Annual amusement parks and attractions convention kicks off in Orange County
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of people are in Orlando this week to see the future of fun. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) convention starts Monday. Read: Celebrate the holiday season with Universal Orlando’s new treats and activitiesEvery year, the best in the business come to the Orange County Convention Center to show off the latest designs for rides, games and more. Read: Disneyland adds new dolls, including ones using wheelchairs to ‘It’s a Small World’The convention attracts industry leaders from amusement parks, museums, zoos and cruise lines. Watch: Kissimmee truck and car show benefits Second Harvest Food BankOrganizers said a large trade show will start Tuesday.
wftv.comCelebrate the holiday season with Universal Orlando’s new treats and activities
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando’s holiday celebration kicks off this weekend featuring a variety of pop culture festivities. Starting Saturday, parkgoers will see holiday characters from Grinchmas, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Read: Universal Studios is going ‘beyond the bayou’ for Mardi Gras 2023Specialty beverages include the Nutty Nog, Deluxe Nog and Fire Nog. There is also a new Holiday Tribute Store, where guests can shop for holiday gifts and merchandise inspired by their favorite stories. VIDEO: Monsters Café at Universal Studios closes to make room for new dining experience Monsters Café at Universal Studios closes to make room for new dining experience©2022 Cox Media Group
wftv.com‘Spooktacular’ returning to SeaWorld Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld Orlando has announced that its family-friendly Halloween event will return for some seasonal fun. READ: SeaWorld announces 7th roller coaster, opening in 2023The daytime event is included with park admission. SeaWorld said kids can wear Halloween costumes and trick or treat in certain areas of the park with the purchase of a reusable candy bag. READ: Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal OrlandoThey’ll be able to visit with colorful characters along the way. For more information about the Spooktacular, including hours and ticket options, click here.
wftv.comYour Florida Daily: The video camera was disguised as a fire alarm
A tourist is charged with hiding a video camera inside a beach park restroom, a Florida couple allegedly stole $8,000 from a senior under their care and Universal Orlando is in a legal battle with a Georgia-based theme park company over a plot of land.
Universal Orlando to now have curfew for minors — KnightNews.com
Universal Orlando CityWalk has now implemented a curfew for guests under the age of 18 on weekends after a fight broke out between several minors last month. JUST IN | Universal Orlando has now implemented a weekend curfew for guests under the age of 18 at CityWalk. The commotion caused guests to believe that there was an active shooter on Universal Orlando property where several officers arrived at the scene to retrain and break up multiple fights between the minors involved. The company has not issued a statement on if this curfew will remain in place when the popular seasonal Halloween event, Halloween Horror Nights begins on Sept. 2. Universal Orlando’s response on their Twitter account to an update to this new policy at the start of the event was brief saying, “Stay Tuned”.
knightnews.comPolice say fight between teens led to evacuation at Universal Orlando parking garage
Video: Police say fight between teens led to evacuation at Universal Orlando parking garage Police said a fight “between several juveniles” led to evacuations at Universal Orlando. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A scare at Universal Orlando caused chaos Saturday night, just hours after people ran in fear at The Florida Mall, thinking they were in danger. WATCH: Fireworks spark reports of shooting, panic at Florida MallChannel 9 is asking law enforcement for more details on both incidents. Police said a fight “between several juveniles” led to evacuations at Universal Orlando. Police said everything started from a fight in a parking garage.
wftv.comNew Rollercoaster track arrives for Universal’s ‘Epic Universe’ Theme Park — KnightNews.com
Construction is underway with new roller coaster tracks arriving to the site of Universal Orlando’s third theme park ‘Epic Universe’ which opens in 2025. A delivery of track has arrived at Epic Universe! An Epic Universe Central Hub dueling coaster in the middle of the park. Rumored to be similar to Island’s of Adventure’s former ride, Dueling Dragons and it to be the most intense Coaster in the park in terms of size and speed. Universal’s Epic Universe is set be completed and open in 2025.
knightnews.comUniversal’s Great Movie Escape to debut at CityWalk this fall
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando announced two new escape room experiences at Universal CityWalk later this year. Read: With ‘Jurassic World 3,’ dinosaurs rule again at box officeGuests are invited to “escape” into thrilling adventures inspired by the films “Jurassic World” and “Back to the Future” at Universal CityWalk, beginning this fall. Read: 2022 Tony Awards: See the complete winners list from Broadway’s biggest nightThe new escape adventures were created by the same team responsible for many of Universal’s popular Halloween Horror Nights creations. Officials said that more information about Universal’s Great Movie Escape will be revealed in the coming months. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comANNUAL PASS PRICES INCREASE AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO — KnightNews.com
Starting this week, annual and seasonal passes at Universal Orlando will undergo a price increase. Price increases will vary depending of residency status. IN-STATE RATES· Seasonal Annual Pass- was $299, now $324· Power Annual Pass- was $349, now $374· Preferred Annual Pass- was $399, now$439· Premier Annual Pass- was $599, now $639OUT-OF-STATE RATES· Seasonal Annual Pass- was $399, now $424· Power Annual Pass- was $449, now $474· Preferred Annual Pass- was $499, now $539· Premier Annual Pass- was $714, now $754This price increase comes six months after Walt Disney World paused the selling of out-of-state annual passes at its parks. Universal Orlando annual passes will still include free parking and merchandise discounts. For more information, head to the Universal Orlando website.
knightnews.comPlanning a staycation? Universal Orlando offers summer deal on tickets, hotel
ORLANDO, Fla. — If you’re planning a staycation this summer, Universal Orlando is trying to sweeten the deal. The tickets are valid at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure at one theme park per day. The tickets are available now through Sept. 30 and are valid for use through March 31, 2023. Universal Orlando is also offering 20% off per night at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort from June 3 through Aug. 13. READ: Monsters Café at Universal Studios closes to make room for new dining experienceFor more information, click here.
wftv.comCome Out with Pride working to bring WorldPride event to Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — Come Out with Pride is working with the City of Orlando to develop a winning bid that will bring WorldPride to the City Beautiful in 2026. WorldPride is an event that promotes LGBTQ+ issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities. A delegation from Come Out with Pride made up of community leaders, elected officials and other delegates will make a presentation at the at the InterPride meeting in October 2022 in Guadalajara, Mexico. In addition, Come Out with Pride will purchase space in the Expo area to increase exposure and highlight Orlando during the InterPride Membership Conference. Read: Lime introduces fleet of new, more sustainable e-scootersCome Out with Pride will also increase Orlando’s profile among WorldPride voting members at signature networking events and LGBTQ+ conferences in the United States and other countries throughout the year.
wftv.comLime introduces fleet of new, more sustainable e-scooters
ORLANDO, Fla. — In celebration of Earth Day, Lime launched a new fleet of e-scooters that it said provides a smoother, safer, and more sustainable ride. Lime debuted the Gen4 E-Scooters at the Earth Day Work Day event in Orlando on Friday. “Lime is thrilled to bring the best e-scooters around to Orlando, celebrating Earth Day by making our operations here more sustainable. These new e-scooters will offer a smoother and more sustainable rider experience and they’ll decrease street clutter and promote safety, " said Jad Hayek, Lime operations manager. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Lime - GEN4 - E-ScootersAccording to a release from Lime, the new GEN4 scooter will provide riders with the smoothest and most environmentally friendly shared scooter ride available.
wftv.comEnglish soccer rivals Arsenal, Chelsea to square at Camping World during Florida Cup this summer
ORLANDO, Fla. — Two of the most popular and successful professional soccer clubs in the world will go head-to-head at Camping World Stadium this summer for the Florida Cup. The Florida Cup has taken place in the state since 2015 and features clubs from all over the world, according to a news release. READ: Walt Disney World removes all face mask requirementsThis year, the Florida Cup Series will extend the wee-klong “Clash of Nations” festival to multiple venues. READ: Maroon 5 to headline Music after Dark event at Universal OrlandoChelsea will headline two other international matches during the Florida Cup Series on July 16 and 20. Click here for Florida Cup Series ticket information.
wftv.comHere’s what the plan for affordable housing near Universal includes
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando is partnering with a housing group to address the problem impacting thousands of renters in our area. The plan is to build affordable places to live at Trade Show Road and Destination Parkway, near where Universal is building its newest theme park, Epic Universe. The Altamonte Springs-based housing group Wendover will help bring 1,000 new apartments to Orlando. READ: Construction kicks off on new affordable housing project in Orange CountyWendover CEO Jonathon Wolf said he hopes it could be a pathway to address the affordable housing crisis in Orlando. While there’s still a ways to go before this could become a reality, the group hopes to break ground by the end of the year.
wftv.comContinuum of Care gets $12M in HUD homeless funding for new projects, increase in community members
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Central Florida Continuum of Care (COC-507) has received just over $12 million in homelessness funding, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Monday.
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Cross Seminole Trail bridge to close for maintenance
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Beginning March 7, the Interstate 4 overpass bridge connecting the Cross Seminole Trail to the Seminole Wekiva Trail will be closed for routine maintenance. READ: Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration 2022 underwayTrail users who normally use the bridge to travel between the Cross Seminole Trail and the Seminole Wekiva Trail will need to cross at County Road 46A. See map of detour below:Cross Seminole Trail to the Seminole Wekiva Trail Detour (Seminole County Government)During the closure, crews will repaint metal components and test the cable systems. Drivers traveling in Seminole County should expect to encounter overnight lane closures along I-4 near the overpass while the work is completed. READ: Bike Week 2022 coming to Daytona Beach: 9 things you need to knowMore information about the closure can be found here.
wftv.com9 things to do this weekend: Bike Week begins, MORE THAN PINK Walk and more
Hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts are set to roll into Volusia County for Bike Week 2022 this weekend. READ: Bike Week 2022 coming to Daytona Beach: 9 things you need to knowClick here to learn nine things you need to know about the event. Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is back this weekend with live concerts, parades and great food from around the world. Musical legends, global superstars and Grammy-nominated DJs are some of the acts you’ll be able to see as part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. READ: Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration 2022 underwayAlso returning are Mardi Gras parades, with six detailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras with cosmic-inspired elements such as comets, rockets and Martians.
wftv.comWalt Disney World making face masks optional for fully vaccinated guests
ORLANDO, Fla. — Fully vaccinated guests at Walt Disney World will no longer have to wear face masks indoors starting Thursday. The theme park will still ask guests who are not vaccinated to wear face masks in all indoor locations, including attractions and theaters. The policy states that both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests ages 2 and up are still required to wear masks on Disney transportation, including Disney buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner. The park’s previous face mask policy required all guests ages 2 and up to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. The water park offers thrilling water attractions and tropical family fun for guests of all ages to enjoy.
wftv.comTemperatures drop overnight Saturday, cold weather on the way
ORLANDO, Fla. — Saturday will be cloudy with scattered showers possible. Temperatures will drop as we make our way through the day. Saturday afternoon will see temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Read: Number of homes for sale around Orlando hits historic lowA chill arrives Saturday night, with clearing skies and temperatures dropping to the 30s and 40s. Read: Universal Orlando drops COVID-19 testing mandate for unvaccinated employeesChief meteorologist Tom TerryClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando drops COVID-19 testing mandate for unvaccinated employees
ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando confirmed Friday that the theme park is no longer requiring its employees to get weekly COVID-19 tests if that have not been vaccinated for the virus. READ: CDC: Boosters 90% effective in preventing severe COVID-19, hospitalizationsThe change comes after the Supreme Court ruling against COVID-19 vaccination and weekly testing mandates for businesses last week. Universal Orlando had announced last week that workers at the theme park will be required to be vaccinated by Feb. 9 or undergo weekly COVID-19 tests. READ: One in five Americans have been infected with COVID-19, according to statisticsIn a five-page letter that was sent to employees on Jan. 12, those who don’t comply with the new rules could face penalties up to termination. Officials has said about 90% of active Florida-based cast members were fully vaccinated.
wftv.comFlorida companies can still impose vaccine restrictions after latest ruling
However, a different majority decided a narrower rule tailored toward health care workers did pass procedural muster. For Florida companies, the rulings put to rest weeks of uncertainty. DeSantis’ promise to fine companies that implemented vaccine mandates and the federal government’s orders. READ: Supreme Court halts COVID-19 vaccine rule for U.S. businessesHe added that since the case wasn’t decided on merits, there are still questions left unanswered. Thursday night, both AdventHealth and Orlando Health executives said they were studying the court’s rulings.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando announces Mardi Gras concert lineup, more details
ORLANDO, Fla. — Musical legends, global superstars and Grammy-nominated DJs are some of the acts you’ll be able to see as part of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration. Universal on Thursday announced the concert lineup, as well as the return of the Mardi Gras parade and savory cuisine. Mardi Gras festivities are included with theme park admission. The Mardi Gras parade also returns. This year’s theme is Planet Mardi Gras and will incorporate six detailed floats that fuse Mardi Gras with cosmic-inspired elements such as comets, rockets, martians and more.
wftv.com‘Very efficient’: COVID-19 testing continues at Camping World Stadium without major lines
Dyer said the city opened the testing site this week to help take pressure off county-run sites. Right now, there is hardly any wait-time at the Free COVID-19 Testing Site at @CWStadium. — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 12, 2022READ: Universal Orlando will soon require team members to be vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testsHe said the city will keep the Camping World testing site open as long as there is demand for it. Dyer said testing access is important, as the omicron variant continues to spread through the community. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comFrom milestones to new roller coasters: Here are the 9 biggest theme park stories of 2021
Disney World celebrates 50 years of magicThe most magical celebration at World Disney World was arguably the biggest theme park news in the world this year. Peppa Pig is coming to LegolandPeppa Pig Theme Park Peppa Pig Theme Park will officially open in February. (Peppa Pig Theme Park)Good news if you have a “Peppa Pig” fan in your family: the first theme park based off the cartoon character is coming to Central Florida. READ: Here’s when Peppa Pig Theme Park opens at Legoland FloridaPeppa Pig Theme Park will include six rides, six themed landscapes, a water play area and more “oinktastic” experiences for the whole family based on the popular children’s cartoon. READ: Rides, attractions announced for Peppa Pig Theme Park coming to Legoland FloridaPeppa Pig Theme Park Peppa Pig Theme Park will officially open in February.
wftv.comOrange County home damaged in early morning fire
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The State Fire Marshal is investigating after an early morning fire damaged an Orange County home Thursday morning. Read: Universal Orlando to require face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination statusOrange County Fire Rescue said it responded to reports of smoke from a building at 213 Jemond Court just after 3 a.m. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 3 Orange County home damaged in early morning fire Fire crews were called to a home off of Jemmond Court just after 3 a.m. (WFTV)A man who lives in the home told Eyewitness News the fire was in an upstairs room of the home. Read: What the Florida: Top 9 Florida man stories of 2021Officials say two people inside the home were able to escape to safety. See a map of location below:Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comUniversal Orlando reports most profitable quarter ever
ORLANDO, Fla. — Good news for Universal Orlando theme parks, as the company reported its most profitable quarter ever. Unlike NBC Universal’s other theme parks, Universal Orlando does not operate with strict COVID-19 requirements such as limited capacity or vaccine requirements. Read: Workers to rally against medical mandates on the Space CoastComcast’s third quarter ended Sept. 30. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Universal Orlando Park guests wearing protective masks take a selfie at the Universal Studios theme park in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on Friday, June 5, 2020. Universal Orlando began a phased reopening, becoming the first of the major theme parks in Central Florida to resume operations after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
wftv.comState releases safety report for major theme parks
ORLANDO, Fla. — According to the latest quarterly report released by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, there were seven reported incidents at Orlando area theme parks for the period of July through September. In September, a 69-year-old man was found unresponsive at Roa’s Rapids attraction at SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquatica water park. Disney also reported two incidents in September. According to the state report, Legoland did not report any incidents. The report, which is released every three months from the state agency, includes visitor injuries and illnesses at Florida’s major theme parks that require a hospital stay of at least 24 hours.
wftv.comUniversal will require team members to disclose vaccination status
Universal Orlando team members will be required to share their vaccination status with their employer, a resort spokesperson said. The resort is urging all team members to be vaccinated if they’re able to do so, the spokesperson said. READ: Universal Orlando announces new haunted houses and shows for HHN 2021Additional details will be shared with team members soon. Recently, Universal announced it will require all team members to wear face coverings while working in indoor guest areas. READ: Universal Orlando celebrates their fans with Passholder Appreciation Days©2021 Cox Media Group
wftv.comOlympic families find solace, create bonds far from Tokyo
Team Dressel was the main event during the swimming competition, with Christina Dressel and Caeleb’s photogenic wife, Meghan, taking center stage for an entire week. Most of his crew wore red Speedo T-shirts with Team Dressel printed on the back. They posed for pictures on the stage, cramming shoulder to shoulder underneath a Team USA banner, and led “U-S-A, U-S-A” cheers that have become a nightly lead-in to NBC’s television coverage. Team Dressel was in full effect for both. But, of course, I’d like to be in the USA House in Tokyo.
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