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Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is scheduled to temporarily close later this month at Universal Studios Florida. Universal Orlando Resort has announced that Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit will close on August 14, through August 18. No reason for the closure has been revealed, but maintenance or refurbishment is most likely, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is the largest X-Coaster ever built by German manufacturer Maurer Söhne. The steel coaster debuted at Universal Studios Florida in August 2009, with a height of 167 feet, a length of 3,800 feet, and a top speed of 65 miles per hour, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit features on-ride music, LED lighting, and on-ride photos and videos captured from cameras mounted in each passenger row. For more details on Universal Orlando Resort closures, refurbishments and more, click here. 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

Gotta Go Orlando are delighted to partner with Top Villas, together bringing you the perfect Orlando vacation, the way you want it. Top Villas offer an award winning collection of over 3200 luxury homes, all with top amenities as standard, with all homes personally inspected, and professionally managed locally, and best of all, Top Villas offer the best rates guaranteed. Located in the best resorts near Walt Disney World, Top Villas offer an impressive and award winning collection of luxury Orlando vacation home rentals in a range of styles and sizes. Whether you want a relaxing getaway in an idyllic setting, or an all-out adventure in an action-packed resort, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. What more could you want on an Orlando vacation than a luxury villa decked out with family friendly facilities? Most of Top Villas luxury Orlando vacation rentals come complete with swimming pools, hot tubs and game rooms. Many also have home theaters, fitness rooms and themed kids’ bedrooms. What’s more, all properties are ideally located just a short drive from all the main attractions. Are you looking for a venue for a special occasion, corporate trip or family reunion? Select Top Villas Orlando vacation homes can be rented side-by-side to accommodate extra-large groups of guests. They also offer a selection of ultra-luxury Orlando vacation rentals packed with state-of-the-art amenities such as bowling alleys, indoor sports courts, banqueting rooms, conferencing facilities and teams of attentive staff. It’s not just the villas that are first-rate, either. Unbeatable service is at the heart of everything Top Villas do. Their villa specialists are dedicated to finding you the perfect Orlando vacation home to stay in – and their staff are always on hand locally to ensure you enjoy every moment of your stay. Top Villas also offer a free-to-use concierge service to assist with a range of travel extras to complement your trip. Whether you a private chef or a bespoke experience arranged. No request is too big or too small. Top Villas homes are located in first-rate vacation communities in and around Kissimmee and Davenport. Many properties come with their own private pool, along with access to incredible resort amenities such as water parks, golf courses, spas, restaurants and free shuttles to the theme parks. You will discover Top Villas beautiful homes in Reunion Resort, Encore Resort, Championsgate, Storey Lake Resort, Solterra Resort, Margaritaville, Windsor Hills and more. To help you find the perfect vacation rentals in Orlando, Top Villas friendly team of local experts right here in Orlando are ready to help you with insider tips on the best rental for your trip. Check out the amazing choice of vacation homes now, and then contact Top Villas. 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.

Chunk Foods plant based steak is now on the menu at Central Florida's Charley's Steak House in Orlando, making it the first plant-based steak to be offered at a traditional steakhouse chain. Chunk Foods whole-cut plant-based steaks are now on menu at Talk of the Town Restaurant Group’s Charley’s Steak House award winning location on International Drive in Orlando. The group has 6 restaurants throughout Central Florida, including Charley’s Steak House, FishBones, Texas Cattle Company and Vito’s Chop House. This is truly a landmark moment for Charley's Steak House, as it becomes the first steakhouse chain in the country to introduce a plant-based steak! The 6-ounce alternative is on the menu now at Charley’s Steak House in Orlando, priced at $69 and presented on the menu as the “F U Filet Mignon — Freaking Unbelievable Plant-Based by Chunk. “We are reshaping the steakhouse experience and catering to the expanding tastes and preferences of today’s consumers. At our core we serve the finest steaks and seafood and we have been searching for over 15 years for a plant-based option for our guests that meets our standards,” said Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Talk of the Town, Seth Miller, about this launch. “We are excited to introduce our customers to Chunk steak, this partnership provides a solution that is in line with our quality expectations that we place on every item we serve. If it’s not the best, we won’t serve it.” Chunk Foods’ steak will roll out by October into all other other Talk of the Town dining concepts, including Charley’s Steak House locations in Celebration and Tampa, plus FishBones, Texas Cattle Company, and Vito’s Chop House. Chunk's mission is to make plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable for all and can easily replace beef in any recipe. Chunk’s steaks are a high protein, low salt, low-fat center-of-plate option. They’re made naturally, with a handful of ingredients, without additives, thickeners, or binders, making them the cleanest label product in the category. Chunk’s steaks are extremely versatile and easy to use - they can be pan seared, basted, grilled, smoked, stewed, braised, BBQ, and baked, the same way beef is prepared. “At Chunk, we’re passionate about pushing boundaries. This partnership expands the addressable market for the industry by marking the first time a steakhouse chain is offering a plant-based steak. Talk of the Town Restaurant Group is leading the pack, and together, we’re ensuring that all guests, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy an exceptional steakhouse experience.” said Amos Golan, Chunk’s Founder and CEO. 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

Back in March, Walt Disney World confirmed that Figment will be meeting guests this summer at EPCOT, is this now happening? Walt Disney World have filed a permit for the installation of what appears to be a new meet and greet location within the Imagination Pavilion at EPCOT. The permit shows that Bungalow Scenic Studios will be responsible for the installation of scenic items at the pavilion. Walt Disney World have already stated that a new Figment meet and greet would debut in summer at the Imagination Pavilion, and with fall on the horizon this permit would appear to show that work is about to get underway to construct a backdrop for the meet and greet. But is it? The new Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse meet and greet to celebrate the Disney100 festivities starting in September is also coming to the Imagination Pavilion so it could be for Mickey and Minnie.... As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida. You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, don't forget to subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site.

We have been commenting on just how quiet Orlando has been this summer, and once again the figures prove it, as tourist tax collections in Orange County is down for yet another month! Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond has announced that Tourist Development Tax collections received by Orange County is down once again, making this three months in a row that visitor numbers are down in Orlando. For the June 2023 period, the county collected $30,028,300. That is a 7.3% decrease compared to June 2022 when the county collected $32,360,400. In Orange County, a 6% resort tax is imposed on all lodgings, with the taxes raised going towards projects that contribute to tourism revenue, and tourism advertising via Visit Orlando. In June, occupancy at area hotels was 74%, down -4.3% year-over-year. The Average Daily Rate for June 2023 was $185, slightly down from May 2023 which was $186. Following very promising visitor numbers at the start of the year including an all-time high in March, visitors to Orlando have been on the slide ever since. Visit Orlando are attributing the drop in revenue to summer heat and competition from other tourism destinations. In better news, Visit Orlando say that for group business, June saw the highest ever monthly citywide attendance recorded at the Orange County Convention Center, with the AAU Volleyball Championships accounting for the largest share with more than 200,000 attendees. Premiere Orlando and Infocomm International also contributed with strong attendance. 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

Welcome to another weekend of things to do here in Orlando, as always, we've selected the best events that are taking place throughout the weekend. Enjoy! The Best Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend! MULTI-DAY EVENTS The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Now - November 18, 2023 The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort now through November 18, 2023. Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall. The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre. And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more. Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs Now - Sunday, August 13, 2023 Foodies can enjoy a choice of mouthwatering and fresh flavors inspired by the Sunshine State during Flavors of Florida at over 30 locations in Disney Springs, all featuring a variety of dishes and sips you simply must try. You can embrace summer and delight in homegrown flavors from Florida, like the Lime Garage Burger from D-Luxe Burger or the Gambas Gabardina from Jaleo by José Andrés. And who can miss the Florida Shrimp Tacos available at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? From the sweet to the savory, and everything in between, there are plenty of items you’ll want to come back for again and again. Interested in seeing first-hand demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurant owners? You’re in luck because this year Disney Springs is featuring a new culinary series! . SeaWorld Orlando Summer Spectacular Now - Monday, September 4, 2023 When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way. Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular. Craft Beer Festival at SeaWorld Orlando Now - September 3, 2023 Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday until September 3, 2023 SeaWorld is serving up an incredible party for craft beer lovers. SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails. Sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites. Plus savor more than 15 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Summer Nights Now - Sunday, August 6, 2023 As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights. Explore the park after dark with extended park hours every night. Dance the night away at themed party zones throughout the park, take on Florida’s top thrill rides in the dark and enjoy electrifying entertainment throughout the night. On select nights, the park lights up with a dazzling display of colors and sound. From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular will leave guests in awe. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Bier Fest Now - September 4, 2023 Park guests can toast delicious brews and soar on epic thrill rides at Busch Gardens’ beer-inspired food festival. A slice of Bavaria returns to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the park celebrates its fan-favorite Bier Fest event, Friday – Sunday from July 21 through Sept. 4, including Labor Day. This popular event, now in its sixth consecutive year, allows guests to sip, sample and savor classic German flavors while enjoying tunes from rising local artists. Bier Fest is included with park admission. Food & Beverage available at an additional cost. Summer Fun at LEGOLAND Florida Now - August 6, 2023 LEGOLAND Florida Resort has a brand new summer show, Go Xtreme! Go Xtreme has families on edge of their seats at LEGO City Stage, with this all-new show features thrilling, hilarious and EXTREME stunts from world-class performers. Action-packed stunts include BMX riders, scooter drivers, a Cyr wheel artist, inline skater and a world-record holding pogo athlete, who’s sure to deliver more than a few laughs. PLUS, The Rhythm Bricks, a roaming percussion group offer an interactive instrument experience throughout the park this summer. Gaylord Palms Resort Summer Of More Now - September 4, 2023 Gaylord Palms Resort is inviting guests to a Summer of More with their regal court an band of spirited buccaneers for plenty of pirate and princess fun. Guests will find a treasure trove of shows and activities, hands-on experiences, fun-in-the- sun at Cypress Springs Water Park and pirate- and princess-themed décor across the 64-acre resort. During the event, families can create treasures in a craft clubhouse, look for jewels in a puzzle- filled escape room, stroll through remnants of a pirate galleon, embark on a plundering scavenger hunt, see a family films at the resort’s water park, and more. 54 at The Ren Every Friday & Saturday - August 26, 2023 54 is the newest high-concept entertainment experience from Renaissance Theatre Company. Guests are encouraged to dress in theme and step into a re-imagination of the iconic nightclub from the 1970s. The live sound of modern disco fills the air. A colorful dance floor is open (when a cast of professional dancers isn't performing). High-end cocktails and mocktails are on-the-ready. Later, audiences can continue the party with 54 After-Hours, an elevated themed nightclub experience, also featuring nightly entertainment and a more classical 70s disco soundscape. Duel of Fools at SAK Comedy Lab Weekly, Every Friday, and Saturday This is SAK’s signature improv show! Two teams of professional improvisers compete for your laughs with audience judges selected at the start of the show. The actors make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of your eyes with the help of the audience’s suggestions and participation. Appropriate for all ages. 7 pm. King Of The Hill at SAK Comedy Lab Weekly, Every Friday, and Saturday In this knockdown, drag-out comedy battle, a cast of our professional performers pair up in teams of two and use audience suggestions to create scenes, songs and characters on the spot. After each round, the audience decides which team wins and which team loses. The winning team stays for the next round while the losers form new teams to dethrone the Kings. By the end there can only be one King of the Hill! 9 pm. Dreamgirls at Garden Theater Now - Saturday, August 13, 2023 Meet the Dreams: Effie, Lorrell, and Deena, three young and talented African-American singers in the revolutionary 1960s. Dreamgirls will take you on a journey as the three friends embark on a musical roller coaster through the ruthless world of show business. Their relationships will be put to the test by fame, fortune, and romance as the young women discover that their dreams come at a cost. Featuring iconic songs including “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “Family,” and “I Am Changing,” Dreamgirls explores themes of ambition, hope, and betrayal to a soundtrack of gospel, R&B, pop, disco, and more. Recurring weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Garden Theater, Winter Garden. Get your tickets now. Xanadu Now - August 6, 2023 Xanadu at Osceola Center for the Arts. A struggling artist is searching for inspiration when a beautiful Greek muse descends from Mount Olympus and encourages him to build the world’s greatest creation — a roller disco! Atsuko Okatsuka at Orlando Improv Comedy Club Friday, August 4 - Saturday, August 5, 2023 The Orlando Improv Comedy Club located at Pointe Orlando, is one of the premier live stand-up comedy clubs in Orlando. The Improv welcomes the biggest names in comedy to their stage as well as supporting our local talent here in Central Florida! GLO Summer Nights at Grande Lakes Orlando Now - September 3, 2023 Every Saturday Grande Lakes Orlando invites guests to celebrate the summer in style with the introduction of "GLO Summer Nights," an exhilarating seasonal celebration in honor of the resort's 20th anniversary. Boasting signature weekly fireworks displays in addition to spectacular glow-charged nights at the recently debuted Grande Lakes Waterpark, alongside an abundance of activations fit for every traveler, Grande Lakes Orlando has crafted a truly unforgettable summer experience all season long. Throughout the summer, Grande Lakes Orlando will play host to an array of experiences perfect for families and guests of all ages including dazzling fireworks displays that will take center stage every Saturday evening. Million Dollar Quartet Now - Sunday, August 20, 2023 Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Orlando Shakes presents Million Dollar Quartet. Get your tickets now for Million Dollar Quartet– the Tony Award-nominated musical inspired by the true once-in-a-lifetime jam session between Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins in 1956! It was December 4th, 1956, and Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee was about to become the mecca of music for a magical moment in music history. Be witness to this true to life jam session – credited by many to be the direct influence of rock ‘n roll in the late 50s and 60s – between Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins! Honky Tonk Laundry Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 27, 2023 Wash your cares away with this musical comedy full of country favorites from Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and more!When Lana Mae Hopkins, owner of the Wishy Washy Wahateria, hires Katie to help out, they soon find themselves up to their elbows in soap, suds and cheatin' hearts and turn their good ol' laundromat into a boot scootin' honky tonk! Get your tickets now for this foot tapping musical at Winter Park Playhouse now! Florida Theatrical Association presents: LIZZIE Friday, August 4 - Saturday, August 13, 2023 Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Friday, Saturday Rage! Sex! Betrayal! Bloody murder! Get your tickets now for Lizzie at The Abbey In the heat of late summer 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife were found murdered in their house. The main suspect in the murders was Andrew’s youngest daughter from a previous marriage, Lizzie Borden. Using a searing rock score, and based on the historical record, LIZZIE explores the heady and heated days leading up to the murder and Lizzie’s controversial acquittal of all charges and the creation of a new American myth. A Chorus Line Friday August 4 - Sunday August 6, 2023 College performers, a part of Dr. Phillips Center's Pre-Professional Production, present A Chorus Line, directed by Baayork Lee. An icon of American musical theatre, this Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning “singular sensation” comes from the genius of choreographer Michael Bennett and the legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch. Taking place at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Get your tickets now. Galactic Block Party and End of Summer Celebration Friday August 4 - Sunday August 6, 2023 From August 4 through 6, guests are invited to join Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in celebrating the end of summer with a galactic block party during the last weekend of the summer-long Callie & RT's Mission to the Moon Fact-Finding Scavenger Hunt. 38th Annual Cup-A-Thon Friday, August 4 - Saturday, August 5, 2023 For nearly four decades, this summer social brings smart shoppers and collectors to browse unique ceramic vessels handmade by Crealdé instructors, artists, students, and friends. As the tradition goes, buy a cup or goblet and it will be filled. Proceeds benefit Ceramics studio and kilns upgrades. Florida Underground Fest Saturday, August 5 - Sunday August 6, 2023 Florida Underground Fest features 60 Punk and Alternative bands from all over the state. The event takes place over two days and at four venues on Mill's Ave. Will's Pub, Lil Indie's, Grumpy's, and Uncle Lou's. FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023 Art After Dark at Lake Nona Weekly, Every Friday Every Friday night, Art After Dark takes over Lake Nona Town Center from 6 pm. Enjoy a stroll through our 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. Winter Garden Friday on the Plaza Weekly, Every Friday Come enjoy live music every Friday night on the Plaza, at Downtown Winter Garden, Centennial Plaza Gazebo. 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. Sister Hazel Friday, August 4, 2023 Sister Hazel comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now! George Lopez: Alllriiiight! Comedy Tour Friday, August 4, 2023 George Lopez comes to Hard Rock Live Orlando. Get your tickets now! Florida Underground Fest 4 Kick-Off Party Friday, August 4, 2023 Florida Underground Fest 4 Kick-Off Party at Will's Pub. Featuring Chilled Monkey Brains, 69 Fingers, The Hamiltons, The Hoverounds, Tuff Son, Petty Thefts, The Rottens. Get tickets now. Yellow Claw Friday, August 4, 2023 Yellow Claw comes to The Vanguard in downtown Orlando. Get your tickets now! 18+ Leu Gardens Movie Night Friday, August 4, 2023 It's Movie Night, Friday, August 4 at 8:30 pm, showing Uncharted, weather permitting. Pack a picnic and seating, alcohol is permitted. It is best to arrive 30 minutes prior to movie time due to location of the movie area in the gardens, gates open at 7 pm. Visit leugardens.org for more information and tickets. First Friday Food Trucks Friday, August 4, 2023 Let historic downtown Clermont do the cooking this Friday! Join them for First Friday Food Trucks on August 4 and enjoy music from DJ Renee. More than 35 trucks and vendors. Park Party at Central Park at Lake Mary City Hall Friday, August 4, 2023 Enjoy Park Party with food trucks coordinated by Food Truck Crazy, alcohol served by River City Catering, and family fun entertainment. SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023 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. 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. The event is free for participants and free for the public to attend. 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 11 am – 3 pm every Saturday! Show Car Saturday Nights at Promenade at Sunset Walk Weekly, Every Saturday The Promenade at Sunset Walk is home to Show Car Saturday Nights. All makes and models are welcome and displayed along Margaritaville Boulevard. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the music of DJ Scotty B while admiring an amazing collection of classic to modern automobiles, with live bands performing on the Promenade Plaza Stage nightly. Summer Wellness and Vendor Fair Saturday, August 5, 2023 Free family event at Dover Shores Community Center. Summer Wellness and Vendor Fair will include Wellness and variety of vendors for the entire family. 13th Annual Back to School Expo Saturday, August 5, 2023 The Back to School Expo at Altamonte Mall is an exclusive opportunity for parents, teachers and others to connect face-to-face with education, health and family focused organizations and companies. It's also Florida's tax-free school shopping weekend, so parents can stock up on clothing and other items at the mall and save money. Fun for the kids include fun with Orlando Magic, animals from the Central Florida Zoo, and live gators from Gatorland. Summer Makers Market Series Saturday, August 5, 2023 Pop inside the barrel room for an indoor market inside Quantum Leap Winery, Saturday August 5th, from 1-5pm with your favorite local makers, live music, delicious bites, and the wine, beer, and cider! PS Pet friendly inside and out! The Linkin Park Tribute And Blink-180 Deux: A Blink-182 Tribute Saturday, August 5, 2023 The Linkin Park Tribute And Blink-180 Deux: A Blink-182 Tribute comes to House of Blues Orlando. Get your tickets now! Tessa Violet: MY GOD! Tour Saturday, August 5, 2023 Tessa Violet comes to The Social. Get your tickets now! 12+ 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 6, 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 Whatever You Decide To Do, Have A Great Weekend! 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.

YouTube sensation the Sturniolo Triplets, (brothers Nick, Matt, and Chris Sturniolo, have announced that they are coming to Orlando this October. For the uninitiated, the Sturniolo Triplets are three almost identical teenage brothers, Chris, Matt, and Nick who have over 5 million YouTube subscribers, plus over 30 million collective followers across platforms. The triplet create long form comedy content, vlogs, challenges and "sit-down" talk videos on YouTube! The Sturniolos quickly became known from filming their videos out of their moms 2012 mini-van from a parking lot in Boston, mostly hanging out in car, arguing about literally nothing! Now the triplets are heading out on a road trip with the Let’s Trip – The Versus Tour, and it will be making a stop at House of Blues on October 18, 2023! Let's hope they don't fall out on the way here!! Tickets go on sale Wednesday, August 9th at 5:30 pm. For more info, head to Live Nation. House Of Blues Orlando Featuring a beautiful music hall and soul to spare, House of Blues is one of Orlando's premier live entertainment venues that packs in an impressive line-up of artists from around the world. The two-story Music Hall is decorated with original folk art, hardwood floors and a mainstage that has been graced by B.B. King, Pearl Jam, James Brown and Norah Jones. With its unique and eclectic atmosphere, the 12,637 square-foot space accommodates up to 1,500 guests, as well as having a huge hall for the big concerts, House of Blues doubles up as a casual restaurant in the daytime, with plenty of seating options if you want a few drinks in the evening. This really is an Orlando nightlife venue that takes its live music seriously, with huge homegrown and international names booked in on a regular basis. 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

Sing it with us - “It’s the circle of life … and it moves us all!” Like the famous scene in “The Lion King,” join us in celebrating the birth of an adorable baby mandrill at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Weighing less than three pounds, this pint-sized baby girl is named Saffron and could almost fit in the palm of your hand. Despite this newborn’s current size, mandrills are the largest species of monkeys in the world, and she could grow up to 25 pounds in a few years. For now, though, Saffron is clinging tightly to her mom Hazel and nursing in the treetops of their habitat on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Moms assume most parental responsibilities in mandrill social structures, and Hazel has been sweet and nurturing since Saffron’s birth on July 24. Similar to how a human soothes a baby by rocking it back and forth, Hazel will often groom Saffron to comfort her. The bond between the two has been inseparable, and even Saffron’s sister Ivy has yet to hold her. Like Rafiki, “The Lion King” character who was based on this species, mandrills are well known for their vibrant colors, including brilliant shades of blue, red and pink on their faces and yellow manes. Their colorations and patterns are unique, and no two strands of hair are the same. Similar to her namesake, Saffron will develop her unique and bright coloration once she fully matures in three to four years. Mandrills are just as colorful on their back side, too, which helps the horde – or family group – follow each other as they travel through the dense forests of Africa. With only about 4,000 mandrills remaining in the wilds of Africa, this new addition is great news for this vulnerable species. Saffron’s birth is an example of how Disney work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan to help ensure the responsible breeding of endangered species in managed care to create healthy and genetically diverse populations of animals for years to come. But that isn’t the only way Disney is working to help this vulnerable species. Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment collaborated with Durham University and the Jane Goodall Institute to help rescued and rehabilitated mandrills return to their native habitats in Republic of the Congo. Through the measuring of hormone levels, our science team at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were able to verify these rehabilitated mandrills were not only thriving after being re-released but also extending the size of the family troop with the addition of two new babies. 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

In a surprise announcement today, Taylor Swift has announced additional Eras Tour dates for the U.S. and Canada in Fall 2024, including Florida! We just can't get enough of Taylor Swift, and just when we thought the Eras Tour was coming to an end, Taylor Swift is bringing her sold out stadium tour back to the United States and Canada in October and November next year! Swift has announced 15 more shows in four North American cities on Thursday morning, including Miami with Gracie Abrams announced as the opener for all the fall 2024 North American dates. Swift has added three shows each in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis, and 5 dates in Toronto. The Miami concerts are at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium October 18 - 20. “Turns out it’s NOT the end of an era,” Swift wrote on social media. “Miami, New Orleans, Indy and Toronto: The Eras Tour is coming to you in 2024 with Gracie Abrams! Verified fan registration for all shows is open now – visit TaylorSwift.com for more information.” Verified Fan registration for the U.S. shows next year is now open, but only through this Saturday at 5 p.m. ET. Resale tickets for the added shows will also become available on sites such as Vividseats, Stubhub and Seatgeek. 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

Don't be scared! more dates have sold out for this years Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. More August dates have now sold out for this year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. It only leaves the opening night of August 11, priced at $149 and August 29, priced at $109 with any tickets available in August. So far, other than Halloween itself, only the cheapest dates have now sold out for this years event. Here’s a look at the currently available and sold out dates and prices: Dates And Prices The adult price is for for guests ages 10 and up, with the child prices for guests ages 3-9. Friday, August 11th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Tuesday, August 15th — SOLD OUT Friday, August 18th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, August 22nd — SOLD OUT Friday, August 25th — SOLD OUT Tuesday, August 29th — $109 for adults, $99 for children Friday, September 1st — $119 for adults, $109 for children Monday, September 4th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Friday, September 8th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Sunday, September 10th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Tuesday, September 12th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Friday, September 15th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Sunday, September 17th — $119 for adults, $109 for children Tuesday, September 19th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Friday, September 22nd — $149 for adults, $139 for children Sunday, September 24th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Tuesday, September 26th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Thursday, September 28th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Friday, September 29th — $149 for adults, $139 for children Sunday, October 1st — $149 for adults, $139 for children Tuesday, October 3rd — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 5th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 6th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Monday, October 9th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 10th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 12th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 13th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 15th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 17th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 19th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 20th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 22nd — $169 for adults, $159 for children Tuesday, October 24th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Thursday, October 26th — $169 for adults, $159 for children Friday, October 27th — $189 for adults, $179 for children Sunday, October 29th — $199 for adults, $189 for children Tuesday, October 31st — SOLD OUT Wednesday, November 1st — $199 for adults, $189 for children Read on for all the details for this years Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This year's Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom on August 11, and runs through select nights to November 1, 2023. Highlights of this years party include a new spirited pirate band and their crew taking over Adventureland, plus Max Goof and his Powerline party pack will star in all new pop-up parties throughout Magic Kingdom. Also new this year, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade will includeUrsula, Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts, and the newly announced Sanderson Sisters Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle. Plus, The Seven Dwarfs will be returning to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Read on for all the details for this years Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Pirate Crew in Adventureland Adventureland will be taken over by a spirited pirate band and their crew. Be sure to listen for their sea shanties while their shipmates roam the land sharing tales of their explorations at sea. New Powerline Pop-Up Parties Get ready for even more chances to “Stand Out” with Max Goof and his Powerline party pack at new pop-up parties throughout Magic Kingdom before this popular crew dances onto Main Street U.S.A. ahead of Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. The Seven Dwarfs Return! The Seven Dwarfs will be returning to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Even if you are a little bashful, stop by and say hello! They’ll be happy to see you. Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade It’s good to be bad, and your favorite Disney villains are back to stride down Main Street, U.S.A. Alongside Disney heroes, the iconic Haunted Mansion graveyard diggers and Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade will be more villainous than ever, with favorite foes Ursula, Cruella de Vil, the Queen of Hearts and the newly announced Sanderson Sisters Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle joining the frightful finale. Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Jack-o-lanterns aren’t the only ‘Jack’ at Walt Disney World this Halloween! The Pumpkin King, a.k.a. Jack Skellington, will once again host the must-see nighttime spectacular, Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Enjoy projections, special effects and lighting paired with fireworks, music and iconic Disney characters, you won’t want to miss this! Trick-or-Treat Yourself to Candy and Sweets M&M’S, SKITTLES, and SNICKERS, OH MY! Guests can satisfy their sweet tooth at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party by stopping by trick-or-treating locations throughout Magic Kingdom Park. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular The Sanderson Sisters, stars of the iconic Hocus Pocus films, will unite for an adventure and call on their comrades to summon the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion during the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show at Cinderella Castle. Also during the party, you may have the opportunity to experience some of your favorite attractions including Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the newly opened TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise. TRON Lightcycle / Run will use a virtual queue* during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, allowing guests to enjoy all the festivities while they wait to enter the Grid. As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more. Please note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer he most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, so certain articles may be paid for, or some articles may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site. For more information or to comment on any article we publish, please feel free to Contact Us.

Walt Disney world have confirmed that Tree of Life Awakenings is returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in early November . Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will awaken for the fall season as Tree of Life Awakenings returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in early November after daylight saving time ends. As the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with limited-time projections of stunning visuals teeming with vivid color and animated imagery in harmony with inspiring music and sounds. Walt Disney World have also revealed that this fall guests visiting The Animation Experience at Conservation Station can learn how to draw some of their favorite Disney Villains Oct. 1-31. Plus, celebrating ten years of the park’s Wilderness Explorers interactive program, young explorers can see and learn about some “spirited” creatures for the Halloween season at the insect, bat and habitat badge locations. 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 Walt Disney World continues to suffer from low attendance levels, the resort has opened up bonus reservations for annual pass holders over the next two weeks. Despite the apparent abundance of availability of park pass reservations at Walt Disney World, the resort has announced a variety of Annual Passholder bonus reservations over the first two weeks of August. Here is the bonus reservation days that have been added: August 5, EPCOT August 6, Magic Kingdom August 8, Animal Kingdom August 9, EPCOT August 10, Animal Kingdom August 13, Hollywood Studios 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