In this edition of the Orlando Media Newsletter, unmask the spooky and culturally rich fall and Halloween happenings throughout the destination, and uncover some of the green initiatives that have positioned Orlando as one of the nation's greenest cities. 

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Trending Orlando Topics

  • Summer is cooling down and fall festivities are creeping up. From seasonal delights at cultural celebrations and food festivals to Halloween happenings starting as early as August 11, Orlando offers incredible opportunities to take in the spirit of the season. Here are some highlights: 

  • Spooky theme park fun: As the Halloween Vacation Capital, Orlando is poised to provide spine-tingling excitement as theme parks embrace the spooky season. Horror fanatics can experience the chills and thrills of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and sinister surprises at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld Orlando, while events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Spooktacular at SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida's Brick-Or-Treat promise family-friendly fun with a spooky twist. 

  • Delicious fall eats: The allure of Orlando extends beyond its adrenaline-pumping attractions. For food enthusiasts, the fall season means indulging in an array of savory eats and delectable treats during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining – offering a gastronomic journey with over 130 restaurant options – and the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort – tantalizing taste buds through November 18. Meanwhile beer connoisseurs can sip beers from around the world during SeaWorld Orlando's Craft Beer Festival. 

  • Lively celebrations: Orlando's fall festivities go beyond scares and flavors. The city's vibrant arts and music scene takes center stage with an array of lively celebrations. The Electric Daisy Carnival will grace historic Tinker Field with more than 120 dance music acts, promising an electrifying experience for music enthusiasts. Downtown Orlando will come alive with FusionFest, a cultural extravaganza celebrating over 110 global cultures through live music and diverse cuisine. Meanwhile, Dazzling Nights will transform Harry P. Leu Gardens into an enchanting winter wonderland adorned with a million dazzling lights, ethereal music and breathtaking sculptures. 

  • Orlando was recognized as one of the greenest cities in America and a top city for urban farming and voluntourism. The implementation of sustainable, eco-friendly practices has remained a priority across Orlando’s attractions, restaurants and beyond.  

  • Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando took action to improve recycling efforts, use alternative fuel for on-property transportation vehicles and services, and increase the usage of solar energy to power their parks.  

  • More than 60 Orlando hotels received green certification from The Florida Green Lodging Certification Program, recognizing environmentally conscientious lodging.  Meanwhile, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, Hilton Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando and Rosen Hotels & Resorts have enforced green hotel initiatives to protect natural resources, restrict usage of plastic, manage food waste and donate unused items. 

  • Sustainable health and wellness stores are widespread across Orlando and offer planet-first products spanning from clothing and toiletries to makeup and more. Some of these vintage boutiques and small businesses include The Etoile Boutique, The Vintage Chair, The Owl’s Attic, Rouge Beauty Bar and Oh Eco. 
     

What’s New and Upcoming Around Orlando 

  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center™. This collaboration aims to ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can visit with confidence and paves the way for inclusive experiences. 

  • Cool Zoo Wildlife Center, featuring 10,000 square feet of indoor wildlife experiences and interactive education, will open on International Drive in September. The attraction will feature up-close animal encounters with Cool Zoo’s animal residents including sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, alligators, snakes, capybaras, porcupines and more. 

  • Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new pickleball-centric food and entertainment concept backed by NFL stars is expected to open in Kissimmee later this year. 

  • EET, an all-new, modern Indian restaurant by the James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star, Maneet Chauhan, will be opening at Disney Springs later this year. 

  • Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ animated characters in an immersive and interactive experience in 2024. The land will feature Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, along with interactive play spaces and attractions including characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and more. 

 
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Did You Know? 

Orlando ranked #9 on Architectural Digest's list of the Top 50 Most Climate Resilient Cities.