Walt Disney World Opening and Orlando Vacation Rental Updates

Orlando’s hospitality-based businesses got the news they’ve been waiting for. Walt Disney World just announced its expected dates for reopening.

Walt Disney World Opening Date Announced

According to senior vice president of operations Jim McPhee, the company plans to reopen its theme parks in phases. On July 11th, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks will be the first Walt Disney World openings. A few days later, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot will follow suit. So get ready to soar again for the Walt Disney World opening!

The highly anticipated announcement is certainly welcome news for all of Florida. Universal Orlando was the only major Central Florida theme park reopening date announcement. The delay for the Walt Disney World opening was caused by additional municipality approvals for Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake.

Universal Orlando to Open

Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World have received much of the opening press. However, the other Orlando theme park reopening plans have had to endure the same approval process in order to open during this Covid-19 era.

SeaWorld to Open in Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has announced a reopening date of June 11 for all three of its parks – SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica. That’s a full month before Disney World begins its phase one opening on July 11. Both SeaWorld and Disney World have received approval of their reopening plans from Orange County. Now they must receive state approval from the governor’s office.

LEGOLAND Florida, another popular Orlando-based theme park, has announced a reopening date of June 1. Still another, Gatorland, has already previously reopened on May 23.

Orlando Vacation Rentals Open for Reservations

Previously, back on March 27, the governor issued an executive order banning vacation rentals that was aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. This action “sparked intense pushback from property owners, management companies and some local government officials,” according to the News Service of Florida. The order upset the vacation home rental industry because it did not apply equally to the hotel industry. Hotels had been allowed to operate without state restrictions.

The vacation-rental industry generates an estimated $27 billion annually in the state. That financial figure had many Floridians scratching their heads in regard to the Governor’s former reluctance.

The Orlando vacation home industry is now open and ready to take your reservations for the summer and fall months. Vacation rentals represent a great value for most vacationers and especially for larger parties.

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

Please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com. OVH 360 offers a great variety of various rental home sizes and in several different neighborhoods.

After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home? This luxury is all for about the same price or even less than hotels.

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Still Plenty to Do in Orlando!

If you’re like many who are anxiously awaiting some Orlando theme park reopening news. This is from major resorts during these crazy times amidst the coronavirus pandemic, then you’re in luck … kind of.

As of Memorial Day, it appears that the only “sure thing” to be opening soon is Universal Orlando. The park is now set to reopen its gates to the public on June 5th. It’s reported that the park will limit the number of guests allowed to enter. The resort will also monitor capacity in order to adhere to ample social distancing guidelines. Guests must also have their temperature taken prior to entry and will be required to wear masks. Numerous touchless hand sanitation stations are already in place.

Disney Opening News COVID 19 In Orlando

The news regarding Universal obviously left much thinking “What about Disney?” Walt Disney World had plenty of new park activities planned for 2020.

Apparently, at the heart of the delay for Walt Disney World is the ability to reopen its theme parks due to proximity. This is due to the fact that it occupies two different municipalities, Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, as well as Orange County.

Florida Opening News

On May 21, Florida’s major resorts were required to submit their plans for the Orlando theme park reopening to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Many believe those plans include reopening the parks in phases, with Phase 1 being at 50% capacity and Phase 2 at 75%, before proceding to full capacity.

In turn, those plans will be forwarded to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for final approval.

However, the resorts must first receive approval for their Orlando theme park reopening plans. These approvals are from local jurisdictions before they can be submitted to the state. Thus, Disney World must first go through an approval process from both Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake. Universal Studios on the other hand was able to fast-track its approval through both Orange County and the state.

Whenever you’re dealing with any form of government, the timeframe can certainly be an issue. They want to open back up like everyone else, but they want it done safely.

Has the Governor Allowed Theme Parks to Open in Orlando?

According to Governor DeSantis, “They have to provide how they’re going to do it, how they’re going to accommodate the guests, how they’re going to protect the staff. My goal in all this is let’s keep safety first, but let’s work and innovate to get to ‘yes’ on this stuff.”

OVH 360’s recommendation is not to let the uncertainty of the Disney park reopening to determine your summer travel plans. Perhaps you’ve already been to Disney? Now would be the perfect time for your family to visit Universal! Or better yet, bring your golf clubs and tennis racquets and enjoy a “not so rushed” vacation.

What Else is There to Do in Orlando Other Than Theme Parks?

There’s still plenty to do in Orlando even during these challenging times! There’s biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or take a sight seeing trip to the Florida Everglades. You can also take a day trip to Tampa Bay or Cocoa Beach to lay out and play for the day. You may even get to see a rocket launch at nearby Cape Canaveral!

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando! Please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com. After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home for about the same price or even less? Thanks!

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One of the biggest hits at the festival is the Disney on Broadway concert series, which features three performances daily at the America Gardens Theater.

If you’re trying to think of the perfect Valentine’s gift for your spouse or significant other, you will surely not beat this!

This month features some brand new additions to the lineup! On February 3, 4, 7 and 8, Liana Hunt from the show Newsies will be performing, as well as Alladin’s Jacob Adams.

Then, drum roll please, on February 9, a brand new show featuring a collaboration from Liana and Jacob, joined by Kara Lindsay, also from Newsies, and Tarzan’s Kevin Massey will hit the stage!

Lion King at Disney

Also new for the Epcot Festival of the Arts… On February 11 – 21, in what is sure to be a crowd favorite, there are seven scheduled dates featuring Syndee Winters from The Lion King and Michael James Scott from Aladdin.

Still another huge series, with seven scheduled dates between February 10 ­ 23, Mary Poppins’ Ashley Brown and Tarzan’s Josh Strickland will take the stage!

And for the huge finale, there will be a special performance on February 24, featuring Ashley Brown, Josh Strickland, Syndee Winters and Michael James Scott.

Food at Epcot

Of course, the other huge draw for the Epcot Festival of the Arts is FOOD!

Look for pavilions throughout Epcot celebrating the culinary delights prepared by world-class chefs representing French and German cuisine among others! This year’s theme is “Color.” Guests can collect a “stamp” on their passport “palette” for each menu item they taste along the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. Fill your “palette” while delighting your taste buds, and then collect a “colorful” culinary prize!

For complete food and menu information for The Epcot festival of the Arts, including a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package, just click here to view Disney’s Culinary Arts page.

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

Please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com.

After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home for about the same price or even less?

Thanks!

The post Epcot Continues its 2020 Festival of the Arts thru February! appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

While it may be hard to believe the year 2020 is now here, we shouldn’t be surprised at all that our friends over at Walt Disney World were indeed ready for it. After all, has Disney not build its name and success on being imaginative and futuristic? Yes, the builders of Space Mountain and creators of Epcot are still at it.

The opening of Galaxy’s Edge has come to pass and is exceeding the wildest imaginations of Star Wars fans young and old. The battle between the First Order and the Rise of the Resistance is still going strong!

Millennium Falcon Disney

But the Millennium Falcon isn’t the only thing in flight that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2020! Let’s take a peak at some upcoming attractions and events so you can plan your trip (or trips!) accordingly.

This first one isn’t going to be up and running this year. While we’re talking about the future, remember the blockbuster movie Tron? Well Disney sure does. So much so that they’ve been working on a new attraction … the TRON Lightcycle Run Coaster. The ride is set to open in 2021 in Disney’s Tomorrowland. Talk about getting a run for your money!

Tomorrowland Speedway at Disney

If you’re planning a trip to Tomorrowland sooner than that, you’ll be happy to know that the Tomorrowland Speedway has reopened. The FastPass attraction had been closed temporarily for updates alongside the TRON construction. Space Mountain is also temporarily closed for some winter maintenance but should reopen soon.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind

The other highly anticipated futuristic attraction now under construction is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Set to open in 2021 in Epcot’s Future World, the ride marks the first time that a Marvel themed movie makes its presence at Disney. Probably won’t be the last. The E-ticket attraction will utilize the former Universe of Energy building as its loading area. This will also include a brand new building under construction that will house the ride itself.

In what is being touted as a “storytelling” coaster, the technology is set to test new barriers. The cars will move from left to right while “facing” the story, instead of speeding by it as in traditional coasters. Get ready!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2020

If you just can’t wait that long for your next trip to Disney, there’s the Epcot International Festival of the Arts coming up which runs from Jan. 17 – Feb. 24. This annual festival features the best of the perfoming, visual, and culinary arts. This festival also includes lots of food presented by some of the world’s finest chefs! Several new movies will debut in Epcot at the various pavilions which will be part of what’s new in Walt Disney World for 2020.

The festival also features the ever-popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series with shows scheduled nightly at the America Gardens Theater. Check back soon for the complete line-up including all that’s new at Walt Disney World in 2020!

When planning your next trip or vacation to Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at: www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com

After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home for about the same price or even less?

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

The post New at Walt Disney World in 2020 (and Beyond) appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

While you may not be able to attend your own church or cathedral, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on enjoying Christmas services while away from home!

Christmas Eve Churches Orlando

There are many churches of all faiths and denominations throughout Orlando and Central Florida so you are welcome to take part in their services. Christmas services are very diverse in the city.

Here’s a brief list we’ve compiled for your convenience that you may wish to consider so you may find the right location. We’ve included links to their sites for Christmas services in Orlando and street addresses:

First Baptist Orlando

Christmas Candlelight Services

Mon, Dec 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Tues, Dec 24 at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. www.FirstOrlando.com

Northwest Church

Christmas Eve Service

Tues, Dec 24, 6-8:00 p.m. www.NorthwestOrlando.com

Discovery Church

Christmas Eve at Discovery

Tues, Dec 24

1:00 p.m. Central Location Only

2:30, 4:00, and 5:30 p.m. All Locations (Central, West, and Southeast) www.DiscoveryChurch.org

Real Life Church

Tue, Dec 24

Christmas Eve Services scheduled at all 7 Campuses thru-out Orlando, Clermont, Longwood, and Mt. Dora. For specific times, visit www.Real.Life

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

Tues, Dec 24 Christmas Eve Worship 2019

2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

2:00 and 3:30 p.m. Family Worship

5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship www.FPCO.org

First United Methodist Church of Orlando

Tues, Dec 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

5:00 p.m. Family

7:00 p.m. Modern

10:00 p.m. Traditional www.FirstChurchOrlando.org

St. James Cathedral

Tue, Dec 24 and Wed, Dec 25:

Mass 7:00 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Reconciliation 11:30 a.m. www.StJamesOrlando.org

Northland Church

Longwood, FL

Christmas at Northland

Mon, Dec 23 at 6:00 p.m.

Tues, Dec 24 at 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. www.NorthlandChurch.net

Whichever service you choose to attend, enjoy it because we want you to have a wonderful Christmas with your family!

When planning your next trip or vacation to Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at: www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com.

After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home and for about the same price or even less?

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

The post Christmas Eve and Christmas Services in Orlando appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

So you’re planning a trip to Orlando for the Thanksgiving holidays! If you’re like most, you’re undoubtedly excited about going, but you may also be wondering about dinner choices for your family when Thanksgiving Day itself rolls around. No worries!

Options for Thanksgiving Dining in Orlando

There are plenty of options for your family to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! First, if you enjoy the tradition of waking up and cooking your own Thanksgiving dinner, you may wish to consider staying at a vacation rental home as opposed to a hotel.

Dine at home in Orlando in a vacation rental.

Nearly all vacation rentals in one of Orlando’s many resort home communities come equipped with spacious, fully stocked kitchens. So all it takes is a trip to one of the area’s Publix supermarkets, and you’ll be all set to enjoy cooking just like home, and all the leftovers that come with it! Okay, enough with tradition?

Dining Out Options in Orlando for Thanksgiving

This is your vacation and you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? No worries. Orlando is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and they are very accustomed and prepared to serve up Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, especially to their holiday visitors!

Here’s a “baker’s dozen” of some top picks that will be open and offering special Thanksgiving menu choices. Once you’ve made a decision, you’ll need to make reservations with the restaurant to ensure your space. Any price information included was obtained from various sources and does not include taxes or gratuities.

Be sure to take care of your servers, as they are doing their best to take care of you!

Some of Favorite Restaurants for Thanksgiving

Hard Rock Cafe – International Drive/Sand Lake. Who said you can’t have fun and rock out on Turkey Day? Slow roasted turkey and gravy, veggies, sweet potato mash and cranberry sauce! Pumpkin pie topped with caramel sauce and toasted walnuts for dessert!

Lakeside Bar + Grill – Celebration. Thanksgiving Day Buffet (with complimentary mimosas!) $59 adults, $24 ages 6-12.

Eddie V’s Orlando – Dr. Phillips. Turkey dinner with all the trimmings! $43 adults, $15 children. Regular menu also available. 310 Nona and 310 Park South – South Orlando, Winter Park. Thanksgiving meal includes sliced turkey, stuffing, mashed potatos with gravy, green beans and of course the cranberry sauce for just $24 adults, $16 under age 12.

Roy’s Orlando – International Drive/Sand Lake. Offering pan roasted teriyaki glazed Turkey with Portuguese sausage stuffing! Need we say more?

Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops – International Drive/Sand Lake. Planning up a holiday feast with all of your tradional favorites! Or you can go with the steaks and chops!

Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse – International Drive/Sand Lake. Come enjoy the Thanksgiving Feast at Fogo! Fire roasted meats and traditional Thanksgiving fare. Dinner price all day. blu on the Avenue – Winter Park. If you’re looking for something different … “Enjoy a twist” on a classic Thanksgiving meal or choose from their regular and sushi menus. Sounds enticing!

Canvas Restaurant and Bar, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen – both South Orlando. Serving up “seasonally-inspired” dishes this Thanksgiving!

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Lake Buena Vista, and Oviedo locations. Three-course turkey dinner for $24.99. La Luce – Lake Buena Vista. Planning a special 4-course family-style Thanksgiving dinner! A la carte and kids menu also available.

Maggiano’s – International Drive/Sand Lake. Make your reservations now for a “declicious Italian-American Thanksgiving” at this exceptional Orlando staple!

Buca di Beppo – Florida Mall, Celebration, and Maitland locations. One of our favorite Italian restaurant chains is serving up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings! Yum! Whichever you choose, enjoy it and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!

Summary

When planning your next trip or vacation to Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at: www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com. After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home for about the same price or even less? This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

The post Thanksgiving Dinner in Orlando! appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

If you’re like most, the first thing you do is pencil in the big theme park days. What about those “in between” days when you’re wondering “what should we do?” Or perhaps, you or some others in your travel party have already been to the theme parks on previous visits.

Never fear! We’ve put together a “short list” below that will hopefully help fill in some of those blanks for your Orlando activities list.

First, if you’re staying at a vacation home resort, make sure to leave enough free time to enjoy the many amenities offered right we’re you’re at!

That’s right, no extra driving or expense. Nearly all of the vacation homes and condos available to book through OVH 360 come equipped with resort style swimming pools, water slides, whirlpools, spas, playgrounds, picnic areas, barbeque grills, basketball and tennis courts. Some are even home to nature convservancies and hiking trails. There’s also plenty to do indoors. Many of the resort clubhouses include dining, lounges, karaoke, game rooms, and even movie theaters!

Vacation Home Golf Courses in Orlando

If there are golfers in your group, they will surely enjoy hitting the links at one of the many world-class golf courses in the Orlando, Kissimmee, and Davenport areas. Many of the Orlando golf resorts are within easy driving distance or a shuttle’s ride away from your resort . These include Champions Golf Club, Eagle Dunes, Mystic Dunes, and Remington Golf Club among others.

Don’t have time for a full round of golf? No worries .. there’s always time for Topgolf! Located on International Drive adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, you’ll find over 100 driving bays complete with HDTV, music, and plenty of food and drink available!

Escape Rooms in Orlando

If golf’s not your thing, some of your group can peel off to test their IQ’s at one of the many Escape Rooms. These have become very popular activity destinations in Orlando. Venue options include The Great Escape Room, Breakout Escape Rooms, Lockbusters, and The Escape Game Orlando. We’ve found Escape Rooms to be an excellent option for teenagers and youth groups visiting Orlando!

After the Escape Room, your group can head over to Main Event. This is an 50,000 s.f. entertainment complex that features a roaming, multiplayer Virtual Reality (VR) game. Now there’s something you probably can’t do at home! The facility, located at Pointe Orlando on International Drive, also boasts a high-ropes adventure course, bowling, billiards, and of course lots of food options!

Orlando NASCAR

Feel the Need for Speed for your Orlando activities list? No prob! Just stroll on over to I-Drive NASCAR. You won’t be disappointed as you whiz around the track in one of their super-powered electric race karts!

We know there are MANY other fun things to do in Central Florida, and we hope this list has at least peaked your interest. Take notice and jumpstart for your own Orlando activities list!

The main thing is to HAVE FUN and enjoy your visit!

The post Experience Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

While you’re there, enjoy an excursion (or two or three) to nearby Universal Studios Florida, where there’s definitely plenty going on this season!

Located just 5.2 miles apart, your family or travel party can easily return “home” to all of the amenities of the world-class Vista Cay Resort. You’ll feel as if you’ve traveled to Italy at this Tuscan inspired gated community with over 600 luxurious 2 and 3-bedroom condos and townhomes to choose from.

Select from the 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1800 s.f. Monte Azul, or the 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2200 s.f. Monte Villa or Monte Verde floor plans, depending on the size of your group and travel needs.

Amenities at Vista Cay include concierge service, a movie theater, game room with billiards, a fitness room, and gift shop. Outdoors you can enjoy a large community pool with a zero sloped entry, a kiddie pool, whirlpool spa, and even a basketball court.

If you “must” stay in touch with the office during your stay, there is also a business center, an internet lounge, and meeting room available.

For complete lodging and booking information for Vista Cay Resort, feel free to click below:

With Vista Cay Resort so close to Universal, let’s take a look at what Universal Studios Orlando has coming up!

Universal Orlando HHN 2019

If you plan your trip during October, you will surely want to “get your ghoul on” at their mega “80’s-inspired” Halloween Horror Nights, where they have truly taken scary to a whole new level. Billed as “The World’s Premier Hallowen Event,” the park has created “10 totally terrifying haunted houses, 5 scare zones” and has assembled some “outrageous live entertainment” designed to mortify their thrill-seeking guests.

For complete information on Universal’s see Halloween Horror Nights

Harry Potter – Universal Orlando 2019

If getting freakishly scared isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There’s plenty of other things going on over at Universal. Kids and adults alike are taking in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring the newly opened Hagrids Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. 

To view all of the Harry Potter click here

Blue Man Group Orlando 2019

For Blue Man Group enthusiasts, as well as future fans, you want to miss their Dare to Live In Full Color show now appearing daily through the end of the year (except on Halloween).

Universal Orlando Holiday Parade 2019

Alas, the Holidays at Univeral Orlando Resort are upon us! Running from November 16 – January 5, the theme park will transform for the season with its Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, as well as an appearance by The Grinch in the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular.

As if that’s not enouch, there’s also Jurassic Parkand Fast & Furious – Supercharged, in addition to Universal’s world-class theme parks including Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk. 

When planning your next trip or vacation to Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, please take a moment to view our entire selection of vacation rental homes available at: www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com.

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

The post Fall is a Great Time to Book a Trip to Vista Cay Resort and Universal Studios Orlando™! appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

If Universal builds it, they will come for the new Epic Universe theme park…

Get ready for thousands of orange barrels to start lining up along Kirkman Road in Orlando. Universal Studios announced recently that they will begin construction on their fourth theme park to be located about four miles south of their existing complex.

What is Universal Studios New Theme Park?

Branded Universal’s Epic Universe, the new park will be built near the Orange County Convention Center and promises to bring millions of new visitors from all over the world to Orlando. Recognizing the increased demand for transportation and logistics that will bring to the area, Universal has already committed $160 million to expand Kirkman Road south to Universal Boulevard in order to relieve traffic congestion approaching and entering the new park.

The Epic Universe Announcement …

According to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, “Our new park represents the single-largest investment Comcast NBCUniversal has made in its theme park business and in Florida overall. It reflects the tremendous excitement we have for the future of our theme park business and for our entire company’s future in Florida.”

Universal Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Williams announced “Epic Universe will add 14,000 new jobs to the area in order to staff its entertainment center, hotels, shops, and restaurants.”

There’s no doubt this will be a major new tourist attraction and a boon to the Central Florida economy. One that could change the landscape of the theme park industry for years to come.

What will be at Universal’s new theme park Epic Universal?

Aside from officially announcing that construction is underway, Universal is staying mum about specifics. Williams added, “We are all battling for the time of visiting guests to come to our location. Frankly, to share the details of what we have in mind with the competition is something that we have no interest in doing.”

Williams would not provide a projected opening date, but in what could be interpreted as a pun directed towards Disney, quipped “I can guarantee you that it is going to be epic. And the last that I heard, a universe is a little bit bigger than a world.”

What rides will be at Universal Studios New Theme Park in Orlando?

If you’re a theme park enthusiast as we are, your thoughts immediately start to imagine what mammoth roller coasters, attractions, and other new rides await to excite and test your adrenaline limits.

According to OrlandoParkStop.com, and these are all just rumors at this point, there are a lot of possibilities on the horizon. Based on patents filed for new ride techology, along with concept art that has been released by Universal, it’s being speculated that the new park could include a World of Classic Universal Monsters featuring Dracula’s Castle and Frankenstein’s Windmill among othe ghoulish attractions. This section is also thought to showcase a major new

“High Tech Dark Ride” and may even include a “Walk-Through” attraction for those really brave.

In addition to the Monsters, it’s also rumored that Epic will include a Super Nintendo World featuring a roller coaster spirited by the Donkey Kong Country games where riders will cruise along the track in mine carts that will seem to be “jumping over gaps” just as in the game. Now that would be hair raising!

Nintendo at Universal Orlando New Theme Park

Perhaps the Nintendo attraction drawing the most attention is the Mario Kart, another high-tech dark ride that is thought to feature two tracks running side by side in order to simulate a race.

For the family, the park is also thought to include the Mushroom Kingdom, where the kiddos get to take a ride through the park on a Yoshi.

How to Train Your Dragon Ride

According to concept sketches, the park could also contain How to Train Your Dragon and Fantastic Beasts sections, along with a Dueling Launch Coaster.

With rumors like this, we can’t wait to follow this “epic” journey to see what transpires next!

One thing’s for sure .. There will be more visitors coming to Central Florida than ever before!

When planning your next trip or vacation to Orlando, Kissimmee, or Davenport, please take a moment to view OVH 360‘s entire selection of vacation rental homes available at: www.OrlandoVacationHomes360.com

After all … Why stay in a crowded hotel room when you can enjoy the space and amenities of a vacation rental home for about the same price or even less?

This article is brought to you courtesy of Orlando Vacation Homes 360. Thanks for reading and enjoy your visit to Orlando!

The post The Journey Begins for Universal’s New Epic Universe Theme Park appeared first on Orlando vacation home rentals near Disney. Orlando vacation rentals.

It’s hard to believe we’re even saying “2020” but it’s literally right around the corner for our 202 Citrus Bowl projection! With it comes another incredibly exciting bowl season that will feature 40 games culminating with the National Championship to be played on January 13 in the Big Easy. This is one of Orlando’s top events.

Which brings us to the business at hand for the 2020 Citrus Bowl projection. ­ This is OVH 360’s annual tradition of attempting to project which teams will compete in the Citrus Bowl! The Citrus is Orlando’s New Year’s Day showcase game that brings thousands of fans to central Florida to watch the game, enjoy the theme parks, and hopefully even squeeze in some golf and tennis.

Last year, the Kentucky Wildcats bested Penn State in a 27-24 thriller. This year promises to bring us another exciting matchup.

VRBO Citrus Bowl 2020

The VRBO Citrus Bowl will be played on Wednesday, January 1 in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. ABC will televise the game beginning at 1:00 EST.

As we mention each year, the Citrus Bowl is usually a matchup between two of the top teams from the SEC and the Big Ten. In some years, there’s also a scenario where it could be the SEC versus an ACC team.

ACC Teams Citrus Bowl

As set forth per the bowl guidelines, “an ACC team can be invited in the event a Big Ten team is assigned to play in a “non-semifinal” Orange Bowl. In that scenario, the Citrus Bowl would play host to “the top non-CFP selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference against the top non-CFP selection from the SEC.”

This year’s semifinal games will be played on December 28 in the Peach Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl (not the Orange Bowl). Accordingly, that does leave the door open for an ACC team to receive an invitation to the Citrus Bowl in the event a Big Ten team accepts an invite to play in the Orange Bowl. For us, that means we will need to focus our attention on all three conferences – the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten.

The logical thing to do is start at the top. While there’s never a sure thing in any sport, we are going to be “limons” here and take the top projected teams from each conference out of the equation. In the SEC, that would be Bama. ACC would be Clemson. Many figure these two giants will once again meet up in the championship game, where the Tide hopes to get some revenge from last year.

Big Ten Citrus Bowl

As usual, the Big Ten is evenly split between Ohio State and Michigan supporters who believe their team will reach the Rose Bowl. However, there’s always the chance that the Big Ten Champ could also find their way into one of the semifinal games.

Two other teams that are getting a lot of press to make the “final four” are Georgia and Oklahoma. The Sooners are in the Big 12 conference, so no need to include them as a potential Citrus Bowl player, although they could certainly play a role in who is, in the event they were to take one of the semifinal spots away from an SEC or ACC team.

2020 Citrus Bowl Scenarios

There are plenty of scenarios to consider from here. For our purpose, we need to focus on the likely second and third-place finishers from each conference and try to predict which two of those will pair up in the Citrus Bowl.

In the SEC, Georgia is likely to be a hot commodity come Bowl Selection day. Thought by many to have the best O-Line in the country, ’dem Bulldogs just may prevail in the SEC championship game. Even so, it’s a high probability that both Georgia and Alabama would still make the semifinals. The Tide won’t get left out of the playoff picture unless they were to get really thumped by the ‘Dogs.

SEC East

In the SEC East, Florida improved drastically last year with a 10-2 season. In the SEC West, LSU also finished strong with a 10-2 record. Both fan bases are expecting big seasons this year. While we feel there is a steep drop after Georgia and Florida in the East, there are three other teams in the West that figure to have a say in “who goes where.” Those being Auburn, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State.

Sugar Bowl

Typically in the bowl “pecking order,” the Sugar Bowl will have the first pick among SEC teams after the semifinal games are announced. That will probably come down to either Florida or LSU. There are some projections that have LSU playing Texas in the Sugar Bowl. That would certainly be interesting, and it would also be a rematch, since the teams will play each other on September 7. Consider that an “early-season bowl game.”

Geographically speaking, the Sugar Bowl would love to host the Bayou Bengals against anybody from the Big 12, whereas the Orange Bowl, Citrus Bowl, or Outback Bowl would roll out the carpet for the Gators. It doesn’t always work out that way though – LSU will square off against Florida in conference play on October 12 in Tiger Stadium. That game will have major implications on who ends up in the Sugar Bowl.

Big 10

Let’s turn our attention to the Big Ten. After Michigan and Ohio State, the rest of the conference figures to be a cluster with Nebraska, Mighigan State, Iowa, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin all projected to win 7-8 games this season. Throw a dart. The big question again here is if either Michigan or Ohio State does sneak in to the playoff picture, that would send the second-place finisher to the Rose Bowl. Typically the Big Ten runner-up has an inside track to the Orange Bowl, depending on what kind of season Notre Dame has, or if there’s a top-tier SEC team to be had. Either way, we don’t feel the Wolverines or the Buckeyes will end up in Orlando.

In the ACC, Clemson is still the King, but both Miami and Virginia Tech figure to be “tough outs.” NC State, Florida State, and Wake Forest will likely make up the next tier, all projected to win at least 7 games.

That said, we believe the Big Ten will have a stronger field of teams for the Citrus Bowl committee to choose from, resulting in another SEC-Big Ten matchup.

The 2020 Citrus Bowl Prediction is…

Drum roll, please … After much consideration and a dart throw for our 2020 Citrus Bowl projection… OVH 360 officially picks the Florida Gators and Nebraska Cornhuskers to square off on in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day!

Much consideration was given to Miami, given the ACC tie-in this year. However, the ‘Canes and Gators open the season against each other on August 24, so we shied away from a potential rematch.

The coaching scenario – Former UCF coach Scott Frost returns to Orlando, this time at the helm of the Cornhuskers, where they will do battle with Dan Mullens’s Gators.

This year, we’re even going to pick the winner: Citrus Bowl 2020. Chomp Chomp!

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