Exciting transformations are on the horizon for downtown Orlando as part of ongoing efforts to improve mobility and support local businesses. The Orlando City Council has approved a significant initiative to transform the downtown streetscape, particularly focusing on West Church Street near the SunRail station. This area will be repositioned as a “festival street” in several phases, with initial improvements starting soon. The project aims to create a lively space for events, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy.
Guided by the Community Redevelopment Agency’s DTOutlook and Project DTO 2.0, the initiative reflects a strong commitment to making downtown Orlando a thriving, connected community for everyone. The city’s plan includes investments to enhance pedestrian accessibility and cultivate a festival-like atmosphere. Renderings of the changes were shared by the Downtown Development Board, offering a glimpse of the vibrant future ahead for the area.
Orlando’s Magical Dining is back, offering a deliciously unique way to explore the city’s vibrant food scene. Running from August 16 to September 30, this annual event invites diners to savor specially curated three-course prix fixe menus at some of the area’s top restaurants for just $40 or $60 per person, plus tax and gratuity. With over 150 participating eateries, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Participating restaurants span a variety of cuisines and styles, from elegant fine dining to casual bistros, ensuring that whether you’re a food aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll find plenty of options. Your choices include nine MICHELIN Guide honorees and 24 first-time participating eateries.
Some of the standout participating restaurants include:
Adega Gaucha — Kissimmee ($40)
Armando’s — College Park ($40)
Armando’s — Lake Nona ($40)
Armando’s — Winter Park ($40)
AVA MediterrAegean ($60)
BACAN ($60 – Recommended)
Braccia Ristorante ($40)
Chayote Barrio Kitchen ($60)
Chef’s Table at The Edgewater ($60)
Chima Steakhouse ($60)
Citrus Club ($40)
Crocante Restaurant + Bar ($40)
Cru Quarters at The Mayflower ($40)
F&D Prime Modern Steakhouse ($60)
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ($40)
Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen ($60)
Helena Modern Riviera ($40)
Kabooki Sushi (East Colonial location) ($40)
Maxine’s on Shine ($40)
Nami ($60)
Norman’s Orlando ($60)
Pine & Oak Tavern ($40)
Ravello ($60 – Recommended)
Sophia’s Trattoria ($40)
Summer House on the Lake ($40)
The Pinery ($40 – Recommended)
The Ravenous Pig ($40)
Trabucco ($40)
Trattoria del Porto at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando ($40)
Twin View Restaurant at Evermore Resort ($60)
Wine 4 Oysters Bar and Bites — East Orlando ($40)
Wine 4 Oysters Bar and Bites — West Orlando ($40)
Yamasan Sushi and Grill ($40)
Z Asian Vietnamese Kitchen ($40)
This year’s lineup not only highlights Orlando’s culinary diversity but also provides an opportunity for diners to enjoy high-quality meals at a fraction of the regular price. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Magical Dining is the perfect chance to discover new favorites and indulge in a variety of flavors. Plus, it’s all for a great cause, with $1 of every $40 meal served and $2 of every $60 meal directly benefiting The Mustard Seed of Central Florida and six other local charities focused on building a sustainable future.
Reservations are highly recommended, as popular spots can fill up quickly. For more details on participating restaurants, menus, and to make reservations, visit the Magical Dining website.
Disney has officially announced the highly anticipated Villains Land expansion coming to Magic Kingdom, promising a new and exciting chapter for the park. This immersive area will celebrate Disney’s most iconic villains and provide guests with a darker, more thrilling experience. The expansion will be located in the area formerly occupied by the Toon Town section, situated near the park’s central hub.
The Villains Land is set to feature a variety of new attractions, dining options, and entertainment experiences centered around Disney’s infamous antagonists. Key highlights include a unique dark ride that takes guests on a journey through the stories of some of Disney’s most notorious villains, an interactive villain-themed play area, and a range of merchandise that celebrates the darker side of Disney magic.
Guests can look forward to encountering popular characters such as Maleficent, Ursula, and Hades in settings designed to bring their villainous worlds to life. The new area will also include themed dining experiences, where visitors can enjoy meals inspired by their favorite villains, and a range of exclusive merchandise and collectibles.
The expansion is expected to open in late 2025, and Disney has promised that it will be a major addition to Magic Kingdom’s offerings. With its combination of thrilling attractions, immersive environments, and beloved villain characters, Villains Land is set to become a must-visit destination for Disney enthusiasts.
The Orlando City SC are playing Atlanta United at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM.
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
The Orlando City SC are playing Philadelphia Union at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM.
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
The Orlando City SC are playing Charlotte FC at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 7:30 PM.
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
The Orlando City SC are playing New England Revolution at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM.
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
The Orlando City SC are playing Nashville SC at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
The Orlando City SC are playing Cruz Azul at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM (Leagues Cup).
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club in Orlando, Florida, that competes as a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer (MLS). Orlando City SC began play in 2015 as the 21st franchise in MLS, succeeding the USL Pro team of the same name. In doing so they became the first MLS team in Florida since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny both folded following the 2001 season. The team plays at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. Orlando City’s mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphized and “bulked up” lion complete with dreadlocks.
SeaWorld Orlando is set to launch a thrilling new event for Halloween enthusiasts and fitness fans alike: the Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run/Walk. Scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2024, this event promises a unique blend of festive Halloween fun and physical activity, offering participants the chance to experience the park in a whole new way.
The Howl-O-Sprint 5K takes runners and walkers through a scenic course winding through SeaWorld Orlando. Participants will be treated to Halloween-themed decorations and live entertainment along the route, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event is designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels, making it an inclusive experience for families, casual walkers, and avid runners.
The Howl-O-Sprint 5K is a highlight of SeaWorld’s broader Howl-O-Scream event, which runs on select nights from September through October. Howl-O-Scream transforms the park into a Halloween haven, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and roaming creatures that are sure to deliver spine-chilling thrills. The 5K race is an exciting addition to this lineup, offering a dynamic way to kick off the Halloween season.
For more information about the Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run/Walk and to register for the event, visit the official SeaWorld Orlando event page: https://seaworld.com/orlando/events/howl-o-scream/howl-o-scream-5k-run/
