The Sunshine State is rich in pro-wrestling history and this new convention, put on by the folks behind the Championship Wrestling from Florida fanfests, paid homage to many of the leading lights of classic Florida wrestling. Holding court over the April weekend were big names from the past like One Man Gang, Stan "The Lariat" Hansen, Jack Victory, Missy Hyatt, Ron Simmons, Abdullah the Butcher and Mad Maxine — telling stories, signing autographs and whooping it up. Orlando treated them like champs.
April 20, 2024
OUT Sports offers an inclusive league for Orlando locals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum (including straight allies) who want to get involved in recreational soccer, dodgeball, kickball, volleybal, or even cornhole (100% NOT a sport, but FINE). Let's face it, if you're LGBTQ+, it's hard not to have a sort of lingering concern about judgment from peers if you're not straight-passing or cis. Maybe you've had a bad experience (gym class trauma?), or are someone who keeps up with the news and sees that it's a difficult time for queer people in Florida right now. OUT offers a place where you don't have to worry about that, offering what is really just a critical baseline of solidarity for adults who just want to Do a Sport.
1304 E. Washington St., outsportsleague.com
Universal Orlando introduced a flood of summer entertainment this year — including the nostalgic Mega Movie Parade and superb "DreamWorks Imagination Celebration" — but none flew higher than their new nighttime spectacular, "CineSational: A Symphonic Celebration," which features 600-plus choreographed drones amid the fireworks and fountains. After all the wartime news reports of drones causing devastation, it's heartwarming to see Universal's fleet forming friendly faces like E.T. in the sky instead.
6000 Universal Blvd., universalorlando.com
A hidden gem of the Orlando lakes! Downtown Sanford is a constant buzz of activity these days, full of delightful spots and special events that lend themselves to a perfect treat-yourself day. But sometimes, we need a break from the hustle and bustle. We've ended up here on multiple occasions — sometimes taking a quick break from an event, sometimes making a special trip — to escape the crowds, read a book or simply gaze out onto the water.
Disney ruffled some fans' fur by overhauling "Country Bear Jamboree," the iconic Magic Kingdom animatronics show that spiritually spawned Chuck E. Cheese and Freddy Fazbear. Swapping beloved but borderline-inappropriate ditties like "Blood on the Saddle" for Nashville-ized Disney tunes could have made "Country Bear Musical Jamboree" the worst makeover since "Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management." Instead, Imagineering satisfied fans with a pun-filled script that captures the original's essence, and a toe-tapping soundtrack; Big Al's bawling "Remember Me" is a banger. Sporting rebuilt robots that look better than ever and a lobby filled with fan-service Easter eggs, we'll hopefully be bearing with this new Jamboree for another 50-odd years.
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, disneyworld.disney.go.com
