Rest your weary head in this “Clue"-themed bedroom — which doubles as an Escape Room where you can solve a mystery. | Photo via Airbnb
A recent report from RentCafe shows that Orlando is one of the newest millionaire rental hotspots. That inspired us to look around for some of the coolest luxury rentals in Orlando, and we’re pretty sure we found the best: The Great Escape Estate Lakeside.
10 acres + sleeps 45
34,000-gallon pool and lazy river, human foosball field + multiple sports courts
Themed rooms ranging from a Monopoly bedroom (the closet is a jail) to a “Jumanji” movie theater
Asked
Asked
What does your perfect accommodation look like?
A. A unique themed home like this one B. An amenity-packed resort by the water C. A cozy little cottage tucked away from it all D. A tiny home just for me
Yoga & Meditation | Monday, June 23 | 7-8 p.m. | The Veranda at Thornton Park | $15 | De-stress after the work day in this beginner-friendly outdoor yoga class.
Tuesday, June 24
Forgotten Broadway | 7 p.m. | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | $30+ | Some of Orlando’s top improvisers will take the stage as forgotten Broadway stars during this comedy show.
Wednesday, June 25
Blue Man Group | Wednesday, June 25 | Times vary | ICON Park, Orlando | $69+ | Three bald and blue men will take the stage with music, laughter, and a one-of-a-kind performance.
Thursday, June 26
Paint & Sip | 6 p.m. | Boxi Park Lake Nona | $48 | Your ticket includes a complimentary cocktail and all supplies needed for painting in the park.
Friday, June 27
Finally Food Truck Friday | 5-9 p.m. | Lake Eola Park | Cost of purchase | Grab dinner from a local food truck at the park and stick around for music from DTOLive.
Saturday, June 28
Great American Block Party | 4-10 p.m. | Lake Nona Town Center | Free | Think neighborhood block party, but bigger — enjoy food, games, live music, and a laser light show.
Plan Ahead
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Quarterfinal Matchup | Friday, July 4 | 3 p.m. | Camping World Stadium | $150+ | It might be too hot to don your scarf, but you can still cheer from the stands as clubs from across the world compete to be crowned champion.
We’re one step closer to getting a pedestrian bridge at the I-Drive intersection. Orange County commissioners approved a design study for the bridge, but full funding sources and final construction contracts haven’t been secured at this time. (Fox 35)
Open
New fine-dining spot Allure Restaurant & Lounge is now open in downtown’s historic Elijah Hand Building. The South Africa-based restaurant includes menu items like Creamy Tahini Carrot Soup + Chicken Roulade. (Orlando Business Journal)
Try This
EPCOT’s Test Track ride is set to reopen on Tuesday, July 22. The attraction closed several months ago for a redesign and will reopen with an all-new musical score and immersive scenes. (Orlando Magazine)
Mansion Monday
If you’re looking for a house with lots of character in downtown Orlando, this 4-BR, 4-BA Lake Cherokee listing is for you. The only downside? Your guests may get confused and think they left Orlando for the Italian countryside.
Stat
3.3%. That’s how much the price of bananas rose in May, according to Consumer Price Index data. The good news is that it’s watermelon season anyway, and you can find plenty at local farmers markets. And it could be worse — remember the $6.24 million banana duct taped to a wall? (Axios)
Eat
Nature is healing. After skipping last year’s Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest due to a contract dispute, Joey Chestnut will return to the 2025 competition. We think he should give our signature Orlando-style hot dog a try. (AP)
Luminescent features a different lighting scheme every day. | Photo via Luminescent
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting O-Town’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Orlando — plus, some spots coming soon.
Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
June openings
Luminescent, 12286 E. Colonial Dr. | Coffee + cocktails
This new hangout in the old Baguette Factory serves coffee by day and cocktails by night, plus street food-inspired bites.
May openings
Sparrow, 807 N. Orange Ave. | Wine bar and lounge
North Quarter just got its first taste of Chef Wendy Lopez’s menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Europe.
Phat Ash Bakes, 221 S. Bumby Ave. | Bakery What it says in the name — these are some big cookies. Plus, they have gift boxes.
Pom Pom’s Sandwiches, 212 W. 1st St., Sanford | Sandwich shop Pom Pom’s is back, baby. Favorites are back on the menu, plus some new surprises.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
In case you missed it, the ORLtoday and TBAYtoday teams are in the midst of a pretty intense debate over which city’s airport Instagram page is better. Obviously, it’s @flymco — but we need your help proving that.
