Special Events Archives - Page 9 of 16

Dazzling Lights transforms Leu Gardens

Dazzling Lights Harry P. Leu Gardens Holidays 2020

Orlando’s Harry P. Leu Gardens will transform into a magical wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, and beautiful sculptures during Dazzling Nights, a new family-friendly adventure that gives guests the opportunity to embark on a three-quarter-mile interactive holiday experience.

Created by the team who brings the IMMERSE Festival to Downtown Orlando every Octoberand presented by AdventHealth, Dazzling Nightsis an awe-inspiring holiday event.

“When we began dreaming about a holiday experience, we knew it had to be more than just lights on trees,” says Creative City Project Executive Director, Cole NeSmith. “We’re always asking how we can create unique, creative experiences that will inspire our guests. Some of the installations are breathtakingly epic, and others are quite intimate. We think adults and kids, alike, are going to want to make this an annual tradition.”

A few snapshots of the Dazzling Nights fun:

When guests arrive at Leu Gardens, they will have a photo opportunity in front of a unique, 30’ tall towering Christmas tree.
Interactive lights on the ground light up and ring-like holiday bells when stepped upon.•Guests journey through a forest of light and fog, as if walking through the aurora borealis.
Visitors immerse themselves in a 65’ long tunnel of wondrous light.
The evening event also features snow and holiday tunes.
And so much more!

The outdoor event is designed to ensure adequate social distancing and safety amid theCOVID-19 pandemic, and visitors will be required to wear masks.

“Our holiday traditions may look a little different this year because of COVID, and that gives us an opportunity to find new ways to discover joy, feel whole and find inspiration this season,” said Sharon Line Clary, vice president of marketing at AdventHealth. “We encourage our neighbors to visit Dazzling Nights, take in the fresh Florida air, and celebrate the holidays at the beautiful Leu Gardens with your loved ones.”

Dazzling Nights will feature lights, music, and interactive elements to complete the transformation of the 50-acre, Harry P. Leu Gardens into a stunning holiday wonderland.

“AdventHealth is the perfect partner for Dazzling Nights,” says NeSmith. “They are committed to the wholeness and healing of all people, and I think Dazzling Nights will do just that. I’m excited to see spirits lifted among families and groups of friends as they share this meaningful experience together.”

You can find more information about the holidays in and around the theme parks by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

The Jolly Creek Holiday Festival & Marketplace, taking place select nights until January 2nd, is full of holiday fun for the entire family including the Holiday Village complete with thousands of dazzling Christmas lights, live music, snow, and Santa Claus!

You can even dine on specialty food & beverage or shop at the Christmas Marketplace. Food, beverage, and merchandise are available at an additional cost.

Society Orchestra

Jolly Creek Holiday Festival & Marketplace

Fresh off their 32 year run at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Society Orchestra has found their new Holiday Home at Jolly Creek.

The Jolly Creek Society Orchestra plays nightly at Jolly Creek, every hour for 20 minutes.

See it Snow

The whole family will love the artificial snowfall each hour of the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival!

Meet Santa Claus

No visit to a Holiday Village is complete without meeting the big man himself.

Santa Claus will be available on a socially distanced stage and you can interact with him from a distance of 6 feet.

All guests are permitted to take selfies with Santa, but may not approach or stand on the stage.

Marketplace, Specialty Food & Beverage, Crafting, & More

Available at additional cost, guests can indulge on unique Christmas shopping, some festive Holiday bites, or try their hand at Christmas Crafts, all with the aid of Santa’s Helpers.

The best part is that a portion of the proceeds of this event goes to benefit the Second Harvest Central Florida food bank.

Tickets for the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival & Marketplace are available now online.

Santa Workshop Experience at ICON Park

This holiday season ICON Park will be transformed into The Santa Workshop Experience – a winter wonderland complete with all of your favorite festivities.

The Workshop will kick off November 6, 2020, at 5 p.m. and runs until December 24, 2020.

“ICON Park is ready to kick off the holiday season in Central Florida! We’re proud to provide fun, open-air entertainment for our locals to enjoy this year,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, president and CEO of ICON Park. “Our team has been able to build a safe, socially-distanced experience with Santa that will provide unforgettable memories for our community.”

For many years, The Santa Workshop Experience selected the best Santa experience in Central Florida, was at the Mall at Millenia. This year, The Workshop has been expanded, SANTA-TIZED, and moved to ICON Park.

For parents who are concerned about having to skip the classic pictures with Santa tradition this year, ICON Park and The Santa Workshop Experience have the perfect, socially-distanced solution.

On the photo set, a plexiglass barrier will be set up on Santa’s chair between the big man himself and the children. They will be able to have all of the same interaction and connection as normal, but without direct contact. Plus, Santa’s elves have magically made the plexiglass barrier completely invisible in the photos.

Christmas guests will be able to take their own candid photos of their children in a new Holiday Set in addition to the professional photos with Santa. There will also be special attractions like cookie decorating and story time with Mrs. Claus!

Upon arrival and safety check-in, only one family group will visit with Santa at a time in our secure 800 sq. foot Workshop assuring everyone a socially distanced and memorable event.

Santa will be at ICON Park Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Friday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Every child who participates in The Santa Workshop Experience will receive a free ticket to ride The Wheel at ICON Park. Additional tickets can be purchased with a 50 percent discount for all of Santa’s guests.

In addition to meeting Santa, families can take a ride on the Pearl Express Train decked out in its holiday best. In fact, the train will pick up registered children for free directly from the parking garage. Parents simply show their reservation confirmation, and the train will transport their family to Santa’s workshop.

The Wheelhouse Market Food Hall will be serving up your holiday favorites including Hot chocolate, frozen hot chocolate, and cookies.

ICON Park Holidays 2020 Santa Workshop Experience Frozen Hot Chocolate

ICON Park is at the center of the new Orlando Entertainment District. With complimentary parking and complimentary valet parking after 4:00 p.m.

To register for The Santa Workshop Experience, click here.

To learn more about ICON Park, visit https://iconparkorlando.com.

Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids The World

This week we were invited to preview the upcoming Night of a Million Lights event, taking place for the first time ever at Give Kids The World!

The Give Kids The World Village was forced to close back in March this year due to Covid-19, delaying more than 4,000 wishes. This 89-acre non-profit resort provides critically ill children and their families with magical week-long wish vacations at no cost to them. There are a total of 166 storybook residential villas for them to stay in while enjoying experiences at the local theme parks and attractions.

Night of a Million Lights is designed to raise funds to ensure that when they are able to reopen, the wishes for these families can be granted and return bigger and better than ever before.

This event has transformed the village into a dazzling wonderland!

The Night of a Million Lights features more than 3 million glittering lights, larger than life displays, and 45 amazingly decorated wish family residential villas. This really is a sight to see!

Once you enter the residential villas area, you will see each house has its own sponsor, some are very obvious who the sponsor is before you even read the sign, one of my favorites being the Crayola house!

I love the crayons “decorating” the house and their expressions!

Mayor Clayton’s home, which is home to the 6-foot tall bunny rabbit who governs the Village, has a garden area that is not to be missed with decorations under a beautiful archway perfect for those selfies!

They were busy at work setting up all the lights and we even saw a “whack a mole” game being set up.

Admission for all guests includes complimentary ice cream from the Village’s new centerpiece, Henri’s Starlight Scoops and hot cocoa. There is also unlimited access to the Village’s wheelchair-accessible rides and attractions.

Additional food and beverage and special edition holiday merchandise- including 3D glasses for the lights will be available for purchase.

Santa and some other surprises will be making this visit extra special for all guests!

Night of a Million Lights will take place from November 13 through to January 3, from 5:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m daily with staggered entry times to promote social distancing. Mask wearing will be required for all guests.

The Village is always open for more volunteers, especially to help decorate for this upcoming event, you can apply on their website now at http://gktw.org/lights/volunteer or email them at volunteer@gktw.org

To purchase tickets for the event please head to their website http://gktw.org/lights today as some busy days may start selling out.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms 2020

The Gaylord Palms Resort, located in Kissimmee, Florida, has been inviting guests to enjoy their interactive and immersive holiday experiences for almost two decades, and this season Christmas at Gaylord Palms, happening daily from November 13, 2020, until January 3, 2021, includes a full line-up of new and returning favorites.

New Holiday Experiences Debut

For the 2020 holiday season, the marquee attraction is a new experience called I Love Christmas Movies, a multi-sensory pop-up exhibition created in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Once inside of the exhibition, guests will find that they have stepped into 15 fully immersive scenes with replicas of film props, audio clips, and more from such beloved holiday movies as THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™.

The Snow Factory will also be opening during Christmas at Gaylord Palms to transport guests into a winter wonderland filled with chilly fun including Snow Flow Mountain and the Snowball Build and Blast.

Returning Holiday Favorites

When guests return to Christmas at Gaylord Palms, in addition to the 4.5 acres of indoor atriums decorated for the holidays they will find many of their favorite holiday experiences.

Cirque Dreams Unwrapped will awe audiences multiple times a night with unique acts during their live performances on the St. Augustine Stage.

The Greatest Story, a multicultural, musical journey celebrating the story of Christ, will fill your heart with the holiday spirit.

The newly reopened Villa de Flora is home to breakfast with character…a mean, green one…The Grinch.

At the Elf Training Academy, kids will see if they have what it takes to be one of Santa’s helpers.

The St. Augustine atrium will be #LIT with a light show featuring sparkling lights, a larger-than-life Christmas Tree, and holiday music.

Join Nutmeg the Gingerbread Man in the Gingerbread Decorating Corner to create holiday-themed gingerbread cookies or a complete gingerbread house.

Get your list ready, because you can meet Santa in a redesigned space with photographers on-hand to capture the moment in a socially-distanced way.

Christmas classics and traditions are celebrated with the retelling of “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” an immersive Storytime with The Nutcracker’s Sugarplum Fairy, and Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Traditions, a holiday sing-along.

This year’s holiday-themed scavenger hunt, The Grinch’s Wonderful Awful Idea Scavenger Hunt, will help the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes by showing him the meaning of the season.

The Christmas at Gaylord Palms season closes out with The Journey of Los Tres Reyes Magos live show taking place December 27, 2020, to January 3, 2021. Guests will join the Three Kings in a musical celebration as they retell the Christmas story and the celebrations surrounding it, including Las Posadas and el Día de Los Reyes.

Tickets and Packages

Tickets and overnight Christmas packages including admission into the I Love Christmas Movies experience are available now at ChristmasatGaylordPalms.com and ILoveChristmasMoviesExperience.com.

Online advance reservations are required for all ticketed Christmas at Gaylord Palms events.

For more information about the Gaylord Palms ‘Commitment to Clean’ program with enhanced protocols, visit gaylordhotelsclean.marriott.com.

Considering a stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort? You can find out more about our latest stay here.

Walt Disney World Resort News: 2020 Holidays

The holidays are being ‘reimagined’ at the Walt Disney World Resort bringing new and returning favorites to all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the Disney Resort Hotels through December 30, 2020.

During the festivities, guests will find new entertainment experiences, enjoy seasonal food and drink offerings, and discover themed merchandise perfect for a special gift or souvenir to remember the holiday season.

The holidays at Walt Disney World may look a little different this year, but a new addition to the fun will be pop-up appearances by Santa Claus at each park, as well as Disney Springs. For example, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom he will sail down the Discovery River on a special flotilla.

Let’s take a look at the special holiday celebrations guests can find in each park.

Magic Kingdom

While the Magic Kingdom will not be hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this season, guests will now be able to enjoy Character Cavalcades featuring their favorite Disney characters in their holiday finest and characters synonymous with the season – including gingerbread men and elves – throughout the day.

Holidays 2020 Walt Disney World Resort — Matt Stroshane, photographer

On Main Street, U.S.A., the iconic toy soldiers will march alongside the Main Street Philharmonic as they fill the park with cheer.

When night falls at Magic Kingdom Park, projection effects will illuminate and transform Cinderella Castle with a series of designs that are sure to be the perfect colorful background for a magical holiday portrait.

Also returning this holiday season is the world-famous Jingle Cruise. During the seasonal overlay to the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland, guests will see how the homesick skippers are celebrating the holidays with festive decorations and new jokes.

EPCOT

From November 27th until December 3oth, the Taste of the EPCOT International Festival of the holidays will fill the park with an ‘International Yuletide Extravaganza’.

Guests will enjoy the return of holiday kitchens around the World Showcase promenade serving up traditional holiday dishes from around the world and the Holiday Cookie Stroll.

As guests make their way through World Showcase they will find their favorite characters spreading holiday cheer. Watch Queen Anna and Elsa in the “Frozen Holiday Promenade,” Mickey Mouse and his pals making merry on the “Mickey and Friends Holiday World Tour,” and Santa Claus spreading holiday cheer during a grand horse-drawn tour.

Holiday entertainment will include the Candlelight Processional, however, guests will still find JOYFUL! inside the World ShowPlace and the Voices of Liberty sharing songs of the season at the America Gardens Theatre.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests will enjoy festive decorations, tasty holiday treats, and their favorite Disney characters on flotillas throughout the day.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will enjoy fantastic holiday decorations, scrumptious holiday treats, and Merry Motorcades featuring familiar faces spreading holiday cheer.

Minnie Mouse will once again host a yuletide dining experience at Hollywood & Vine, inviting some of her best pals – including Santa Goofy – to join the fun.

Disney Springs

Not only is Disney Springs the perfect place to shop for holiday merchandise, this holiday season it will feature elaborately decorated Christmas trees and magical snowfalls throughout Town Center, West Side, and The Landing.

Holidays at Walt Disney World - Jock Lindsay's Holiday Bar

Guests will also be able to enjoy the festive décor and limited-time menu of holiday favorites at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar.

Disney Resort Hotels

For the holidays, the Walt Disney World Resort hotels will welcome guests and visitors with iconic Christmas trees in their lobbies and other festive flourishes.

You can find more information about the holidays in the parks and more by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Gatorland Hosts Spooky Gator Night Shine

Gatorland Orlando Gator Night Shine photo

Visitors to Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” can see the park in a whole new way with Gator Night Shine any time of year, but it’s especially popular at Halloween time.

Visitors follow a guide for a private small group tour, starting at dusk, following a guide deep into the alligator breeding marsh to see the glowing red eyes of hundreds of alligators, follow their splashes, and hear their bellows. Each guest receives a flashlight and hot dogs to feed the alligators.

Visitors signing up for the 1 1/2 hour tour have the unique opportunity to see and hear Gatorland come alive after dark, with hundreds of wild birds and alligators all around them. They even have an up-close encounter with their guide to see other exotic animals such as boa constrictors, baby alligators, tarantulas, and much more.

Gator Night Shine tickets are $24.99 per person, plus tax. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance by calling (407) 855-5496, ext. 246 or emailing AdvenureTours@gatorland.com.

Gators Ghosts Goblins 2020 Gatorland Orlando

Gatorland’s Gators, Ghosts and Goblins, Spooky Fun For Everyone day time event is still happening October 31 and November 1.

Come out in costume to this family-friendly Halloween event featuring Gatorland’s famous Social Distancing Skunk Ape, costumed character meet and greets, multiple photo opportunities, a trick or treat trail from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Halloween themed train ride!

You can also enjoy music and fun at Frank and Stein’s Octoberfest with German beer and food for purchase, a variety of specialty vendors, and additional animal encounters.

All this fun and excitement is included with regular park admission, and right now Florida residents save half off single-day admissions! Children and adults can wear family-friendly costumes if they like. Nothing scary or gory, please – Bubba and Cooter are easily spooked.

Gatorland Orlando Social Distancing Skunk On the Go in the Parks

You can find more information about what’s On the Go in the Parks by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2021

Today Walt Disney World announced that A Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will take place from January 8 to February 22, 2021!

The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offers fun for the whole family, and here is a sketch of what you can expect when the event debuts in January:

Indulge in over 15 Food Studios serving culinary art all around World Showcase
Explore and purchase the brilliant and diverse work of Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon
Step into the scene at special photo locations scattered around the park
Participate in a paint-by-number mural that serves as a collaborative art project for all
Watch as visiting artists create magic right before your eyes
Catch performances by favorite EPCOT musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors.
Join an artful scavenger hunt as you search for Figment around World Showcase
Shop for festival-exclusive merchandise

And if you’re already looking forward to attending the festival, now is the perfect time to explore how you can complete your dream vacation at Walt Disney World Resort with a special offer for stays at Disney Resort hotels in early 2021.

To find out more about this special Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts offer, check out the official Walt Disney World website for more details.

The Walt Disney World Resort is considering the importance of guest flexibility when planning any vacation right now and is going to continue to waive Disney-imposed change and cancellation fees up to the date of check-in for arrivals through April 30, 2021.

We are really excited about the debut of the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts in early 2021 and look forward to sharing more details as they become available!

You can find more information about events around Orlando, theme park news, and insider tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Raglan Road Celebrates 15th Anniversary

It is going to be a big party at Disney Springs when Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant celebrates its 15^th anniversary on Wednesday, October 21st.

Raglan Road Disney Springs Mighty St Patricks Day Festival Great Irish Hooley Raglan Road Disney Springs 2016

On that day Raglan Road will offer guests a bevy of food, beverage, and retail specials:

Select Entrees reduced to $15 to include Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s To Die For Pie, Bangin’ Bangers and Mighty Mash, and the OMG Burger
$15 15-year-old Irish Whiskey Flight
$15 Beer Flights for Two
15% off Cooke’s of Dublin meals
15% off Shop for Ireland retail purchases

You can’t celebrate what’s to come without looking back at how it all started!

The dining, shopping, and entertainment district Disney Springs was still called Downtown Disney in 2005 when the authentic Irish pub, owned and operated by Irish partners John Cooke and Paul Nolan, opened its doors offering a lively mix of authentic Irish entertainment, contemporary Irish cuisine, and a warm interior of aged walnut and mahogany woods from old Irish bars and churches was built in Ireland and shipped to Orlando.

Now situated at The Landing at Disney Springs and having garnered multiple dining and entertainment awards through the years, Raglan Road features daily choreographed Irish stage shows by talented bands and an award-winning step-dance troupe. A dining destination for travelers and locals, Raglan Road last month earned Orlando magazine’s 2020 Reader’s Choice first-place Dining Award for Best Live Music Entertainment. The pub’s popular annual Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival and its Labor Day weekend boutique Irish music festival, the Great Irish Hooley, have welcomed many thousands of festival-goers each year.

Initially featuring lunch, dinner, and late-night pub grub, Raglan Road in 2013 introduced its Rollicking Raglan Brunch on Sundays, eventually expanding to Saturdays, as well. The popular weekend brunch last month also earned an Orlando magazine Reader’s Choice 2^nd place Dining Award for Best Brunch.

A Traveler’s Choice award winner for consecutive years, Raglan Road in 2020 also earned the exclusive honor of placing in the top 10 percent of restaurants worldwide thanks to travelers’ reviews and ratings.

In addition to the pub’s modern Irish cuisine, the menu features a wide selection of craft beers and ales, hand-crafted cocktails, Irish coffee drinks, plus wine and bubbly, too. The Raglan Road children’s menu offers options for every young palate.

Raglan Road closed in mid-March due to pandemic-related restaurant shutdowns and reopened in June after incorporating a long list of safety measures throughout the restaurant. Guests can book socially-distanced tables for dinner and for the Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch. Drop-in guests may find distanced seating at one of the pub’s bars, in one of three dining rooms, or on the patio, but reservations are highly recommended.

Currently, Raglan Road also features live entertainment nightly including a suite of shows featuring Irish bands and dancers. Guests also can enjoy shows beginning at noon during the weekend Rollicking Raglan Brunch. Dinner is served from 4-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The pub’s Shop for Ireland boutique is open daily and packed with everything from cookbooks and kitchen wares to a wide selection of apparel, jewelry, flat caps, ball caps, and foodstuffs. Cooke’s of Dublin, the Irish quick-service restaurant adjacent to the pub, offers traditional favorites like Dublin-style fish & chips, burgers, and savory pies to carry out, eat in or devour at an outside table from noon to 10 p.m.

You can find more information about events around Orlando, theme park news, and insider tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Mennello Museum Hosts Votes for Women Exhibit

As the 100th year of the 19th amendment providing voting rights for women and the 59^th Presidential Election approaches, the Mennello Museum is hosting Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence.

The crusade for women’s suffrage is one of the longest reform movements in American history. Between 1832 and 1920, women citizens organized for the right to vote, agitating first in their states or territories and then, simultaneously, through petitioning for a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Mennello Museum Votes for Women — Equality Is the Sacred Law of Humanity, c. 1903–1915

Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.

The Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative, Because of Her Story, is one of the country’s most ambitious undertakings to research, collect, document, display, and share the compelling story of women. It will deepen our understanding of women’s contributions to the nation and the world. More information about the initiative is available at womenshistory.si.edu.

The poster exhibition addresses women’s political activism, explores the racism that challenged universal suffrage, and documents the ratification of the 19th Amendment which prohibits the government from denying U.S. citizens the right to vote on the basis of sex. It also touches upon the suffrage movement’s relevance to current conversations on voting and voting rights across America.

The in-person, free exhibition of posters is featured on the Mennello Museum’s front porch beginning now through election day, November 3.

Visit them during museum hours, Tuesdays – Sundays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting).

Then visitors can continue their stroll through history and meet voting-rights heroes, as our neighbors at the Orlando Repertory theater present Eric Coble’s “Vote?,” a fully-produced online play streamed directly to you, now through November 8. Stream Eric Coble’s “Vote?” here.

Also if you cannot make the trip out to the Mennello Museum, the virtual exhibition is also available online through November 2020.

Trunk or Treat Car Show at The Promenade at Sunset Walk

The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts hundreds of Classic to Modern Cars and Trucks from all eras, and on October 11th they’re hosting a Special Trunk or Treat Car Show.

During this special event, drivers are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and bring wrapped candy to hand out to all the little ghouls and goblins walking the streets of The Promenade.

And for some extra fun kiddos are encouraged to come dressed and ready to Trunk or Treat!

The event is hosted by DJ Scotty B who will be playing the Perfect mix of music as you are visiting the line-up of cars and trucks.

While you are there take advantage of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

The Promenade at Sunset Walk hosts hundreds of Classic to Modern Cars and Trucks from all Eras, Makes & Models the second Sunday of every month with upcoming events on November 8th and December 13th.

You can find more information about events around Orlando, theme park news, and insider tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Orlando Science Center Pompeii Exhibit Update

The Orlando Science Center announced today that Pompeii: The Immortal City will now premiere on October 26, 2020.

This blockbuster exhibition features over 100 authentic artifacts and experiences that will plunge visitors into the heart of the ancient city. Orlando Science Center is one of only three locations in the nation to host Pompeii: The Immortal City and is the last stop on its US tour, which concludes on January 24, 2021.

The exhibition’s stay in Orlando is funded in part by Orange County Government and its tourism partners through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Blockbuster Program. It was developed and produced by TEMPORA in collaboration with Civita and Filmmaster based on the scientific research of Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli and Museo Galileo Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze and distributed by Exhibits Development Group.

“Pompeii is the perfect exhibit for these times,” said JoAnn Newman, President and CEO of Orlando Science Center. “The artifacts encourage quiet contemplation while timed entry limits capacity and offers people ample time, and distance, to examine displays and better understand the magnificence and ultimate tragedy of this remarkable place.”

Spectacular immersive moments will allow visitors to experience the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and its destructive path through the city. In just 24 hours, Pompeii was buried, and perfectly preserved, by volcanic ash in 79 AD. Displays of artwork, jewelry, statues, architecture, multimedia experiences and recreations of mechanical devices, allow visitors to discover this first-century Roman town and its many technological achievements.

Advance tickets are now on sale at www.osc.org/pompeii. People who originally reserved tickets for Pompeii before it was postponed can contact gservices@osc.org to reschedule their visit.

General admission tickets will be $26 for adults and $18 for youth (advance booking fees and parking fees apply) and include access to Pompeii: The Immortal City plus Orlando Science Center exhibits and experiences.

Orlando Science Center Members receive free admission to Pompeii: The Immortal City with their membership (advance booking fees apply).

Tickets are only available online.

Please review Orlando Science Center’s health and safety guidelines (subject to change) before visiting at www.osc.org/reopening-plan.

On the Go in Orlando: 4th of July Fun

This year the 4th of July looks a little different in Orlando, but there are still a lot of great events going on around town that you can get out to enjoy or watch from your couch!

On the Go in Orlando: 4th of July Fun

Around Town

A Star-Spangled Weekend Celebration at the Promenade at Sunset Walk Orlando

July 3-5, 2020 | All Day

The Promenade will host DJs and Live Bands Friday night and all day Saturday, plus a FIREWORKS spectacular Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Saturday night’s event will be a socially distanced event, so tickets are limited. Get your $12 tickets today before they run out! Admission includes free parking. We’ll end the weekend with a Star-Spangled Car and Truck Show on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Trophies will be awarded.

Avalon Park Fourth Of July

July 4, 2020 | 9 PM

This year’s 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Avalon Park will consist of FIREWORKS ONLY at 9 p.m. Viewers are asked to abide by the CDC and Government recommendations as it relates to social distancing and protective wear. We look forward to celebrating future events together soon!

Clermont Red White and Boom

July 4, 2020 | 6 PM – 10 PM | Waterfront Park, 330 3rd St.

The free, family event is packed with fun for everyone. Local celebrity Kayslin Victoria, a Top 24 singer on Season 16’s “The Voice,” will lead off with the National Anthem at the Highlander Pavilion. A fireworks show will top off the evening at 9:15 p.m. over Lake Minneola.

AstroSkate July 4th Skate

July 4, 2020 | 12-4 PM

Enjoy Skating for $6 (plus skate rental) and free all-you-can-eat hot dogs from 12 – 1 PM.

Eustis Hometown Celebration

A Fireworks Show you don’t want to miss! Beginning at 9:30pm on July 3rd over Lake Eustis Eustis will host a fantastic fireworks display by Four Seasons.

Suggested viewing locations:

Ferran Park: 250 Ferran Park Dr, Eustis
Community Center: 601 Northshore Dr, Eustis
Sunset Island Park:301 W. Ward Ave, Eustis

Although we won’t have vendors this year, be sure to visit a Eustis business for dinner & dessert and come on out to celebrate our Independence Day!

St. Cloud 4th Fireworks

July 4, 2020 | 10 PM

The 74-year tradition of Fireworks on the 4th of July will continue in 2020 in a different way due to the Corona Virus pandemic, with a “Salute to Salute July 4th, 2020”.

There will be a brief pyrotechnic display launched from a to be disclosed location at 10:00 PM Saturday July 4th. Many Area residents and visitors will be able to see – and hear – the Salute to Salute July 4th from their homes and backyards. St. Cloud area community members will be encouraged to look and listen from their doorsteps or backyard for the Salute to Salute July 4th at 10:00 pm Saturday July 4th.

The short pyrotechnic display will be launched from a to be announced location. Area residents will learn which direction to look shortly before 10:00 pm Saturday July 4th via area media outlets and St. Cloud Fireworks Social Media.

Virtual Events:

Winter Park Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4-5, 2020 | 9 AM to 11 PM

Due to current COVID-19 social distancing requirements, the City of Winter Park invites the community to enjoy a virtual presentation of its annual 4th of July Celebration. A link to the pre-recorded, virtual celebration will be posted Saturday, July 4, at 9 a.m., on the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org as well as the city’s Facebook page.

The virtual celebration will begin with a special welcome from Mayor Steve Leary followed by musical performances and historical tributes including:

– Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble led by Dr. John Sinclair

– Americana/rock/country artist and Orlando native Sean Holcomb

– Historical presentation by The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

– Photomontage of the city’s previous 4th of July celebrations

– Surprise message from city staff

City of Heroes: City of Orlando Fireworks

July 4, 2020 | 8 to 9:30 PM | Fireworks at 9 PM

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s 43rd annual Fireworks at the Fountain will be held virtually this year. News 6 will present a pre-recorded compilation of the brightest and biggest fireworks from the past several years at Lake Eola.

Before the fireworks show, News 6 will honor our heroes in the community. The fireworks portion begins at 9.

Hamilton on Disney+

Theme Parks:

LEGOLAND Florida Fireworks Fourth of July 2019

LEGOLAND RED, BRICK AND BOOM

July 4, 2020 | 9 PM

On July 2-4 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, celebrate America’s Independence as the skies above Lake Eloise fill with one of the biggest fireworks shows of the year! You can also help create a giant U.S. flag out of thousands of LEGO® bricks. These festivities are included with park admission.

SEAWORLD

July 4, 2020 | 9:45 PM

At SeaWorld Orlando, the night sky will light up with fireworks, pyrotechnics and lasers during this special, socially distanced event, taking place on July 3, July 4 and July 5. Fireworks are included with park admission and can best be viewed from Bayside Stadium. Park reservation is required.

You can find more information about events and theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Returns

Get out your finest green outfit and head to Disney Springs for the return of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant!

Raglan Road 2018 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival

Celebrate five days of fun, March 13-17, with non-stop Irish-infused entertainment from morning until night, a mighty selection of beers and cocktails and of course, the most authentic Irish food.

My favorite part of the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival is the fantastic line-up of live entertainment hand-picked straight from Ireland.

Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

Here’s a look at this year’s line-up:

Strings & Things will bring their contemporary Irish Trad/Folk/Roots crossover talent from Tipperary and Galway to the festival stage. Their unique sound and powerful stage energy promise a raucous evening of music and song.
TradGad features three talented musicians from Kerry, Dublin and Galway charming guests with their vibrant performances on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, uilleann pipes, tin whistle, banjo and bouzouki.
Maca an Irish sister duo dubbed “Ireland’s next big thing” will rock the Raglan Road Pub stages with their extraordinary talent.
Fia Rua featuring band members from Ireland and Scotland, will blend their musical backgrounds to perform and wow guests with a unique Celtic sound.
Mike Waters, from the southeast of Ireland, will perform Irish songs and ballads from traditional to contemporary with a good measure of chat and humor.
Emily Furlong an extraordinary singer and entertainer from Wexford, Ireland will captivate guests with her stunning voice.
No Half Measures an exciting, fresh and vibrant four-piece band from Scotland, Cork and Kilkenny will spin their youthful, contemporary sound for the Mighty Festival audience.

And you can’t talk about Raglan Road without talking about their fantastic food!!!!

While the entire menu will be available, guests dining on Monday, March 16 can enjoy a new whiskey pairing dinner from 3-11 p.m. featuring a special prix fixe menu with locally sourced dishes like Whiskey Cured House Smoked Salmon and Apple Baked Dumplings paired with the finest Irish whiskey cocktails.

Planning to stop by over the weekend? The Rollicking Raglan Weekend Brunch will be served March 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley 2019 Raglan Road Bar Disney Springs Walt Disney World Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

Of course, don’t miss the popular Raglan Road Irish Dancers plucked from the cast and stages of the world’s greatest Irish dance shows! They’ll be performing intermittently during the festival and ready to teach you an Irish jig – no experience necessary! Kids will also have a blast at this family-friendly party so be sure to bring everyone dressed in their best green garb and enjoy complimentary face painting.

Rhythms of Raglan Road Disney Springs Walt Disney World Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival Raglan Road Disney Springs 2020

For those planning to celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to plan ahead for the fun!

On March 17, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest 18 and older. Reservations can be booked online for other festival days, including brunch by calling 407-938-0300.

On the Go in the Parks: March 6-8, 2020

Don’t forget to tune in to News 96.5 WDBO this evening to hear me talk about how you can be On the Go in the Parks this weekend on Orlando’s Evening News with Tony Marino!!!

The theme parks of Central Florida are always buzzing with excitement and events, and here is everything you can experience On the Go in the Parks this weekend!

On the Go in the Parks: New this Weekend

EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival

The 27th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will bloom at the Walt Disney World Resort filling the park with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Spring daily until June 1, 2020.

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series will rock every evening of the Festival with three performances by chart-topping artists on the America Gardens Theatre stage.

Here is who you can see perform this weekend:

March 6 through 9: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is included with your theme park admission.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Have you ever wanted to jump through the screen and into “Mickey Mouse” cartoon short? Well now is your time to make it happen, because anything can happen aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Mickey Shorts Theater

The newly reimagined Mickey Shorts Theater debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 4, 2020, and I was really excited to check it out!

Located adjacent to the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, the new Mickey Shorts Theater is designed to evoke the fun of the Mickey Mouse shorts where ‘Mouse Rules Apply’.

On the Go in the Parks:Returning Favorites

Universal Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal Orlando is celebrating 25 years of its family-friendly Mardi Gras festivities with new parade floats, globally inspired cuisine, and live concerts on select nights from February 1 to April 2 at the Universal Studios Florida theme park.

This year’s parade features six new additional floats and steps-off at 7:45 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On select nights during the event, guests can enjoy performances by some of the biggest names in music on the Universal Music Plaza Stage.

This weekend you can see:

Saturday, Mar. 7 – REO Speedwagon @ 8:30 pm
Sunday, Mar. 8 – Dustin Lynch @ 8:30 pm

Opening daily at 4 pm, the French Quarter Courtyard is where you can find food and spirits available for purchase and performances from Louisiana jazz, blues, and zydeco bands. You can see the New Breed Brass Band will take to the French Quarter Courtyard Stage daily until March 21.

All of the excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida or with a Seasonal or Annual Pass (blockout dates apply).

And until April 2, Florida residents can experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebration and the spring season by saving up to $65 on multi-day tickets and up to $75 on Seasonal and Annual Passes.

Seven Seas Food Festival @ SeaWorld Orlando

2020 Seven Seas Food Festival Guide SeaWorld Orlando

In 2020 the Seven Seas Food Festival will runs weekends through May 5, including Fridays (WOOOOT), to give park-goers plenty more chances to sample more than 180 mouthwatering options from Chef Héctor Colón and his amazing culinary team!

New food offerings include the cricket crusted bison slider, duck and mushroom ramen bowl and the chicken and waffle.

Enjoy local craft beers and mouthwatering culinary flavors while exploring our marketplaces throughout the park.

In addition to delicious eats, guests visiting SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival can enjoy world-class entertainment every Saturday and Sunday at Bayside Stadium, all included with theme park admission.

This weekend the Seven Seas Food Festival will feature free concerts from:

March 7 – AJR
March 8 – Dylan Scott

You can find more information about theme park news and tips by subscribing to our YouTube Channel and following @onthegoinmco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!