Search this site

Cast Member previews for Walt Disney Worlds latest attraction, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moaa” will begin soon in EPCOT Cast Member previews for Journey of Water Inspired by Moana interactive walkthrough experience are set to begin this month at EPCOT. Select Cast Members at Walt Disney World have already been given an opportunity to sign up for a preview of the Journey of Water Inspired by Moana. The cast member previews will take place July 25 through August 19 for those select Cast Members. General Cast Member previews are expected to begin soon after. Journey of Water Inspired by Moana is expected to open this fall at EPCOT in Walt Disney World, although with cast member previews starting soon, we could see an earlier opening date than expected! Walt Disney World first announced back in 2019 that the first ever attraction anywhere in the world based on the Walt Disney Studios hit film Moana would be coming to EPCOT here in Orlando. This new addition to the park will be a walkthrough attraction allowing guests to interact with magical, living water in a beautiful and inspiring setting that includes fountains, waterfalls, and more. Of course, characters and more from the Moana film will feature heavily in the attraction, with Te Fiti being a part of the future attraction, standing at 16 feet tall, containing over 180 feet of vines. 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.

The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE is right around the corner, and today, Walt Disney World have given us a first look at the merchandise coming to this years festival. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE will begin dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort later this month, starting July 27 and continuing 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 Canada, India, Spain and more! Plus, wrap up a fun-filled day by enjoying live musical entertainment at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare, featuring a blend of chart-topping musical acts and a taste of Orlando’s local talent. Ahead of the return of this years festival, Walt Disney World have revealed some of this years merchandise, and it looks awesome! What would a visit to the festival be without great merch to mark the occasion? There are so many crave-worthy collections, it will be hard to choose just one. And really – why choose? The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Event Logo Collection marries bright colors and bold graphics for a fresh new look. For the first course, get ready to swoon for new ears! You’ll be ready to “choose your own course” with this colorful addition to your collection. Look closely, and you’ll even spot Spaceship Earth! And check out this sporty Spirit Jersey track jacket, featuring Chef Mickey Mouse in his chef’s best. A must-have Loungefly mini backpack commemorates Spaceship Earth in the pocket detail and will let everyone know that you’re a serious EPCOT foodie. Next, check out this CORKCICLE stemless wine glass. It’s perfect for warm summer days, tailgating, and trips to the beach. And perfect for every casual occasion, these whimsical coasters are sure to be a hit at your next backyard bash. The Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Picnic Collection includes this Dooney & Bourke tote bag – the quintessential accessory for carrying a baguette and some wine to your next al fresco gathering. Gathering around the table is the best way to spend quality time with family and friends, and the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Disney Encanto Collection will help you entertain in style. Don this fashionable apron as you prepare your feast. This colorful serving platter brings the Family Madrigal casita to life in a riot of vibrant color. Find out more by visiting TasteEPCOT.com. 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: Some posts may contain affiliate links which means we could earn money if you purchase products or services via our site. Contact Us

Crowd-sourced review site Yelp has revealed its Top 100 Florida Restaurants for 2023, and 14 well known Central Florida area restaurants has made the list. Yelp has released its list of the top 100 restaurants in Florida that Yelpers are craving and raving about, with 14 Central Florida area restaurants included. The Yelp 2023 Top 100 Florida Restaurants List, is based on the Yelp community’s ratings and reviews. Landing the number 1 slot is South Miami newcomer Pla-Tu Sushi, Thai, Tapas, with JAM Hot Chicken in Winter Park coming in at number 4, making it the top placed Orlando restaurant on the top 100 list. Here is the 14 Orlando area restaurants that made the Top 100: 4. JAM Hot Chicken, Winter Park Everything at JAM Hot Chicken is spicy, from the “hot, fresh, [and] juicy” fried-chicken sandwiches to the bright-red picnic-table umbrellas and rockin’ playlist. Originally a pop-up food stand, and now a kiosk in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square, JAM gets its moniker from the first letters of Andrew and his brothers’ names—but also the 1990s pop music that plays while you wait. 10. Chicken Fire, Orlando Founder Kwame Boakye created his “Soulful Hot Chicken” by blending elements of the Nashville-spice trend, his grandmother’s Alabama recipes, and his Ghanaian heritage. The birds themselves are raised without hormones or steroids, fried in a buttermilk batter, then bathed in a cayenne-laced hot-oil glaze. When you order off the simple menu, customer service is provided by the friendliest staff you will ever met. 17. Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market, Orlando Huge sandwiches oozing cheese and red sauce are the main event at this “lively, bustling, and loud” Italian deli and market. Yelpers gobble up subs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana doused with Stasio’s own marinara, as well as housemade Italian sausage, gigantic meatballs, and heat-and-eat meals. Chef-owner Louie Palo arrives at 2 am to bake the Italian bread for subs and poppy-seed rolls used in “out-of-this-world-delicious” breakfast sammies with egg, cheese, and your choice of 7 meats. The shop also sells fresh baked goods and imported groceries. Fan favorites include cannoli filled with the house cream, along with scratch-made pistachio “lobster tail” pastries. 32. The Red Bud Cafe, Daytona Beach 37. Mel’s Tiki Cafe, Indialantic 48. MA-SE SUSHI EATERY, Longwood 53. Bombay Street Kitchen, Orlando 65. Selam Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine, Orlando 68. SoDough Square, Orlando 70. The Mexican Camel, Orlando 77. The Porch South Orange, Orlando 81. Café Tu Tu Tango, Orlando 98. Adega Gaucha, Orlando 99. Ziggie’s Pizza, Orlando 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.

Live out your need for speed with a Formula 1-style go-karting experience coming to Orlando this summer. For two days only, September 9 - 10, 2023, get ready to experience an exciting limited time event whee you can experience the thrill of high-speed racing at "Formula Go Karting"! This adrenaline-fueled event which is set take place on W Church St, Orlando, is designed to challenge your driving skills to the limit. According to the events website, "Take on the track and feel the rush of the wind as you zip past your opponents, navigating challenging turns and hairpin bends. With state-of-the-art karts and a meticulously designed track, you'll feel like a true racing pro as you compete for the top spot on the leaderboard." The organizers of the Formula 1-style go-karting event, Hidden Media Network say "Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time driver, our experienced team will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way and ensure you have an unforgettable experience." So rev up your engines, channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and get ready to feel the thrill of the race at Formula Go Karting - the ultimate go-karting experience! Riders must be a Minimum of 14 years old, and over 52 inches tall to participate Tickets for this 2 day event starts at $60 each, for more details 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. 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.

Popular Hunter Creek restaurant, Mares Real Peruvian Cuisine is planning to open a second location in Winter Park. Award winning Peruvian restaurant Mares Real Peruvian Cuisine is getting ready to open its second location following the success of its Hunters Creek restaurant which has been open at 13586 Village Park Dr, Orlando for four years now. According to Orlando restaurant critic, Scott Joseph, the trend setting local restaurant plans to open its second location in Winter Park, at the former home of Grato Italian Kitchen at 528 S. Park Avenue. Its believed that the new location will be opening later this summer. Restaurant owner Arturo Gamio says that "Mares is much more than a restaurant, it is an experience that day after day is perfected in all its areas, which is why we make sure to provide our clients with a unique service and first class attention with which they can always feel welcome. At Mares we work enthusiastically so that our diners delight in Peruvian gastronomy, the best food in the world and that is full of ancient stories. Each of our saucers has its own essence and is prepared with the smallest detail so that it can be enjoyed by even the finest palates. I think that any words I wanted to express would fall short of what Mares means to many of our clients, friends, family and even me." At Mares, you can expect authentic Peruvian cuisine in the Orlando, including ceviche, causa & seafood specialties, plus chicha and cocktails. 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.

Bright Suns! The wildly popular Droid Parts Popcorn Vessel that up until now has only been available at Disneyland has made its way east to Walt Disney World. Look what's rolled into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios! You can pick up your very own Droid Parts Popcorn Vessel at Walt Disney World, after previously only being available in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland. The Droid Parts Popcorn Vessel is available to mobile order for collection at Kat Saka’s Kettle in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, priced at $24.99, and comes with your choice of popcorn. Guests are limited to two popcorn buckets per person, per transaction. 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.

National Hot Dog Day (Yes it is a real thing!) is fast approaching and SideWard Brewing Co. are celebrating with a Hot Dog Day Block Party! SideWard Brewing Co. are celebrating National Hot Dog Day this year by throwing a big ol' block party on July 19, from 4 pm to 8 pm, at 210 N Bumby Ave, Suite C Orlando. SideWard have teamed up with their neighbors Stasios & Otto's High Dive as well as theirfriends at Malort to complete the experence. On the day they will be serving up an entire special menu of hot dogs, Stasios will be making Italian Beefs, and Otto's will be pouring the Malort! SideWard also say that they are releasing a limited edition label of ‘GUNNER in honor of the day inspired by an OG favorite, Old Style. Sounds like a perfect day to us! 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.

An ever popular FREE family festival with international food and drinks from around the globe is coming back to the heart of downtown Orlando. The International Vegan Food Festival is once again returning to downtown Orlando this Saturday, July 15, from 3 pm - 8pm at Wall Street Plaza. The International Vegan Food Festival is a must-attend event for vegans and those just interested in vegan food alike, the free family friendly festival organized by the Orlando Bearded Vegan will feature over 50 local vendors and businesses with delicious vegan food, drinks, crafts and more from around the globe! Indulge in a huge choice of yummy plant-based food at this unique festival, where you can indulge in new unique flavors with friendly meet like-minded people. Highlights on the day include live music, games, raffles and more throughout the event, oh and as always dogs are very welcome too! For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando. Please Note: Gotta Go Orlando is your free guide to all the amazing happenings in Orlando. Every day we offer the most up to date news and information on the best of Orlando and Central Florida. We are supported by our advertisers via digital ads, sponsored content, and affiliate links, articles may be paid for, or contain affiliate links where we could earn money if you purchase products or services via a link our site.

Walt Disney World have revealed that four new Global Marketplaces are coming to this years International Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT as part of the Disney100 Celebration. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is right around the corner, returning to Walt Disney World Resort later this month, starting July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023. Today, Walt Disney World have revealed new details on this years festival including new merchandise, and news that Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker of The Muppets will be joining the International Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT this year! Plus, exciting news as the resort has revealed that four new global marketplaces celebrating the 100th anniversary of Disney are coming to this years EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2023. The new global marketplaces will not premier when the festival opens later this month, with Disney saying only that the four new marketplaces to commemorate the Disney100 celebration will open later this fall. The new global marketplaces are, Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase. Also revealed today was the news that Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker of The Muppets will be joining the International Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT this year with their own “Brew-Wing Lab” — inviting guests to taste new flavors. Don your lab coats and prepare to experiment with delicious flavors as Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey invites guests on a flavorful adventure, featuring the culinary creations – and madcap mishaps – of Muppet Labs! That’s right – Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his faithful assistant, Beaker, of Muppet Labs will welcome you to their taste-testing headquarters, where the inventive duo are busy creating scientific snacks and mind-blowing beverages. You’ll have a chance to sample some of their kooky concoctions like the Unnecessarily Spicy, Yet Extremely Tasty Scotch Bonnet Pepper-Curry Wings, or the Pickle Milkshake. Consider it a flavor experiment in the name of science! Sound awesome, but not sure about the concoctions the duo have cooked up! Ahead of the return of this years festival, Walt Disney World revealed some of this years merchandise earlier today, and it looks awesome! What would a visit to the festival be without great merch to mark the occasion? There are so many crave-worthy collections, it will be hard to choose just one. And really – why choose? The 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Event Logo Collection marries bright colors and bold graphics for a fresh new look. Click here to see more of this year's merchandise! 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.

SoDough Square, the Detroit style pizza shop located on Michigan Street, Orlando have fired up the ovens on a second location in Winter Park! SoDough Square the hugely popular Detroit Style Pizza shop has added a second location, with the authentic taste of the Motor City now available in Winter Park! Founder Robert Bair, creator of many successful startups including Gringos Locos, Tin & Taco, Neon Beach and now SoDough Square, grew up in Detroit and since introducing DSP (Detroit Style Pizza) to the Orlando foodie scene in May 2022, everyone has been going crazy for SoDough Square's authentic Detroit style square pizza! With the Michigan Street location selling out daily, the natural progression was to open a second location, with the new shop now open in Winter Park at the former Tin & Taco space at West Fairbanks and South New York Avenue near Rollins College. The new location is in soft opening mode for dine in, takeout and online ordering (Uber delivery coming soon). Wednesday - Friday, 4 - 9 pm, and Saturday - Sunday, 12 - 9 pm. (Or Sell Out!) 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.

In a new survey by Wallethub, Orlando has been named one of the best cities in America for an active lifestyle. Orlando has only been beaten by Las Vegas as the 2023 Best City For Recreation in a new survey by Wallethub, although we gotta ask, who knew Las Vegas had so much recreation to enjoy other than gambling? Sorry Vegas! Here in Orlando we have so many beautiful parks, nature trails, and a ton of activities for everyone to enjoy. The survey has listed Orlando in second place, with only 5 other Florida cities in the top 100, with Tampa 3rd, St Petes 19th, Jacksonville 33rd, Miami 54th, and Hialeah in 93rd place. WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities, comparing the accessibility of entertainment and recreational facilities, the cost of recreation and the quality of parks and the weather. 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.

After 19 years, Sand Serpent will be permanently closing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tomorrow, July 9 to make way for new attractions. You only have until tomorrow, Sunday, July 9 to zip, zoom and climb five stories into the air until we say farewell to SandSerpent at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the last time! Busch Gardens had previously announced that SandSerpent, the wild-mouse style family roller coaster located in the Pantopia area of the park is being permanently retired after 19 years to make way for an exciting new attraction. SandSerpent is a fun-filled family coaster that zips, zooms and climbs five stories into the air, and Buch Gardens are giving everyone one last chance to ride before the coaster is closed forever. Sand Serpent manufactured by Mack Rides is a Wild Mouse roller coaster that was originally operated at sister park Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The ride first opened in Williamsburg in 1996 as Wild Izzy, before a quick name change in 1997 to Wilde Maus, when the ride operated in the park until 2003. The roller coaster was relocated to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and opened in 2004 as, Cheetah Chase, before receiving its current name in 2011. Sand Serpent reaches a maximum height of 45.9 feet (14.0 m), with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour (45 km/h), and a total length of 1,213.9 feet (370.0 m). 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.