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Brevard Zoo in Melbourne been voted the number three Zoo in North America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, and in addition their kayaking experiences were voted the number seven zoo exhibits as well. A panel of experts worked with 10Best’s editorial team to choose the nominees for each category and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Home to more than 900 animals, the AZA-accredited Brevard Zoo takes the zoo-going experience to adventurous new levels. Guests can zip-line through the jungles of South America or kayak through the African savanna or a restored Florida wetland. The zoo's kayaking experiences were voted the number seven zoo exhibits in the country! Brevard Zoo is the only one in the United States to offer a guided kayaking tour around an animal exhibit. Family members ages five and up can enjoy a guided trip on the Nyami Nyami River in the Brevard Zoo’s Expedition Africa exhibit, floating past giraffes, ostriches, impalas, lemurs, zebras and more. Take a self-guided kayak tour through the restored Wetlands area in the Wild Florida exhibit for a more adventurous trip. 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.

Orlando's rollercoaster spring weather is about to take a plunge yet again with temperatures dropping into the 50's by tomorrow morning, Sunday, March 19. The high will only reach 63F. Due to the expected low temperatures Seaworld's Aquatica Water Park is closed tomorrow, and scheduled to reopen Monday, March 20. Universal Orlando's Volcano Bay is also to remain closed tomorrow, and over at Walt Disney World the reopening of Typhoon Lagoon which has been closed for winter maintenance has been delayed until Monday. As of right now, temperatures are set to rise on Monday but could remain below 70F which could see the water parks delay opening until Tuesday when temperatures should rise to the mid 70's. 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.

The start to this weekend was pretty great, with temperatures into the 80's but don't let that fool you, Orlando's spring roller coaster weather is about to go over the top again, plunging us into the low 60's come Sunday! Due to the expected cold temperatures, Universal Orlando have decided to close Volcano Bay on Sunday. As of right now the water park is set to reopen Monday, but with temperatures expected to stay just below 70F we could see the park remaining closed on Monday too, before temps should rise to the mid 70's on Tuesday. 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.

Back in early 2021, the City of Orlando went public on its intentions to transform Downtown's Lake Eola. On behalf of the city, GAI’s Community Solutions Group (CSG) completed a Master Plan for the renovation of Lake Eola Park. The project consisted of a thorough review of existing park facilities and activities within the iconic Lake Eola Park. Analysis included the park’s uses within the context of the changing needs of downtown Orlando’s urban population, the role of Lake Eola Park within the larger region over the next 50 years, as well as comparisons to other iconic parks throughout the U.S. The result was a highly detailed Conceptual Development Plan that covered all aspects for significant improvements to Lake Eola Park. The city held a series of community and stakeholder engagement opportunities, including a citywide survey, to gather input on the park’s future. Fast forward to now, and on Thursday, March 16, the City of Orlando Appearance Review Board met to discuss the multi million dollar master plan that would transform every aspect of Lake Eola Park. A major aspect of the project would include huge upgrades to the Walt Disney Amphitheater that would see the Amphitheater expand capacity from 1,000 seats to 1,750, with the addition of covered canopies for the seating area, and a canopy over the Amphitheater. The entry plaza at Washington Street would also be expanded with a major landscaping project that would forever change the park, including interactive water features, splash pads and more. Also, with an eye on the many events that take place throughout the year at the park, more event space would be created. The plan also includes provisions for new and expanded restrooms by the amphitheater and by the playground on the east side of the park, with room for a concession stand, plus enhanced security and lighting, together stormwater upgrades and natural filtration measures put in place to keep the lake clean. The Lake Eola swan boat dock would be relocated to the southeast corner of the park, together with an expanded pier. The parks playground area would be completely redeveloped, as would the grill area. If the master plan is given the go ahead, the overall cost for the projects would be in the region of $31 million. Moving forward, another meeting has been set by the Orlando Appearance Review Board for April 20, where the Lake Eola Masterplan will be discussed further. 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.

TIME Magazine has named its World's Greatest Places for 2023 and it features many iconic destinations from around the world including Barcelona, The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, the French Polynesian Islands, Brisbane in Australia, Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, and the much closer to home, Tampa! The magazine describe Tampa as "a city eager to earn permanent status on travelers’ lists of sunny, accessible escapes worthy of a weekend stay, as a cutting-edge, multi-billion-dollar landmark development project redefines its downtown." TIME highlighted the Water Street project which includes the city’s first true five-star hotel, The Tampa EDITION (there are currently only five in the US, including one in Miami), with Michelin-starred chef John Fraser at the helm. Backed by Bill Gates and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik, the project has already seen the Verge, its main pedestrian promenade, mushroom with restaurants like Boulon Brasserie, with spectacular interiors by a Montreal designer and ridiculously good escargot, and The Pearl, a stylish oyster bar across the street, as well as lifestyle hotels and residences including ROOST Apartment Hotel. The neighborhood was recently named the world’s first WELL-certified City District, too, thanks to its focus on sustainability and livability, and rentable electric scooters make it easy to zip around downtown. The development is at the crux of a downtown renaissance that’s seen Tampa finally take full advantage of what’s been here all along–water, water, everywhere, between the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay. TIME also commented that Tampa was an entrepreneur- and millennial-magnet, with bleisure a way of life at spots like Sparkman Wharf, where top chefs proffer light bites and cocktails from within shipping containers astride a busy shipping canal, and Armature Works, a chic food hall inside a restored trolley warehouse along the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk. Here is the complete list of Time's World's Greatest Places 2023 Dominica Barcelona Torres del Paine National Park in Chile Ladakh, India Churchill, Manitoba Aarhus, Denmark Roatán, Honduras Aqaba, Jordan Kyoto Musanze, Rwanda Luang Prabang. Laos Sylt, Germany Willamette Valley, Oregon Budapest Mayurbhanj, India Yosemite National Park in California Giza and Saqqara, Egypt Medellín, Columbia Isan, Thailand Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone Naples, Italy Kangaroo Island, Australia Vienna Bozeman, Mont Mexico City Dakar, Senegal Jeju Island, South Korea Berat, Albania Pantanal, Brazil Rabat, Morocco Loango National Park, Gabon Phuket, Thailand Dijon, France Tampa, Florida Rio Grande, P.R. Tucson, Ariz. Washington D.C. Vancouver Pantelleria, Italy St. Moritz, Switzerland Timisoara, Romania Brisbane, Australia Guadalajara, Mexico Ollantaytambo, Peru Nagoya, Japan Chyulu Hills, Kenya The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia Jerusalem Sharjah, UAE Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesisa 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.

Hop on over to Disney's Contemporary Resort for adorable (and delicious) Easter offerings! Check out the Easter egg display, and enjoy the egg-cement selection of Easter treats. The goodies can be found on 4th floor of the resort. The yummy treats include Spring Bunny Tart, 5 Legged Goat Sugar Cookie (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly), Hummingbird Cake, Peanut Butter Eggs and Spring Coconut Macaroons 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.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Florida Aquarium in Tampa have been named among the best aquariums in the United States. In the 2023 USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been named number two. Clearwater Marine Aquarium will forever be known as the home of Winter the Dolphin, whose story was told in "Dolphin Tale." Although Winter sadly died in 2021, her legacy remains at this aquarium that focuses on animal care and education. Visitors can see and learn more about a variety of animals inside the aquarium or take a guided eco-tour right outside in Clearwater Bay. 10Best expert Nikky J. shares, "I love this place because they focus on rescue, rehab and release of aquatic animals. Plus, it's a fun place to hang out with the family for a few hours!" Meanwhile, The Florida Aquarium in Tampa has came out in 8th place. One of the top aquariums in the South, the Florida Aquarium displays some 8,000 plants and animals from a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including alligators, sharks, seahorses, river otters and free-flying birds. The Florida Wetlands trail highlights regional life in a recreated mangrove forest, while the Journey to Madagascar takes visitors across the globe to observe a host of interesting animals – ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches and colorful chameleons. At Stingray Beach, visitors are invited to touch stingrays and sharks. 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.

Right now at Walt Disney World, Spring has sprung and the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is in full swing! The festival is happening now through July 5, 2023 and there are more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens blooming with delicious eats and sips that are sure to satisfy your palate, and if you have special dietary needs or just looking to enjoy some delicious plant-based options, Disney have brought together a selection of 22 plant-based and/or gluten/wheat friendly food items you can find at the festival! So with that, let’s take a look! Gluten/Wheat Friendly Items EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet) Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available March 1 through April 8) Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Available May 20 through July 5) Northern Bloom (Canada) Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany) Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico) Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) Plant-Based Food Items BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet) Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders) Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco) Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) Grilled Chicken or Lamb Kebabs with Carrot-Chickpea Salad and Garlic Aïoli (Gluten/Wheat Friendly) La Isla Fresca Between Morocco and France Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) Pineapple Promenade Near Port of Entry DOLE Whip (Plant-based) Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Near Port of Entry Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) The Land Cart hosted by Advent Health Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based) Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based) Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) Gluten/Wheat Friendly & Plant-Based Food Items Refreshment Outpost) Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany) Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) And there you have it, the 22 dishes that are plant-based and/or gluten/wheat friendly! 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.

Orange World on the 192 is currently closed, but hopefully not for too long! Orange World in Kissimmee suffered extensive interior damage to the iconic giant orange structure on Highway 192 on Tuesday, March 7, forcing the business to remain closed. "The Big Orange" as its affectionately known by locals and tourists alike is an iconic structure known to millions who have visited the gift shop that has been selling citrus, gifts and all things Florida since the early 1980's. The fire broke out around 6 pm near the rear of the store, on Tuesday, March 7, and filled the surrounding area with thick black smoke. Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS quickly responded, with around a dozen firefighters in attendance, who fortunately extinguished the fire quickly, and kept the impact of the fire mainly to the rear of the store, with the main damage being smoke and water damage. Fortunately the orange roofed building is mainly unaffected, with the roof sustaining no damage, and THE mural featured in the Florida Project movie is unaffected. As you can see the main damage is to the rear of the store. The square hole that you can see cut out the side of the building is one of many that firefighter cut out to help ventilate the roof space. Firefighters quickly brought the fire unde control, preventing any damage to the nearby Waffle House and Stayable Suites Hotel. It's thought that the fire likely started in a storage area in the rear of the shop. The good news is that the building is structurally safe, and the owner, Mason Rahman is planning to have the store back up and running as soon as possible, with plans to reopen within the next few months. Orange World was the idea of Eli Sfassie who moved from Indiana to Florida to open a Texaco gas station near Walt Disney World when the park opened in 1971. To further capitalize off tourists in the area, Sfassie began selling souvenirs in the service bay. The gift store was so successful that in 1988, he had the building converted to resemble an orange fruit for $6,000, and called it Eli's Orange World. The building was billed as the "world's largest orange" by Sfassie and stands at 60 feet. 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.

It's official! The votes are in, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been recognised as one of the top zoo's in North America. In the 2023 USA TODAY's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards, the zoo has secured the honour of being named of the top 10 zoos in the country, placing 6th place in the Best Zoo (2023) category. Plus, in addition the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center has secured 4th place in the Best Zoo Exhibit. “We are honored to have been recognized in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and thank our guests, members, employees and residents for their continued support throughout the voting process,” said President and CEO Joe Couceiro. “Tampa Bay is an award winning city in so many areas and we are proud to add another accolade and point of pride to our amazing community.” Sitting on 56 acres, ZooTampa is home to endangered, threatened and vulnerable animal species from such areas as Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. "This is one of the most amazing zoos in America," 10Best expert Nikky J says. "Not only do they have a mission of rescue and rehabilitation, [but] they're [also] always hosting events to bring the community of Tampa together." Examples of that programming include Day of Discovery, a low-sensory morning for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and Speakers of the Wild, a series that features discussion of wildlife and wild places. The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center of ZooTampa at Lowry Park has been helping manatees since it was founded in 1991. It was the first manatee critical care center ever built specifically to care manatees who are injured or ill. Guests can observe the rehabilitation process in the recovery pools of Manatee Mangrove, and the non-profit organization hopes to inspire young people to protect these creatures. 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.

One of the best free things you can do in Central Florida at the weekends, is to visit Old Town on Highway 192 in Kissimmee for the famous Saturday Nite Cruise, and for the past 33 years, Old Town in Kissimmee has been hosting the weekly Saturday Nite Classic Car Show and Cruise on Saturday nights, and to mark the occasion, a day-long celebration is happening tomorrow, Saturday March 18, 2023. Visiting the SaturdayNite Cruise is something our family have enjoyed so many time over the years, and its definitely a must do we recommend for visitors. It's a unique event, watching the cars drive down Main street, with the smell of the gasoline, and the roar of engines, it's a unique night out, that's got to be experienced. It’s been 33 years since Old Town invited classic cars to drive down the brick-paved main street and the beginning of a Saturday tradition. Recognized as America’s longest running weekly car show and cruise, Old Town invites car cruisers, enthusiasts, and admirers to come and celebrate tomorrow night. The anniversary show will feature show-quality 1985 and older hot rods, street rods, and antiques. The all-day celebration begins at 11 am. and includes live entertainment, giveaways, and more, until 11 pm. Live Music will feature The Dukes from 1 pm – 5 pm, and Johnny Wild and The Delights from 7 pm – 11 pm. “We are excited to celebrate this year’s 33rd Anniversary Car Show & Cruise and recognize the car owners who have helped keep Old Town’s title of America’s longest running weekly car show,” says Thearon Scurlock, Old Town Vice President and General Manager. “Old Town continues to offer great, free family-friendly events and is perfect for car enthusiasts and admirers of all ages.” The Classic Car Show and Cruise is free for car owners to participate and spectators to enjoy. For more information, check out the Old Town website. 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.

Walt Disney World are expecting a busy April as they have today updated the theme park calendar for the month to show extended hours throughout the resort. Magic Kingdom April 2-29: Park hours extended 9am to 11pm (previously 9am to 10pm) Hollywood Studios April 2-12, 14-15, 17-29: Park hours extended 8:30am to 9:30pm (previously 8:30am to 9pm) April 13, 16: Park hours extended 9am to 9:30pm (previously 9am to 9pm) Disney’s Animal Kingdom April 2-16, 21-23, 28-29: Park hours extended 8am to 8pm (previously 9am to 7pm) April 17-20, 24-27: Park hours extended 8am to 7pm (previously 9am to 7pm) EPCOT As of right now there is no changes to park hours at EPCOT. 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.