The Orlando Real - Theme Parks | Page #3

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 Holley Long

A new restaurant has opened on Disney property, and it’s already proving to be a delight. Guests can now dine at Rosa Mexicano at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (on the Dolphin Resort side). Read on to learn more about the restaurant, its menu, and what makes it stand out.  

The Restaurant 

The new Rosa Mexicano location is one in a chain of restaurants dating back almost 40 years. Founded by Chef Josefina Howard, the first restaurant opened in New York in 1984, and since then ten other locations have opened throughout the eastern United States. 

Interior of Rosa Mexicano

Restaurant Layout Image by Rosa Mexicano

The atmosphere of Rosa Mexicano at Disney’s iconic Dolphin Resort truly makes it feel like a fiesta. The dining…

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By Holley Long

This April 22 is Earth Day, an annual event to raise environmental awareness and show love to our beautiful planet. It’s also the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort’s Animal Kingdom. While it has the usual thrill rides, Animal Kingdom is a unique theme park in that it offers its guests a chance to connect with nature and animals they wouldn’t otherwise encounter. 

The park certainly has a lot to celebrate, and throughout the month of April, there are a lot of ways guests can celebrate, too. 

Image by Walt Disney World

Special Activities

Animal Kingdom, of course, has year-long attractions that explore and honor wildlife, like Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Conservation Station, but there are a few added activities…

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By Holley Long

Lace up those running shoes! The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend may be nine months away, but registration opens for all the races on Tuesday, April 11—and spots fill up FAST.

Graphic for the Disney Marathon 2024

Image by Walt Disney World

The Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, taking place in 2024 from January 3 to January 7, is an annual event put on by runDisney, the road race division of Disney Sports Enterprises. Each race lets you run through the Disney theme parks, cheered on by your favorite characters. You can even stop for a brief meet-and-greet and photo with them, captured by Disney’s Photopass.

As a runner, you’ll receive on-course and post-race refreshments, along with a participant T-shirt. And, whether you finish first or…

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By Holley Long

With Easter Sunday coming up soon, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating with decor, merchandise, and, of course, exclusive desserts. You can find these treats, which are just a sample of the special offerings, at many of the different Disney resorts. 

Read on to find something to indulge your sweet tooth!  

Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Yacht Club Resort

Carrot Garden Fudge

Our first treats can be found at two Disney resorts: the Beach Club Marketplace at Beach Club Resort and the Market at Ale & Compass at Yacht Club Resort. That’s where you can snag this chocolate fudge decorated with a vanilla carrot cookie. Yum!

Orange Vanilla Bunny Tart

This tart, decorated with the fluffy tail, ears, and paws of a bunny, is…

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By Holley Long

If you, like many, long for the day when you can visit any of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks without first booking a reservation at the park, you will be one step closer to that day come April. 

Because on April 18, Disney World annual passholders will be able to visit any of the parks after 2 p.m., no reservation required. 

What is the WDW Park Reservation System? 

The Disney World park reservation system began in 2020 after the resort and theme parks shut down for four months during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a way to control occupancy, anyone who visited the parks needed to both purchase valid admission for the day and schedule their visit online by selecting the park they’d be going to and the date on which they’d…

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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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