March 2021 - Page 2 of 2 - On the Go in MCO

Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classic 2021

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts have announced the return of their popular Food & Wine Classic, but for the first time ever, this new edition will take place in the spring.

The Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classic will take place Saturday, April 17 as a one-night, limited-ticket event featuring unlimited food and beverage tastings and live music.

The event will offer culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants as well as wine samplings from around the world and a selection of other beverages, all amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment. As a limited-ticket event, guests will be able to socially distance themselves throughout the resort’s expansive, spacious and scenic outdoor spaces.

The event, taking place 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., will feature several themed stations including the Beer Garden, Chinatown, and the luau-inspired The Pig & Poke.

Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classic Menu highlights include:

Sweet & smokey St. Louis style smoked ribs with macaroni & cheese from Executive Chef Dan Herman’s Smokin’ D’s BBQ

Salt roasted prime NY strip loin with roasted marble potatoes, onion purée, and truffle veal jus from Shula’s Steak House

Vegetarian bao filled with glazed savory jack fruit, green onion, and ginger served in Chinatown themed area

Shrimp & Grits with sautéed Gulf shrimp, buttered white corn grits and tasso ham gravy from Todd English’s bluezoo

In total, there will be 12 food stations, including dessert from executive pastry chef and world pastry champion Laurent Branlard and more than 50 beverage selections.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel

Among the protocols implemented for the Swan and Dolphin Spring Food & Wine Classic event are:

Temperature checks for all attending guests
Plexiglass walls for all food service areas
All cast members wearing PPE
Socially distanced stations
Touchless menus
Clearly marked social distancing signage
Face coverings are required for all guests, including those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine, and must be worn at all times, except when dining
Guests may remove face coverings while actively eating or drinking but must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing

The spring event leads the way for the return of the fall Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic scheduled to take place this October 29 & 30.

Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Swan and dophin spring food & wine classic

Event-only tickets can be purchased online at FoodAndWineClassic.com for $125 per person.

Room packages start at $400 and include event access for two adults.

To book, call 1-888-828-8850 between 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays; 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Events are limited to those 21 years and older.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Opening This Fall

During today’s virtual annual meeting of shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT will be October 1, 2021.

This new family-friendly attraction will officially debut as part of the kickoff for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honoring Walt Disney World Resort’s 50^th anniversary.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure invites guests into the flavorful world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Ratatouille,” where they will feel as if they shrink to the size of Chef Remy and scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant. Guests will find Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in a newly expanded area of the park’s France pavilion, where the real is made fantastic in a reimagining of Paris inspired by the film.

Also debuting October 1 in this section of the pavilion will be a delicious new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options.

The menu will feature sweet crepes, savory buckwheat galettes (naturally gluten-friendly), and authentic French hard cider. The attraction, restaurant, and pavilion expansion are all part of the historic transformation of EPCOT currently underway, bringing a breadth of new experiences to the park is a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and the magic of possibility.

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins Oct. 1 on the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World. This 18-month event will feature new experiences at the resort’s four theme parks and beyond, where shimmering EARidescent décor will appear as if by magic. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Crêperie de Paris will now join in the festivities for this landmark occasion; more details about the celebration will be announced in the future.

Don’t forget you can keep up with the latest theme park new and events by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

CFCArts Announces New Theatre Location

CFCArts, Central Florida Community Arts, has announced that their next theatre production will take place in a new location. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will transform a vacant storefront at the Fashion Square Mall, opening on Thursday, April 15 running through May 2, 2021. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2021. The new venue opens up the potential for more productions in the 2020-2021 season.

“We are excited to explore opportunities for producing more theatre at this location,” said Terrance Hunter, senior director of programs of CFCArts. “We are continually looking for spaces that afford accessibility for everyone and look forward to how our patrons respond to this venue.”

The Fashion Square Mall location is planned for the April production, with the potential to stage more productions in the upcoming year. This marks the first time CFCArts will mount a full production outside the black box at their current location. The former Express storefront is three times the size of the current black box theatre and along with increased square footage, the venue includes lobby space allowing for the sale of concessions, potentially beer and wine, in a safe, socially-distanced environment.

Out of the pandemic, CFCArts adopted the guiding principles of safety, flexibility, creativity, and inclusivity, that help inform decisions for in-person programming. Additionally, the Theatre Program developed pillars that expand the artistic vision and the community commitment. Included in those pillars — education, exploration, conversations that matter, community, and accessibility — is a desire to develop theater in unconventional spaces, that is also geographically accessible.

“As an organization we are focusing this year on ‘recovery’ for our audiences and our artists,” said Joshua Vickery, founder and executive director of Central Florida Community Arts. “By developing guiding principles for the organization and specific pillars for our theatre program, we are creating a path for that recovery. This venue helps us check all the boxes from safety to being geographically accessible.”

The upcoming production will adhere to the safety guidelines developed with Orlando Health. All performers and patrons will be expected to adhere to the safety guidelines available at the CFCArts website here: CFCArts safety.

CFCArts Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Show Details

The classic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and this enchanting tale take on a contemporary reimagining. A pumpkin transforming into a carriage, a plain country girl and a prince joining in marriage – impossible? Witness the impossible become possible, with the help of Fairy Godmother, of course!

Production: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is being directed and choreographed by Shana Burns with musical direction by Michelle Procopio. The cast includes Chase Williams (Topher), Holli Trisler (Elle), Angela Brunn (Madame), Dayja Le’Chelle (Gabrielle), Megan K. Hill (Marie), Victoria Narvaez (Charlotte), Clint Steadman (Sebastian) and Marquise Hillman (Pinkleton).

Where: Fashion Square Mall location at 3461 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

When: Thursday, April 15, 2021-Sunday, May 2, 2021

Tickets: On sale 9 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2021

Tickets may be purchased by visiting CFCArts.com or calling the box office at (407) 937-1800. For more information email boxoffice@cfcarts.com.

Coney Island Drive-Inn- Brooksville

Looking for a fun outing, we decide to head over to Coney Island Drive-Inn that has been in Brooksville, Florida since 1960 when they took over an old boat manufacturing building.

While the building has changed hands a few times over the years, the quality and vibe has remained the same.

Legend has it that in 1961, Elvis Presley was in Inverness, Florida, filming a movie and he ventured down to Brooksville for one of their world Famous Footlongs.

We have been here many times before, and some of these photos were pre-Covid to give you an idea of the inside, but they do have a walk up window if you didn’t want to go inside to eat or order.

I love the vibe inside the Coney Island Drive-Inn, because there are a lot of classic photos of not only Elvis (who ate here don’t forget!) but also so many old license plates and old photos.

I love all the Betty Boop items, too!

During my first visit a few years ago, I stared at everything for a long time, as there’s so much to look at!

I even love the furniture it feels like an old retro gas station vibe which sounds really odd but as you can see from the photos, it really works!

There are a few different rooms you can sit in too if eating inside, each with plenty of cool items to admire.

As for the food, they do have their famous footlong hot dogs, including gator dogs, Reuben dogs and “Hot Diggity Chix Wings”.

Below is a photo of their selection from their Facebook page, then a photo of what I, the awkward vegetarian at a hot dog place, orders, fried corn!

Image taken from the Coney Island Drive-Inn Facebook Page.

I can honestly say its the best fried corn I have ever had! Which is why I always come back, its so tasty as are their fries!

They also have free Elvis impersonator shows, and you can check their Facebook or Instagram for their upcoming calendar of events.

In 2015 they purchases an old turpentine building in Zephyrhills Florida as their second location, and just this year they opened their first licensed location in Crystal River, Florida.

Depending where you live, it is quite a drive out of the Orlando area, off the beaten track, but it is a really pretty drive over there and you can always visit downtown Brooksville for the local stores after and make a fun day out of it.

Coney Island Drive-Inn is located at 112 East Jefferson St, Brooksville, Florida 34601. Their hours are Monday & Sunday 11am till 6pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am till 9pm.

On the Go in the Parks: March 5-7, 2021

Instagram Post - On the Go In the Parks March 5 to 7 2021

Make sure you tune into Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino on WDBO tonight at 6:38pm ET to hear about these and other fun things going on around Central Florida!

Cold weather may be moving back in, but don’t let a little chill stop you from being On the Go in the Parks this weekend!!!

On the Go in the Parks: March 5-7, 2021

A Taste of Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Wordless Wednesday Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2015 Epcot Walt Disney World

EPCOT will full bloom as the Taste of EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival fills the park with farm-fresh flavors from around the world from until July 5th!

This annual celebration will be slightly different, but beautiful flowers, topiaries with character, fan-favorite entertainment, and family fun can be found around every corner.

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras 2020 - — Universal Orlando Resort

Experience an international food fest with cuisine and entertainment inspired by international Carnaval celebrations. Sample the flavors of Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany, Spain, and other regions including, of course, New Orleans.

Plus enjoy spectacular floats on display, street entertainment, music, beads, and more throughout the theme park.

Don’t forget that right now the Universal Orlando Resort has AMAZING Florida Resident deals on Annual Passes (3 months free on any two park pass), tickets (Buy a Day, Get 3 free), and resort stays!!!!

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival 2021

The Seven Seas Food Festival continues at SeaWorld Orlando, and if you are a foodie this is a can’t miss event for you!!!

Bayside Stadium will once again be rocking this weekend with performances from The Modern Gentlemen on Saturday, March 6th, and Easton Corbin on Sunday, March 7th.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food and Wine Festival 2021

This spring, flavors are in bloom at Busch Gardens Tampa with the return of the park’s fan-favorite Food & Wine Festival that invites guests to
sample more than 110 tasty treats, including 22 NEW dishes.

Serving guests every weekend until April 25th with limited capacity, this year’s menu features festival favorites and fresh twists on classic cuisines from around the country that pair perfectly with more than 80 wines, brews, and cocktails.

This Saturday evening you can also see Phillip Phillips in concert on the park’s Festival Field.

Theme Park Deals You Won’t Want to Miss!!!

Universal Orlando Deals

On the Go in the Parks January 2021 Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is welcoming 2021 with SEVERAL special offers that invite guests to plan an epic trip to the award-winning theme park destination this year.

The current special offers include:

Get 3 Months Free on any 2-Park Annual or Seasonal Pass
Florida residents can also take advantage of an exclusive Universal Orlando ticket offer to purchase a 1-Day, 2-Park ticket (as low as $181 per adult, plus tax) and receive three extra days free to experience both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Florida residents can take advantage of nightly rates as low as $79 plus tax at the all-new Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, while non-Florida residents can book a stay at Dockside Inn and Suites for as low as $88 per night, plus tax based on a four-night stay.
Guests who purchase a 4-Day, 2-Park or 3-Park ticket (starting at $224.99 per adult, plus tax) can save up to $50 per ticket – that’s a combined savings of up to $200 for a family of four.
Guests can also take advantage of this offer as part of a vacation package to Universal Orlando, and receive a total savings of up to $800 on a package that includes five-night accommodations at one of Universal’s beautifully-themed hotels and 4-day theme park tickets for a family of four.

Don’t forget you can keep up with our adventures On the Go in MCO and find even more events by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!

Celebrate Spring at the Central Florida Zoo

Kids of all ages will want to hop to and get to the Central Florida Zoo on April 3.

The Zoo’s favorite springtime event, Hippity Hop Adventure, is back. The event is presented by VyStar Credit Union.

The springtime celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021, featuring fun for the entire family.

During the festivities, guests can hop along the Egg Trail, where they’ll make Bunny Stops to collect eggs, do crafts and play games. At the end of their egg-cellent adventure, they’ll be able to meet the Easter Bunny himself.

The fun doesn’t stop at the Egg Trail. The Zoo will have music inside the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to enjoy and much more! Entertainment and activities are sponsored by Publix Charities.

“Hippity Hop Adventure is one of our favorite events for family fun at the Zoo,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “We’re thankful to VyStar Credit Union and Publix Charities for helping us make it possible and look forward to a safe and fun day.”

Guests are encouraged to bring baskets to collect their treats. Face coverings or masks that fully cover the mouth and nose are required for all Zoo guests age 13 and up and are recommended for those 12 and under.

All events and activities are included in Central Florida Zoo admission. Annual Pass blackout dates will apply, and admission for Annual Pass Holders will be $5 per named person on each Annual Pass.

For more information, visit www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Broadway in Orlando is Back

Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Interior

The Florida Theatrical Association, Dr. Phillips Center, and Broadway Across America have announced the upcoming FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando series, which is expected to begin this fall.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Broadway back to the Dr. Phillips Center this fall for what will be a spectacular season,” said Susie Krajsa, president of Broadway Across America. “We have been working diligently with producers, booking agents, and other national tour representatives to reschedule and rebuild the lineup for the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season. We are so grateful for the support of our subscribers and patrons who have remained steadfast awaiting the return of Broadway to the Dr. Phillips Center.”

The FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season includes seven shows at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in the Walt Disney Theater.

The season is set to begin in September and run until July with the following schedule:

Hadestown—September 21–26, 2021

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Hadestown

Tootsie—November 2–7, 2021
The Prom—December 7–12, 2021
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations—January 25–30, 2022
Disney’s Frozen—February 24–March 6, 2022
Cats—March 29–April 3, 2022
Jesus Christ Superstar—June 7–12, 2022

Unfortunately, at this time, there are a few changes to the previously announced performances for the 2021/2022 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando Series that are worth noting.

The Dr. Phillips Center cannot reschedule Hamilton and The Band’s Visit for the 2021/2022 season. However, Broadway Across America is working on scheduling these shows to return to the Dr. Phillips Center for a future season.

And, as previously announced, the Orlando favorite Wicked is postponed.

Robust health and safety protocols developed with guidance from AdventHealth have helped the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts responsibly welcome guests back to shows, camps, classes, and special events since summer 2020.

“We’re eagerly anticipating Broadway’s return to Orlando and are confident we have the health protocols and training in place to do so responsibly,” said Dr. Phillips Center President and CEO Kathy Ramsberger. “It’s terrific to think that fans are just months away from again experiencing the wonder of Broadway.”

It is important to note that should the need arise to cancel a performance for any reason, subscribers should be aware the value of their tickets is safe and have many options. If the subscription is paid in full, they may elect to receive a credit or refund or choose to donate the value of their tickets to the arts center; if the subscription is being paid through a payment plan, the value of the tickets will be applied to the remaining payments on the account.

New subscriptions for the 2021/2022 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando Series at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts are now on sale, and current subscribers can add to their packages at BroadwayinOrlando.com.

Spring it On at the Gaylord Palms

The Gaylord Palms Resort is always finding new ways to entertain their guests, and now they are ready to Spring It On from March 12 to May 16 with an itinerary of family-friendly events and activities to welcome the spring season.

As a Spring Break Getaway with Easter events, Once Upon a Spring programming, activities, and an interactive show that brings classic fairy tales to life, and the all-new Crystal River Rapids action river, the resort will provide the perfect springtime retreat.

To celebrate the magic and creativity of the season, the interactive show Paint Me A Fairytale will take guests on an enchanted adventure as Mother Goose uses her magic paintbrush to bring the pages of storybook favorites to life, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and The Princess and The Pea. Through each classic story, guests will learn that magic lives within all of us when we treat others with kindness and have courage to tell the truth. As a special keepsake, guests will take home a custom watercolor paint set and coloring book featuring characters from the show. To allow for social distancing, capacity will be limited and advance online reservations are required.

Also coming to this year’s programming is the Eggspression Garden, an imaginative walkthrough experience featuring blossoming tulips, gigantic Easter eggs, a massive chocolate bunny and five additional spring-themed photo opportunities. Plus, colorful craft cocktails and mocktails, whimsical paintings and more will delight guests in the ART Bar.

And, just in time for spring break, guests can experience Crystal River Rapids, the thrilling new action river attraction opening March 1 at Cypress Springs Water Park.

This exhilarating water ride will twist and turn guests through speeding currents at three-and-a-half feet per second as they race past roaring waterfalls, crumbling limestone walls and larger-than-life leaves. Guest can take in the stunning views of Cypress Springs Water Park from the river’s alcove, cabanas, spas or premium pool seating.

And, just in time for spring break, guests can experience Crystal River Rapids, the thrilling new action river attraction opening March 1 at Cypress Springs Water Park. This exhilarating water ride will twist and turn guests through speeding currents at three-and-a-half feet per second as they race past roaring waterfalls, crumbling limestone walls and larger-than-life leaves. Guest can take in the stunning views of Cypress Springs Water Park from the river’s alcove, cabanas, spas or premium pool seating.

Additional Once Upon a Spring Activities:

During the Springtime Pool Party, guests can enjoy fun in the sun with pool games, prizes, sing-a-longs and line dances at Cypress Springs Water Park. The ideal setting for family-fun, Cypress Springs features a brand-new action river attraction, zero-entry family pool, treehouse water play structure with four water slides, Big Cypress tower with an AquaDrop slide and two racing slides, and The Wake Zone Double FlowRider with a surfable, simulated wave.
Guests can explore the resort’s 4.5 acres of indoor gardens with seasonally themed Scavenger Hunts.

Meet the Easter Bunny while enjoying a delicious breakfast in the newly renovated Villa de Flora during the Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny Character Breakfast on select dates through April 4. On Easter day, guests can enjoy a specialty brunch at Villa de Flora.
On select dates through April 4, guests can get creative and enjoy a sweet treat by decorating either an Easter egg or bunny cookie in the Cookie Decorating experience. Plus, after decorating, guests can meet the Easter Bunny himself!

Join the resort’s exclusive characters Seth the Sea Turtle, Ava the Alligator and everyone’s favorite Adventure Kid Sophie as they explore the splendor of springtime in the interactive live show Adventure Kids: Sprout into Spring.
High above the indoor gardens, the atrium “skies” will be bright with the Springtime Light Display, as giant LED light curtains vividly display flowers blooming, bunny rabbits scurrying, shooting stars and spring-colored kaleidoscopes.

Enjoy up-close Animal Encounters with critters from Wild Florida’s nearby zoological park and learn more about the Florida eco-system and the animals’ unique personalities.
From the comfort of their guest room, families can enjoy an interactive video on their in-room TV that follows the classic story of Peter Rabbit in Adventure Kids: Bedtime Bunny Tales.

Plus, Relâche Spa is offering a Springtime Renewal special from March 1 – April 30 that allows guests to receive a $25 spa boutique credit and $25 off a future service with the purchase of any 50-minute or longer massage, facial or body treatment.

Once Upon a Spring activities are available on select dates, including March 12-20, 25-27, April 1-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30 and May 1, 7-8 and 14-15, 2021.

In celebration of the season, the resort is offering a special package with rates from $199. The package includes overnight accommodations, a Scavenger Hunt booklet and tickets to the Paint Me A Fairytale interactive show.

For more information, CLICK HERE. Individual tickets for select spring activities are also on sale.

As the safety of its guests and STARS (employees) is of paramount importance, the resort’s spring events and activities have been developed in accordance with Marriott’s “Commitment to Clean” program and with enhanced protocols and social distancing measures. Programming will also operate in consideration with the latest local, state and federal legislation.

A Visit to Crumbl Cookies

Living in Orlando, we are spoiled with choices when it comes to sweet snacks and treats, and it is hard to branch out from the places that have been around forever and so we tend to stick to where we know.

Recently I had been seeing a lot of California friends posting about a yummy cookie store called Crumbl, a cookie shop where the cookies are decorated so pretty and come presented in a beautiful pink pastry box that we have all come to associate with the best kind of bakeries.

I searched online and found 4 locations in Florida with two in South Florida, one in Lutz close to Tampa and one in Lake Mary that is closest to Orlando.

It is still a bit of a drive, but it’s not too far of a drive to make when warm cookies are involved!

What is really cool about this place is the many options they have to get their cookies, you can order online and pick up curbside (my favorite option) you can chose to have them delivered (locally) and they can even be shipped. If you want to look at the cookies first you can order inside at the counter, or at the touch screen computers inside the store.

They even have a space where you can watch the cookies coming out of the oven and decorated. it reminded me a lot of Sprinkles in Disney Springs in that way.

If you order online, you just choose an estimated time of arrival, and once you pull up you click to let them know you are there, and once they are ready they bring them right out.

You can even get the box gift wrapped with ribbon and chose a message sticker to go over it for an extra $1 which is really cute if you are surprising someone with a box.

Even if you get one single cookie it still comes in a really cute little pink box.

Crumbl features 6 cookie flavors at a time, and two of the cookies are their staple flavors, the Warm Milk Chocolate Chip and the Chilled Sugar cookie, that are always offered.

Then they have 120 PLUS, specialty flavors that rotate weekly! You can head to their website to see which they offer each week or download the app, which I recommend because then you get points and birthday offers, etc.

The first time we went, we got two of the Chilled Sugar cookies, and two of the Pink Velvet.

The Sugar cookie was good with a strong almond taste, so I may not get that one next time.

But the Pink Velvet was what dreams are made of, I’m not even exaggerating they were that good!

The buttercream on top was just amazing, I will be sad when this one rotates off the menu for a while.

The next time we went, which was very close to the first time, we got the Cinnamon Swirl, Molten Lava, and the Peanut Butter Bar.

We were supposed to get the Caramel Popcorn but they gave us two Peanut Butter instead.

We did love these as well, just not as much as the aforementioned Pink Velvet!

The first Crumbl store opened in Logan, UT in 2017, since then, the franchise has expanded to over 75 locations in 11 states nationwide!

They are currently in the middle of opening one in Winter Springs, Florida, too.

The Lake Mary bakery is located at 245 Wheelhouse Lane, Suite #1441, Lake Mary, Florida, 32746.

They are open Monday through Thursday 8 AM-10 PM and Fridays 8 AM-12 AM, they are closed on Sundays.