WEATHER ALERT
Disney, Universal, more: These Central Florida attractions are closing due to Helene
Here is a list of attractions that have announced closures due to Tropical Storm Helene as well as hurricane policies in place at Florida theme parks.
Newest expansion at Disney’s Magic Kingdom means Tom Sawyer’s Island is going away
At D23 Expo this past weekend, Disney unveiled its biggest expansion to the Magic Kingdom yet, with a Frontierland expansion themed around the franchise “Cars” and a land dedicated to Disney’s villains.
Tourism tax collections reach new record in March in Orange County
Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections climbed to a record setting $40,550,000 in March, marking another increase in revenue compared to the previous month according to the Orange County Comptroller.
One of rarest alligators worldwide born in Florida. Here’s where to spot her
"Mystic" is the only white, leucistic alligator born hatched outside of Louisiana. And she's the only baby leucistic ever displayed to the public.
Got a library card? Orange County libraries giving free WonderWorks passes with signups, renewals
The Orange County Library System is celebrating National Library Week starting Sunday, but it’s the residents who can get gifts.
⛳Putt like a pro! Tiger-Woods backed PopStroke coming to Daytona Beach
Construction is underway on a PopStroke family golf experience in Daytona Beach. According to the City of Daytona Beach Government, the Tiger Woods golf attraction is being built in the Tomoka Town Center, off LPGA Boulevard next to Interstate 95.
🌊Insider Look: ‘Journey of Water’ inspired by Disney’s Moana makes a splash, promotes water conservation at EPCOT
A Disney Imagineer guides us through the new attraction made up of tropical paths highlighting the water cycle. And it’s interactive. Wave to the water and it may wave back. You can also swipe your hand through the rain harps to make music.
Disney parks revenue up in new report, but Walt Disney World income down
The Walt Disney Company saw revenue continue to grow in the third quarter of the year, the company reported Wednesday, with theme park income and revenue up around the globe — except at Walt Disney World.
‘Really upsetting:’ Attorney pushes for safety after child falls from Kissimmee Fun Spot ride
An investigation into the Galaxy Spin rollercoaster at Fun Spot is underway after a 6-year-old body fell from the ride last week.
Kissimmee Fun Spot ride closed after child injured on rollercoaster, Florida officials confirm
A ride at Fun Spot amusement park in Kissimmee is closed after an incident involving a child.
From sensory guides to quiet rooms, LEGOLAND helps guests with autism enjoy the park
LEGOLAND Florida was the first LEGOLAND park in North America to become a Certified Autism Center and with four quiet spaces and sensory guides all over the park, they’re making it easy for families to plan a vacation and get the most out of it.
Ranking Florida’s top 5 roller coasters
Is it fast, filled with epic twists and turns, sport an epic storyline all while still taking you on a smooth ride that doesn't make you want to puke? If so, it likely made the Florida's Fourth Estate top rollercoaster list.
Orlando FreeFall structure is dismantled, 1 year after teen’s fatal fall
A crane has begun dismantling the Orlando FreeFall ride at ICON Park, one year after a teenager visiting from out of town was killed when he fell from the ride.
Florida Senate committee approves attractions safety act named for Tyre Sampson
A Florida Senate committee approved a bill Monday afternoon to make changes to ride safety rules after the death of a tourist at an Orlando attraction.
Lights are on at The Wheel at ICON Park, but attraction not ready to roll yet
People may see The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando lit up for the first time in weeks since it lost power on New Year’s Eve, but the attraction is not welcoming riders back on yet.
Ranking the top 5 roller coasters in Florida
Is it fast, filled with epic twists and turns, sport an epic storyline all while still taking you on a smooth ride that doesn't make you want to puke? If so, it likely made the Florida's Fourth Estate top rollercoaster list.
Disney World workers rally for wage hike as company plans spending increase
Labor unions representing thousands of Walt Disney World workers are rallying Wednesday afternoon as they negotiate with the company.
SEA LIFE Orlando decks the seas for an aquatic Christmas
Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit — even under the sea. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park is once again hosting Deck the Seas, just in time for your holiday photos.
‘Industry of fun:’ IAAPA expo opens in Orlando, showcases newest attractions
The annual IAAPA Expo opened at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando to showcase the latest innovations in an industry that has to deliver on thrills, chills and spills.
Orlando’s ICON Park offers Veterans Day discounts for military members
Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, and the businesses and attractions of ICON Park on International Drive are offering discounts for veterans and military members.
SeaWorld issues Roller Coaster Day challenge, with gift for participating guests
National Roller Coaster Day is Tuesday, Aug. 16, and SeaWorld Orlando is challenging guests to ride all of the park’s roller coasters in one day.
‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ to take over Splash Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in 2024
Disney Imagineers dropped a few new details about the planned reimagining of the Splash Mountain ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Veterans and their guests get into SeaWorld, Busch Gardens free for limited time
SeaWorld is giving military veterans, as well as their families and friends, the opportunity to visit some of its parks for free starting this weekend.
Disney is offering a private jet world tour. Here’s where it goes
Checking out every Disney park in the world is a dream for super fans. Disney is now offering a vacation that allows people to do just that, along with some other iconic sites and luxury accommodations along the way.
ICON Park tells Orlando FreeFall operator to suspend all ride operations
The owners of ICON Park are demanding the company behind some of its thrill rides to suspend all ride operations in the wake of the death of a teen last week.
Disney World to bring back overseas workers in cultural representative program
The first cultural representatives will come from Germany, Norway, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Canada starting in August.
Universal’s Epic Universe on track for summer 2025 opening, Comcast officials say
Universal’s theme parks are bouncing back from the pandemic in a big way, with record profits in the last few months and strong attendance growth, according to earnings reports released Thursday.
Dino dumps: World’s largest fossilized carnivore poop now on display at the Orlando Science Center
Anyone who gets excited about excrement is going to want to run to the new Poozeum exhibit at the Orlando Science Center, stat.
Guests at Fun Spot repeatedly violated Orange County’s mask mandate, records show
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Fun Spot near International Drive has been put on notice three times in the past few months after strike teams found that guests weren’t always wearing masks while at the amusement park, according to records provided by Orange County. The first strike team visit occurred on Aug. 13 after a citizen complaint. Orange County has had a mask mandate in place for months to stop the spread of COVID-19. While strike teams have been visiting businesses to make sure they’re complying with that rule, the focus has been on educating rather than fining or punishing, according to the mayor. News 6 has contacted Fun Spot for comment.
Haunted Halloween drive-thru experience coming to Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. The coronavirus pandemic may have put a damper on Central Floridas usual Halloween plans, but one new upcoming attraction promises to bring frights and delights in a way that doesnt violate social distancing guidelines. A debut date and location for The Haunted Road has not yet been revealed, but organizers have said that it will be a drive-thru experience that adults and families alike can enjoy from the safety of their own car. Mariko has past experience with Broadway marketing and was the creative force who brought to life the DRIP theatrical dance and rock show experience on International Drive. Before The Haunted Road event can happen, organizers plan to soon launch a Kickstarter campaign to garner financial support from the community. The masterminds behind the drive-thru attraction are also looking to hire local performers to staff the event.
Florida reports 112 new COVID-19 related deaths, more than 10,000 new cases
As Florida inches closer to reopening schools and sees guests headed back to theme parks, the state continues to report cases of COVID-19 by the thousands. In Florida, a total of 19,334 patients have been hospitalized due to severe cases of the respiratory illness. The new statistics bring Floridas total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 301,810 since the disease was first detected in the state on March 1. The state reported 112 new resident deaths and zero new non-resident death in Florida on Wednesday, making for a cumulative total of 4,521 COVID-19 related resident deaths and 105 non-resident deaths, bringing the overall state death toll to 4,617. Previously, the theme park strongly recommended and encouraged face masks to be worn inside the park, but the use of face coverings will now be mandatory.
Legoland to require face masks as Winter Haven enacts emergency ordinance
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – If you’re planning a trip to Legoland or Winter Haven, you’ll now need to pack a face mask to help curb the spread of COVID-19. On Monday, Winter Haven commissioners unanimously voted to enact an emergency ordinance that would require “every person working, living, visiting, or doing business in the City of Winter Haven” to wear a face mask in any indoor space, other than an individual’s home, when social distancing is not possible. Since Legoland falls under Winter Haven city limits, the theme park will now require guests to wear a face mask to be in compliance with the emergency ordinance. Previously, the theme park strongly recommended and encouraged face masks to be worn inside the park, but the use of face coverings will now be mandatory. For the water park, masks are only recommended for use when they are dry,” park officials said on the theme park’s website.
Know before you go: Disney to require face masks with ear loops or ties for park entry
If youre planning a trip to Disney any time soon, youll need to bring your face mask with you and make sure its the right type. Disney officials specified Wednesday that all guests must wear face masks that fully cover their nose and mouth that are secured by loops or ties that go around the ears. You can read Disneys full face mask policy by clicking here. Officials with the theme park confirmed to News 6 Wednesday that some popular face-covering types like neck gaiters, a type of face covering that does not have loops that secure the mask to the face via ear loops or straps, will not be an acceptable form of a face mask to gain entry into the park. Other health and safety guidelines Disney has issued include park reservations, temperature screenings before stepping inside the parks, social distancing and limited park capacity.
Planning your holiday weekend? Here are the beaches and firework displays you can enjoy this July Fourth
Flagler County beaches - Flagler Beach, the Palm Coast and Beverly Beach will all be open for the Independence Day weekend. For more details, click here. For more details, click here. Seaworld Orlando Summer Fireworks (July 3 through 5) - Seaworld Orlando plans to pack your holiday weekend full of fireworks. For more info on the festive fireworks, click here.
Splitsville to reopen at Disney Springs July 10 after months-long closure due to COVID-19
ORLANDO, Fla. Whether you bumper-bowl or regularly play a 300 point game, youll be able to brush up on your bowling skills at Splitsville luxury bowling lanes at Disney Springs starting July 10 at 4 p.m. Bowling lane leaders said on Facebook the alley has taken great measures to engage and serve you safely. From social distancing to QR code & single-use menus to sanitized gaming, weve got your back.Splitsville closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 16. Disney Springs began its phased reopening on May 20 after closing for more than a month to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Cocoa Beach Pier now requires all guests to wear face masks as COVID-19 pandemic continues
COCOA BEACH, Fla. If youre planning a trip to the Cocoa Beach Pier, youll need to pack a face mask in your beach bag as the pier will now require all guests to wear one. The pier made the announcement on social media Friday as people flocked to Brevard County beaches to beat the heat and enjoy the long holiday weekend. According to an Instagram post, the pier will require all guests to wear a mask in an effort to keep guests as safe as possible. Bars will remain closed per state guidelines, but beverage service is available at our tables, pier leaders said in a post. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6s coronavirus newsletter and go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.
Crayola Experience to reopen in July
ORLANDO, Fla. The Crayola Experience is ready to burst with color come July 1. The Crayola Experience has also modified some of its activities and included additional signage in the interest of social distancing. Annual pass and valid general admission ticket expirations have been extended, and to welcome new guests, Crayola Experience Orlando is replacing its full-price admission ticket with a 2020 Unlimited Pass. The $24.99 ticket purchased this year starting July 1 will be good for unlimited visits to any Crayola Experience attraction through the end of 2020. To learn more about how the Crayola Experience is working to keep guests safe during the pandemic, click here.
Actors union asks Disney to delay opening Florida parks too
The Actors’ Equity Association said that it was unclear how Disney World could “responsibly” reopen as coronavirus cases continue to soar in the Sunshine State. Disney World’s four theme parks are slated to start opening July 11. The theme parks resort has already reopened some hotels and its restaurant-and-shopping district. Orlando’s other major theme park resorts -- Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando -- started welcoming back visitors earlier this month. The union represents about 600 actors at Disney World, out of a total workforce of 77,000 employees at the theme park resort.
Have plans to travel this summer despite the pandemic? A new study shows youre not alone
A study by auto club group AAA has found that despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of millions of Americans will hit the roads and take to the skies this summer. AAA used key economic indicators to determine total number of trips, not actual traveler totals for their study. AAA reported that air travel will be off by about 74%, while rail, cruise ship and bus travel will plummet by 86%. Were it not for the pandemic, AAA would be projecting 857 million trips during the third quarter, a 3.6% increase over last year. By this analysis, the pandemic wiped out nearly 150 million trips this summer, AAA researchers said in a news release.
Florida coronavirus cases near 100,000 with new positve cases reported
The Florida Department of Health reports 3,494 new people have tested positive for the coronavirus. The new findings come one day after Florida saw its highest positive case count since the pandemic began. On Saturday, health officials reported 4,049 new cases of COVID-19. Ron DeSantis called on healthcare executives and experts Friday to address the increase in coronavirus cases the state has reported over the last two weeks crediting the increase to mostly young and healthy individuals. Lamar Smith, the president of Link Up Central Florida, said thats a sign there is still a need to help families during the coronavirus pandemic.
Florida hits new record as positive cases of COVID-19 rise above 90,000
Florida broke a new record Saturday after the Florida Department of Health released new data on coronavirus cases in the state. The surge in positive coronavirus cases comes as Florida is set to become a hub for major sports leagues. Over the past week, Florida has repeatedly reported thousands of new cases a day and on Friday more than 3,800. READ MORE: Florida unemployment hits 14.5% in coronavirus wakeSeveral restaurants and bars have temporarily closed as coronavirus cases go up in the Orlando area. To read about other restaurants and bars closing their doors in the wake of rising coronavirus cases click or tap here.
Theres no zoo without you: Central Florida Zoo works to combat $1.5M in financial losses due to COVID-19
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden launched a sustainability campaign Tuesday aimed at recovering from an economic blow to its revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. The attraction said its suffered a loss of $1.5 million in its two-month closure meant to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In its public plea for support, the zoo is calling upon the community to help it survive the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. The Central Florida Zoo reports March and April as historically the busiest months for attendance. Though it reopened to the public in May, zoo officials say it needs to bridge the gap in its financial losses.
Orlando Science Center reopens after 3 months of closure due to COVID-19
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Science Center reopened for the first time in three months on Monday with new safety guidelines in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While museums in Florida are allowed to open at 50 percent capacity, admission to the science center is limited to 25 percent during the initial reopening with guests required to purchase timed tickets in advance. "There will be more people in the exhibit area to facilitate experiences, to answer questions and to help support social distancing," Stanford said. Jennifer Rothermel and her daughters were some of the first to explore the science center as it reopened. Hours have also been reduced during the initial reopening with the facility closed on Wednesdays for deep cleaning.
Florida coronavirus cases continue to rise as state reopens
Cases of the coronavirus continue to rise in Florida as the states businesses and attractions gradually reopen, with more than 2,000 new diagnoses reported Sunday by state health officials. The numbers reported by the state Department of Health mark the 11th out of 12 straight days in which new cases have topped 1,000. For the first time on Saturday, the Florida Department of Health announced over 2,500 new positive coronavirus cases across the state. What were seeing is of the people that are testing positive way more are in the (age) 25 to 45 than was happening two months ago, DeSantis said. The vast majority of people who test positive for the coronavirus recover and many never experience any symptoms.
FDOH reports over 2,000 new coronavirus cases in the state
Florida is seeing a new trend when it comes to the number of new coronavirus cases announced. For the past two weeks, it has been a common sight to see an additional 1,000 cases of COVID-19 announced. For the first time on Saturday, the Florida Department of Health announced over 2,000 new positive coronavirus cases across the state. SeaWorld is the second Central Florida theme park to open its gates after gaining a seal of approval from Gov. Just like other Central Florida attractions, there are social distancing markings on the ground and hand sanitizer stations throughout the park for guests.
SeaWorld reopens with enhanced health guidelines as COVID-19 pandemic continues
ORLANDO, Fla. The wait is finally over as SeaWorld Orlando opened its gates Thursday for the first time since fears of spreading the coronavirus shuttered the theme park industry. The company shut down its parks in mid-March due to the dangers of COVID-19 and furloughed hundreds of employees. We really want to make sure they are having a good experience here when they visit all of our three parks in Orlando, said Kyle Miller, SeaWorld Orlando park president. Guests will also have to make a reservation online to gain entry to all three SeaWorld parks, which will be closed on select dates. Aquatica will be closed Monday and Wednesdays, and Discovery Cove will likely be closed most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Central Florida theme parks are opening, but certain tourists cant go
ORLANDO, Fla. Now that Florida's theme parks are beginning to reopen, Niya Dupree and her former college roommates, all from New York, wanted to celebrate their graduation together in Orlando. When the group walked off the plane at Orlando International Airport, the National Guard handed them contact information forms. You want us to self-quarantine but youre opening at theme parks, Jackson asked. Since then, nearly 60,000 traveler information forms have been collected on the highway, and more than 66,000 have been collected at Floridas airports, according to the governors office. It was effective.Dr. Raul Pino, the director of the Florida Health Department in Orange County, where most of the theme parks are located, said requiring visitors to quarantine while theme parks and attractions are open is not sustainable.
SeaWorld to adjust hours, reopen on select days of the week
ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld will reopen its gates soon, but only five days out of the week. The aquatic theme park is slated to reopen Thursday after the coronavirus pandemic forced theme park executives to shut down in mid-March. According to the reservations feature on its website, SeaWorld will be closed each Tuesday and Thursday for the rest of 2020. Reservation calendars also reveal other SeaWorld parks will be closed on select days. SeaWorld officials said guests and employees will be required to wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks within their parks.
COVID-19 cases in Florida surpass 63,000 with more than 1,000 new cases
The Florida Department of Health again announced over a thousand new positive coronavirus cases across the state. [RELATED: Heres what to expect as Florida enters phase 2 of reopening]Multiple days this week, Florida has seen an increase of over 1,000 new coronavirus cases. On Saturday, there were 1,270 new coronavirus cases reported. On Friday, the FDOH reported 1,305 new cases of COVID-19 and on Thursday, Florida broke its record for a single-day high of newly reported cases of COVID-19, with 1,419 new casesIf you are having trouble viewing the dashboard on mobile, click here. To hear more about Central Florida theme parks working to r-open during the pandemic click or tap here.
COVID-19 cases in Florida near 63,000 as more businesses reopen
The Florida Department of Health announced new positive coronavirus cases across the state days after the State entered the second phase of reopening. The Florida Department of Health reported 1,270 new people have tested positive for the respiratory illness. [RELATED: Heres what to expect as Florida enters phase 2 of reopening]Multiple days this week, Florida has seen an increase of over 1,000 new coronavirus cases. To hear more about Central Florida theme parks working to r-open during the pandemic click or tap here. The small light at the end of the tunnel isnt spurring much optimism in the state of Florida, however.
Florida reports 1,305 new cases of COVID-19 as state enters phase 2 of reopening
Ron DeSantis says most of Florida will enter phase 2 of reopening Friday]The state has been in phase one of reopening since May 4 but the governor lifted restrictions that werent originally part of the first phase, including opening salons and barbershops. [RELATED: Heres what to expect as Florida enters phase 2 of reopening]On Thursday, Florida broke its record for a single-day high of newly reported cases of COVID-19, with 1,419 new cases reported by the Florida Department of Health since the day prior. According to the John Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center, 20 states have seen increases in newly reported COVID-19 cases in the past five days. On Friday, the FDOH reported 1,305 new cases of COVID-19 since approximately the same time the day before, as well as 53 new deaths. The small light at the end of the tunnel isnt spurring much optimism in the state of Florida, however.