Santa’s sleigh brought him all the way from the North Pole to Central Florida to celebrate the holidays at Pirates Dinner Adventure!
If you’re looking for a new tradition, the whole family will love, prepare for a jolly good time and a swashbuckling adventure.
Starting November 25, Pirates Dinner Adventure will be spreading Christmas cheer with special holiday offerings through Dec. 31. Guests can experience the action, romance, and excitement of the classic dinner show with a holiday overlay featuring Christmas music and a ship-side visit from a special guest at the end of the show.
During the post-show Buccaneer Bash, guests can party with pirates and take pictures with the Jolly Old Elf himself! A special photo package will be available for purchase.
The attraction’s adult-only, burlesque-inspired show, Teatro Martini, is also getting in the holiday spirit with its own festive overlay throughout the season. Teatro Martini features some of the world’s top performers in various arts, including aerial, comedy, magic, and more.
“The holidays are a magical time in Central Florida and we know Pirates Dinner Adventure will be the perfect place to make new memories with the whole family,” said Amber Valois, sales and marketing manager for the attraction. “We also have Teatro Martini, which is a special show for couples and adults who don’t want to miss out on the holiday fun as well. From the festive shows to classic photos with Santa, you can’t miss our one-of-a-kind holiday experiences!”
Pirates Dinner Adventure’s general admission includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.
Ticket prices for the Christmas show are $67.95 for adults and $41.95 for children three to 10. Kids two and under are free.
The show runs Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 6 p.m.
ICON Park is hosting their first Oktoberfest celebration, and you’ll want to bring your favorite stein and best lederhosen!
Aligning itself with the famous Oktoberfest festival held each year in Munich, Germany, ICON Park will offer special beer, food, and entertainment on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 10 p.m. starting September 16 through October 2.
This celebration will be the perfect opportunity for families to spend time together while enjoying traditional experiences.
Throughout the celebration, guests can get their fill of delicious German beers. Beer flights featuring four seasonal brews will be available at The Lawn Bar for $16. If you’re looking for a nice souvenir, a commemorative 32 oz glass stein filled to the brim with your favorite selection can be purchased for $22.
Guests can even take a flight on their flight of The Wheel! A seasonal selection cooler will be offered at the Sky Bar before boarding.
The brews will pair perfectly with the traditional German dishes ICON Park is offering at The Lawn. Choose from Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Chicken Schnitzel, Pretzels with Beer Cheese and, of course, Apple Strudel.
For the purists, ICON Park will have the authentic Bavarian Music of Stammtischler – from the Oom Pah sound of polka and waltzes to traditional landlers and boarischers. Kids will love watching the performers play the Bavarian button accordion with the tenor horn, wooden spoons, and the Alphorn. Whether you’re dancing the night away or just enjoying the sound of real alpine music, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Munich.
ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. Conveniently located near I-4, Florida’s Turnpike, and the Beachline, this premiere entertainment destination is easy to access and offers free parking for any Central Florida resident or Orlando tourist.
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is returning for its 17th year with 102 restaurants offering three-course, prix-fixe dinner menus for $40 from August 26 to October 2, 2022.
This year’s roster is larger than ever, with 16 restaurants new to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, including six restaurants recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.
In addition to providing Orlando restaurant goers with delicious meals, the annual dining program supports area restaurants and donates one dollar from every meal served to a local nonprofit organization.
“Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining celebrates our destination’s award-winning culinary scene by bringing more than 100 of Orlando’s best restaurants together to offer prix-fixe menus for dinners to explore new restaurants,” said Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando. “The program continues to be a source of support for our local businesses and provides funds for charities right here in our community. This year, one dollar from every meal will benefit The Able Trust, providing valuable funds to an organization making an impact on the critical workforce issue right here in our community.”
Menus are now live at OrlandoMagicalDining.com, along with the opportunity to book reservations and explore hotel offers as part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights.
Dining for a Good Cause
Each year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining selects nonprofit organizations impacting the Orlando community to serve as charity beneficiaries. This year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining charity committee focused on identifying organizations supporting the Central Florida workforce. One dollar from every meal will benefit The Able Trust, an organization helping to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
To ensure this donation has a widespread impact throughout the community, Visit Orlando will also award a $2,000 donation to one local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts that also supports workforce development.
New and Award-Winning Restaurants for 2022
The newest additions to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining include 7593 Chophouse, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine (four locations in Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, Winter Garden, and Winter Park), BoVine Steakhouse, Cedar’s Restaurant, HAVEN, La Boucherie, The Hampton Social, The Monroe, The Wilson, Turci Pasta and Wa Sushi.
Additionally, six restaurants were recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, including Four Flamingos, A Richard Blaise Florida Kitchen (a new addition to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining), Kabooki Sushi (Milk District location), Maxine’s on Shine, The Ravenous Pig, The Strand Food & Drink and Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen (also a new addition).
Magical Nights Staycation Hotel Deals
Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights is back this year and encourages diners to turn their night on the town into an affordable, end-of-the-summer Orlando staycation. After enjoying a three-course meal at one of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining restaurants, enjoy an overnight stay at one of the destination’s amenity-filled hotels and resorts, providing special savings for locals and Florida residents. Additional hotel deals will be added in the coming weeks. Find offers here and book early to secure preferred dates.
Improved Website Tools
OrlandoMagicalDining.com is a one-stop shop to see the complete list of participating restaurants, review restaurant menus (including options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets) and book reservations directly.
To help narrow down selections, the website has new filters for restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide or the “Near Me” option to find the restaurants in proximity. Additional filters include outdoor seating, cuisine type, and neighborhoods. For more information, go to OrlandoMagicalDining.com.
On May 11th, Crooked Can Brewing Company, Plant Street Market, and its vendors will celebrate 7 years of business with specials throughout the Market.
All are available at the special celebratory price of $7.00. Crooked Can will also feature an “open house” where you can look through the production brewery, speak to the owners, and brewers and receive complimentary tours of Florida’s highest volume taproom brewery.
“We are excited to celebrate with the people who continue to make us such a success, our loyal patrons and fans,” says Andy Sheeter, founding member of Crooked Can Brewing & Plant Street Market. “We wanted to open our doors, offer some great deals and thank everyone who supports us so wonderfully.”
Plant Street Market opened in May 2015. It is a local community market located in historic downtown Winter Garden, with 20 vendors featuring natural, organic food and handmade products all under one roof.
Plant St. Market is a local indoor artisan market. Open 7 days a week, and strives to create a community of quality and diverse farm-fresh products, artisan specialties, and local products.
Also, attached to the market is the multi Award Winning Crooked Can Brewing Company, for on-site hand-crafted beer. Recently named Florida’s Best Large Craft Brewery at the Florida Best Beer Championships. With weekend Live Entertainment and a pet-friendly patio, this is the place to enjoy any day.
Plant Street Market Anniversary Offers
Crooked Can Brewing Company
$7 Beers – High Stepper, Cloud Chaser, Tri Wishes, Sakura Zen, Domestic Bliss
$7 Birthday Flight. High Stepper IPA, Cloud Chaser Heffe, Florida Sunshine Lager, Sakura Zen Cherry Blossom Ale
Ceviche Mix
$7 Ceviche, Guacamole & Chips
This Little Piggy
$7 Buffalo Chicken Sandwich & Fries
Hunger Street Tacos
$7 Cheesy Birria Gordita Crunch
Michaels Ali Coal Fired Pizza
$7 Stromboli.
Mac’d Out
$7 Traditional Mac & Cheese
Empanada & Co
$7 for 2 Empanadas
Morthan Cheese.
$7 Pretzel Bites & Beer Cheese
Nosh Popcorn
Lucky 7 Beer & Cheese Popcorn
Sr Benjis Donuts
$7 Cereal Milk & Donut Combo
Palateria Original
2 x Popsicles for $7
David Ramirez Chocolatier.
Birthday Chocolate Cigar
AntiqtuiTEAS
$7 Rose Matcha Boba Latte
$7 Tea startup kit (includes 1/2 (half) ounce of loose-leaf tea and one pack of tea filters.
The Local Butcher & Market
All Burgers $7 per pound. 6 All natural uncured hot dogs for $7.00
“We are so proud of our market and the position it has in the local community for bringing families and people of all ages together with great food and drink in a truly special location, that is Historic downtown Winter Garden” says Alan Delahunt, C.E.O of Crooked Can Brewing Company.
From long-standing vendors to some of the newer arrivals, everyone has something to offer to help you celebrate this happy occasion.
Brews Around the Zoo, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens fundraiser, will put the FUN in fundraiser on April 9, 2022.
Brews Around the Zoo is one of the Zoo’s biggest benefits, offering attendees the chance to sample more than 30 different craft beers as well as soak up the fun atmosphere. The 2022 event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on April 9 at the Zoo in Sanford.
Early Access and VIP ticket holders will get in an hour early at 4 p.m. Brews Around the Zoo is presented by Wayne Densch.
“Events like Brews Around the Zoo allow us to do what we do,” said Stephanie Williams, Zoo director. “It’s a win-win. We get to connect with the community through something fun, and we get to raise money to continue our mission of educating people and empowering them to act on behalf of wildlife by sharing these awesome animals.”
In addition to great beer from breweries near and far, Brews Around the Zoo will feature live music, a seltzer station, and wine tastings. Delicious food selections will be available for purchase.
General Admission tickets are $50. For $70, guests can take advantage of exclusive early admission at 4 p.m. Or, for $150, guests can gain VIP status, with access to exclusive cocktails, food offerings, and more.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
ICON Park has partnered with Original Orlando Tours to launch the Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour.
Guests of the tour will make eight stops for food and beverage samples, and ride on The Wheel, ICON Park’s signature attraction that provides views of Orlando from 400 feet in the air.
They’ll also receive a minimum 10 percent discount at the eateries when returning the night of the tour.
“ICON Park has always been dedicated to providing unique and memorable experiences for our guests. We’re proud to be the home of the first and only food hall in the Orlando Entertainment District,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, president and CEO of ICON Park. “The Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour will add another exciting layer of entertainment for our guests.”
At each stop, restaurateurs will share information about their concept and the samples offered. Between the stops, the tour guides will tell guests about the history of ICON Park.
Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
This fast-casual concept by award-winning chef and television star Gordon Ramsay serves the perfect English meal while transporting guests to a seaside fish and chips shop on the British coast. Along with fried favorites, the restaurant serves the best British deserts such as Gordon’s signature Sticky Toffee Pudding and Biscoff shakes.
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red
Inspired from Blake Shelton’s famous song “Ol’ Red,” this place is for music-lovers, food-lovers, drink-lovers and a helluva-lot-of-fun-lovers. Guests can enjoy 100-proof live music, scratch-made dishes and signature drinks… all inspired by the boss man himself.
Sloppy Joe’s
This fun-centered casual dining restaurant is the perfect place for families! With a wide array of great bites, delicious drinks for mom and dad, and classic Florida key lime pie for the kiddos, there’s something for everyone at Sloppy Joe’s. Guests can kick back and relax while enjoying nightly entertainment, including a live feed back to the original Key West location.
Tin & Taco
From Chorizo to mac and cheese, you could say Tin & Taco is a casual tacos destination with a creative spin on all its offerings. A unique and delicious experience to your taste buds is waiting for you as its team uses the best-quality ingredients with you in mind.
Brick & Fire Pizza
This concept is a locally-owned pizza and pasta parlor. Its dough is made by hand fresh every day using high quality cheeses, premium extra virgin olive oil and other higher-grade ingredients in all its dishes before firing each pie right on the brick oven. You will absolutely taste the difference!
Sandwich Station and Chicken On Fire
Nashville Hot Chicken is served with the freshest ingredients including, fresh-never-frozen chicken breasts, a no-frills menu consisting of fried chicken tenders, fries, and a deli sandwich station sure to satisfy your cravings.
Let’s Jess Bake
Delight with every bite! Master Baker Jessica makes delicious handcrafted gourmet cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and cakes. With a unique creative touch, the offerings range from custom cakes to catering possibilities on site. Grab a coffee and indulge in a sweet today!
iCafe Dé Paris
Experience a taste of the City of Lights in the Orlando Entertainment District! This modern-rustic coffee shop with a stylish patio is in the center of all the action at ICON Park. Enjoy its delicious crepes, desserts, specialty drinks, and other light fares.
What makes the Flavors of ICON Park Foodie Walking Tour so unique is the eateries’ ability to offer different selections each tour. The samples might change with the week’s specials or seasonal options, so you never know what surprises are in store! Come back again and again to experience it all.
The Flavors of ICON Park Food Tour will depart at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening and lasts 90 minutes to two hours. Check-in is at 6:20 p.m. inside The Wheelhouse.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
If you are going to be On the Go in MCO this St. Patrick’s Day, there are some really great ways for you to have fun while wearing your green!
On the Go in MCO: St. Patrick’s Day 2022
Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road
The Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is back in full swing this year from March 11-17 at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant with top Irish bands flown in for the celebration.
The most authentic Irish festival in America will take it to the Disney Springs street outside Raglan Road with extraordinary Irish talent arriving from Ireland, five outside bars, fun St. Paddy’s merchandise, and more.
Award-winning Irish musicians and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will rock the fun throughout this lively festival that leads up to the mother of all Irish holidays.
Especially for the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival, a new berry-forward St. Paddy’s brew, “So Berry Les,” is on tap for the holiday and on into spring.
Crafted in collaboration with Crooked Can Brewing Co. in Winter Garden, Fla., So Berry Les is a refreshing hard seltzer infused with local Florida strawberry (‘tis the season!) and Key Lime juice. The brew pays tribute to Raglan Road co-owner John Cooke’s father, Les, who in 1977 earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for buying the dearest strawberries at a charity auction for a record 530 Irish punt—equivalent to the British pound—to generate publicity for his restaurant business.
On St. Patrick’s Day only, March 17, Raglan Road will open at 10 a.m. with a $20 cover charge for guests 18 and older; (first-come, first-served—no reservations on this day only); younger patrons may enter free of charge.
Gather your family and friends and wear some green to enjoy the 43rd Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m., in downtown Winter Park.
The parade will begin at Webster Avenue and proceed south down Park Avenue to Lyman Avenue. Active in the Irish-American community for many years, Al Denecour will serve as Grand Marshal, and more than 60 units will participate.
After the parade, the celebration will continue with Irish music and step-dancing on the Central Park Main Stage with performances by professional Irish dancer Sarah Costello, Tir Na Greine School of Irish Dance, Watters School of Irish Dancing, Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance, and Michael Daly, Tenor.
One of Central Florida’s Largest Celtic Festivals is coming to Crooked Can Brewing Company for its’ seventh year from March 17-19, 2022.
Festival-goers will enjoy three days of live Celtic music, Irish Dancers, Local Vendors, Delicious Eats, and of course fan-favorite favorite Crooked Can Brews!
Join in on the fun as Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts its St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Street Party and Celebration on Thursday, March 17, from 2 pm to 11:30 pm.
Guests will enjoy a variety of food and beverage specials from participating restaurants while listening to live music from artists Tim Hamlin, DJ Scotty B and The Hooligans and watching live entertainment like street performers and lucky leprechauns.
Admission to this event and parking are free.
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in MCO and beyond by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
I was beyond excited when I found out that acclaimed Chef Richard Blais will open his first Orlando restaurant later this year with a new tropical concept at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, located adjacent to Walt Disney World.
“It’s undeniable how talented and invigorating Chef Blais is. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him for our newest restaurant,” said Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress General Manager Paul Joseph. “This concept is something very near and dear to our hearts and to Blais’s and we can’t wait to be able to unveil it to our guests.”
Blais is widely recognized as the first winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars and recently announced co-star of the new Gordon Ramsay / FOX cooking competition, Next Level Chef. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli.
His new Orlando restaurant will make its home in the former Hemingway’s venue within the resort and offer dinner nightly and brunch on Sundays.
Blais currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary consulting company that has consulted on, designed, and operated popular eateries across the country. He is the James Beard Award-nominated author of Try This at Home: Recipes from My Head to Your Plate, as well as his second cookbook, So Good.
Most recently, he opened Ember & Rye at the newly renovated Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, California, and took on the role of Culinary Director at the newly opened San Diego Symphony performance space, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
“I love having fun with my concepts and menus and I’m so excited about what we’ve got in store for this restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress,” said Chef Richard Blais. “We’re looking forward to adding a memorable and innovative offering to Orlando’s already incredible food scene.”
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress will host a hiring event for the new restaurant on Tuesday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the resort’s Windsong Ballroom. Positions available include management, cooks, bartenders, servers, and greeters.
Make sure you tune into Orlando’s Evening News on WDBO tonight at 6:38 pm ET to hear about what you can enjoy as you are On the Go in the Parks!
Being on the Go in the Parks has been a ride this week full of new announcements at Walt Disney World, fan favorites returning to Disney Springs, and the return of Halloween Horror Nights at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Before we dive into the parks, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you that Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party will be bringing its magic to Orlando’s Amway Center September 3-5, 2021! You can find out more information about the show here.
With so much to go over, what are we waiting for????
Halloween Horror Nights has returned to the Universal Studios Resort Orlando daring guests and celebrating 30 years of fear on select nights through October 31.
For its highly-anticipated return, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights is unleashing a legion of horror legends, pop culture greats, and haunting original stories – many from the event’s esteemed history – in 10 disturbingly realistic haunted houses, five nightmarish scare zones, and outrageous live entertainment, with diabolical surprises lurking around every corner…
Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event you won’t want to miss. This is my #1 Halloween event in Central Florida!!!!!
Central Florida’s only authentic Irish and roots music festival, the Re-plugged Great Irish Hooley, will return for the long Labor Day weekend at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant in Disney Springs.
Never heard of a “Hooley?” It’s a Gaelic term for a lively party with music, entertainment, and fun for the whole family, and from September 3-6 guests can enjoy performances from top Irish bands alongside food and beverage offerings.
SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning summer event, Electric Ocean has returned until September 6th with more hours of fun featuring new daytime experiences and nighttime favorites.
Electric Ocean brings longer park hours and allows guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music, and brilliant evening energy that sparks as the sunsets. (Cause who doesn’t love fireworks???)
There are new shows, entertainment, food, and returning favorites to enjoy!
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back to showcase some of Orlando’s best cuisine while supporting local restaurants and charities from August 27 to October 3.
During this year’s Foodie dream, more than 80 of Orlando’s fine dining restaurants will offer a $37 three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu.
On the Go in the Parks, you can find Magical Dining goodness at:
Disney’s After Hours Boo Bash is a special ticketed event that takes place at the Magic Kingdom on select nights until October 31, 2021, and like any new event, and I am sharing what you should know before you go to make the most of your Halloween fun!
The SeaWorld Orlando Craft Beer Festival is returning with more than 100 crafts brews, wines, seltzers, and cocktails Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays, plus Labor Day until September 12.
Guests can sample an unbeatable mix of domestic and local Florida favorites, plus savor more than 20 food items expertly paired to match their preferred brew.
And to top it all off, festive entertainment will keep the party going all day long. This is the one craft beer celebration guests won’t want to miss.
During the fourth year of Bier Fest at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can sip seasonal beverage offerings and savor new recipes featuring fan-favorite breweries.
Beer flows through the park on an all-new beer trail, weaving between iconic coasters, local live music, and fascinating animal habitats while incorporating fan-favorite restaurants and outdoor culinary stations, including the new Giraffe Bar.
This year, park guests can toast to new adventures each Friday through Sunday until October 31.
The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is underway at Walt Disney World with delicious dishes, fun for families, and entertainment for the entire family until November 20th!
The festival celebrates the best of food and drink with more than 20 festival-exclusive global marketplaces open now and even more coming in the fall!
In addition to all the classics and fan favorites, there are SEVEN new marketplaces:
Walt Disney World has updated their mask policy for guests ages 2 and up
– Masks are required regardless of vaccination status – Masks must be worn while indoors – Masks must be worn on Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner – The new policy includes attractions & their queues – Masks remain optional in outdoor common areas
Walt Disney World has opened up more Park Pass availability for summer visits to the park. So while you still need a reservation to enter the parks, it is now easier to snag one.
In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) and the recommendations of local officials, face coverings are recommended to be worn in designated, indoor spaces regardless of the vaccination status of SeaWorld Orlando guests and employees.
The CDC has indicated that fully vaccinated people can be in outdoor areas without the need for a face covering.
The CDC still recommends that people get fully vaccinated and that unvaccinated people use preventative measures such as face coverings and social distancing.
For special interactions with certain animals, unvaccinated people will be required to wear a face covering.
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are both no longer requiring reservations…if you are planning on going to Aquatica during the weekend GET THERE EARLY as parking is running out before noon each day!
The Universal Orlando Resort encourages all guests to follow CDC guidelines and local directives to wear face coverings while indoors across Universal Orlando Resort.
Face coverings are optional while outdoors.
All guests are ecouraged to keep a safe distance between travel parties.
Universal Orlando Resort hasn’t required reservations, but you’ll want to keep an eye one their official twitter – @UniversalORL – for any capacity or operational updates
Don’t forget you can keep up with us as we are On the Go in the Parks and more by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
UPDATE: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining has been extended until October 17th!
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining is back to showcase some of Orlando’s best cuisine while supporting local restaurants and charities from August 27 to October 3.
During this year’s Foodie dream, more than 80 of Orlando’s fine dining restaurants will offer a $37 three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu.
“Now in its 16th year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining continues to evolve with new features to make it easier for diners to research restaurant options, share plans and recommendations with others and even create a weekend getaway,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “Magical Dining is an important program for our community because of both the money raised for charitable organizations and the support it provides to our local restaurants, who are still working hard to recover from a challenging year.”
Menus for most participating restaurants are now live at MagicalDining.com so diners can plan ahead, make reservations and explore exclusive hotel offers as part of the new Magical Nights program enhancement.
More NEW Magical Dining Features
New additions to Magical Dining make it easier to explore the restaurant options and keep track of favorites.
Chefs now have greater flexibility to offer exclusive menu options and six new restaurants join this year’s lineup:
My Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Favorites: The updated MagicalDining.com website includes a new tool for diners to “favorite” must-try restaurants, view a customized map with their selections, and share their list with friends, making it easier than ever to create a Magical Dining game plan.
Chef’s Creation: Participating restaurants now have the chance to add a bonus Magical Dining menu option that is not offered on the regular menu. This exclusive option gives chefs even more creative freedom and guests additional options to choose from during their Magical Dining experience.
New Restaurants for 2021: Six restaurants have joined the program for the first time this year: 310 Lakeside, 310 Park South, Adega Gaucha, Aurora at the Celeste, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe, and RusTeak at Thornton Park. A full list of participating restaurants is available at MagicalDining.com.
Takeout options are returning to this year’s program, giving foodies the flexibility to enjoy dinner from some of the program’s participating restaurants in the comfort of their home or hotel room. Several restaurants are also offering vegan options.
NEW! Magical Dining Dine, Stay and Play
With the all-new addition of Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights, visitors and locals gain access to exclusive hotel and resort offers to enhance dinner with an overnight stay and more time to explore the destination.
Find more than a dozen hotel options here, including:
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort: Saveup to 30% on an overnight stay.
Ramada Plaza Resort & Suites International Drive Orlando: Save 40% and get a free bottle of champagne.
Element by Westin: Receive a free ride on The Wheel with popcorn and soft drinks for up to four people.
Rosen Plaza Hotel: Special package including dinner for two at Jack’s Place, a Magical Dining restaurant and breakfast for two.
Dining with a Purpose
Every year, Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining contributes one dollar from each meal served through the program to local charities. This year’s donated funds will focus on two organizations – Pathlight HOME and IDignity – that help combat homelessness in Central Florida and facilitate access to necessary services. More information can be found here.
With the mission to end homelessness, Pathlight HOME provides affordable housing and offers an employment resource center to help low-income and homeless individuals in Central Florida get back on their feet, while IDignity assists disadvantaged Central Floridians in obtaining legal identification documents often required to access education, employment, housing, banking, social services, proper healthcare, and numerous additional opportunities.
I’m super excited to share that Chef Gordon Ramsay’s newest restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips officially opens its doors today at ICON Park, the open-air entertainment destination located on International Drive.
The fast-casual restaurant serves Chef Ramsay’s take on classic fish and chips, in addition to other dishes like fried shrimp, lobster, chicken, and his signature “Fishwich.”
To accompany the dishes, sauces like Gordon’s Tartar, Curry & Mango, Sriracha Aioli, Southwest Ranch, Dijon Mayonnaise and Cocktail sauce are featured.
The menu also includes a “Just Chips” section of “dirty” fries with a combination of toppings like jalapeño, chorizo, cotija cheese, red onion, chives and parsley or truffle, parmesan cheese, chives, and parsley. The restaurant also serves two delicious shakes – Sticky Toffee Pudding and Biscoff.
“Fish & Chips was a real tradition for me growing up, so I’m excited to deliver that same nostalgia to all the local residents and tourists here in Orlando,” said Ramsay.
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips’ first restaurant is located in Las Vegas at The LINQ Promenade, where the staff use 25,000 pounds of potatoes monthly to prepare their expertly textured chips. The ICON Park restaurant is Gordon Ramsay North America’s first in Florida. Its color scheme is reflective of the Union Jack; blue and red with industrial hardware touches. White subway tiles line the sleek kitchen space while an iconic red telephone box serves as the restaurant’s entrance and exit.
During grand opening previews the restaurant collected donations that will be given to its national charity partners, Make-A-Wish and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as its local partner Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The restaurant is excited to be part of the local community and eager to welcome Central Florida residents and visitors.
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips ICON Park is open for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11:00am to 11:00pm, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00am to 12:00am. No reservations are required and service is first-come, first-serve.
Chef, restaurateur, New York Times Best Selling Author, and Emmy Award-winning TV host, Guy Fieri, and internationally renowned restaurateur, Robert Earl, are thrilled to announce that they have teamed up once again to open their third Chicken Guy! location in Florida, this time in Winter Park.
The exciting new venue will be the first corporate-owned free-standing location with a drive-thru component, making the iconic menu more accessible to Orlando locals and visitors alike. Joining its successful predecessors at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, FL and at Aventura Mall in Miami, FL, the fast-casual chain dedicated to serving delicious, succulent chicken tenders paired with 22-signature sauces to please all palates, will feature interior seating for 80 guests indoors and seating for 12 outdoors.
The spacious 3,500 square-foot restaurant will have a sliding glass door of windows, a unique design element that will easily provide plenty of natural light or an open-air dining experience on a nice day.
The parking lot will have reserved parking spaces to accommodate third party delivery services as well as guests who order on-line, with dedicated staff who will bring the orders directly to waiting cars.
The menu atChicken Guy! features one-of-a-kind all-natural fresh chicken tenders, hand-pounded to maximize crunch and paired with a wide selection of delicious sauces. Brined in fresh lemon juice, pickle brine, buttermilk, and infused with fresh herbs, these tenders deliver on flavor and texture.
The menu includes tenders—grilled or fried—in sandwiches, straight up on skewers, or in meal-sized salad bowls, your choice of signatures sauces to enjoy with the chicken as well as tempting sides like Chicken Guy! Fries with Guy’s special fry seasoning, crowd-pleasing Mac Daddy Mac ‘n Cheese, fried pickles, and fresh slaw.
For dessert,Chicken Guy! features delicious Flavortown Frozen Treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The Triple Double Ice Cream Treat–triple chocolate and double-mint, or the Cinnamon Apple – a heaping cup of vanilla soft serve ice cream smothered in Cinnamon Toast Crunch™ and Apple Jacks™ cereal- are not to be missed and, of course, classic shakes are always available—Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry and Oreo Cookie.
“It’s always such a pleasure to be able to work with Guy on Chicken Guy! ventures and I’m beyond pleased to open a location in Winter Park,” said Planet Hollywood founder and chairman, Robert Earl. “Chicken Guy! is a proven crowd-pleaser now with three locations in Florida and two in sporting arenas on game days including FedEx Field in Maryland and Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, we are well on our way to becoming a household name nationwide.”
Set to open in late summer 2021,Chicken Guy! is located at 818 South Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789.
With a mixture of colorful meets playful design elements and modern finishes that will delight guests as they dine on-site, Chicken Guy! also offers innovative packaging that will make carry out and delivery orders even more fun to enjoy at home or on-the-go. No detail has been overlooked in providing the best possible dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more every chance they get.
Since its beginning in 1921, White Castle has held fast to its founder’s belief that families everywhere should be able to enjoy an evening at a restaurant with tasty food at a great value.
And now Orlando is home to the Orlando Castle – the largest, free-standing White Castle in the World – which marks the restaurant’s return to Florida since operating several Miami locations during the 1960s.
President and CEO Lisa Ingram – a fourth-generation family member – along with other family members, company leaders, White Castle Hall of Famers, local elected officials, development partners, and guests were excited to attend the Orlando Castle’s Grand Opening on May 3, 2021.
“You could say our Orlando Castle has been 100 years in the making,” remarked Ingram. “We have been humbled and honored by the warm welcome we have received to date from the Central Florida community. Our vision at White Castle is to ‘feed the souls of craver generations everywhere,’ and our mission is to ‘create memorable moments every day. We can’t wait to meet our new neighbors, whether long-time Cravers or new to the Castle.
Fun Facts about the Orlando Castle
The Orlando Castle will be open for take-out, dine-in, and drive-through service from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days per week.
The 4,567 square-foot restaurant includes indoor and outdoor seating and 2 Drive-Thru lanes.
This newest Castle has hired 120 team members and managers.
In addition to their menu (where you can order breakfast all day), you can find a selection of Orlando Castle merchandise.
Every table has multiple charging ports for mobile devices to keep all ‘Cravers’ connected.
Team members will be hard at work on the company’s largest griddles, but Cravers should know there is a 60 slider cap per visit.
Vegans and vegetarians should know that the Orlando White Castle takes keeping food safe from cross-contamination seriously and that Impossible & veggie patties are kept and cooked separately.
In addition to sliders, ‘Castle Combos’, beer, wine, and sides, the Orlando Castle menu features exclusive and limited-time items like Crave Coolers and Desserts On-A-Stick.
To provide a memorable experience for customers, hospitality doors will take the place of Drive-Thru windows to allow team members to walk out to cars in the Drive-Thru lane.
Julia, an AI drive-thru assistant, will be joining the Orlando Castle team soon to help make ordering a breeze.
The Orlando Castle will be open 24 hours and life the slider cap in the future.
To ensure tasty fun for all, White Castle has implemented health and safety measures consistent with Orange County’s COVID-19 guidelines, including mask requirements for all team members and guests, social distancing, ongoing cleaning, and hand sanitizers, and wipes.
The Orlando Castle is located at 11595 Daryl Carter Parkway at The Village at O-Town West.
I was beyond excited to share that Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips will be coming to Orlando’s ICON Park!!!
Slated to open at the popular I-Drive location on August 2021 opening, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips ICON Park will seat more than 30 guests with indoor and counter seating, with additional outdoor patio seating that overlooks ICON Park’s observation wheel, picturesque fountains, and lawn.
“It was a real tradition for me growing up, so I’m excited to bring that nostalgia from my youth to Orlando, for all the residents that call the City Beautiful home and the millions of tourists that visit each year,” said Ramsay.
The fast-casual British-style eatery takes it to the next level with fresh, sustainable ingredients paired with hand-crafted shakes, fresh-squeezed lemonades and ice-cold domestic and import beers.
The star of the show is the fish & chips. Since Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips opened in Las Vegas in 2016, the restaurant has served over 750,000 fish & chips.
Made with sustainable True Cod and coated with custard powder batter for the perfect golden crisp, the fish continues to be a standout menu item.
The chips will be served “natural” with sea salt or “dirty” with truffle, parmesan and chives; chipotle, jalapeño and crisp chorizo; or bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream.
Alternatives like marinated shrimp with basil and lavender or chicken and chips will also be available, along with some seasonal specials and secret menu items.
The restaurant’s color scheme is reflective of the Union Jack with blue and red with industrial hardware touches. White subway tiles line the sleek kitchen space while an iconic red telephone box serves as the restaurant’s entrance and exit.
The restaurant will create over 30 jobs and is currently hiring for all full-time and part-time positions. Interested applicants should email their resume to jobs@grna.com.
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.
