Visit Orlando Blog

New Outdoor Attraction at Florida EcoSafaris

Orlando's newest outdoor attraction at Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida introduces a whole new way to cycle -- right through the treetops!

On the Cypress Canopy Cycle, riders relax in reclining bicycles suspended at heights up to 25 feet in the air and pedal over the beautiful ecosystems of the 4700-acre Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area.

If you love the outdoors, this attraction truly provides a bird's eye view of Florida's forested wetlands and wildlife (so don't forget your camera!). And it's the first of its kind in the U.S.!

Check out our winding adventure and the natural Florida "residents" we met along the way.

For more ideas of outdoor activities in Orlando, click here.

New Music Festival Launches in Orlando

It’s official! Orlando Calling, a new music festival, is set to launch in Orlando Nov. 12-13 at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. The two-day event, produced by Festival Republic, features headliners The Killers, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and Kid Rock.

With four stages, the music fest will present a diverse line-up of American music genres, including blues, country, rock, indie, alternative, folk and R&B. Artists include indie rock acts, The Raconteurs and Pixies, and folk rock ensemble, The Avett Brothers. The festival will also include performances by emerging talent from the Central Florida area. Check out the full list of announced artists below (subject to change).

Tickets go on sale July 23 at 10 a.m. at orlandocalling.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Single-day tickets are $80 and weekend tickets are $145 until Sept. 1. They will increase slightly after that date. VIP tickets are available.

Saturday line-up:
The Killers
Pixies
The Avett Brothers
The Roots
The Raconteurs
OAR
Gavin DeGraw
Iron and Wine
Local Natives
Pete Yorn
Civil Twilight
Kid Cudi
Lucero
Dr. Dog
Justin Townes Earle
Felice Bros
Less Than Jake 

Sunday line-up:
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Kid Rock
Blake Shelton
Doobie Brothers
Buddy Guy
Warren Haynes
Chris Isaak
Robert Randolph
Dwight Yoakam
Flatlanders
Los Lonely Boys
Blues Traveler
Brandi Carlile
The David Mayfield Parade
Michelle Branch

Dave & Buster’s Opens in Orlando

Orlando visitors now have a new hot spot on International Drive to eat, drink and play the latest interactive games. Dave & Buster's, which opened July 18, is an entertainment complex that features 170 games and a full-service restaurant.

Dave & Buster's gaming area, the Million Dollar Midway, offers plenty of fun simulators and redemptive games for all skill levels. The action-packed Midway includes modern favorites like NASCAR racing simulators and Guitar Hero alongside classics like skeeball and the Nothing But Net basketball shoot-out. Players can go head-to-head in team competitions or try to beat their best solo record with 285 individual gaming stations. Most games reward players for their mastery with tickets redeemable for prizes in the Winner's Circle.

The complex is not only jam-packed with games galore, but it also serves up delicious American cuisine for lunch, dinner and late-night snacks that includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas and entrées. (Editor's note: the steak rolls on the appetizer menu are to die for!)

Entertainment also includes 25 flat-screen TVs and a state-of-the-art 103-inch plasma TV. And let's not forget the full liquor bar!

Here's what you need to know:
Address: 8986 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours of operations: Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. &
Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Families welcome; younger guests must be accompanied by an adult. 

For more dining options in the International Drive area, click here.

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month

Satisfy an appetite for savings this September during Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month when more than 60 Orlando-area restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe dinners for just $30.

Magical Dining Month serves up a diverse assortment of atmospheres and cuisines at some of Orlando's top restaurants, including Emeril's Orlando, The Capital Grille and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar (pictured). Also on this year's list are signature spots unique to Orlando like Luma on Park, Le Coq Au Vin, The Venetian Room and K Restaurant.

One dollar from each meal will be donated to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida. Check out the full list of participating restaurants at OrlandoMagicalDining.com.

Dinner Shows in Orlando

As summer temperatures heat up in Orlando, why not cool down at one of the many dinner shows in the area. From swashbuckling swordplay to handsprings on horseback, Orlando's dinner shows serve up an entertaining dining experience with options for the whole family.

Fairy tales come to life on horseback at Arabian Nights (pictured) with more than 60 horses and 40 performers showcasing incredible stunts and elaborate costumes.

Take the whole gang and laugh it up at Capone's Dinner & Show, which combines standup comedy and musical numbers in a show about mobsters in the early thirties.

Join in the celebration at the Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld, a Polynesian festival featuring the Pacific Islands' ancient customs, rhythmic music and dance, authentic costumes and cuisine.

At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, enjoy hearty fare within an 11th century European-style castle where heroic knights display athletic feats and thrilling swordplay on spirited horses.

While visiting WonderWorks, don't miss the hilarious Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show that combines high-energy comedy with spectacular magic to entertain audiences of all ages.

Set sail on the high seas at Pirate's Dinner Adventure where diners of all ages can enjoy a pirate feast while watching the aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay and dynamic duels of a classic good vs. evil story. 

For the older ones, experience a night of mystery, improv and comedy at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows as you become the detective to solve a crime during a three-course dinner (complete with a "mystery" dessert).

Participate in one of the most famous dinner parties in history, Titanic Dinner Event, celebrating the retirement of Titanic's legendary Captain Smith.

Orlando's newest dining experience for adults, Treasure Tavern, features a three-course meal along with comedians, acrobats and dancing rum girls.

To purchase discounted tickets to one of Orlando's dinner shows, click here.