ATTRACTIONS
Walt Disney World Resort announced various character returns and debuts as they continue The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long returns on July 6 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where guests can join them for a campfire celebration followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars. In Magic Kingdom Park, Mirabel, the young hero from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Encanto,” will join Miguel from “Coco,” Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” and more, in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” Fantasyland friends Peter Pan and Snow White will greet guests once again beginning on July 10. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay will return on July 17.
LEGOLAND Florida will open its newest attraction – Pirate River Quest – on November 2. The family-friendly treasure hunt adventure will be led by a pirate in search of lost treasure. Guests will journey through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens and discover the secrets protecting its canals.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Mi Cocina By Chef D.O.C., an all-new from-scratch kitchen from Central Florida chef Danny Otero, is now open. The new restaurant showcases a fusion of multicultural-inspired cuisine with a touch of Latin American flavours using fresh ingredients.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
The Renaissance Company will present “Lenox Ave,” a Harlem renaissance experience at the Ren from July 22 – Aug. 13. The experience invites guests into an imagined speakeasy called ‘Lenox Ave’ during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, offering an original show, signature cocktails available for purchase and various entertainment throughout the night.
Walt Disney World Resort announced the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom on 24 select nights from Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2022. This separately ticketed event will offer an evening of merriment featuring “Minnie’s Wonder Christmastime Fireworks,” “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” and complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout the park, three jolly new photo opportunities and more.
Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will present the Great American Orchestra Series, featuring the internationally renowned, classical ensembles of the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra. The shows take place in the art centre’s acoustically remarkable space, Steinmetz Hall, in January and February 2023.
FusionFest will return to downtown Orlando for its fifth annual celebration on Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 26-27. The free, two-day cultural diversity festival at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will feature music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities from more than 1,000 local artists. This year, an all-new signature show titled Kaleidoscope — The Wonders of Creative Collaboration will headline the event, featuring CeCe Teneal, an award-winning performing artist who is curating this one-of-a-kind showcase of Central Florida’s cultural performers.
The 20th Annual Global Peace Film Festival returns live Sept.19 – 25 and virtually Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, offering a selection of feature and short films presented in person at locations in Winter Park and Orlando. These films highlight themes such as civil rights, environmental justice, ethics, human rights, immigration, LGBTQ+, music, social justice, voting, wellness and wildlife.