Photos: Legoland to open an indoor roller coaster in 2026

Legoland is getting an indoor roller coaster next year, the block- and brick-filled Winter Haven amusement park announced Tuesday. While the park…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Photos: Legoland to open an indoor roller coaster in 2026
6 slides

27 cheap or free kid-friendly activities within driving distance from Orlando

Warmer weather and end-of-the-school-year breaks are on the horizon, which means it's time to get familiar with all the family-friendly activities in…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and offers plenty of water fun for kids. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball, or just splash around in the cool, clear waters.
26 slides

Photos: Universal offers first look inside Epic Universe ahead of opening this month

Universal Orlando's newest amusement park, Epic Universe, is finally set to open later this month after years in the making. And ahead…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Photos: Universal offers first look inside Epic Universe ahead of opening this month
5 slides

29 essential road trips from Orlando every local should do at least once

As spring break season nears and Florida's weather warms, it's once again the time of year to get out and explore all…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Silver Springs State Park 1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando Take a step into true Florida nature with Silver Springs State Park's iconic glass-bottom boat rides. The immersive rides have been a staple attraction of the park since the 1800s, when the tourism boom first started. They also may just be the perfect opportunity to spot the rogue monkey population that calls the park home today.
29 slides

Every fantastical sight we saw at the Immerse arts takeover of downtown Orlando

Creative City Project brought their Immerse arts takeover back to downtown Orlando over the weekend — bigger and bolder than ever. Local…

By Gustavo Ponce, Matthew Moyer

The Blue Man Group at Immerse
50 slides

Every superhero and supervillain we saw at a teeming MegaCon in Orlando

Everything was bigger about MegaCon this year: the crowds (even on Sunday, yikes!), the visiting celebs, the assembled vendors and, perhaps most…

By Matthew Moyer, J.D. Casto, Mauricio Murillo

Image: Every superhero and supervillain we saw at a teeming MegaCon in Orlando
87 slides

Mayhem on Mills brought Orlando's finest, most surreal wrestling to the Veranda Thornton Park

The mayhem met the moment. Mayhem on Mills, Orlando’s DIY wrestling fed, put on a card of grappling and chaos Sunday evening.…

By Ida V. Eskamani, Gustavo Ponce

Mayhem on Mills at the Veranda
13 slides

Orlando mainstay Hammered Lamb said goodbye with a big, emotional all-day party

By early evening on Saturday, Jan. 25, the scene at Ivanhoe Village staple and LGBTQ+ haven the Hammered Lamb had a distinctly…

By Matthew Moyer, J.D. Casto

The final brunch at Hammered Lamb
98 slides

Orlando's 27 best scenic hiking trails, bike paths and nature preserves

Orlando is in the middle of a cold snap, with lower-than-usual temps meaning going outdoors is uncharacteristically bracing. It's a great time…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Oakland Nature Preserve 747 Machete Trail, Oakland This trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock. Hikers have a good chance of spotting animals in the adjacent wildlife preserve. Largely considered a hidden gem, this 150-acre preserve and its network of trails is nestled between Clermont and Winter Garden.
27 slides

15 movies you probably didn't know were filmed in Orlando

Orlando is no stranger to the entertainment industry, and with scenic backdrops and a slight resemblance to several even larger cities, it's…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Sisters (2015) Among other locations in New York state and New York City, this 2015 comedy starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey also had scenes shot in Orlando, at the Orlando International Airport and along International Drive.
15 slides

Orlando respected their elders at Stardust Video's outré Grandma Party holiday bazaar

Grandma arrived at Audubon Park's Stardust Video and Coffee in high and festive fashion in the form of an oddball holiday market.…

By Michael Lothrop, Matthew Moyer

Grandma Party at Stardust Video and Coffee
67 slides

Photos: Legoland lights up for the holidays with a giant Lego Christmas tree, holiday treats and more

This time of year, Legoland Florida is loaded with festive bricks, Lego characters, holiday shows and parties and indulgent treats. The Hallmark…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Image: Photos: Legoland lights up for the holidays with a giant Lego Christmas tree, holiday treats and more
40 slides

24 of the best ways to see Christmas lights in Orlando this year

The holidays are back in full swing in Orlando, and while we won't be getting any snow, there are still plenty of…

By Chloe Greenberg

Creative City Project's Dazzling Nights Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando Nov. 29-Jan. 5 This family-friendly event transforms Leu Gardens into a stunning winter wonderland featuring twinkly lights, shining forests, magical displays, music and festive sculptures.
23 slides

The 25 best things to do in Orlando with out-of-towners that aren't theme parks

Holidays in Florida can mean a lot of things: uncomfortably warm weather, even more traffic than usual, and the annual hosting of…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Wander through the Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community's creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids' events and more.
25 slides

Where to find ice skating, snow, Santa, Christmas trees and more holiday festivities in Orlando

That time is here once again: Start shopping for gifts, preparing to host family, and cramming in all the holiday happenings you…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!” holiday festival 6955 Tavistock Lakes Boulevard, Orlando Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays Dec. 6-22 Lake Nona's "Oh, What Fun!" holiday event features nightly "snowfalls," live entertainment, holiday photo-ops and Santa meet-and-greets.
24 slides

Mount Dora's 105-year-old 'Kirby House' hits the market for $725K

The historic Kirby House, built more than 100 years ago, is now on the market in the heart of Mount Dora. Located…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Mount Dora's over 100-year-old 'Kirby House' hits the market for $725K
58 slides

Universal shares first look inside Battle at the Ministry ride at Epic Universe’s new Harry Potter land

Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park lands are renowned for their cinematic immersiveness. When Epic Universe opens next year, that…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Image: Universal shares first look inside Battle at the Ministry ride at Epic Universe’s new Harry Potter land
16 slides

Universal Orlando's new 'Wicked: The Experience' is now open

Hop on a broom and follow the yellow brick road all the way down to Wicked: The Experience, a new Wicked-themed store…

By Lucy Dillon

Image: Universal Orlando's new 'Wicked: The Experience' opens this weekend
23 slides

Photos: ‘Elf’-themed ICE attraction under construction at Orlando's Gaylord Palms Resort

For the first time, Gaylord Palms Resort will feature iconic scenes and characters from 2003’s Elf in its beloved ICE attraction. Orlando…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Image: Photos: ‘Elf’-themed ICE attraction under construction at Orlando's Gaylord Palms Resort
34 slides

Photos: All the terrifying cosplay we saw at Spooky Empire in Orlando

Much like any horror-film slasher worth their salt, Spooky Empire rose from the logistical dead after a hurricane cancellation earlier in October…

By Matthew Moyer, Mauricio Murillo

Image: Spooky Empire
64 slides

Every gal and ghoul we saw at the Gala of Ghouls Freakshow

The Veranda at Thornton Park hosted yet another installment of the alternative LGBTQ+ party Gala of Ghouls Freakshow this weekend. The trans-led,…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Every gal and ghoul we saw at the Gala of Ghouls Freakshow
46 slides

All the scary good costumes we saw at the Thornton Park District Halloween Block Party

It was beyond paranormal at Thornton Park District’s 11th annual Halloween Block Party this weekend. The night saw a lineup of Cirque du…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: Every scary good costume we saw at Thornton Park's Halloween Block Party
52 slides

The 20 best Orlando fall bucket list activities that don't involve theme parks

Fall is in full swing in Florida, with no shortage of spooky and festive autumnal activities happening around Central Florida. From scare…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Fall Fiesta in the Park Lake Eola Park, downtown Orlando Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 2-3 The 52nd Annual Fall Festival in the Park happens o er the weekend of Nov. 2 and 3. Guests can celebrate the half-century-old community favorite with live entertainment, local vendors, craft booths and more.
20 slides

All the sights and smiles we saw at the 2024 Come Out With Pride parade in Orlando

Come Out With Pride marked its 20th anniversary of hosting Orlando's annual LGBTQIA+ Pride parade Saturday with a bigger-than-ever celebration. The Orlando…

By Chloe Greenberg

Image: All the sights and smiles we saw at the 2024 Come Out With Pride parade in Orlando
101 slides

The 24 most haunted places in the Orlando area

Orlando already gets plenty of recognition for its high-production haunts and gothic seasonal celebrations, but outside of the theme parks and tourism…

By Orlando Weekly Staff

Church Street Station Downtown Orlando Visitors report seeing a 19th-century woman standing in front of an antique mirror at the bar and feeling hands tugging at their clothes. Additionally, a priest’s soul supposedly lingers outside the building. The site has historically been home to ghastly, albeit gimmicky activity like theTerror on Church Street and plenty of ghost tours.
24 slides

Orlando-area pumpkin patches, corn mazes and family-friendly festivals to visit this fall

True fall feels may be hard to find here in the Sunshine State, but there's still plenty of ways to get in…

By Chloe Greenberg

Painted Oaks Academy 15100 Lake Pickett Road, Orlando Daily Oct. 5 to 31 Painted Oaks Academy is set to host its annual pumpkin patch festival Oct. 5 to 31 daily. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, local food vendors, and pony and hay rides after picking out the perfect pumpkin.
20 slides

Universal Studios brings new 'Wicked' store to Orlando with exclusive treats and merch

Universal Studios is bringing immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise and dining options inspired by Wicked to Orlando in late October, preceding the release of…

By Kendal Asbury

Image: Universal Studios brings new 'Wicked' store to Orlando
13 slides

Photos: New details revealed for Harry Potter ride at Epic Universe

The beginning of September is a magical time for Harry Potter fans. As they celebrated going “Back to Hogwarts” earlier this week,…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Image: Photos: New details revealed for Harry Potter ride at Epic Universe
9 slides

Photos: Universal Orlando reveals details about Epic Universe’s Helios Grand Hotel

There’s now a full-color picture of what Epic Universe will look like when it opens next year. This week, Universal revealed new…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Image: Photos: Universal Orlando reveals details about Epic Universe’s Helios Grand Hotel
12 slides

Photos: Disney Villains, 'Cars,' 'Encanto' and more planned in new Disney World expansion

The House of Mouse has been busy, and rightfully so since its biggest competitor down the street is about to open a…

By Chelsea Zukowski

Disney Villains
20 slides