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The Orlando Magic’s G League team is on the move from Lakeland to Kissimmee, and the team is changing its name too. The Magic will relocate their NBA G League affiliate to Kissimmee, and rebrand it as the Osceola Magic. Welcomed to their new home with open arms, the team will be based out of Osceola Heritage Park with play beginning at Silver Spurs Arena in November 2023. “We are excited to bring the Magic and NBA G League basketball to Osceola County, Kissimmee and Osceola Heritage Park,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins. “We would like to thank Osceola County Chairwoman Viviana Janer, County Manager Don Fisher and Osceola Heritage Park General Manager Robb Larson in assisting us in making this move a reality. We look forward to being an invested community partner in Kissimmee and Osceola County.” The move brings the team closer to downtown Orlando and the organization’s parent club. During the 2022-23 campaign, seven members of the Orlando Magic – R.J. Hampton (who’s now with the Detroit Pistons), Kevon Harris, Caleb Houstan, Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke, Admiral Schofield, and Jay Scrubb – spent time with the team’s G League affiliate. With that distance now less than a 30-minute drive, it’ll make it even more convenient for the franchise to have developing or rehabbing players do stints in the G League. “We want to build a team here that Osceola can be proud of, that’s about winning and that’s about the right stuff,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “In order to leverage all of those different touch points, proximity matters greatly. This is going to be a game changer for us.” Orlando had plenty of G League success stories this season alone. Whether it was Isaac’s three-game rehab stint before making his highly anticipated NBA return or Schofield being rewarded with a standard contract after two-way play, the team has seen firsthand the value of their G League franchise. And they’re not alone. This past season, 49 G League players earned NBA Call-Ups, and the league saw its 900th Call-Up of all-time, as well as its 700th different player called up since the league was established in 2001. Throughout the NBA season, at least 54 percent of players on NBA rosters had G League experience, with that number reaching as high as 58 percent during 2022-23 play. “It’s a great way for us to send all of our young players, our rehabbing veteran players, (and) guys that we’re interested in to get indoctrinated into the Magic way,” said Weltman. “As I alluded to before, the cross-pollination and the connectivity organizationally is from the ground up, so that when we drop the players in, they’re getting the Orlando Magic experience in Osceola.” The Magic head to Osceola after having created a number of exciting memories in Lakeland. Without a doubt, the pinnacle moment came when the organization captured the franchise’s first ever G League championship with a win over the Delaware Blue Coats in the title game at Disney on March 11, 2021. Devin Cannady, who later signed a standard contract with Orlando, was named the Finals MVP for his phenomenal 22-point performance in the victory. The organization now sets its sights on creating memories like that for fans in Osceola. “We had five great years (in Lakeland),” said Martins. “The opportunity presented itself and Osceola was very aggressive about trying to get us to come here. I think this is going to be another positive step in the right direction for our G League product and for the organization as a whole.” Along with bringing an on-the-court product, the Magic will look to increase their impact on the Osceola community. “You have to do good before you do well,” said Larson. “The Orlando Magic and the DeVos family, everything that they do for the Central Florida community is second to none. They continue to do so. Last week alone, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (gave out multiple grants to charitable organizations in Osceola).” Just as they do in Orlando, the Magic will aim to be champions on and off the court in Osceola as well. 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

The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Orlando is part of the Bonnet Creek Resort at Walt Disney World together with Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek, and Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Bordered by Walt Disney World on all sides, Bonnet Creek is the closest you can get to the Walt Disney World Resort without being on Disney property, with hotel guests benefiting from Extra Magic Hours and extended FastPass+ bookings. Starting this month, April 2023, the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Orlando will undergo a comprehensive, multi-phase reimagination expected to debut in December 2023. This property-wide redesign follows an extensive renovation of the hotel’s meeting and events spaces last year and will encompass the resort’s rooms and suites, lobby space, select culinary outlets including the award-winning restaurant Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria spa and prestigious 18-hole golf course. The transformation of the guest rooms and suites is being spearheaded by award-winning interior design firm, Parker Torres Design. "We are delighted to announce our plans for the complete makeover of Waldorf Astoria Orlando," said Ryan Fitzgerald, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Orlando. "As a Waldorf Astoria hotel, our guests expect the best in luxury accommodations and world-class amenities, and we are committed to providing them with an exceptional experience that surpasses their expectations as soon as they walk through our doors." While the top-to-bottom makeover will be completed at the end of 2023, enhancements did begin last year with the unveiling of the new Central Park Ballroom, which offers an 8,000-plus square foot ballroom, nearly 2,600 square feet of pre-function space and a planned 8,700-square foot covered outdoor patio. This addition brings Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s meetings and events offering to nearly 60,000 square feet of multi-functional meeting space — inclusive of two ballrooms, two boardrooms, 13 meeting rooms and exquisite outdoor spaces such as Signature Island, the Promenade, and the soon-to-be built Central Park Gardens. This year’s renewal marks the biggest enhancement to the property since its opening in 2009. The transformation will be completed in phases to minimize disruptions to the guest experience. Elements of the multi-phase reimagination of Waldorf Astoria Orlando include: Hotel Lobby - The lobby space will be enhanced from April to June 2023, unveiling a bright and airy new look for guests, while keeping the original Waldorf Astoria brand clock as an iconic welcome. Designed with marble detailing and a natural color palette, this refreshed space will provide visitors with a warm welcome upon check-in. Guest Rooms & Suites - For the newly reimagined guest rooms and suites, the Parker Torres Design team has taken inspiration from the flora and fauna found in the resort’s surroundings, being located in Bonnet Creek, one of Florida's most serene nature reserves. The design incorporates a soft, contemporary color palette of taupe, linen and shades of green to evoke the feeling of a deep, verdant garden. The artwork found throughout the guest rooms and suites was customized by the Parker Torres Design team in partnership with Soho Art Consulting and speaks to the organic contours, shapes and textures found in nature. Additionally, the accommodations will be refreshed with high-end furnishings and modern amenities, such as new custom millwork, wet bars and stocked mini-bars, custom guest bathroom vanities with natural stone tops, and motion-activated night lights. Guests will continue to enjoy luxurious amenities including exclusively curated Aesop toiletries, Hilton’s Connected Room Technology, in-room Nespresso coffee machine, and more. Peacock Alley - Following the lobby’s completion, the lobby restaurant, Peacock Alley, will be transformed to complement the thoughtful enhancements made to the updated space. During this time of June through August, guests will be able to dine in Sir Harry's, which will open as The Croissant Bar for breakfast, lunch and light bites. Peacock Alley’s return will also usher back in the beloved Royal Tea program. A crowd-favorite, this elegant offering features decadent teas and delicious bites such as savory sandwiches and macaroons. The masterful culinary team will be incorporating new items into this experience as well, upon its return. Bull & Bear - This award-winning restaurant is consistently ranked one of the top eateries in Orlando and offers a robust menu featuring steakhouse classics and trend-setting fare including Fried Chicken, Pasta Explosion, and delectable Chateaubriand For Two. During the renovations, the iconic signature restaurant will be revamped into an opulent fine dining destination, incorporating modern statement light fixtures, a refreshed color palette drawing from the surrounding award-winning golf course, and the introduction of newly refined dishes. During this time, guests and locals may still enjoy the Bull & Bear experience within another location at the hotel, Oscar’s Brasserie, where they may indulge in their favorite dishes in a new temporary indoor and outdoor space. Waldorf Spa - The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a completely customized experience featuring signature treatments incorporating locally produced honey, and a Himalayan Salt Therapy Room. The future Waldorf Spa will be redesigned with relaxation at the forefront, inclusive of new Lemi Spa Dream tables ideal for unique couples treatments that will launch following the reimagination. Waldorf Astoria Golf Club - In 2022, Course Architect Rees Jones Inc. developed a new Master Plan for the golf course to include renovations and improvements to each hole, inclusive of all tees being rebuilt, playing corridors widened, green surfaces expanded to their original shape and size, as well as the bunkers brought back to their dramatic windswept character. In addition, the 16th, 17th,and 18th holes will have undergone a full redesign, bringing the golf course back to its original Par 72, 7000-yard layout. All restorations are expected to be completed by January 2024. Waldorf Marketplace - Located adjacent to Peacock Alley, this brand-new multi-functional all-day space is dedicated to the craft of coffee, handmade baked goods, prepared foods, and an expert chocolate program. Whether early morning for breakfast or late afternoon for a snack, special attention is given to merchandising and presentation. For more information about Waldorf Astoria Orlando, please visit the hotel’s website or call +1 407 597 5500. 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

Pigzza, the brand new pizza concept coming to Mills 50 from the owner of Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbacoa, has set an opening date for April 18. The new pizza restaurant which includes a full bar and coffee service is located just three blocks west of Pig Floyd’s at 1050 N. Mills Avenue, right next to Will's Pub. Owner Thomas Ward revealed the opening date this week, with Pigzza accepting dinner reservations via Resy.com, beginning 9am on Saturday, April 15, ahead of the restaurants opening on Tuesday, April 18 at 11 am. Owner Ward has revealed that while the menu has not yet been finalized for the restaurant, he said that he will be releasing the menu ahead of the opening next week. At first the new restaurant will only be open for dinner service with reservations highly recommended, although they will have limited availability for walk-ups. Ward has asked customers to be patient when the restaurant opens its doors, as the new team obviously need an adjustment period with everything being so new. We can't wait to try Pigzza! 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