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In celebration of the holidays, the world’s best-selling soprano and legendary Grammy Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman will performs her Christmas Symphony in Orlando this December. Now an annual tradition, and in celebration of the most wonderful time of year, the world's biggest-selling soprano and legendary GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Sarah Brightman returns with her 'A Christmas Symphony' tour to North America for 22 enchanting shows this November and December, including Orlando! Sarah Brightman's A Christmas Symphony is coming to Walt Disney Theater on December 13. Accompanied by orchestra, choir and special guests, this magical holiday show will feature Sarahperforming many of her holiday classics and greatest hits. 'A Christmas Symphony' is an unforgettable Christmas spectacle during the most wonderful time of the year. Also.. to add a little 'holiday frosting', join Sarah's VIP "Winter Wonderland" for an incredible Ultimate Experience! With three amazing VIP packages available, there is something for everyone and would make a memorable Holiday gift for yourself, family, or friends! Visit the Dr Phillips Center Website for details. Sarah Brightman, the world's best-selling Soprano and UNESCO Artist for Peace Ambassador, has amassed sales of more than 30 million, receiving awards in over 40 countries and garnering over 1 billion streams worldwide. She originated the role of Christine Daaé in the world-renowned The Phantom of the Opera on both West End and Broadway stages and has performed at such prestigious events as the Concert for Diana, The Kennedy Center Honors and the Barcelona and Beijing Olympic Games. Sarah's albums Eden, La Luna, Harem, Symphony and Dreamchaser were each chart-topping Billboard hits and were all accompanied by world tours. Her most recent full length studio album HYMN was released in 2018 and debuted at #1 on the Classical and Classical Crossover Billboard charts. The HYMN World Tour began in South America in September 2018 and concluded in her hometown of London, England in November 2019. Brightman has been recognized for her outstanding contribution to music and theatre with a 'STAR' on the world-renowned, majestic Hollywood Walk of Fame, in addition to receiving an Honorary Doctor of Arts (Hon DArt). In October 2022, Sarah entertained her first exclusive 3-night Las Vegas engagement at The Venetian Resort with "A Starlight Symphony...An Evening with Sarah Brightman" before taking her holiday tour "A Christmas Symphony" internationally to Japan and Southeast Asia in November/December of 2022 for the very first 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. 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.

Did you know? There’s a window specially designed by Disney Imagineers to magnify the view of Cinderella Castle at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion! We’re sharing 5 little-known facts about the iconic Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons Pavilion! Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons is celebrating the 28th anniversary of the beautiful Wedding Pavilion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Wedding Pavilion has been the backdrop to countless love stories and is often referred to as Disney Weddings’ “crown jewel”. In honor of the 28th anniversary, we’re sharing 5 fun facts about the venue! Disney’s Wedding Pavilion features a window specially designed by Disney Imagineers to magnify the view of Cinderella Castle That’s right! Disney Imagineers designed a window that would magnify Cinderella Castle giving couples and their wedding guests the dreamiest view of Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. Disney’s Wedding Pavilion sits on its own private island and can only be accessed via a bridge Over 28 years ago, when Disney was deciding where to construct the purpose-built wedding venue, they knew they wanted to offer the best view of Cinderella Castle. So, the team created an island on the water that would offer the dreamiest view of Magic Kingdom. Inside the Disney’s Wedding Pavilion bathrooms, the mirrors resemble a clock, and the time never quite strikes midnight Throughout Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, there are many details inspired by the beloved fairy tale, Cinderella, including the bathroom mirrors. And, because nobody ever want the magic to end—the clock never strikes midnight. Hidden Mickeys can be found throughout Disney’s Wedding Pavilion If you love searching for hidden Mickeys, then be sure to keep your eye peeled when inside Disney’s Wedding Pavilion. There are a few Mickey silhouettes hidden throughout the intricate architectural detailing. Disney’s Wedding Pavilion offers wedding suites where the couple and their wedding party can relax (and stay hidden!) before the ceremony There are three spacious suites that the couple and their wedding party can enjoy moments before the ceremony—complete with private bathrooms, mirrors, and water stations. Dreaming of a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding? Interested in learning more about Disney Weddings, be inspired by real weddings or want to tour Disney’s Wedding Pavilion in-person and meet the Disney Weddings team? Join Disney's Wedding team for an upcoming Open House. 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.

With a sprinkle of glitter, a dash of neon, and some legendary pop tunes, Xanadu is the perfect celebration of Summer! A million lights are dancing and there you are, a shooting star…Osceola Arts are ready to take you to Xanadu! Osceola Arts are getting ready to close out their successful 2022-2023 theatre season with the roller skating, musical comedy Xanadu. Following productions including Steel Magnolias, and Cruel Intentions, the Osceola Arts Main Stage will come alive with a splash of neon, roller skates, glitter and all things 80s, as Xanadu takes to the stage from Friday, July 21 through Sunday, August 6, 2023. Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same name, Xanadu follows struggling artist Sonny in search of inspiration when a beautiful Greek muse descends from Mount Olympus and encourages him to build the world's greatest creation…a Roller Disco! Director Katie Dumoulin brings a talented cast together with a sprinkle of glitter, a dash of neon, and some legendary pop tunes…a perfect fit for a celebration of Summer! Showtimes for Xanadu are 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 2pm on Sundays, and an additional 2pm matinee performance on Saturday, August 5. Tickets are $28 for adults, $23 for students, and seniors. Osceola Arts will present an audio described performance on Saturday, July 29 at 7:30 pm. A limited number of listening devices will be available. Please contact the box office to reserve one before purchasing tickets. Osceola Arts will also present an American Sign Language-interpreted performance on Saturday, August 5 at 2:00 pm. For more information about the best seating to view the interpreter, please email boxoffice@osceolaarts.org. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. 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.

Great news for anyone visiting Universal Studios Florida today or in the near future, new attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast is open for Technical Rehearsals! The bread new attraction Villain-Con Minion Blast, part of the all new Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida has opened to all guests this morning, Saturday July 15 for technical rehearsals. Guests in the park can now be among the first people to experience Universal Orlando's latest attraction during this period of soft opening. During this period of soft opening, guests may experience Villain-Con Minion Blast during what the park call technical rehearsals. During this time the ride may open or close without notice, plus the attraction may not yet be complete, with the attraction being tested and adjusted before its grand opening to the public later this summer. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast is a first-of-its-kind blaster game attraction, where guests travel through the attraction on moving walkways. Located at the entrance to Minion Land, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast blends immersive sets, interactive game-based technology, custom animation and an original storyline to create a one-of-a-kind blaster attraction where guests can put their villainous skills to the ultimate test. Upon entering the attraction, guests are transported to Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the notorious supervillain group, the Vicious 6, featured in the hit film, “Minions: Rise of Gru.” As guests make their way through the convention, they venture through the trade show floor, stocked with the latest gadgets, vehicles, and fashion to pull off the most heinous schemes, before picking up an “E-Liminator X” blaster to compete against their friends, loved ones and fellow guests to prove how bad they really are. Throughout the competition, guests will use their blaster – equipped with Freeze Rays, Banana Bombs, Explosive Nunchucks and more – to cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible to earn points. As they wind and glide through the experience aboard a moving pathway, they’ll encounter each member of the Vicious 6 Villain-Con Minion Blast is the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected gameplay experience via The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. By syncing the blaster to the app with just a tap, contenders take their game to an entirely new level and track their scores, embark on special missions within the attraction, unlock evil perks and extra powerful blasts to help them gain more points and earn digital collectibles. The more guests play and the higher they score, the more perks and bragging rights they’ll earn. Plus, this digital experience connects to the visitor’s Universal Guest Account within the Universal Orlando app – unlocking a deeper connection that enhances their in-park experience and sets the stage for even more digital-to-physical world benefits. Villain-Con Minion Blast is just one of the incredibly fun experiences that await in the new Minion Land – which features a unique dining location, various eateries, shopping and entertainment offerings inspired by some of Illumination’s hit films and characters. In addition to enjoying the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and the new Villain-Con Minion Blast, guests can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Illumination’s Minion Cafe – a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive, family-friendly fare; Bake My Day – a retail location and bakery featuring a unique selection of Minion-themed sweet treats; Pop-A-Nana – a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; and Freeze Ray Pops – a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats. Guests can also stop by the outdoor Illumination Theater façade to meet, greet, and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes from the “Despicable Me” franchise, and Rosita, Gunter and Johnny from the hit film “Sing.” Click here for more information about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. 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.

As we get ready for the new Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction to open, Universal Orlando Resort have given us more details on the attraction. As Team Members at Universal Orlando Resort get to experience the first-of-its-kind blaster game attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast ahead of it opening to the public this summer, Universal have revealed all-new details on the new walk-through attraction. Located at the entrance to Minion Land, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast blends immersive sets, interactive game-based technology, custom animation and an original storyline to create a one-of-a-kind blaster attraction where guests can put their villainous skills to the ultimate test. Upon entering the attraction, guests will immediately be transported to Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the notorious supervillain group, the Vicious 6, featured in the hit film, “Minions: Rise of Gru.” As guests make their way through the convention, they’ll venture through the trade show floor, stocked with the latest gadgets, vehicles, and fashion to pull off the most heinous schemes, before picking up an “E-Liminator X” blaster to compete against their friends, loved ones and fellow guests to prove how bad they really are. Throughout the competition, guests will use their blaster – equipped with Freeze Rays, Banana Bombs, Explosive Nunchucks and more – to cause as much mayhem and destruction as possible to earn points. As they wind and glide through the experience aboard a moving pathway, they’ll encounter each member of the Vicious 6, voiced by the original cast from the film, in a setting inspired by their character, including: Belle Bottom (voiced by Taraji P. Henson), the cool, confident leader of the Vicious 6, in a groovy disco Stronghold (voiced by Danny Trejo) – named after his giant iron hands – in a museum filled with tons of fragile and priceless art just waiting to be destroyed Nun-Chuck (voiced by Lucy Lawless), a fierce warrior with prized nun-chucks who will travel aboard her flying organ as she challenges guests to create musical mayhem Jean Clawed (voiced by Jean-Claude Van Damme) – outfitted with a giant mechanical lobster claw – in an evil, underwater lair filled with hidden loot and robotic sea creatures and Svengeance (voiced by Dolph Lundgren), the roller-skating champion with spiked skates, in a floating roller derby filled with blimps, jumbo-trons, and speed-skating robots Villain-Con Minion Blast will also be the first Universal Orlando attraction to feature a connected gameplay experience via The Official Universal Orlando Resort App. By syncing their blaster to the app with just a tap, contenders can take their game to an entirely new level and track their scores, embark on special missions within the attraction, unlock evil perks and extra powerful blasts to help them gain more points and earn digital collectibles. The more guests play and the higher they score, the more perks and bragging rights they’ll earn. Plus, this digital experience connects to the visitor’s Universal Guest Account within the Universal Orlando app – unlocking a deeper connection that enhances their in-park experience and sets the stage for even more digital-to-physical world benefits. Villain-Con Minion Blast is just one of the incredibly fun experiences that await in the new Minion Land – which features a unique dining location, various eateries, shopping and entertainment offerings inspired by some of Illumination’s hit films and characters. In addition to enjoying the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and the new Villain-Con Minion Blast, guests can fuel up for the mayhem with a unique dining experience, Illumination’s Minion Cafe – a new eatery run by the Minions featuring inventive, family-friendly fare; Bake My Day – a retail location and bakery featuring a unique selection of Minion-themed sweet treats; Pop-A-Nana – a kiosk featuring banana-flavored popcorn; and Freeze Ray Pops – a walk-up window serving refreshingly colorful frozen treats. Guests can also stop by the outdoor Illumination Theater façade to meet, greet, and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes from the “Despicable Me” franchise, and Rosita, Gunter and Johnny from the hit film “Sing.” Click here for more information about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. 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.

Spaceship Earth will be temporarily closed this month for refurbishment at EPCOT. Read on for when! Walt Disney World have revealed that Spaceship Earth will close at EPCOT on Wednesday, July 19, and remain closed for one day only, with the attraction scheduled to reopen to guests on Thursday, July 20. With such a short closure, we presume the closure, and the short notice suggests a small but urgent maintenance issue. 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.

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling is the most anticipated movie release of the year, and Dezerland Action Park in Orlando is the perfect place to see the movie and celebrate all things Barbie. Right now the world is going Barbie Crazy, and Dezerland Action Park on I-Drive, Orlando is going all in on the Barbie Invasion! You can grab your tickets for the movie at Dezerland’s on-site movie theater, Cinemark Orlando and XD, and enjoy free admission to Dezerland Action Park to check out the 20+ attractions under one roof. Plus, you just gotta grab a selfie with The Orlando Auto Museum’s Pink Barbie buggy which will be on display with several other pink vehicles, including a Pink Fab 1 Rolls Royce, so guests can grab a photo with other cars sure to make any Barbie fan smile. The Barbie Invasion doesn't end there, and Karting Orlando and Axecelsior Axe Throwing are getting in on the Barbie fun too! Guests racing on Florida's Longest Indoor Karting Track will be decked out in Barbie’s signature color with pink head socks for every racer, while Axecelsior Axe Throwing is spreading the love and showcasing special projection targets with hearts, candy and more. Oh, and what’s a Barbie party without pink food and drinks? The 007 Bond Bar is offering a special Barbie cocktail menu and serving up themed, pink drinks like the Malibu Barbie, Pink & Pretty Barbie, Barbie shot and more. And if guests are looking for a sweet treat, they can head to Glida for pink ice cream & frozen yogurt with unique, custom flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake, Watermelon Banana, festive toppings and more! Remember, entry to Dezerland Action Park is always free and with over 850,000 square feet of indoor family fun, it’s the perfect place to escape Central Florida’s scorching heat and unpredictable rain. Learn more at dezerlandparkorlando.com or @DezerlandParkOrlando on social. To book an event or to discuss leasing opportunities, call 321-754-1700. 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.

Ford's Garage ChampionsGate in Davenport is officially open! Be sure to stop by if you are in the area! Popular vacation rental destination ChampionsGate in Davenport is now home to a brand new Ford's Garage! Ford’s Garage, a service station-themed restaurant serving a high-octane dining experience, has opened its newest location at 8035 Osceola Polk Line Road in Davenport, near ChampionsGate Village. The new venue is located in Reunion Village, a shopping center located just off Interstate 4, and if you've never been to a Ford's Garage before, then you gotta go! The new restaurant is part of a nationwide concept officially licensed by the Ford Motor Co. to use Ford branding and memorabilia to evoke the look and feel of a 1920s service station. The décor includes vintage vehicles, fixtures and gas pumps. Servers wear mechanic shirts, blue shop towels are used as napkins and the bathroom sinks are made from tires and fuel pump nozzles. While enjoying the automotive atmosphere, you can enjoy an amazing selection of craft beers and fuel up on the tastiest, freshly made half-pound Black Angus beef burgers detailed with all-natural aged cheeses, fresh toppings and sauces on artisan buns branded with the Ford’s Garage logo. Popular choices on the menu include the sweet and tangy Estate Burger, featuring smoked Gouda cheese, sweet red onion marmalade, arugula, tomato, fried onion straws and white truffle bacon aioli on a brioche bun. Other classic American comfort foods at Ford’s Garage include homemade meatloaf, chicken wings and tenders; lighter fare such as fresh salads, grilled chicken and seafood; and accessories like Piston Onion Rings and the most amazing mac ‘n cheese. Oh and if you still have room, Ford's have the most delicious sweets including milkshakes and sundaes. The newly opened Ford's Garage ChampionsGate location is owned by 23 Restaurant Services, “We’re thrilled to rev up another Ford’s Garage location,” said Marc Brown, president of 23 Restaurant Services and ChampionsGate’s franchise owner. “This is a growing, thriving area that’s attracting both tourists and new residents, and the energy in the local community has been very exciting as they look forward to exploring our fun, engaging dining concept.” The new ChampionsGate Ford’s Garage seats 250 guests in its 7,500-square-foot dining room and 1,500-square-foot open patio. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The full menu is available for dining in and a brunch menu is available on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. See you at Ford's Garage soon! 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.

Following a stellar collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for The Season, Creative City Project return with “The Carnival” featuring live music from “The Carnival of the Animals” and acrobatic performance. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the circus! Come one, come all to this collaboration between Creative City Project and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra! Experience circus, dance, performance and live orchestra in this limited engagement from Friday, August 25 - Sunday, August 27, at the uniquely beautiful Cheyenne Saloon in downtown Orlando. 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.

Orlando has been named as one of 17 U.S. Cities selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as finalists in a Public Art Challenge wth $1 million. Bloomberg Philanthropies have announced Orlando as one of 17 U.S. cities as finalists to receive grants of up to $1 million each as part of the Public Art Challenge, a program launched in 2014 to support temporary public art projects that address an urgent civic issue. More than 150 cities from 40 U.S. states applied, and the most frequently cited issues they would tackle include urban revitalization, environmental sustainability, and equity. Proposals also included addressing unsheltered communities, gun safety, and public health. Projects included a wide range of creative expression such as sculptures, murals, performances, digital projects, light installations, and festivals. Orlando's proposal focused on Food Insecurity, with the City of Orlando proposing “Art Pollination,” a project that will engage artists and farmers to develop art installations in urban landscapes that will raise awareness about food insecurity and the lack of access to healthy food. Bloomberg Philanthropies will select up to 10 winners from among these 17 finalists in fall 2023 to execute their projects within the next two years. “Public art provides a creative way to bring communities together, strengthen local economies, and make cities more inspiring and dynamic,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City. “This year’s proposals show that public art, and the partnerships they forge between artists and local governments, is stronger than ever.” The 17 cities who have made the shortlist are: Alameda, CA Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Baltimore, MD Columbus, OH Honolulu, HI Houston, TX Miami, FL Minneapolis, MN Nashville, TN New Orleans, LA Orlando, FL Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Raleigh, NC Salt Lake City San Diego, CA 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.

Two Orlando restaurants have been included in OpenTable’s list of the 100 Most Popular Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in America, and what with our year round great weather, and huge variety of restaurants offering outdoor seating, we're actually surprised its only two! Summer is here and it’s time to dine outdoors, well except here in Orlando where its so hot we dine in AC comfort, and mostly leave the outdoor dining to spring, fall, and winter! Anyway, we digress, OpenTable have compiled a list of the Most Popular Restaurants for Outdoor Dining thanks to their verified diner reviews, and two hugely popular Orlando dining spots have made the list. First up is Raglan Road Irish Pub, which is located in Disney Springs. Discover the life and soul of the Emerald Isle with award-winning cuisine, live Irish music and dance at this beautiful pub, which yes has outdoor seating for eating, drinking and enjoying lively live music! Satisfy your appetite with traditional and contemporary Irish dishes made with the finest local ingredients. Feast on hearty favorites like bangers & mash, fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, boxty potato pancakes and braised beef short ribs. Guests ages 21 and older can toast the occasion with refreshing libations. Choose from an enticing array of beverages, including Irish beers, American beers, wine, cocktails, Irish whiskey and more. Beer flights and whiskey flights are also available—to help you discover that perfect sip. While you dine and unwind, you’ll be immersed in the energy and style of the Emerald Isle with talented singer-songwriters and energetic bands belting out Irish tunes.s from Irish dancers. Next on the top 100 list is Columbia Restaurant in the town that Disney built, Celebration. The Celebration restaurant is an outpost of Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s Historic Ybor City which was founded in 1905 and is Florida’s Oldest Restaurant. The Celebration restaurant is located at 649 Front Street and serves authentic Cuban tapas and entrees. In total the Top 100 list features 18 restaurants, with dining spots also located in Naples, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale,Key West, Miami, Tallahassee, and another on the Treasure Coast. 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.

Yes we might have the AC cranked up high, and its hotter outside than the inside of an oven but its never too early to celebrate Christmas, and Orlando Shakes are celebrating this weekend. Head to the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando this weekend for a FREE, fun-filled event that’s perfect for the entire family! The Orlando Shakes are hosting a Christas In July Open House tomorrow, Saturday, July 15 from 11 am - 3 pm. Enjoy a peek behind the scenes, building tours, lighting and sound demonstrations, costumes and prop displays, and an exclusive preview of the upcoming 35th anniversary season. And what would Christmas in July be without Santa? He’ll be there too, so don’t forget to visit the Patrons’ Room to get a picture with Santa and enjoy crafts, games, and story time for the little ones! Plus, take advantage of Christmas in July ticket specials, with huge discounts on single tickets and subscription packages – only at Orlando Shakes! 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.