The latest Orlando happenings updated weekly using information provided by partners and destination press releases. Stay up-to-date on Orlando's most recent announcements and openings from accommodations and attractions to restaurants and more.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES:
Orlando is 2023’s Best Place to Get Married, according to a study by WalletHub that compared more than 180 of the biggest U.S. cities across 26 key indicators of cost-effectiveness, convenience and enjoyment.
Orlando ranked among the 18 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2023, according to Kayak. The ranking is based on the top 100 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average flight and hotel prices.
The Valuable 500 ranked Orlando as one of the top disability-friendly cities in the U.S. This recognition is based on input from disabled travelers that have reported on the city’s transportation, accommodations at attractions and accessibility information.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Grande Lakes Orlando unveiled the completion of its newly reconfigured and expanded Grande Lakes Water Park at JW Marriott Orlando, featuring six distinct zones including a signature lazy river; Headwaters Slide Tower with three waterslides; an Aquaventure obstacle course with climbing and slide features; and Knife Burger, a new poolside dining option from award-winning Chef John Tesar. With its recent renovation, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando debuted a new Solaire heated pool, lined with luxury poolside cabanas featuring a private butler, wireless internet, HDTV, a refrigerator, and other amenities.
B Resort and Spa will offer a “B Loved Valentine’s Day” package for stays Feb. 1-28, featuring a complimentary room upgrade, daily breakfast for two and romantic welcome amenities including a bottle of sparkling wine and a signature sweet treat.
The Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando within the Disney Springs area is officially open. Located with walking distance from Disney Springs, the property features a variety of amenities including complimentary breakfast; scenic views; and poolside and lobby restaurants; along with free shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World theme parks and early entry.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE:
JoJo’s ShakeBAR, the Chicago-based 80s and 90s-themed diner, will open its first Florida location at Pointe Orlando on International Drive this year. JoJo’s will offer a full menu of diner classics, hand-crafted cocktails and decadent desserts, including milkshakes, milk bars, gourmet cookies and infused milks.
Mia’s Italian Kitchen, a traditional, Sicilian-inspired restaurant, will offer guests a “Bottomless Dining for two” special on Feb. 14, including house-made pastas, authentic soups, brick-oven pizzas and a bottle of Prosecco to share.
Norman’s, acclaimed chef Norman Van Aken’s new restaurant on Sand Lake’s Restaurant Row, is set to open on Feb. 15. The restaurant will feature an all-new menu with familiar flavors that draw on its predecessors and present personality all its own.
Smoke & Donuts has opened its first brick and mortar restaurant in Orlando’s Milk District. The new location will continue to combine savory and sweet flavors in unexpected ways and feature smoked barbecue and cake donuts within the chef-created menu. Fan favorites include the Bar-B-Cuban sandwich, served with cucumber and cabbage slaw and mac & cheese.
Foreigner Restaurant, the interactive culinary concept by chef Bruno Fonseca, will soft open a 10-seat restaurant in the Audubon Park district on Feb. 27. Previously a pop-up, the experience will offer guests a five-course menu “confiance-style” ("trust the chef") dinner, where patrons will have the opportunity to watch the inner workings of an active kitchen.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
Orlando’s Taco & Margarita Festival will be held at Camping World Stadium on Feb. 4, featuring local taquerias, food trucks, live music, live entertainment and axe throwing for all guests to enjoy.
The Veranda at Thornton Park will host a Galentine’s Day Market Party on Feb. 13. This celebration of friendship will showcase several dining and shopping options from local female vendors in the Orlando area.
Opera Orlando will present a free special Masterclass Series featuring two Italian opera specialists and an American prize-winning conductor, along with Opera Orlando Studio Artists and other local singers, on Feb. 25 and April 8 at the Opera’s offices at Broadway United Methodist Church. A brief reception and a chance to meet the artists will be held after each event. Reserved seating required.
WonderWorks Orlando will host a major birthday bash in honor of its 25th anniversary on March 4. The celebration will include discounted tickets, giveaways, new exhibits including a digital ball wall, a Route 66 traveling exhibit and more.
The Winter Park: Wine & Dine Spring Edition Event will be held on March 22. The ticked event will offer an all-inclusive experience including unlimited tastings from over 50 vendors, craft beers, 20+ wine purveyors, specialty cocktails and live music throughout the day.
Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort will offer wine and dine experiences in celebration of Valentine’s week, including Wine Riffs at the Hard Rock Hotel on Feb. 10, a multi-sensory, six-course dining and music experience; and Harbor Nights Romantico at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel on Feb. 17, offering chef-inspired food stations, live music and an evening of dancing with a special performance by Portofino’s opera singers.
Universal Orlando Resort will kick off its 2023 Mardi Gras Celebration: International Flavors of Carnaval on Feb. 4, featuring cuisine inspired by global carnaval celebrations with more than 50 tasting-sized items, a “Mythical Realms of Mardi Gras” parade featuring six new floats, eight live performances by top names in music and more, running daily through April 16.
Universal Orlando Resort is offering a limited time deal to purchase five days for the price of a three-day ticket. Guests will be able to enjoy experiences across both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with the option to access Universal’s Volcano Bay at an additional cost.
Touch-A-Truck will return for its 10th annual “pit stop” at Addition Financial Arena on March 4. The free, interactive experience will allow kids to experience their favorite trucks and vehicles from emergency response vehicles, construction trucks, and off-road vehicles and even offers a “no-honking” hour for families who prefer to experience the event without any loud distractions. There will be opportunities for kids to win prizes as well as concessions available.
The 88th annual Bach Festival, held now through Feb. 26, will host free pre-concert talks, live concerts, and masterclasses on the campus of Rollins College. Over the three-week period, the festival will feature Concertos by Candlelight, the recently added Masterclass with Thomas Cooley, and the ever-popular Itamar Zorman & Adam Golka duet.
Walt Disney World Resort has announced the lineup for the Garden Rocks concert series, which is part of the upcoming Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Of the 31 announced performers, there are seven new-to-Garden Rocks acts including Blue Oyster Cult, Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, and Jason Scheff, longtime singer of Chicago. Those returning feature Daughtry, Plain White T’s and Berlin.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announced that the Grammy-winning Broadway production “Into the Woods” will be coming to the Walt Disney Theater June 6-11, 2023. The straight-from-Broadway production will only be performed at 10 U.S. theaters.
U.S. Soccer Federation has selected Orlando to host the USA-El Salvador game on March 27. Exploria Stadium will hold the decisive match of the 2023 Nation’s League Group D with the U.S. Men’s National Team’s title defense against El Salvador. Continued victories in the next two matches would guarantee the USA a place in the Final Four.
Orlando Fringe’s Artspace will host performances of “Middletown,” by acclaimed writer Will Lee, Feb.17 – March 5. The deeply moving play, which explores the universe of a small American town, will be directed by Orlando Fringe Festival Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, David Lee.
Wekiva Paint Out returns for its annual painting event, Feb. 17 – March 4, that welcomes world-class artists from around the country to Wekiva Springs State Park for a week of plein air painting inspired Florida’s natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to attend and see completed works at the gallery at Wekiva Island. A live auction, all-inclusive gala and amateur quick draw competition will be held throughout the week that is open to all guests and visitors.
Invasion Events is hosting its BMW Car Show, Bimmer Invasion, at Dezerland Action Park Orlando on Feb. 18. The event will showcase the latest products and services from top vendors and brands that cater to BMW owners.
The 40th annual Art in Bloom, sponsored by Orlando Health/Winnie Palmer Hospital and presented by Council of 101, returns March 24-26 to the Orlando Museum of Art. The spring fundraiser will present art-inspired floral designs, presentations from world renowned artists, curated antiques, an art auction and an outdoors farmers market for all guests to enjoy. This event will support Orlando’s art scene and the museum’s ongoing efforts to foster life-long learning for the community through its programs and initiatives.
The Renaissance Theatre Company will proudly present a local legend and well-known dancer, singer, and actor who was crowned the national Entertainer of The Year (2015) – Tymisha Harris. She is starring in her critically acclaimed, Josephine: The First Black International Superstar from March 9–19. Josephine is a biographical musical that integrates elements of cabaret, theatre and dance to tell the story of one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century – Josephine Baker.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Art will debut the new exhibition, Lamps and Lighting—Tiffany and His Contemporaries, on March 7. This exhibit will showcase lamps created by Tiffany Studios from 1902-1932 and other works by distinguished makers of the time. Guests who are Morse Members will have a first look of the exhibit on March 6 during the Museum’s Spring Reception.
The Marine Industry Association of Central Florida will host the Orlando Boat Show March 17-19, featuring Central Florida’s top boat dealers representing several manufacturers with over 400 boats on display. Guests will be able to catch unique live performances, experience a virtual saltwater fishing simulator and enjoy a fishing zone dedicated to all types of fishing gear and accessories.
ICON Park will host its community celebration to honor new U.S. Army recruits and bring awareness to local organizations on Feb. 25. The event will showcase local charities in the Orlando area, offering guests a chance to learn more about their mission and become involved, including Give Kids The World Village, Hometown Heroes Alliance, IF YOU Foundation and Weekday School.
TRANSPORTATION:
The Canadian airline, WestJet, will resume its weekly direct flight service from Vancouver, Canada (YVR) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) beginning May 6.
