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SeaWorld Orlando is once again offering a complimentary SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card to all active and certified K-12 Florida grade school teachers. SeaWorld Orlando have announced that yet again the theme park is offering free admission to Florida certified teachers for next year, 2024. “Today’s teachers play a crucial role in helping students learn about and appreciate the natural world and understand their role in creating healthy and sustainable animal habitats. As a way to help continue this mission, SeaWorld Orlando is offering free admission for Florida certified K-12 teachers to amplify their educational efforts,” SeaWorld Orlando said in a press release. Plus, as an added bonus, new this year, Florida Teacher Cardholders can add water park, Aquatica Orlando to their Teacher Card for only $45. Plus, for a limited time, teachers who register for the card can purchase two guest tickets for a discounted rate of $34.99. The tickets must be used by Oct. 6. To apply for a complimentary SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card, teachers must pre-register online using the ID.me website. For more information check out the SeWorld Orlando website, SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card. Eligible private school teachers can also provide a letter from the principal on school letterhead confirming employment as a K-12 teacher along with a Florida photo ID and most recent (30 days) paystub to SeaWorld front gate entrance. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

A heads up if you are going to be staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge in September, as Boulder Ridge Cove Pool will be closed for several days. Walt Disney World have advised that guests staying at Disney's Wilderness Lodge in September should be aware that the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool (located near the Sturdy Branches Health Club and the Disney Vacation Club section of the resort) will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance from September 11-15, 2023. The pool is expected to reopen to Guests on September 16, but this is subject to change. Refurbishment work will only take place during daytime hours and should not be heard from any Guest room overnight. Walt Disney World dis advising that while Boulder Ridge Cove Pool is closed, Guests may continue to enjoy Copper Creek Springs Pool. ​ For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

A tale as old as Time told in an all-new way! Central Florida Community Arts is bringing Disney's Beauty and the Beast to Orlando in a massive concert staging of the classic tale this September. Central Florida Community Arts is busy preparing for their ground-breaking production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast: In Concert, a performance that is set to bring together a full choir, orchestra, and acting company, and phenomenal singers from across the region. The performance will include members from all areas of CFCArts, including performers for Narrators and UpBeat! From little kids to older adults, people with disabilities, exceptionalities, and from all backgrounds will see themselves represented on stage. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the timeless songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This concert version will bring you right into the magic! This extra special production will take place on Thursday, September 7, and Friday, September 8, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Northland Church, with the production designed so that guests will feel the intention and community behind it all from the very opening sequence. The unique layout of the venue at Northland Church allows singers to perform in the aisles and Belle to walk through the audience on her way to the village. They’ll feel the immense joy of the performers in the tavern with “Gaston.” And “Be Our Guest” will give each group of members a chance to shine and welcome the audience to feel like a part of the story. “The beautiful part of the concert version of this production is that the choir is just as much part of the story as everyone else,” Brandon Fender, the choral programs director and the co-music director of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast: In Concert said. “They will be seated on stage with the main actors and ensemble during the entire production and will play such a unique part in bringing this story to life.” “One of the biggest themes for me is the correlation between the ‘Be Our Guest’ number and how passionate the choir is about their audience and putting on a good show,” Brandon said. “There’s such a connection between the themes of putting on a good show and making the guests feel taken care of.” Tickets are priced from $10 each, and are selling fast, click here for more details. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Get a taste of that Main Street, U.S.A. charm with some new additions at The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park. Check out some of the latest delights that recently joined the menu at The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park including the amazing Cotton Candy Cheesecake with fresh berries! Located in Main Street, The Plaza Restaurant offers casual dining amid an atmosphere of turn-of-the-century elegance with a menu the whole family will enjoy. Whether it’s a mouthwatering lunch or a family dinner with decadent desserts, you’ll discover something for everyone in an atmosphere of early 20th-century style — featuring Art Nouveau touches, beautifully embellished light fixtures, stunning decorative mirrors and an inviting solarium. Specialty Milkshakes: Chocolate Pecan Brownie, Strawberry Shortcake, and Key Lime. Chocolate Layer Cake with caramel popcorn mousse. Pot Roast Stack: Slow-roasted beef piled high on thick-cut toast with mashed potatoes, caramelized onion gravy, and onion rings. Crab Cake Sandwich griddled and served with lettuce, tomato, and rémoulade sauce on a potato roll. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Come for the frights, but don't forget the treats! Halloween Horror nights is fast approaching and while the haunted houses get all the attention, don't forget to check out the food! Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is just around the corner, and Universal Orlando Resort is practically buzzing with excitement. As a spooky vibe permeates through the air, you can’t help but get excited for all the fall season has in store. But what if you’re more like me and prefer treats to tricks? Well, the good news is HHN has plenty to offer in terms of terrifyingly tasty treats. Besides, even those who do love the haunts inside the houses and who dream of wandering through scare zones may still crave a little something sweet to help calm the adrenaline after a good scare. So, let’s run down some of the highlights that will be available throughout Universal Studios Florida during the event. Trick Or Treat Bucket When thinking about sweets and Halloween, you’ll likely end up with trick or treating. And that brings us to what Chef Christopher Colon, the executive sous chef of Research and Development, describes as “a really cute little popcorn bucket that’s essentially supposed to be a trick or treat candy bucket.” A combination of chocolate creme brulee, peanut butter buttercream, caramel popcorn, candy corn, both chocolate-filled and peanut-butter-filled candies, and licorice strip, the Trick or Treat Bucket offers so much deliciousness in what looks like such a small package. Besides, it is brilliantly themed, being a trick-or-treating-themed treat to eat between tricks — it’s trick-or-treat-ception! Mummy Pop This Mummy-themed cheesecake pop is perfectly creamy, the cookie crunches just right, and the Mummy design gives it a fun, spooky vibe that just screams HHN. Plus, it’s easy to eat on the go, thanks to it being a cake pop. “I think people come for the haunted houses but they’re surprised by how great the food is,” says Chef Christopher. I definitely felt that with this dessert. While it may not be a gourmet meal, it’s certainly the dish that demonstrated this idea best for me. Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Puff Another dessert that just worked in all aspects, the Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Puff truly hits the spot. The cream puff is filled with pumpkin and dulce de leche, and has whipped ganache, pumpkin seeds, and gold accents on top. The dish offers a bit of crunch on the baked outside, and a bit of softness with the creamy inside. The combination of the two is perfect, not being too heavy or too light on either. The pumpkin flavoring is great too, elevating this from a delicious cream puff to a delicious Halloween cream puff. Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries (Dr. Oddfellow’s Twisted Origins) Desserts can do more than simply provide relief after a fright, or give you a distraction while walking through the fog. Dessert can truly tell a spooky story, in conjunction with the houses and scare zones of which they are a part. The Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries for instance, is a conglomeration of all sorts of carnival foods, listed as “sour sugar seasoned funnel fries topping with apple pie filling, streusel and sour apple ice cream.” Fries, pie, and ice cream all scream carnival to me, and Dr. Oddfellow is known for his role in a carnival wherein something isn’t quite right… “This Oddfellow-themed offering is a churro funnel fry and sour apple carnival-feel dessert that is super delicious,” Chef Robert Martinez, executive chef of Research and Development says. “It’s kind of like you’re eating this twisted apple pie.” “Twisted” but with a carnival flare is certainly how I would describe Oddfellow. Now, there’s a unique dessert offering that helps convey that energy beyond the inside of his themed haunted house. Bloody Snowball (YETI: Campground Kills) Another original house this year is YETI: Campground Kills, and Chef Robert describes the dessert inspired by it as a “chocolate snowball covered with desiccated coconut and some cream inside of it that’s super delicious.” Chef Robert explains “we try to dig into all these [stories] in depth and see where the opportunities lie. With the Yeti, it might not actually fall into a Yeti itself. But the fact that a Yeti is within a very snowy area just played into why the snowball made sense.” Dia de Los Muertos Vegan Churros Churros are a classic theme-park food. But, they also can fit nicely right into one of the themed food stations for HHN, Dia de Los Muertos. A vegan version of the popular Mexican treat, the little cinnamon-sugar churros are served with a vegan vanilla gelato, coconut agave nectar and crushed chocolate cookies. The snack is a sweet and fun addition to Halloween Horror Nights. We can't wait to try all the food at this year's Halloween Horror Nights, but if you want a preview before HHN 32 kicks off on September 1, you can try some of these desserts, as well as several savory options at the Taste of Terror event, happening on select nights from August 10 through August 26. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

As we get ever closer to this years Halloween Horror nights, the Halloween Tribute Store facade has been installed in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida. Exciting news as this year's Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store facade has been revealed, and it's a pretty unassuming, mysterious NYC Comic Book Shop where guests can experience a Tribute to Terror when they step into the pages of this original, terrifying, horror comic book... We can't wait to see what's inside! The comic book is called "McPherson's Collectibles, Cards & Comics" which is a nod to Charlie McPherson who was main character in the 2008 haunted house, Dead Exposure. Dead Exposure was one of the eight haunted houses that were featured during Halloween Horror Nights: Reflections of Fear. Featuring an original theme, the house sent guests through the last photographs of Charlie McPherson as he moved through a city full of zombies. He had a fear of seeing scary images in the pictures he took and went to Bloody Mary's office to get help. She ended up locking him in a glass case surrounded by the scary faces in his own photographs, giving him the choice of either suffocating or facing his fears. Charlie chose the former and upon death, became trapped in Bloody Mary’s world where he faced off against the zombies. The house was pitch black, bar the flashes from Charlies camera. The Tribute Store is closed for now but will be open for Halloween Horror Nights 32, which begins this year on September 1. As always the tribute store will be open durning regular park house, and not only during the after hours event, HHN 32. Oh August 30. Annual Passholders can preview the store before the official opening. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Get Ready for a night of pink magic and blue glow! If you love Barbie and amazing things, you're going to love the Barbie & Ken Adventure Special Bioluminescence Tour. This weekend, the Clear Kayaking Bioluminescence Barbie Tour at Parrish Park will transport you to Florida’s bioluminescent waters with a touch of Barbie enchantment! On Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, 2023, prepare to be transported into a realm where dreams, imagination, and shimmering waters collide as BK Adventure presents the enchanting Barbie Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour at Parrish Park in Titusville, this unique fusion of Barbie’s allure and the wonders of nature promises an experience that is as magical as it is captivating near Cocoa Beach and Orlando. As the sun sets and darkness falls, clear kayaks become windows to a breathtaking bioluminescent spectacle. Gliding through the tranquil waters, guests will witness the sea coming alive with twinkling lights, creating a fairy tale atmosphere. Each participant will be treated to a glow-in-the-dark pink gift, enhancing the immersive experience, and adding an extra touch of enchantment. A professional photographer will also be on hand to capture the radiant moments, ensuring that every memory is beautifully preserved. The Barbie Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour is scheduled for August 2 and 26th. Limited spots are available through this link or by contacting BK Adventure directly, (407) 519-8711 | (407) 361-9969 For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Universal Orlando Resort have revealed all the exciting details for the upcoming Passholder Night, which is set to take place at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Everyone knows that Universal Orlando Resort enjoy showing the love for their annual Passholders, and this weekend, on Saturday, August 26 is the latest Universal Orlando Passholder Night. The event which requires a reservation, filled up within hours of being announced, and now we know what annual passholders can look forward to at this weekend's Passholder Night, which is the first to be held since 2019. During Passholder Night, passholders will have exclusive access to Islands Of Adventure once the park has closed to regular guests, read on for all the details. Passholder Night Benefits Premier (15%) and Preferred (10%) Passholder food and merchandise discounts apply. Passholder Appreciation Days Power and Seasonal Passholder 10% dining discount applies. Passholders receive an additional 10% increase to their existing Food & Beverage discount at UO owned and operated restaurants excluding food and beverage carts and alcoholic beverages when using Mobile Food and Drink Ordering App on the official UOR App. The Passholder exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup will be available for purchase at the UOAP Lounge and Captain America Diner for $17.99 + tax, while supplies last. Passholders will receive $6.99 + tax activations on Coca-Cola Freestyle refills during the event. Exclusive Passholder Appreciation Days Menu Items available for purchase. Standard Passholder parking entitlements are valid for the event. The UOAP Lounge will be open during the exclusive event hours of 7:00pm – 11:00pm. Passholder Collectible Art Print available in the UOAP Lounge Passholder merchandise will be available for purchase, while supplies last, at the UOAP Lounge, Islands of Adventure Trading Company and Jurassic Outfitters during the event, while supplies last. Passholder dedicated last seating at Mythos Restaurant and Confisco Grille at 7:00pm (must have blue UOAP wristband for last seating). Colorvision photographers will be available from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. Exclusive Starbucks Items NEW – Starbucks® Cookies & Cream Cold Brew Cold brew with a touch vanilla, topped with a sweet cookie cold foam Tall – $5.49 + tax Grande – $5.99 + tax Venti – $6.49 + tax NEW – Starbucks® Banana Split Frappuccino Blended Frappuccino with Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Java Chips and Banana Topped with Whip and Mocha drizzle Tall – $8.49 + tax Grande – $8.99 + tax Venti – $9.49 + tax Open Attractions and Venues: Port of Entry Attractions/Shows/Entertainment Select Character Meet & Greets DJ Dance Party Shopping Islands of Adventure Trading Company Dining Confisco Grille – Last seating will be at 7:00pm for Passholders only Backwater Bar – Open until 10:30pm Port of Entry Lemon Slush Starbucks® Seuss Landing Attractions/Shows/Entertainment The Cat in the Hat™ Caro-Seuss-el™ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™ The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™ Select Character Meet & Greets Shopping Cats, Hats and Things™ Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers Dining Hop on Pop™ Ice Cream Shop Green Eggs and Ham™ Cafe The Lost Continent Attractions/Shows/Entertainment Coca-Cola Zone with lounge area and DJ Dining Mythos Restaurant – Last seating will be at 7:00pm for Passholders only The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Attractions/Shows/Entertainment Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ Flight of the Hippogriff™ Select Character Meet & Greets The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle – Show times at 8:30pm, 9:00pm, 9:30pm, 9:45pm, 10:00pm Shopping Dervish and Banges™ Filch’s Emporium™ of Confiscated Goods Honeydukes™ Ollivanders™ Owl Post™ Dining Three Broomsticks™ Hog’s Head™ Butterbeer™ Cart Snowman Cart Jurassic Park Attractions/Shows/Entertainment Jurassic World VelociCoaster Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong Select Character Meet & Greets Shopping Jurassic Outfitters Dinostore Dining Thunder Falls Terrace Kong Cart Jurassic Park™ Popcorn Cart Pizza Predattoria The Burger Digs The Watering Hole Toon Lagoon Attractions/Shows/Entertainment UOAP Lounge Take our tour of the UOAP Lounge. Dining Wimpy’s Burgers Blondie’s Toon Popcorn Marvel Super Hero Island Attractions/Shows/Entertainment The Incredible Hulk Coaster® The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man® Doctor Doom’s FearFall® Select Character Meet & Greets Shopping Spider-Man Shop Marvel Alterniverse Store® Dining Cafe 4 Marvel Super Hero Island® Popcorn Cart Marvel Super Hero Island® Snacks and Drinks Cart Captain America Diner® Full details for the event are on the Universal Orlando Resort Passholder page. 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.

Orlando International Airport have yet another new route, as Jetlines announce new route offering nonstop, 4x/week service between Toronto and Orlando. Canada Jetlines has announced the launch of an expanded winter flight schedule offering great choice to exciting sun destinations including Orlando. Starting this fall, travellers can experience Canada Jetlines’ comfortable and convenient flights between Toronto and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Orlando – in addition to existing services to Cancun, Mexico, and Las Vegas. “We’re delighted to announce the expansion of our winter flight schedule, providing travellers with a wider range of options to escape the cold and experience unforgettable destinations and holiday options," stated Canada Jetlines CEO, Eddy Doyle. Here is the details on the new Toronto - Orlando route: Starting October 30, 2023, Canada Jetlines will introduce flights between Toronto and Orlando International Airport with x4 flights weekly. More information on Canada Jetlines, including its growing list of destinations can be found on www.jetlines.com. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

Following a stellar collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for The Season, Creative City Project return this weekend with “The Carnival” featuring circus performers, dancers, actors and musicians. Roll up for a spectacular show this weekend! Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the circus, as the Carnival comes to Orlando at the uniquely beautiful Cheyenne Saloon in downtown Orlando. In a fresh collaboration between Creative City Project and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, 27 circus performers, dancers, actors and musicians will come together for an unforgettable evening, from Friday, August 25 - Sunday, August 27. This theatrical journey transports you to an imaginative world from Director, Aradhana Tiwari; Choreographer, Holly Harris; Music Director, Eric Jacobsen; Composer, Julian Bond; and Creative Director, Cole NeSmith. Actors, dancers, circus performers, musicians, costumes and large puppetry bring the world of the circus to life like never before. It’s an artful night out of music and mystery as the Ringmaster introduces you to the menagerie of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Le Carnaval des Animaux.” It’s a journey into self-discovery and the complexity of what it means to be alive. With the original piece as the backbone, talented Composer, Julian Bond has expanded the original 23 minute score. A cast of professional dancers reveals what’s hidden beneath our own animalistic instincts. And circus performers awaken our sense of vitality and wonder through jaw-dropping acts. Get your tickets now for this exciting production. 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.

Heads up if your planning a trip to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, as the Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pools will be closing for a multi-month refurbishment. Walt Disney world have announced that Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will be closed from January to May 2025 as they undergo routine maintenance. Disney have advised that guests staying at the resorts during this time may see and hear refurbishment work during daytime hours, but there will be no audible refurbishment work conducted overnight. Recreation activities that typically take place at Stormalong Bay will be relocated throughout the resort for Guests to enjoy during their stay. Guests will be be able to use the Tidal, Admiral, and Dunes Cove leisure pools while Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool are closed. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. Top Villas guarantee the very best rates on all luxury villas, condos & townhouses. Please Note: We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links. Articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site

It's the weekend and with no shortage of things to do here in Orlando, we've chosen all the fun and FREE EVENTS that are taking place throughout the weekend here in the city beautiful. Best FREE Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend Friday, August 25, 2023 Saturday, August 26, 2023 Sunday, August, 27, 2023 FRIDAY AUGUST 25, 2023 Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise Weekly, Every Friday Join the heart pounding excitement of high-performance engines and true horse power for our Muscle Car Show every Friday night at Old Town in Kissimmee. The Friday Muscle Car Show will begin at 3:00pm and the qualifications are show-quality muscle and factory-performance cars from 1964 and newer and classics from 1985 and older. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate. Winter Garden Friday on the Plaza Weekly, Every Friday Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza in Winter Garden. Art After Dark at Lake Nona Weekly, Every Friday Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm, and it's a perfect free night out for the whole family. Enjoy a stroll through the Town Center as you explore hand crafted artisan products, and tasty cuisine. Be sure to grab a glass a wine, stay a while to enjoy the art displayed on the six story art installation, The Beacon. Sunset Walk Fired-up Fridays Weekly, Every Friday Friday nights, the Promenade at Sunset Walk presents Fired-Up Fridays, a free Car & Truck Show event with all makes, models, and years welcome of show car quality. Featuring music by DJ Scotty B and Company, plus the very best regional live bands. The Promenade is home to over 2 dozen restaurants, retail shops, movie theaters, and entertainment options, located just ½ mile from the intersection of State Road 429 and U.S. 192, at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. FREE admission and parking. Little Listeners at Altamonte Library Weekly, Every Friday Experience stories brought to life at Altamonte Library with fun books, interactive rhymes and craft activities during Little Listeners Storytime every Friday at 11 a.m. Sessions are tailored for ages 3 to 5 to help foster a love of reading. Sessions run for 30 minutes. Parents must stay with child. Reservations are required. Free Bingo Night at District Eat and Play Oviedo Weekly, Every Friday Free Bingo each Friday night at District Eat and Play Oviedo Mall, Oviedo at 6pm. Wawa Summer Fun Days At Bok Tower Gardens Friday July 28, 2023 Looking for something Fun and Free to do this summer? Wawa has you covered with complimentary admission to Bok Tower Gardens! Pre-registration is required for this event by clicking here. XTRAVAG8 Family Fun Festival at Elev8 Fun Friday July 28, 2023 Head to Seminole Towne Center Mall and visit Elev8 Fun for a night of fun, for the kids to come out and enjoy. This event, from 4 - 8 pm, will have lots of activities for the kids including face painting, fishing, special treat vendors, and more. Learn more at www.elev8fun.com. Parking Lot Party August 25, 2023 Parking Lot Party is back at Wally's Bar & Liquors starting at 6:30 PM! We love Mills50 and have an awesome lineup of food trucks for you to enjoy! SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023 1st Annual Children's Safety Village Touch-a-Truck Event Saturday, August 26, 2023 Children will be able to touch their favorite vehicles at the Children's Safety Village. They can get in the drivers seat, kick the tires and meet those people that drive them every day. From emergency vehicles to construction vehicles to specialty vehicles, this family friendly event will also have food trucks, face painting and more for a fun filled event. Sponsored by Simply Healthcare, Johnson's Wrecker, 20/20 Onsite, Titan America and Gilchrist Enterprises (McDonald's). Saturday Special at Pioneer Village Weekly, Every Saturday Visit Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek 2491 Babb Road, Kissimmee every Saturday morning and enjoy a special activity. All materials will be provided with admission and is great for all ages. Disney Springs Kids Club Weekly, Every Saturday Dance, play and be entertained at engaging shows for kids of all ages at the Disney Springs Kids Club, taking place every Saturday. Free Entertainment and Free Parking. Live Music on the Lawn in Lake Nona Weekly, Every Saturday Live on the Lawn is your Saturday oasis to relax and recharge while listening to live music and playing lawn games with family and friends. Join Lake Nona from 11am – 3pm every Saturday! Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise Weekly, Every Saturday Join Old Town in Kissimmee every Saturday and take a trip down memory lane. The Old Town Classic Car Show has been a local tradition for over 30 years, it is one of the premier weekly car shows in Central Florida. The Saturday Classic Car Show begins at 1:00pm and welcomes show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. Cars will cruise at 8:30pm and all cars registered can participate. The Classic Car Show is free for participants and free for the public to attend. It’s the perfect outing for families of every generation, young and old, to enjoy. Show Car Saturday Night at Promenade at Sunset Walk Weekly, Every Saturday Storybook Adventures Weekly, Every Saturday Each week, begin your free Storybook Adventures tour at the St Cloud Police substation on 10th street to pick up a map that will lead you on a stroll through downtown St. Cloud. the map will take you to specific locations to glance into the storefronts of participating businesses, reading one page at a time until you complete that week’s story! On Saturday at 10 am, the host business welcomes you to meet the author and the first 20 families in attendance will receive a free book to have autographed and take photos, plus, there will be an extra treat from the host business. MEGA Pop Up Market at The House on Lang & Quantum Leap Winery Saturday, August 26, 2023 Get ready for the latest Orlando Local Makers Market. Shop 40 local makers, grab some delicious food, and enjoy live music, plus pet friendly at both locations indoors and out. Orlando Area Saturday Farmers Markets Weekly, Every Saturday The Winter Garden Farmers Market is your hometown market open every Saturday from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. in beautiful Historic Winter Garden. The Winter Park Farmers’ Market is one of the best produce and plant markets in Central Florida which takes place every Saturday morning from 8 am - 1 pm in Central Park. The Lake Mary Farmers Market features local vendors of produce, plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday, from 9 am - 1:30 pm at Lake Mary City Hall. Visit every Saturday at the City of Longwood Farmers Market at Reiter Park from 9 am - 2 pm, with locally sourced seafood and produce to handmade crafts and more. Join in every Saturday morning in Lake Nona, the Lake Nona Farmers Market takes place in the beautiful Town Center from 11 am - 3 pm, shop local with the freshest produce and more. SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023 Ren Fair at The Renaissance Theatre Company Weekly, Every Sunday Renaissance Fair at The Ren, is a unique outdoor and indoor event, featuring drag shows, live music, and more. Diverse and Queer-friendly, 18+. Shops! Vendors, Artists, Crafts, Food Vendors/Trucks, Plants, Merchandise. Orlando Area Sunday Farmers Markets Weekly, Every Sunday One of the most popular farmers markets in Central Florida, Orlando Farmer’s Market is located in the heart of Orlando at Lake Eola park, and takes place Sundays 10 am - 4 pm. Every week at Celebration Farmers Market there are multiple vendors here selling everything from fresh food and produce, to local crafted jewelry, and much more, with a beautiful backdrop of Lakeside Park, this is a must go to farmers market on Sundays, 9 am - 2 pm. The popular East Orlando Farmers Market offers hand selected produce, creative local small business owners, along with botanical varieties to chose from. Every Sunday 11 am - 4 pm. Clermont Farmer's Market features over 60 vendors selling seafood, organic produce, and other household items, this popular market is the place to go on Sundays 9 am - 2 pm. Mount Dora’s open-air Mount Dora Village Market in Sunset Park is open Sundays from 9 am – 2 pm offering fresh products from over 50 market vendors. THIS & EVERY WEEKEND Disney Springs Disney Springs is a wonderful place to waste away a few hours or more, and it's free to visit, and parking is free too. Stroll through Town Center at Disney Springs to view vibrant displays from talented artists at the Art Walk, let the kids enjoy the interactive fountains, while everyone will love checking out a unique collection of stores including The Coca Cola Store, M&M's World, Lego Imagination Center and more. You can take a break at The Welcome Center with air conditioning, comfy chairs and freeice water. Enjoy the free entertainment atmultiple locations where individual musicians and bands perform in the evening, plus House of Blues frequently offers free live music at its Front Porch Bar, Raglan Road usually has free live music on their patio, and on a Saturday morning there is even a free kids club with lots of entertainment! Disney's Boardwalk Disney’s BoardWalk is gorgeous, built around a lake and is beautifully themed to be reminiscent of Cape May or Coney Island in the 1940s. It’s free to enter and fun just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere, in the evening you can enjoy street performers (jugglers, comedians, fire-eaters, jazz ensembles, etc.), and at any time of the day or nigh you can take a trip on a friendship boat! Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation You can take three different Monorail rides at Walt Disney World, all for FREE. The inner Monorail circles the three Monorail resorts, Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. You can get off and explore each resort, or just enjoy the ride and the view, as often as you wish, altho at night you might just want to stop at the Contemporary and enjoy the spectacular view of the fireworks from the balcony, and yes its free. You can also ride the express Monorail that just goes between the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Magic Kingdom for the same view, but no stops at the resorts, although this can get very busy! The third option is the longest, and the Monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center to Epcot is also a nice trip with great views of the resort, and you get to ride through the inside of Epcot for a great view of the park. Walt Disney World Water Transportation All of the water transportation options at Walt Disney World are free, and offer a relaxing way to enjoy the resort from the water, and is amazing day or night. Options include taking a friendship boat and cruising the loop around Crescent Lake, which visits Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios without going into the parks. Take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness, or the boat that visits the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. Or another great option is the Water Taxi from Disney Springs to Port Orleans or Old Key West and back, along the Sassagoula River. Disney Skyliner Transportation You can ride the Disney Skyliner cable-car system for free, and this is a great option to get some great views of Walt Disney World from above. You can get on and off at Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Riviera Resort and at Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In addition to taking a scenic ride, you can get off at one of the Skyliner resorts and take a stroll and explore for free. Universal CityWalk Universal CityWalk is a lively entertainment complex just before the entrance to Universal Studios and Islands Of Adventure, it’s FREE to enter and there is so much to do. Parking is costly during the day, but at most times of the year, parking after 6 pm is free. At CityWalk you can stroll, take in the atmosphere and simply enjoy people watching, or you can ride the free water taxi to the resorts and explore, a must do is the opera filled Italian piazza at Loews’ Portofino Bay Hotel. Back at CityWalk the kids will enjoy cooling off in the splash pad, and the adults will love the free nightly entertainment including outdoor DJ, stilt walkers and more. ICON Park Orlando Located in the heart of Orlando's International Drive, ICON Park offers attractions, dining, shoppings, entertainment and more. Not only is there a ton to see and do at ICON Park, admission to the complex is always free, plus parking is free too! It's a great place to stroll or simply sit back, relax and enjoy nightly light shows and people-watching on the central green, all without spending any money. Parks, Gardens and the Great Outdoors Orlando is blessed with an abundance of parks, gardens, and the chance to escape the tourists and enjoy the great outdoors where you'll get the chance to become one with nature. The variety of parks, gardens, nature trails, bike trails and more here in Orlando is breathtaking, get outside and enjoy! Lake Eola Park Lake Eola Park is a must visit, located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, with a sidewalk that circles the lake 0.9 miles in length, making it easy for visitors to keep track of their walking or running Relax amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline and the gorgeous Lake Eola, enjoy the swans and other birds inhabiting the park, or you can check out a free concert, movie or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Harry P Leu Gardens Explore an amazing botanical oasis nearly 50-acres minutes from Downtown Orlando. Harry P Leu Gardens features landscaped grounds and lakes, with walking trails all shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. Free entry days at Leu Gardens are offered on select Mondays throughout the year, check the website for details. The UCF Arboretum The Arboretum of the University of Central Florida is located on the main campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, United States. Covering 80 acres, it contains more than 600 species of plants, including more than 100 bromeliads, in cultivated gardens. Lake Lotus Park Lake Lotus Park is the City of Altamonte Springs’ nature preserve. The total area is approximately 150 acres, including 120 acres of woods and wetlands. The park is a diverse, natural habitat that provides limitless natural encounters with flora and fauna. Oakland Nature Preserve West of Orlando, just 30 minutes from the attractions and nestled between Winter Garden and Clermont in the beautiful Town of Oakland, lies a "hidden gem." Oakland Nature Preserve is a150-acre preserve offering environmental education and ecotourism activities for visitors of all ages. Mead Botanical Garden With 47 acres to explore in Winter Park, your senses will come alive with the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. Mead Botanical Garden offers hiking trails, creek, boardwalk, tall pine trees, greenhouse, butterfly garden, and pond that’s home to turtles, fish and wading birds. Kraft Azalea Garden This 5.22-acre public garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland and is open year round from 8 a.m. until dusk. Kraft Azalea Garden is a beautiful park is shaded by enormous cypress trees that add to the old Florida charm of the 13-acre property Orlando Urban Trail The Orlando Urban Trail is located near Downtown Orlando and is considered the spine of Orlando’s trail network. The trail is approximately three miles long and runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include connections to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail. West Orange Trail The West Orange Trail is a 22-mile long multi-use rail trail. The paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka with most of its length built on old railroad alignments. Lake Nona Sculpture Garden The Lake Nona Sculpture Garden is a 50,000 square-foot outdoor space designed for the exploration and discovery of a distinguished selection of sculptures from one of the world’s largest private art collections, The Lewis Collection. Orlando Wetlands Park The Orlando Wetlands Park is a man-made wetland designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water from the City of Orlando and other local cities. The Park is 1650 acres in size and located in Christmas, Florida. Visitors can visit the Park seven days a week, between sunrise and sunset, to enjoy primitive and passive activities including, Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, and Guided Tours Cranes Roost Park Cranes Roost Park is at the heart of Uptown Altamonte surrounding Cranes Roost Lake. The lake is encircled by one mile of continuous walkway with benches and covered seating areas. Within the 45-acre park is a European-style plaza including a choreographed fountain show, a 62-foot picturesque tower and the Eddie Rose Amphitheater which features stadium-style seating and a one-of-a-kind floating stage. The Seminole Wekiva Trail The nearly 14 mile Seminole Wekiva Trail is a paved recreational trail that has been designated as one of Seminole County's Showcase Trails because of its length, beauty, and accommodation of many users. The section of the trail that runs west of the I-4 trail overpass to the County line at the Wekiva River is also a designated part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Dr. P. Phillips Community Park Dr. P. Phillips Community Park provides a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including playgrounds, splash pad, plus sports fields, picnic areas & a dog run Wekiva Island Central Florida’s favorite watering hole Wekiva Island. Located just north of Orlando, Wekiva Island offers visitors the chance to experience the incredible natural springs in Florida. Explore the pristine Wekiva River and its fascinating Florida wildlife with more than 2,000 square feet of Island fun. Artlando Grab a map from the DT Orlando Information Center and go on a self-guided tour of downtown Orlando's streets to discover the contemporary sculptures which are Art Orlando. Not only will you get to know Downtown as you walk around, you’ll be seriously impressed by these stunning works of art. Orlando Murals Take a walk through downtown Orlando, and you’ll discover art in unexpected places, including larger-than-life butterflies, a vintage Orlando postcard, hanging gardens, even a parking garage covered with murals, and the latest downtown mural, Unbelievable Real! East End Market The East End Market is a neighborhood market & food hall in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando featuring a vast array of artisanal vendors in one marketplace, from bakers to pasta makers to coffee roasters. Church Street Station The unofficial centre of Downtown Orlando, Church Street really is the place to go for first-timers wanting to get to know the city a little better. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, a bustling nightlife scene and the iconic Railroad Depot (that now sits alongside the newly-built ‘SunRail’). For more than 100 years, Church Street has been the heart of downtown Orlando. The revitalized Church Street Station continues this tradition, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, retail and business for locals and tourists alike. Discover several clubs, theatres, shopping dining and more! Plus, check out the iconic ad historic Railroad Depot, that sits alongside the modern SunRail station. Celebration Town Center Travel back in time to find the town of Celebration in Kissimmee, a planned community originally developed by the Walt Disney Company. This is a pedestrian-friendly, wonderful small town where you can explore the old-fashioned downtown, including Market Street, and Lakeside Promenade, or you can enjoy the miles of walking paths and nature trails. On Market Street there is various events throughout the year including craft festivals, antique car shows, and a wonderful holiday event where it snows on Market Street every night. Check out the events calendar for more details. Old Orlando Mixing architecture and history is a great way to spend the day and learn more about downtown Orlando with a self-guided Historic Districts Walking Tour. You’ll learn about structures that were designed and built when horses were still clopping along Church Street and see how they’ve been adapted for modern uses. The Downtown Orlando Historic District Self-Guided Walking Tour gives you the opportunity to experience Orlando history first hand. This self-guided walking tour is available online. Thornton Park Just east of the central Lake Eola, you’ll find this cool and quiet neighbourhood that really feels like you’ve escaped the city for an out-of-town suburb. This charming neighborhood is home to some of Orlando's best restaurants, hip cafés, cool galleries and a few bistros, all set around some ever-so-quaint old cobbled streets. Well worth a few hours to stretch your legs and take in the sights and sounds of Thornton Park. Campus Tour At Rollins College From the sparkling waters of Lake Virginia to the energy of the residential halls, Rollins College’s 80-acre campus really has to be seen to be believed. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the campus by booking a spot on one of the daily campus tours or by signing up for one of the special on-campus events Dinky Dock Spend a day at the beach in Winter Park. Dinky Dock is a 1.56-acre year-round park and offers a fishing pier and boat ram.Yes there is a beach and swimming is permitted. Winter Park The Orange County city of Winter Park, situated north of Orlando, was once considered a winter resort. Today, the arts- and culture-filled city of Winter Park includes Rollins College and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Natural Art. Winter Park is also is a nature lover's destination. In Winter Park you'ill find more than 70 parks, all home to various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year, plus don't miss the dining, shopping, the arts and more in the Park Avenue District. Winter Garden Nestled on beautiful Lake Apopka about 20 minutes west of Orlando, this former citrus town established in 1908 is known for its many recreational amenities, events and historical assets. Winter Garden is home to the Garden Theatre, the SoBo Gallery and Art Center, several museums and the Downtown Pavilion, which is home to the Winter Garden Farmers Market that is held every Saturday morning. Whatever You Do This Weekend, Have An Awesome Time! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Planning your next vacation? Check out Top Villas, offering the best vacation homes, in the best resorts. Enquire or book online. 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