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If you visit Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, Florida, in the summer, you’re likely to encounter either a line of cars filled with people waiting to get in since dawn, or a sign announcing that the park is at capacity. On Wednesday, guests were greeted by dozens of new yellow signs indicating that reservations are required to visit the park, which welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year. Blue Springs is the latest of four state parks that require visitors to pay for a one-day admission pass online before visiting. “This popularity has resulted in traffic congestion on…
Thinking about Scotland conjures images of kilts, bagpipes and haggis. Peel back the curtain, and there’s so much more to explore, from dramatic landscapes to ancient castles and abundant wildlife. On a recent vacation, we explored the centuries-old sights in Edinburgh, hiked on the Isle of Skye, stayed overnight in a castle, experienced amazing warmth and Scottish hospitality, savored some great meals and saw puffins on a boat tour. After a photojournalism study abroad trip in 2015, which included good friends Sarah and Leigh, we always dreamed of returning to the country to relive our college days and explore once…
A new troop of kangaroos and wallabies is popping up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These animals are collectively known as the Mob and make up the inhabitants of Jumping Junction, an attraction at the theme park’s Conservation Station. Those who visit there are in close proximity to the resident furry residents. They are also on the fence. “Being able to actually share the space with the animals allows you to connect with them on a different level,” Walt Disney World zoo manager Maggie Mariolis said during a visit to Jumping Junction this week. “Animal Kingdom is known for inviting guests…
Carnival Cruise Line is embarking on a new era with the naming of the Ace-class Carnival Destiny, the first of three announced Ace-class ships scheduled to enter service in 2029. Last week, corporate leaders from Carnival and shipbuilder Fincantieri gathered in Monfalcone, Italy, for a steel-cutting ceremony marking the start of construction on the new megaship. At 230,000 gross tons, Destiny is the first cruise line to exceed 200,000 gross tons and can accommodate more than 8,000 passengers when fully booked. Carnival Destiny aims to be the most “outward-facing” megaship at sea, with new ways to experience the ocean, from…
Florida’s Brightline High Speed Rail Rail Service faces a “very high probability” of not being able to make future debt payments, according to Fitch Ratings. Fitch Ratings has downgraded the passenger rail company’s senior debt amid growing concerns about its financial condition.Fitch downgraded Brightline’s senior debt rating to ‘CC’ from ‘CCC’. This is a category that indicates very high credit risk and a high probability that some form of default will occur.The downgrade marks another financial warning for Miami-based Brightline as it seeks to address debt obligations, achieve profitability and continue expansion projects across Florida.Brightline reported passenger and revenue growth…
SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers, in conjunction with the National Hockey League, today announced their regular season schedule for the 2026-27 season. The Panthers will open the 2026-27 season with a four-game road trip against the 2026 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes (Sept. 29), San Jose Sharks (October 1), Anaheim Ducks (October 4) and Los Angeles Kings (October 6). The Cats will then return to South Florida for their home opener against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, October 10th at 6pm ET. Fans can visit FloridaPanthers.com/93Society to join the ’93 Society email club and get first access to single-game…
Kaya and Smokemade Meats + Eats have been in a “relationship” for some time. In fact, last year, these two heavyweights — one best known for his Texas-style barbecue, the other for his incredible take on classic Filipino dishes, and both recommended by the Michelin Guide — collaborated on each other’s anniversary events, cementing a friendship based on mutual fandom. For Independence Day this year, Smokemaid Pitmaster Tyler Brunash did it again, bringing both smoked brisket and longganisa to Kaya’s Mills 50 Kitchen so Executive Pastry Chef Clarice Lamb could weave those flavors into magic. And, well, she’s done it.…
I recently dug through my digital photo stash and was reminded that 2016 was a busy year for theme parks in Central Florida. Of course, it’s not as important as it was in 1971 or the late ’80s and ’90s, but there were plenty of moving parts that still bring joy today. And there were some rare moments, too. A time when Walt Disney World’s three parks held nightly fireworks shows, etc.. Disney’s Animal Kingdom tried a night safari. Additionally, major projects such as DAK’s Pandora – The World of Avatar land and Universal’s Volcano Bay are in the works.…
Walt Disney World has set the opening date for “Magic of Disney Animation” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. This experiential attraction will open to the public on September 14th. The animation building includes “Olaf Draws,” where an animatronic version of the “Frozen” snowman teaches character sketching classes (including a session on how to draw Olaf). Draw to Wonderland, an indoor playground inspired by concept art from Disney legend Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland. Meet and greet with characters with fresh themes such as Mulan, Rapunzel, and Goofy. and a theater that will screen the short film “Once Upon a…
After a month and a half and more than 100 soccer matches between 48 teams in 16 cities, only two countries remain to face each other in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final. Spain will play in the World Cup finals for the first time since 2010 and will face defending World Cup champions Argentina on July 19th at 3pm at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium). Tickets to the finals cost thousands of dollars, but many Orlando-area venues are hosting watch parties and drink specials to celebrate the culmination of the world-class soccer tournament. From Orlando Soccer Celebration to countless…