stage Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 Casting Crowns-Music Plaza Stage Phil Wickham-Music Plaza Stage Brandon Lake-Music Plaza Stage CAIN-Hollywood Stage Andrew Ripp-Hollywood Stage Fans can keep the music flowing in the fan zone, featuring live performances from up-and-coming acts throughout the weekend. Beyond the main stage performances, Rock the Universe attendees can immerse themselves in a weekend full of inspiring worship experiences – including a powerful Sunday morning service to wrap up the faith-filled weekend. To learn more about the event, visit www.RocktheUniverse.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.

Ghoulish goodies are fright this way as Walt Disney World uncover even more frightful delights coming to Walt Disney World Resort this spooky season. Prepare to be bewitched with flavor because even more Halloween delights are coming to Walt Disney World Resort! Starting Oct. 1, the culinary teams at the theme parks and Disney Resort hotels will be putting a flavorful spell on you with even more fang-tastic delights for you to sink your teeth into. Dust the cobwebs off your treat bags and get ready for some tasty treats and sinister sweets. From the adorable new Mike Wazowski Pop at Gasparilla Island Grill to the can’t-miss return of the Pumpkin Patch Cookie at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are plenty of Halloween items to keep you satisfied all season long. More ghoulish goodies are fright this way. Let’s unwrap the latest Halloween treats coming in this Foodie Guide! Disney Resort Hotels Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Mara (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Black Cat Tart: Carrot cake topped with orange caramel, toasted coconut, and a pumpkin cheesecake (New) Disney’s Beach Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Captain Hook Cookie: Vanilla sable with strawberry jam, peanut butter ganache, buttercream, and chocolate décor (New) Ursula Tart: Vanilla tart filled with spice cake, chocolate ganache, blackberry pearls, blackberry mousse, and chocolate décor (New) Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Butter Pecan-Pumpkin Shake: Butter pecan ice cream with pumpkin flavoring, caramel and chocolate sauces, and a vanilla cupcake decorated like a Mickey pumpkin with sprinkle décor Disney’s BoardWalk Inn BoardWalk Deli and Carousel Coffee (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available at BoardWalk Deli only) Halloween Half Moon Cookie (New) (Available at BoardWalk Deli only) Creepy Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with blood orange curd filling, vanilla whipped cream, chocolate cookie crumbs, and sugar pumpkins Boo Brownie: Mickey-shaped brownie topped with ganache and buttercream ghosts Disney’s Contemporary Resort Contempo Café (Mobile order available) Caramel Apple-Sugar Cookie (New) (Available Oct. 1 through Nov. 30) Haunted Mansion Éclair: Éclair filled with caramel apple mousse topped with chocolate-caramel ganache with Haunted Mansion edible images (New) (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Mike Wazowski Pop: Confetti cake enrobed in green chocolate (New) S’mores Ghost Tart: Graham cracker tart shell filled with ganache, milk chocolate mousse, and topped with a marshmallow ghost (New) Not-So-Poison Apple: Chocolate cauldron filled with apple spice cake, apple filling, and caramel buttercream topped with apple mousse (New) Minnie Mouse Witch Hat Cupcake: Cookies ‘n cream-filled chocolate cupcake enrobed in ganache Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Trail’s End Restaurant (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Pumpkin Sugar Cookie: Tie-dyed Halloween sugar cookie with buttercream (New) Spooky Mini Cookies and Dipping Cream: Halloween sugar cookies with dipping icing (New) Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Kona Island (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Vampire Stitch Cake: Chocolate cake with ‘raspberry ice cream cone’ buttercream (New) Pineapple Lanai (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Soft-serve: Pumpkin-spiced flavored soft-serve and coconut haupia with caramel drizzle, graham cracker crumbs, and a white chocolate Mickey-shaped pumpkin Disney’s Riviera Resort Le Petit Café (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Chocolate-Cherry Coffin: Biscuit sans farine, milk chocolate mousse, and morello cherries (New) Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Roaring Fork (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Haunted Forest Apple Mousse: Green cake with cookies ‘n cream mousse and sour apple mousse Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Oct. 4 through 31; mobile order available) Captain Hook Cookie: Vanilla sable with strawberry jam, peanut butter ganache, buttercream, and chocolate décor (New) Ursula Tart: Vanilla tart filled with spice cake, chocolate ganache, blackberry pearls, blackberry mousse, and chocolate décor (New) Disney’s Hollywood Studios ABC Commissary (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Spider Web Tart: Spiced milk chocolate tart filled with orange curd, pomegranate-molasses whipped cream, candied orange peel, and a dark chocolate spider Frozen Apple Cider topped with green apple boba balls (Non-alcoholic) Frozen Apple Cider Whisky featuring Crown Royal Whisky topped with green apple boba balls Backlot Express (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Graveyard Cupcake: Fudge-filled chocolate cupcake topped with cookies ‘n cream buttercream, chocolate cookie tombstone, white chocolate bone, and Halloween sprinkles Frozen Apple Cider topped with green apple boba balls (Non-alcoholic) Frozen Apple Cider Whisky featuring Crown Royal Whisky topped with green apple boba balls Dockside Diner and Fairfax Fare (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Pumpkin Patch Cookie: Pumpkin-spiced snickerdoodle topped with pumpkin-spiced buttercream and pumpkin candies Hollywood Scoops (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Candy Corn Milk Shake: Vanilla and candy corn milkshake topped with an orange doughnut and Halloween sprinkles PizzeRizzo (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Halloween Candy Cookie Pizza: Sugar cookie ‘pizza’ topped with strawberry jam, white chocolate, Halloween candy, and sprinkles Frozen Apple Cider topped with green apple boba balls (Non-alcoholic) Frozen Apple Cider Whisky featuring Crown Royal Whisky topped with green apple boba balls Rosie’s All-American Café (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Frozen Apple Cider topped with green apple boba balls (Non-alcoholic) Frozen Apple Cider Whisky featuring Crown Royal Whisky topped with green apple boba balls Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Oct. 1 through 31; mobile order available) Pumpkin Lunch Box Tart: Pumpkin pie-filled pastry tart with marshmallow fondant, candy corn, and Halloween sprinkles Popcorn Carts Near Grand Avenue, the Tip Board, and the Main Entrance (Available Oct. 1 through 31) Halloween Mickey Brownie: Chocolate brownie with Halloween sprinkles Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery and Tamu Tamu Refreshments (Available Sept. 29 through Oct. 31) Halloween Colossal Mickey Cinnamon Roll: Colossal Mickey cinnamon roll with Halloween-themed icing Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Oct. 16 through 31; mobile order available) Scar Cupcake: Delicious red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible Scar image EPCOT Connections Café (Available Oct. 31 only) Mickey Halloween Liege Waffle: Dark chocolate liege waffle with purple and green icing (New) Sunshine Seasons (Available Oct. 28 through 31) Bat Mousse: Tri-colored layers of candy corn-flavored white chocolate mousse with dark chocolate glaçage and bat wings (New) Disney Springs D-Luxe Burger (Currently available through Nov. 23; mobile order available) Pumpkin Pie Shake: Vanilla gelato blended with pumpkin pie mix, caramel sauce, pumpkin spice, and graham cracker crumbles topped with whipped cream and pumpkin spice The Ganachery (Available Oct. 1 through Nov. 2) Coco Ganache Squares: Coconut ganache enrobed in dark 65% chocolate (Plant-based) Available at Various Quick-service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations Throughout Walt Disney World Resort Glow in the Dark Donald Candy Corn Sipper Are you excited for Halloween? As you can see, you better bring your appetite to celebrate. The foodie fun to be had at Disney Parks is truly endless, especially during the fall season! 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 crazy, get wild, DJ Diesel aka Shaq is coming to UCF! Catch his pre-game set at IOA Plaza before the Knights take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Bounce House. Shaq is coming home to party in Orlando! The basketball legend is set to spin as DJ Diesel on October 28 as part of the Bounce house Live Series which will take place on the IOA Plaza before the Knights take on the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Bounce House. The Bounce House Live series is held before every Knights home game on the South Lawn of IOA, which is just outside the western entrance to FBC Mortgage Stadium. The concerts, which are free, usually start two hours before kickoff, weather permitting, and the performing artists change for every game. Already announced for September is DJ Pauly D who will perform before the Knights take on Baylor on September 30, read on for the details. As the UCF Knights take on their Big 12 adventure, The Big 12 Conference will bring the "Big 12 Homecoming" to the UCF campus the week that the Knights play their first conference home football game against Baylor on September 30, and the latest news is that DJ Pauly D will play a pre-game set at Bounce House Live at IOA Plaza in front of FBC Mortgage Stadium before the big game. Big 12 Homecoming represents a conference-wide celebration of the Big 12 brand that will bring three days of entertainment and community engagement to campuses of Big 12 members. The FREE party arrives at UCF on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th, and Saturday 30th. Thursday will feature a women’s empowerment event with the Big 12 partnering with the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to bring students the Be You Women’s Empowerment series, presented by Maybelline. The series will include panel discussions focused on mental health awareness and will be hosted by notable women leaders and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models. The festivities will also include one-of-a-kind experiences such as a beauty bar, giveaways, meet & greets with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models and the chance to get a professional headshot taken. The lineup includes Shelly Wilkes: SVP, Orlando Magic, Suzanne Worthington: SVP, Orlando Health, Kay Rawlins: SVP, Orlando City Soccer, and Ashley Turner: UCF DeVos Sports. On Friday, Big 12 student-athletes and coaches will visit Orange Center Elementary School to unveil a $50,000 makeover for a new STEM center as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s signature program, CFP Extra Yard Makeover Project. Saturday will see the Big 12 hosting a big pregame tailgate takeover that includes DJ Pauly D performing live, limited-edition merchandise giveaways, an armed forces pre-game flyover and more. 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.

Walt Disney World has revealed a new Florida Resident Weekday Magic Ticket for a low price and with NO blackout dates! Wanna go to the Magic Kingdom on Thanksgiving for $59? From today, Tuesday, September 19, Florida residents can purchase a Disney Weekday Magic Ticket for visits to Walt Disney World theme parks this fall, with no blackout dates, including Thanksgiving! The Disney Weekday Magic Ticket is valid Monday through Friday from October 2 through December 22, 2023. Here are the magical options: 2-day ticket for $98 per day plus tax ($195 total plus tax) 3-day ticket for $72 per day plus tax ($215 total plus tax) 4-day ticket for $59 per day plus tax ($235 per day plus tax) Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic Tickets are valid for admission to one theme park per day. The Water Park and Sports option can be purchased for an additional $35 (plus tax). Park Hopper can be purchased for an additional $40 (plus tax). Park Hopper Plus (including Water Parks and Sports) can be purchased for an additional $55 (plus tax). Tickets and add-on options expire on December 22, 2023. All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable, and exclude activities/events separately priced or not open to the general public. 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.

Walt Disney World has revealed a brand new offer for Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays starting in early 2024 exclusively for Disney Visa card members. Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 35% on stays at Walt Disney World Resort hotels in early 2024. Walt Disney World have announced that Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 35% on stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9, 2024, through February 22, 2024, and most nights from February 25, 2024, through March 24, 2024. Disney Visa Cardmembers can also save up to 20% on stays most Friday and Saturday nights from January 12, 2024 through February 24, 2024. Here is the complete list of savings and hotels: Save up to 35% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 20% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Riviera Resort Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Deluxe Studios Save up to 35% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 10% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Save up to 30% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 20% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Beach Club Resort Save up to 30% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 10% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Save up to 25% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 10% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Pop Century Resort Save up to 15% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and save up to 10% on most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Save up to 10% on most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 9 through February 22, most nights from February 25 through March 24, and most Friday through Saturday nights from January 12 through February 24 at: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Length of Stay Requirements: Minimum – 1 night Maximum – 14 nights Important Details Must use a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit. Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations are required. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Valid admission is required to enjoy theme parks and is not included in this offer. Beginning January 9, 2024, theme park reservations will no longer be required for date-based tickets. For other admission types, theme park reservations may be required. 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.

World Paella Day rolls around on September 20, and Jaleo is honoring the holiday with two full weeks of paella specials. Celebremos! Jaaleo at Disney Springs is celebrating World Paella Day, and 20 years of Paella Fest now through until October 1, 2023 The chefs at Jaleo have been crafting their favorite versions of this beloved dish, and honoring the experts around the world who have helped master their signature paellas. For two weeks, Jaleo will be serving up limited edition paellas, available only for the festival. Check out the menus below and make your plans for Paella Festival! Join Jaleo in Orlando and celebrate Paella Fest! Paella is technically the name of the shallow pan it is cooked in, not the dish itself! Paella originated in Valencia, Spain sometime in the 19th century, and is traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, saffron, beans, and tomatoes. So, when Jaleo make paellas that are not authentically Valenciana, they call them arroces. Each day during Paella Fest Jaleo will feature a different paella or arroces. Try them all and get the true taste of Spain! WOOD-FIRED PAELLA, ROTATING DAILY Monday: Arroz con Verduras Paella of seasonal vegetables Tuesday: Arroz con Pollo y Verduras Paella of chicken, vegetables and mushrooms Wednesday (World Paella Day!): Paella Valenciana A true classic of chicken, rabbit, and artichokes Thursday: Arroz a Banda con Gambas Paella of sepia sofrito and head-on shrimp Friday: Alcachofas y Setas Rice with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and piquillo peppers Saturday: Bogavante y Costillas Rice with vegetable sofrito, cuttlefish, pork ribs and whole lobster Sunday: Fideuá Negra con Pescado y Mariscos Thin pasta in squid ink, sepia sofrito, baby squid and bronzino with saffron alioli Celebrating the traditional as well as the cutting-edge, Jaleo offers a taste of Spain in a festive, stylish, and casual atmosphere. First opening in downtown Washington, DC in 1993, Jaleo has evolved to represent modern Spain at every moment. With each new restaurant in Maryland, Virginia, Las Vegas and Orlando, it embraces the local community while staying true to its roots: providing a comfortable, welcoming space in which to explore, discover and share the incredible spirit of Spain. At Jaleo, plates are designed to be shared. But these are not just any small plates. They’re the best authentically Spanish and local ingredients, simply prepared, and enjoyed with good friends and conversation. Inspired by the traditional dishes of José’s childhood and elevated through his experiences, talents and creativity, Jaleo’s cuisine is authentic Spain with finesse. Along with signature tapas, the savory paellas, superb sangria, and a wide selection of the finest Spanish cheeses, wines, and sherries ensure that you’ll always find something wholly unique and exciting. It’s tradition and whimsy, all in one bite. 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 Tampa Bay Rays have announced a deal to build a new stadium in St. Petersburg, ending speculation about the Rays relocating to another city. Recently there has been much speculation that the Tampa Bay Rays would pack their bags and leave St Petersburg for a shiny new ballpark in Nashville, Orlando, or Tampa, and with the Rays' current 30-year lease at the domed Tropicana Field ending in 2027, the franchise had been actively considered moving elsewhere. But now the speculation is over, as today, Tuesday, September 19, the Rays have announced that there's no place like home, and will continue to call St Pete home as they reveal plans to build a new ballpark as part of a redeveloped Tropicana Field, but will it increase the consistently low attendance? The Rays have officially announced that they have reached an agreement with the city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to build a new, $1.3 billion ballpark as part of the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site. There is still a public approval process that must take place over the next few months, but this is the first time the Rays have reached this step in their long-running pursuit of a new ballpark. As a result, it appears more likely than ever that the club will remain where they’ve been since their inaugural season in 1998: in downtown St. Petersburg. “I am incredibly excited. This is a big, meaningful and really positive development,” team president Brian Auld said. “I also feel a ton of pressure to make sure that we can execute on this vision that particularly the mayor of St. Petersburg has entrusted us to deliver, but also the county commissioners. So we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.” The Rays’ proposal features an approximately 30,000-seat ballpark (with the capacity expanded to 35,000 for special events) with three seating levels, a fixed roof, an artificial turf field, operable walls and a pavilion design. The Rays would pay for more than half of the stadium’s estimated cost, with the city and county covering approximately $600 million and the Rays responsible for the rest. According to the agreement, the entire investment in the development project is projected to be more than $6 billion. Approximately 15-20 acres, including the ballpark and two event parking garages, would be owned by Pinellas County, leased to St. Petersburg and subleased to the Rays on a 30-year lease agreement with options to extend it to 40 years. The club’s current 30-year use agreement at Tropicana Field expires after the 2027 season. If the agreement is approved and everything goes according to plan, ballpark construction would be begin in late 2024 and be completed by late ‘27, with the Rays playing there on Opening Day 2028. In January, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch selected the Rays and their development partner Hines as his preferred choice to redevelop the Tropicana Field site, with the ballpark just one part of the development plan, which also includes multifamily housing units, office and medical space, retail space, hotel rooms, senior living residences, an entertainment venue, conference and meeting space, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and parking. But what about the Rays low attendance? the Rays believe that a new ballpark, combined with the redeveloped area around it and their continued success on the field, will drive further interest and higher attendance numbers. “We think there’s a number of things that are going to allow us to materially increase attendance going forward,” Auld said. “The first is that we’re going to have a better ballpark surrounded by a world-class destination, so we expect more people to come to enjoy that incredible ballpark and all the wonderful things we’re going to have around it." 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 Walt Disney Company is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion. The Walt Disney Company is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks, Experiences and Products segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including by investing in expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity. Today, Tuesday, September 19, Senior Disney executives, including Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, are gathered with Wall Street analysts and investors at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida for an investor summit focused on Disney’s Parks business and its track record of investing aggressively and intelligently in experiences that leverage the powerful and ever-growing library of Disney stories, which has proven incredibly effective. Central to the business’s growth strategy will be a focus on stories, scale, and fans. Stories All over the world, Disney leverages its incomparable library of intellectual property through immersive storytelling experiences in its Parks and Resorts, on board its cruise ships, and through its consumer products and licensing business. The Parks business serves as a powerful platform where Disney’s beloved stories come to life in innovative ways, and where fans across generations and geographies can connect with and explore the Disney brands and franchises they love, from Avatar to Zootopia, and everything in between. Disney continuously reimagines its theme park offerings to appeal to more guests by incorporating new stories from its popular films and series. Disney Parks has seen growth following previous periods of significant investment, which included the additions of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and more. Today, as Disney considers future growth opportunities, there is a deep well of stories that have yet to be fully explored in its theme parks. Already, new Frozen-themed lands are coming to Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort, as well as a Zootopia-themed land at Shanghai Disney Resort. However, Disney will explore even more characters and franchises, including some that haven’t been leveraged extensively to date, as it embarks on a new period of significant growth domestically and internationally in its parks and resorts. Scale Today, Disney has the largest physical footprint of any global theme park travel business, with 12 parks across six sites around the world. Its newest resort, Shanghai Disney Resort, opened in 2016. Disney Cruise Line visits 94 ports in 40 countries, and Disney’s industry-leading consumer products division brings Disney IP into fans’ homes across the globe. Notably, Walt Disney World Resort is twice the size of the island of Manhattan, Disneyland is the most “Instagrammed” place on Earth, and tens of millions of guests travel on Disney’s transportation networks each year. Disney’s Parks business is a key driver of value creation for the company, and positive segment results in recent past quarters through FY23Q3 have come in part from strong performance at Disney’s international parks, particularly those in Asia. Shanghai Disney Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland, which have both shown meaningful growth coming out of the pandemic through Q3 FY23, have even further growth opportunities with the expansions set to open later this year. However, in addition to development plans already underway, there is significant room for further expansion on land and at sea. In fact, Disney Parks has over 1,000 acres of land for possible future development to expand theme park space across its existing sites – the equivalent of about seven new Disneyland Parks. Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line serves as a powerful ambassador for the brand in ports and markets around the globe beyond its theme parks, including Australia and New Zealand for the first time later this year, extending the reach of Disney’s high-quality experiences. As previously announced, over the next two years, Disney will nearly double the worldwide capacity of its cruise line, adding two ships in fiscal year 2025 and another in 2026, delivering even further growth potential and introducing new markets to Disney experiences, including a new homeport in Singapore beginning in 2025 to expand its reach further into the Asia-Pacific region. Fans Today, Disney has seven of the top ten most attended theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, which has been the #1 attended theme park on earth for decades. Disney Parks welcome approximately 100 million guests each year. Yet there is still enormous untapped potential for reaching more consumers. According to Disney’s internal research, there is an addressable market of more than 700 million people with high Disney affinity it has yet to reach with its Parks. In fact, for every one guest who visits a Disney Park, there are more than ten people with Disney affinity who do not visit the Parks. As Disney expands its footprint and offerings, not only will the company be able to reach more of its existing fans, but it will create new fans and loyal consumers. As the company develops plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Parks business, it looks forward to introducing fans to more of the most powerful characters and stories, expanding its global footprint, advancing its state-of-the-art commercial capabilities, and leveraging its unmatched global talent to forge new relationships with new generations of fans around the world. 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.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is set for a spectacular return, and after a break of over five years, the greatest show on earth is heading back on the road. Back in March we brought you the exciting news that Florida based Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is making a comeback after 5 years. The famous animals of the circus are now gone, confined to a bookmark in history, with the reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey inviting families to a spectacle of superhuman feats, pushing the limits of possibility, while thrilling families and fans of all generations. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is owned by Feld Entertainment, a worldwide production company headquartered in Palmetto, Florida. Feld produce and present live touring family entertainment experiences throughout their world, including Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Marvel Universe LIVE!, and Jurassic World LiveTour. Across the brand portfolio, the numbers are impressive, with Feld Entertainment having entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is returning for the first time since the circus ended with a farewell tour in 2017 that sold out venues across the country, and although it was billed at the time as the end of the line for the circus, many fans held onto the hope that the show would make a return in the future. Now as The Greatest Show On Earth makes its comeback, fans throughout North America are excited for the return of such an iconic show, which will see the show embark on a mammoth tour which will criss-cross the country, premiering on September 29, 2023 in Bossier City, Louisiana, before rolling into Orlando's Amway Center from January 12 - 15, 2024, with tickets on sale now. In reviving the near 150-year-old tradition, Feld Entertainment have held auditions for the reimagined Ringling Show around the world, including Mongolia, Ethiopia, Argentina, France, and more! The new show has been in rehearsals for months now, with Feld Entertainment saying that the audience will get closer to the action than ever before at the reimagined circus. using an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology. Guests will witness daring and never-before-seen acts on the high wire, trapeze, bicycle, and much, much more. Let's check out a sneak peek of just some of the amazing performers from around the globe who will now perform in the greatest Show On Earth! Double Wheel of Destiny Acts include the jaw-dropping, high-speed Double Wheel of Destiny act, a rarely-attempted twist on a circus favorite, featuring Ray Navas and his team of acrobats performing daring back-and-forth jumps between both wheels at crazy heights up to 30 feet above the ground. The Black Diamond Trio The Black Diamond Trio is an all-female acrobatic hand-to-hand balance trio hailing from Ethiopia. The award-winning trio has performed across the world at the International Circus Festival of Nikulin in Moscow; Afrika! Afrika!, The André Heller circus show in Germany; the International Circus Festival of Italy; the Circus Harlekin in Uetendorf, Switzerland; and more. The High-Flying Troupe Brother Imagine the ultimate playground, where seesaws flip and send you floating high in the sky. Add to the scene the high-flying Troupe Brothers from Mongolia, a specialized teeterboard troupe composed exclusively of Polish acrobats who have performed for audiences across the country. The Tic Tac Trio The Tic Tac Trio is joining Ringling as the featured acrobatic troupe using the Korean Teeterboard apparatus. Their backgrounds include experience in martial arts, parkour, and dance. They have previously performed around the world on stages such as the Flic Flac Circus, Circ Raluy Legacy, Monte Carlo Circus, and much much more! Yab Brothers Sisay Abebe and Yabu, better known as Yab Brothers, are a two-man Ethiopian Risley performance act. After first meeting at Circus Ethiopia where Abebe had been training, they discovered their destiny and formed a partnership, performing spectacular single, double, and twisting flips. Human Rocket Act featuring Skyler Miser Eighteen-year-old Skyler Miser has been an entertainer since childhood, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast once she takes the stage in The Greatest Show On Earth® as Ringling’s very own Human Rocket. Or maybe it’s more Skyler that’s having a blast — quite literally. You could say performance is in her DNA— Skyler’s parents, Tina and Brian Miser, starred as Human Cannon Balls in previous Ringling shows dating back to 1999. They passed their passion on to Skyler, who first made her way to the Ringling stage at the age of 13 after attending circus school and appearing in the Peru Amateur Circus. Troupe Ethio Salem Hailing from Ethiopia, meet Troupe Ethio Salem – 6 young men perform amazing acts, including hoop diving, Chinese pole, club juggling, and a solo cyr wheel act. They have been performing together since they were young, working hard to perfect their skills. They have previously performed at the International Golden Elephant Circus Festival in Spain. The Flying Caceres The Flying Caceres was created by Miguel Caceres in 1982 for the 112th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, which then became the featured attraction of the 140th edition in 2010. With spectacular experience as a flying trapeze artist since the age of 4, Miguel Caceres is the first flyer ever to present both a triple and a triple-and-a-half somersault in the same act. Since then, the Flying Caceres has performed throughout the United States with both the Red and Blue units of Ringling at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, the Big Apple Circus, Bentley Bros. Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, Tarzan Zerbini Circus, Hamid Circus Royale, and more. Wesley Williams “The One Wheel Wonder” World-renowned unicyclist Wesley Williams “The One Wheel Wonder” is joining The Greatest Show On Earth! Wesley is a Guinness World Record holder for the tallest rideable unicycle (30 feet!) and is in the “see it to believe it” realm of talent that makes up the fabric of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. The exciting news is that rehearsals for The Greatest Show On Earth are now complete, and the cast and crew are loaded up and heading to Bossier City for the official opening on September 29. We can't wait to see this new show the it arrives home in Florida! 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.