The Orlando Real - The Orlando Real

Wafu at East End Market

by Kismet Kohn

Looking for a unique and delicious savory and sweet place in Central Florida? Look no further! Wafu offers the best of both worlds with warm stuffed waffles and chilly soft serve in a fish-shaped cone.

Where is it?

Wafu is located on the second floor of the East End Market, which is just on the edge of Winter Park. Within East End Market, you can also find places that sell local handmade goods, plants, unique gifts, and more! Some weekends, the market will hold events that have live music and more vendors that show up. Across the street from East End Market are also stores that sell vintage clothing, vinyl records, and antiques.

Taiyaki

One of the primary selling points of Wafu is the delicious taiyaki, a traditional…

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Will Disney End the Park Reservation System?

by Jessica Hristov

Back in November 2022, Disney made an announcement that shocked everyone – their current CEO Bob Chapek would be replaced by Bob Iger effective immediately. Just as the news was announced, speculation and rumors began to form. Is Genie + going away? Are prices going to drop? Can he bring fastpasses back? Will Iger finally end the park reservation system? As we begin this new year, we'll have to wait and see what changes will take affect in 2023. While we don’t have all the answers just yet, here is what we know so far.

Park Reservation System

Back when Walt Disney World first reopened after the Covid-19 pandemic in July 2020, they implemented a park reservation system to be able to control park capacity and keep it low. Fast…

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Sixty Vines

by Holley Long

If you’ve visited Winter Park, you know there’s no shortage of places to enjoy good food and drinks. Next time you’re in the city, I encourage you to check out a restaurant that has that plus the chance to pretend you’re a sommelier for a day. 

The Restaurant 

A trip to Sixty Vines in Winter Park is like a trip to wine country, without the airfare. With seven locations—from Florida to Texas—the restaurant pours wine on tap, so guests sip Napa Valley’s finest as it’s meant to be enjoyed: straight from the barrel.

Image by @sixtyvineswinterpark

And the “straight from the barrel” taste isn’t just about giving the authentic vineyard experience. By serving wine on tap, Sixty Vines helps keep bottles, corks, and foil out of…

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Waterleigh Home Sells for $687K

by Kismet Kohn

Home in Winter Garden sells after 3 days on the market at $687,000.

The Home

This two-story home was built in 2018 and features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, all at 3,887 square feet. This home has a prime location in the Waterleigh community of Horizon West, just minutes away from Disney and Historic Winter Garden. With an open floor plan, the house invites you in to see the living and dining space overlooked by a large kitchen. Then off the back of the home you’ll find an oversized screened in lanai. On the second floor, you’re greeted by a large loft with plenty of room for friends and family. 

Sold

This home sold for $680,000, which is $5,000 more than the original listing price and the original purchase of…

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The Edison in Disney Springs

by Holley Long

Orlando has no shortage of unique restaurants and bars, but there’s one place in the city that will bring you all the way back to the 1920’s. When you spend time at The Edison, you can celebrate the present, while being immersed in the past. 

The History

The Edison, located in The Landing district of Disney Springs, opened in late 2017. Since then, the restaurant has thrilled tourists and locals alike with its unique atmosphere and entertainment.

Built in 1901, the building was originally an electric power plant, which works in favor of the now 20th-century power plant theming at the restaurant. Clockwork and factory decor give off a steampunk vibe upstairs, while below ground hides a secret bar—because of prohibition laws, of…

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The Keg Social

by Yasmene Warren

It’s time to get social — Keg Social, that is! The Keg Social is Orlando’s ultimate place to party. From eating and drinking to bowling and axe throwing, the Keg Social is every party goer’s dream.

Where is it?

This spot is open every day, and its hours run from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

Additionally, the Keg Social keeps it exclusive to those aged 21 and older after 9 p.m. — perfect for those college freshmen who want to let loose after their afternoon class but have an early morning the next day!

What to Do

The Keg Social keeps it interesting by giving guests a boat load of things to do! Here’s what activities lie in store for you…

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New Year's Eve at WDW

by Jessica Hristov

Have you ever wondered how New Year’s Eve is celebrated at the Most Magical Place on Earth? There are celebrations and festivities at all four Walt Disney World theme parks! Some parks even stay open past midnight so you can watch the famous “ball drop” right from your favorite park! Here is how each park at Walt Disney World does New Year’s Eve!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is one of the most popular parks to be at on New Year’s Eve! Did you know that is it the busiest day to be at Magic Kingdom throughout the entire year? If you plan to be here for the celebrations, I highly recommend coming earlier in the day and staying until the ball drops or the park closes. If you come later in the day, you run the risk of them…

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Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery

by Yasmene Warren

This restaurant’s namesake is exactly what you’ll do once you step through its doors! Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery is a restaurant located in Downtown Orlando dedicated to serving people a variety of “unique flavors” and connecting people through food.

Where’s It At?

Located south on Orange Avenue, Thrive lies in the heart of Downtown Orlando and opened its doors to the people of Orlando in 2021 to provide a brand new eating experience to the community.

Thrive opens at 11 a.m. every day and stays open until midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, 1 a.m. on Wednesdays, and 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. So whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, this place can provide you with the perfect…

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Grinchmas at Universal

by Jessica Hristov

I’m sure by now you’ve seen the hilarious videos of people meeting the one and only Grinch and thought, hey – that looks like fun! Well, you’re in luck! During the holiday season at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, not only can you meet the Grinch, but you can celebrate like you’re a real citizen of Whoville! Here is everything you need to know about Grinchmas at Universal! 

Image by Universal Orlando

Who-liday Spectacular

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular is a live show that stars the Grinch in the telling of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It also features many of the sweet and festive residents of Whoville and has music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller. The Who-liday Spectacular runs every day from…

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Lake Mira Home in East Orlando Sells for $467K

by Jessica LaVigne

Lake Mira home in East Orlando sells after 19 days on the market at $467,000.

Home

Built in 1981, this home is located in the Cove at Lake Mira in East Orlando. This newly upgraded home offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a screened in lanai and pool all on .37 acres. The main living space includes vaulted ceilings with wooden beams, which complements the stone fireplace. There are also many wooden architectural accents located throughout, showcasing the age of the home while also including an updated and modern twist.

Sold

Right on the opposite side of the street of Lake Mira, this home sold at $467,000. The sellers originally purchased this home at $460,000 earlier this year, resulting in a $7,000…

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