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Central Florida theme parks bring wave of new thrills in 2024

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Central Florida theme parks bring wave of new thrills in 2024


ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s iconic theme parks are gearing up for an extraordinary year as they prepare to unveil an exciting lineup of new experiences and attractions.

In 2024, visitors to Central Florida will see everything from new roller coasters to family attractions that will entice any thrill seeker’s bucket list.

See the list of attractions at each of the theme parks below:

Mama Odie to Appear in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Disney)

Starting off at Walt Disney World, the resort is set to debut the all-new “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” at Magic Kingdom in late 2024.

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This immersive experience will transport guests into the beloved story of Princess Tiana, offering a unique blend of new technology, storytelling and adventure.

Disney said Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to continue the story following the hit 2009 film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will follow Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and Louis the alligator through the bayou as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration. Walt Disney Imagineering has shared some of the research they have done to make sure the attraction is authentic as possible to the city and people of New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area. From the music guests will hear inside to the small animal critters along the ride track.

Country Bear Musical Jamboree (Disney)

Also at Magic Kingdom, a refreshed rendition of the beloved “Country Bears Musical Jamboree” is set to captivate audiences with its timeless tunes and lively animatronic characters sometime this year. Disney said on its blog that the new songs and act will pay homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Over at EPCOT, the much-anticipated “CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza” in World Celebration promises a futuristic and interactive experience, redefining the park’s commitment to innovation. The new additions will open alongside World Celebration gardens and Dreamers Point, which opened to the public in early December.

As the historic transformation of EPCOT nears completion, a plethora of new attractions and experiences bring the next generation of immersive storytelling to life for guests. Opening as a part of the new World Celebration neighborhood in EPCOT later this year, CommuniCore Hall will be a dynamic exhibition space that can transform with each new festival throughout the year. (DISNEY) (Disney)

Meanwhile, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is set to make waves at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the fall of 2024, immersing guests in Ariel’s enchanting underwater world. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also feature new adventures and characters in the iconic “Star Tours” attraction.

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Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Disney)

Universal Orlando Resort

DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida (WKMG)

Universal Orlando is set to introduce “Dreamworks Land” at Universal Studios Florida, bringing beloved characters from Dreamworks Animation to life in a vibrant and engaging environment. The new children’s area is currently under construction in the former KidZone area of the park.

Fans are also eagerly awaiting potential updates on the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, promising new realms of thrills and wonder.

See a previous story about Epic Universe in the video below.

SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica

Construction on new Penguin Trek roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are making a splash with the introduction of the “Penguin Trek” roller coaster and “Tassie’s Underwater Twist” slide in spring 2024. These exhilarating attractions promise to offer a unique blend of speed and aquatic excitement just in time for the spring break crowds.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

(Busch Gardens Tampa)

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to rise to new heights with the “Phoenix Rising” roller coaster, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers in spring 2024.

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Legoland Florida Resort

LEGO Ferrari Build and Race (Legoland Florida Resort)

Legoland Florida Resort is set to captivate younger visitors with the “Build and Race” experience, encouraging creativity and exploration in a dynamic and playful environment.

Additionally, the SEA LIFE Florida Resort, opening in fall 2024, will offer guests an all-new underwater adventure for marine enthusiasts.

Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday morning.

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.



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South Florida faith leaders call for Miami mental health center to finally open

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South Florida faith leaders call for Miami mental health center to finally open


On Monday, more than 800 faith leaders and community activists from across South Florida, crowded into the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami to demand the Miami Dade County Commission move forward with opening the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.

“Are we OK with being told to wait when lives are on the line?” said Quanda Dupree, of the St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church. “Or do we believe real accountability means keeping your word? Even when things aren’t guaranteed. We believe our communities deserve more than a delayed response. We deserve action.”

The center – which was promised to voters back in 2004 – would take mentally ill individuals out of the jail and move them into a place where they can receive comprehensive treatment and support. The county has spent more than $50 million renovating the building and two years ago, a pair of non-profit groups were selected to operate the facility while numerous local groups and agencies have pledged their support, including the Homeless Trust. Funding for the first two to three years of the center is already in place.

And yet, the center remains empty – not helping anyone.



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SNAP benefits will be changing in Florida starting Monday

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SNAP benefits will be changing in Florida starting Monday


New SNAP restrictions will start Monday in Florida.

What we know:

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These changes will ban the purchase of many sugary sodas, energy drinks, candy and ultra-processed, shelf-stable prepared desserts.

Hunger Free America, an advocacy group, is against these restrictions.

Joel Berg, the CEO, said some regulation is a good thing, but he wants to see it support access to healthy foods as a choice.

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“We do support mandates to mandate that healthier food is available in stores that do accept SNAP,” Berg said. “So, it makes a lot more sense to make it easier to get healthier food.”

Berg said these restrictions are unnecessary in achieving a healthier America.

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“We should make America healthier again by making healthy food more affordable, convenient and physically available,” Berg said. “We shouldn’t micromanage the eating patterns of adults to try to achieve that goal.”

The other side:

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This is part of the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “Under the MAHA initiative, we are taking bold, historic steps to reverse the chronic disease epidemic that has taken root in this country for far too long.”

What they’re saying:

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Berg said that these changes, on top of cuts to the program nationwide, will increase hunger.

“It’s not that low-income Americans don’t want healthier food; it’s that they can’t afford healthier food,” Berg said.

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This coincides with the announcement that there will be cuts to WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which supplies food to mothers and young children.

“President Trump’s budget just announced that he’s proposing taking away fruits and vegetables from the WIC program for pregnant women and children under five,” Berg said. “So, they’re taking away healthier food.”

The WIC cuts would take away $1.4 billion in fruit and vegetable benefits from 5.4 million people.

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Big picture view:

The SNAP changes come as part of the MAHA movement and include more than 20 other states that will implement changes over the next two years.

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The Source:  Information in this story comes from WIC, SNAP and interviews done by Fox 13’s Danielle Zulkosky.

Hillsborough CountyHealth



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GALLERY: Barrett-Jackson ‘Super Saturday’ takes over South Florida Fairgrounds

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GALLERY: Barrett-Jackson ‘Super Saturday’ takes over South Florida Fairgrounds


The engines are revving for one final day of high-stakes bidding and family fun at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction reaches its grand finale today with an action-packed “Super Saturday” lineup, promising to close out the weekend with a full slate of collector car sales, live entertainment, and fan attractions.

“Super Saturday,” presented by Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, officially kicks off at 8 a.m. when gates, food courts, and the exhibitor marketplace open to the public.

What to expect

  • 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: The Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge begins early, running in tandem with the automobilia auction in the arena.
  • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Thrill-seekers can catch Dodge thrill rides on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track.
  • 10:00 a.m.: New amenities open to the public, including the Stella Artois, Staging Lanes, and Food Court patios, which offer shaded seating and auction views.
  • 10:45 a.m.: The national anthem will be performed in the auction arena, signaling the start of the main collector car auction at 11 a.m.
  • Afternoon Entertainment: DJ sets run from noon to 5 p.m. across the various patios, and a detailing clinic by Adam’s Polishes is scheduled for 2 p.m. near the South Showcase.

For those unable to attend, the whole event will be livestreamed throughout the day on the Barrett-Jackson website and the HISTORY channel from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Today’s finale comes on the heels of a high-energy Friday that saw significant sales and notable celebrity interest.

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Star power was evident throughout the day, particularly with vehicles tied to the Busch family. A 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible owned by Samantha Busch and a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Custom Coupe were among the day’s heavy hitters, each fetching $159,500. Kyle Busch’s 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Coupe also drew a strong bid, selling for $143,000.

Other Friday highlights included:

  • 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor Replica: $137,500
  • 2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Mamba Edition: $132,000
  • 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Custom SUV: $126,500
  • 1957 Ford Thunderbird Custom Convertible: $121,000
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With a festival-style atmosphere and high-profile sales driving momentum, organizers expect a busy crowd for the final push at the auction block today.



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