Ah, Black Friday. Not even 24 hours removed from a day of giving thanks and reminding ourselves of the things we are grateful for, we lose our collective minds as companies slash prices and sling deals on nearly everything. Black Friday is an American tradition, where shopping is turned into a competitive sport. It’s good to have a game plan, so here are some strategic tips to help you emerge victorious. Avoid Malls Traffic sucks, there’s no getting around it (both the fact and the actual traffic). Malls are already usually busy areas with a lot of traffic, and Black Friday only amplifies this fact. For the most efficient deal hunting, do your best to avoid the bigger malls. Instead, […]

Central Florida Veg Fest aims to spread awareness of the vegan lifestyle and vegetarianism in a judgement-free environment, to help empower people to make positive changes in how they eat and live, and to support all vegetarians regardless of their motivation. Both committed vegetarians/vegans and those who are interested in learning more about how veg-living has a positive impact on our health and planet are welcome to attend and enjoy a diverse showcase of vegetarian cuisines and culture. Attendees will discover new products and ideas from hundreds of vendors and contributors while enjoying a variety of presentations and food preparation demos. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, Central Florida Veg Fest is the perfect place to expand your knowledge of […]

Every fall here in Orlando, Universal Studios Florida brings nightmares and darkness to life with Halloween Horror Nights. Regarded as the world’s premier Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights transforms Universal Studios from the fun theme park that everyone knows and loves into a land of terrifying haunted houses, sinister scare zones, and breathtaking live shows. The event runs select nights from September 14th through November 3rd, 2018. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or if you’re an Orlando native, you can plan and enhance your Horror Nights experience with a room at the Rosen Inn. As anybody who has been to an Orlando theme park knows, walking around for hours takes a toll no matter how much fun you’re […]

This autumn, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Orlando. Each year cities across America hold events that share the diverse stories and recognize the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans, and Orlando is no exception. It’s the perfect time for those of Hispanic heritage to honor their history and for all to explore the stories and traditions of Hispanic cultures. What is Hispanic Heritage Month? Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a way to honor and celebrate the histories, cultures, and accomplishments of those with Hispanic heritage. The month-long holiday runs from September 15 to October 15, which includes the Independence Day celebrations for many Central and South American countries. Ways to Celebrate in Orlando Start the party with the Hispanic Heritage […]

The tallest swing ride in the world is now located right here in Orlando. The $10 million Orlando Starflyer is near the similarly tall Orlando Eye on International drive and takes riders over 400 feet in the air, swinging them around at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. It’s just like your favorite spinning swing rides at carnivals and fairs but taken to the next level! Chief designer Chuck Whittall compares the StarFlyer to the theme park attractions, saying “Disney and Universal have their rides, but they don’t have anything as big as we’ve got. We wanted to have the best. We have the wheel next door [Orlando Eye], which is the tallest structure in Central Florida. Now […]

Traveling with children is always an interesting time. No matter how exciting your plans are or how much you get out and see in a day, their favorite part is almost always the hotel. Kids love the downtime that comes along with being at the hotel, but they also tend to get stir crazy in a small, confined area like a hotel room. Here are some activities to help make hotel time more fun and entertaining, while helping to prevent the kids from becoming too restless. Bring some balloons with you, blow them up, and play ‘volleyball’ over the gap between the two beds. The kids can also try to keep the balloons from touching the floor as long as […]

Orlando is famous worldwide for its spectacular theme parks and entertainment, but it also has a thriving arts community. Each fall Orlando hosts its own film festival that draws several talented industry members to Central Florida. Named by the Moviemaker Magazine as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, this yearly festival is perfect for both filmmakers and connoisseurs. Check out some of the events you can enjoy at this year’s Orlando Film Festival. Filmmaker Parties The Orlando Film Festival runs from October 18 to 25. On opening night, join the cast and crew members in an energetic networking party. Swap stories, toasts, and meet new friends as you mingle with the talented individuals responsible for the […]

LEGOLAND Florida’s newest attraction, The Great LEGO Race, combines the thrill of a roller coaster with virtual reality technology. Hop in the front seat on a road rally race in a LEGO-constructed world. The ever-evolving race track is chock full hazards, adventure, and fun. You’ll race against many famous LEGO minifigure competitors in vessels you’re sure to recognize—or have built yourself. Riders race against a LEGO pirate, wizard, surfer, and pharaoh, all driving their own LEGO creations. The fun begins before you even board the ride vehicles, as you step through the ride’s entry portal which is decorated with giant versions of the racers with their LEGO vehicles. The queue area is full of graphics depicting the different racing teams […]

Looking for quality Brazilian food that won’t break the bank and doesn’t sacrifice quality? Tony’s Brazilian Grill meets both requirements. Located in the heart of Orlando, Tony’s brings a unique approach to Brazilian food to the International Drive dining scene. Tony’s Brazilian Grill is set up in buffet style, allowing families to get exactly what they want, and how much of it they want, for one affordable price. Not in the mood for traditional Brazilian food? Tony’s has you covered with more familiar options like pizza, French fries, fruit, and other dishes to suit any palate. What’s more, these fantastic flavors are served up in a cozy and friendly environment that features Brazilian favorites like special desserts, traditional Brazilian coffee, […]

IMMERSE 2018 is one of Orlando’s most encompassing art event featuring more than 1,000 artists. The diverse cast, including professional organizations like Cirque du Soleil and the Orlando Philharmonic as well as individual artists from local colleges and public schools, create an unforgettable and inspiring experience. IMMERSE 2018 will take place this year October 19 and 20.     First launched by the Creative City Project in 2012, this event has been taking over the streets of downtown Orlando since 2012 when the premiere event launched. For two nights each year since IMMERSE showcases the best performance and installation artists in Orlando. The event has grown over the years from the collaborative efforts of thousands of artists supported by tens […]