The Orlando Real - Theme Parks

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world! With 10 theme parks in the central Florida area, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you're a thrill seeker looking for the latest and greatest attraction news, a foodie trying to find a brand new savory concoction from Disney, or looking for the history of Orlando's theme park, We've got your back. The Orlando Real is your home for theme park news.

By Kismet Kohn

CityWalk is located on Universal property near Doctor Phillips, and has food for anyone! Ranging from full meals to just a tiny bite at a hole in the wall, you can find something that will make your mouth water.

The Restaurants

CityWalk offers numerous restaurants and every year they’re adding more. There's Bigfire, Antojitos, Bob Marley—A Tribute to Freedom, Cowfish, and Vivo, just to name a few. Bigfire offers traditional American cuisine, such as steak, burgers, and pasta. If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, Antojitos serves nachos, tacos, and enchiladas.

Images by Universal Citywalk Orlando

During Mardi Gras season, Bob Marley serves a special dish, rum cake, and their usual meat and fish…

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By Holley Long

Fun and excitement are just a few things Disney provides in abundance, and now there’s even more to enjoy. New this year is the Disney Springs Kids Club, and we have all the details about this experience that’s perfect for the whole family.  

What is it?

The Disney Springs Kids Club, which opened on January 28 of this year, is a fun, interactive outdoor dance party that will get everyone up and moving. Dancing is on the agenda, of course, but kids and adults alike also have the chance to play games and participate in activities (like hula hooping). 

Each week has a different act, to include:

  • Wassalou Drum Circle: Play bongos, shake maracas, or clap to the beat of this Afropop band.

  • Flight Crew: A dance party…

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By Holley Long

Are you ready for Summer yet? After closing for Orlando’s “cold” season, water parks are reopening across the city, including one with an interesting twist. 

Island H2O 

Island H2O opened for its 2023 season on March 10. The water park offers a unique time for guests with its social media theme and interactive features. With the H2O Water Park app, you can check out wait times, earn points to use for discounts, and choose the music that streams across the park. 

Island H2O encourages guests to post about their day at the water park, making it easy by having some attractions capture videos during the experience. By syncing a park-provided wristband to the app, you can tap in at each attraction and later view your photos and…

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By Holley Long

It may technically still be winter, but let’s face it—Orlando felt the stirrings of Spring weeks ago, and we are now fully engulfed in the season. We’re enjoying the warmer weather, and we’re also enjoying the return of an annual event at a Disney World park. 

That’s right: EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival is finally here! 

General Info

The Flower and Garden Festival is a springtime event at the Disney park, filled with Disney character topiaries, luscious gardens, and delicious flavors. Running from March 1 to July 5, it’s one of EPCOT’s longest festivals. Don’t worry about an additional cost to attend—as long as you have a valid park admission, you’re good to go. 

Outdoor Kitchens 

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By Jessica Hristov

Last year, it was announced that an expansion was being added to Toy Story Land. That’s right- in addition to a new gift shop, there would be a new table-service dining location called Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ. We now have an opening date for Hollywood Studios’ newest restaurant. You can grab a bite to eat in Andy’s backyard beginning March 23, 2023! Want to know more? Here is everything we know about Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Theming

Woody’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be themed around a rodeo arena that Andy created especially for his toys! Andy has taken some of his favorite games and play sets to create a colorful, bright atmosphere for its guests! Guests of the restaurant will dine in play set areas such as “western…

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By Jessica Hristov

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to have a delicious dessert! Disney always goes above and beyond around every holiday, especially when it comes to treats! Here are a few exclusive Valentine’s Day snacks you can find around Walt Disney World Resort this year.

Disney Springs

Valentine Red Velvet Cone

This year, you can find our first treat, the sweet Valentine Red Velvet Cone, at Swirls on the Water. It’s a delicious blend of strawberry dole whip, chocolate soft serve ice cream, heart sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered Mickey-shaped cookie. Keeping up with the theme of Valentine’s Day, it is served in a red cone. You can try it today for $6.49!

ROSA REGALE DOLE WHIP…

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By Jessica LaVigne

With Mardi Gras just beginning this past Saturday, February 4th, there is so much to enjoy on select days until April 16th! From popular entertainers to food and drinks from around the world, let's dive into all that there is to offer this year at Universal's Mardi Gras.

Specialty Food & Drinks

I don’t know about you, but with any theme park festival or event I gravitate straight towards the food. This year’s Mardi Gras is extra special because the theme is “International Flavors of Carnaval”, featuring small plates from around the world!

There are over 20 food stations including Belgium, France, India, Spain, and (of course) New Orleans. We were able to try quite a few of these offerings, and everything was absolutely…

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By Jessica Hristov

One of Walt Disney World’s most highly anticipated rides, TRON: Lightcycle Run, finally has an opening date! The long-awaited ride will be opening April 4, 2023 to all park guests! First announced in 2017, it feels like we have been waiting forever for this ride to be completed. As the opening date rapidly approaches, and special previews begin, we are learning new info almost daily about Magic Kingdom’s newest ride. Here is everything you need to know about TRON: Lightcycle Run. 

Racing Through The Grid

The TRON Coaster is based off the TRON movie franchise, including the 2010 Disney movie “TRON: Legacy”. Perhaps you’ve seen footage on YouTube of the TRON Coaster in Shanghai Disneyland, or maybe you were even lucky enough…

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By Jessica Hristov

If you’ve been following the latest Universal news lately, you know that Super Nintendo World is opening at Universal Studios Hollywood this month - February 2023. You may be wondering when Universal Orlando will be unveiling their own Super Nintendo World. The short answer is they will be, but it will debut at Universal’s new park Epic Universe, and it won’t be until 2025! Here is everything we know about Super Nintendo World.

Image by Super Nintendo World Japan

Details

Although Universal has not laid out specific details for Super Nintendo World, we do know that it will be very similar to the one in Japan. We also have seen plans that provide a little bit of an overview as to what we can expect to see. There will be an…

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By Jessica Hristov

Disney’s Boardwalk has been undergoing quite a few changes lately! From opening a new deli, having a new cake shop on the way, and now the newest edition- Carousel Coffee, things have been looking great! Want to know more about Disney’s newest coffee shop? Here’s everything we know about Carousel Coffee!

Image by WDW News Today

Details

Carousel Coffee opened late last year at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. It is conveniently located right off the Main Lobby. It’s a counter service location so you can order whatever you’d like from the menu and enjoy it anywhere on property- perhaps walk down Disney’s famous Boardwalk!

Food & Drink

This location serves coffee, tea, and various pastries. They also have Banana Bread,…

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