Travel and Tourism
Universal Orlando Resort Expands Mardi Gras Experience with Food, Beverage Offerings Across its Eight Hotels
Published
3 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Source: Universal Orlando Resort // Guests of Universal Orlando Resort’s eight spectacular hotels can keep the Mardi Gras party going with themed food and beverage options at select restaurants and bars throughout the properties – allowing them to enjoy additional mouthwatering flavors outside of the in-park festivities taking place at Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval. Here is a look at what guests can enjoy at each hotel throughout the remainder of the Mardi Gras season, which continues through April 16:
Mardi Gras Meals & Drinks
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Trattoria del Porto
- Cajun Jambalaya Pasta – Shrimp, Smoke Sausage, Chicken, Onions, Peppers and Mushrooms in a Creole Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta
- Masquerade Cannoli – Mixed Berry Insalada
- The Thirsty Fish
- Boulevardier – Bourbon, Italian Liqueur, Fortified Wine
- Splendido Bar & Grill
- Mojito Lemonade – Vodka, Black Raspberry Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Raspberry, Mint
Hard Rock Hotel
- The Kitchen
- Bourbon Street Beignets – Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar
- French 75 – Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Champagne
- Velvet Bar
- N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders – Smoked Andouille Sausage, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, Cajun Remoulade, Toasted French Bread
- French 75 – Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Sugar, Champagne
- beachclub
- Hurricane – Rum, Grenadine, Pineapple and Orange Juice
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Islands Dining Room
- King Cake Pancakes – Lemon and Powdered Sugar Glaze, Spiced Walnuts
- Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
- Orchid – Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Violet, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pea Flower Float
- Tuk Tuk Market
- Chocolate Bomb – Choose from: Chocolate and Caramel with Spiced Pecan with Mardi Gras Purple, Green and Gold Décor, S’mores or Cookies and Cream
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
- Amatista Cookhouse
- Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie – Vegetables and Okra
- Strong Water Tavern
- Cucumber Hurricane Twist – Light Rum, Lime Juice, Midori, Sliced Cucumber
- New Dutch Trading Co.
- Traditional King Cake
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Galaxy Bowl
- Shrimp Po’ Boy with Zapps Chips – Crispy Cajun Fried Shrimp on a French Baguette, Topped with Creole Inspired Creamy Remoulade Sauce
- Laissez les bons temps Rouler Hurricane – Light Rum, Rum, Passionfruit Liqueur, Orange Juice, Lemon Juice, Grenadine; Served in a light-up souvenir Galaxy Bowl tumblr with straw. Refills will be $22 with the cup on Mardi Gras cocktail only.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- Bar 17 Bistro
- Crawfish Etouffee – Crawfish, Onions, Celery, Bell Peppers, Rice
- Urban Pantry
- Muffuletta Sandwich – Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Ham, Provolone and Swiss Cheese, Olive Salad
- Bar 17 Bistro & barVentura
- Hurricane – Dark Rum, Passion Fruit, Tropical Juices
- Sazerac – Rye Whiskey, Absinthe, Simple Syrup, Bitters
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn and Suites
- Beach Break Café
- New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice – Sauteed Shrimp, Worcestershire Sauce, Cajun Spiced Rice, Andouille Sauce
- Sand Bar
- The Endless Carnaval – Silver Rum, Spiced Rum, Passionfruit Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Dried Blackberries, Pineapple Wedge, Green Sugar Rim
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn and Suites
- Pier 8 Market
- New Orleans Cajun Roasted Chicken & Dirty Rice – Cajun Spiced Oven Roasted Half Chicken, Creole Rice, Andouille Sausage, Sweet Candied Bacon
- Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar & The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar
- The Endless Carnaval – Silver Rum, Spiced Rum, Passionfruit Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Dried Blackberries, Pineapple Wedge, Green Sugar Rim
Universal Orlando Resort guests can party beyond the bayou during Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval through April 16. The fan-favorite event takes place at Universal Studios Florida and features a dazzling parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations and star-studded live concerts on select nights.
For more information about Universal’s Mardi Gras, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/MardiGras.
Save $650 on a Five-Night Hotel and Ticket Vacation Package at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
When guests book their next vacation, they can take advantage of exclusive savings at Universal Orlando hotels by booking vacation packages. Right now, guests can save $650 on a five-night hotel and ticket package at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Additional hotels and savings are available. This limited-time offer is valid for booking from March 1 through May 3, and travel from March 2 through December 14. Click here to learn more.
Guests staying at a Universal Orlando hotel can take advantage of exclusive benefits – including Early Park Admission, allowing guests to access one of the three amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening, complimentary transportation to and from the parks, resort-wide charging privileges, and more. Plus, guests staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort receive free Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Save $650 on a Five-Night Hotel and Ticket Package | |
PACKAGE DETAILS | |
Save $650 on a Five-Night Hotel and Ticket Package | Includes the following benefits:
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For more information on the “Save $650” vacation package and Universal Orlando hotels, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.
Business
Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Base with Atlanta, Detroit Flights and Second Aircraft
Published
1 day agoon
November 12, 2025By
Willie DavidLAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.
The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.
Avelo’s new service lineup includes:
Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.
Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.
Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.
Food & Drinks
ICON Park Celebrates Florida Residents with Exclusive Dining, Drink, and Attraction Deals
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 23, 2025By
Willie DavidORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – ICON Park is showing love to Florida residents this fall with an array of exclusive savings across its restaurants, bars, and attractions — and Florida National News is spotlighting this vibrant International Drive destination for our foodies and drink lovers. From family outings to date nights, Floridians can savor great food, fun, and entertainment for less — all in one place.
Exclusive Florida Resident Offers
Participating ICON Park venues are offering limited-time perks for residents who present valid Florida identification. From meal specials and drink discounts to attraction savings, the deals vary by location — with some running through November 2025 and others extending into early 2026.
Dining and Drink Highlights
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ – Florida Resident Lunch Special: choose one of five dishes and a beverage for $15, Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., through Nov. 30.
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips – Enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages with a valid Florida ID. Valid all day, every day.
I Café De Paris – Take 15% off all items through Dec. 31, 2025.
Juan Valdez Café – Mix and Match Combo: 16 oz latte or chai with marble cake or cheese bun for $8.45, through Dec. 31, 2025.
Ole Red Orlando – Florida residents receive 20% off food and non-alcoholic beverages daily.
Uncle Julio’s Orlando – Get $5 off your meal with a $20+ purchase, valid daily through Feb. 2026.
The Winery and Tasting Room by Brewlando – Enjoy $5 Tosso Rosé and $5 pints (select choices) Monday–Friday, 3–7 p.m., with valid Florida ID.
Attraction Savings
Museum of Illusions Orlando – Admission $17.99 per person, Monday–Thursday through Nov. 20, 2025.
The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando & SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – Get $5 off admission for Florida Resident Tickets purchased online 24 hours in advance.
Orlando Slingshot – Receive $5 off ride admission through Nov. 20, 2025.
A Destination for Locals
“These offers are our way of saying thank you to the community that supports ICON Park year-round,” said Chris Jaskiewicz, CEO of ICON Park. “We’re proud to be a place where locals can relax, celebrate, and make memories — whether it’s grabbing a bite, catching live entertainment, or taking in the view from The Orlando Eye.”
ICON Park continues to be a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, offering free parking, free admission, and endless options for food, fun, and relaxation in a walkable setting.
For a full list of participating venues and offer details, visit:
ICONParkOrlando.com/deals-tag/florida-resident
_________________________________________________________________________________________
FNN Good News & Reviews | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Travel and Tourism
Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville
Published
8 months agoon
March 8, 2025By
Willie DavidLAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is soaring to new heights with the launch of its new nonstop route from Lakeland International Airport (LAL) to Nashville International Airport (BNA). Starting today, travelers can enjoy direct flights to Music City twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. To celebrate the new route, one-way fares start at just $45, available for booking at AveloAir.com.
Convenient & Affordable Air Travel from Central Florida
Avelo Airlines has rapidly expanded its presence in Lakeland, flying nearly 60,000 customers on over 500 flights since its inaugural service. The addition of Nashville marks the airline’s seventh nonstop destination from LAL, joining:
- Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
- Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
- New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing an easy and convenient travel experience. “Our Lakeland base offers Central Floridians easy access to air travel, especially for customers who value the convenience of a small hometown airport. With today’s launch of service to Nashville and our six other nonstop destinations, travelers can enjoy more time and freedom to explore wherever their journey takes them.”
Lakeland Leaders Celebrate Expansion
City officials praised Avelo’s continued investment in Lakeland’s commercial air travel:
- Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz: “We’re excited to see Avelo Airlines take off with such success! With strong community support, commercial air travel will continue growing at Lakeland Linder International Airport, and Avelo is leading the way with even more exciting destinations like Nashville.”
- Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse: “Avelo is spreading its wings in Lakeland, and I, like many residents, am thrilled about this new route to Nashville. We look forward to seeing Avelo’s continued growth in our community.”
- Lakeland International Airport Director Kris Hallstrand: “We are excited to welcome travelers from Nashville to Lakeland and Polk County, where they can experience all the wonderful attractions and opportunities our region has to offer.”
Boosting Central Florida Tourism & Economy
Avelo’s growing network is a major win for Central Florida’s tourism industry. Visit Central Florida Director of Marketing Mark Jackson highlighted the economic benefits:
- Increased tourism brings more revenue to Polk County businesses
- Nearly 42,000 jobs in Polk County were supported by tourism last year
- For every 159 visitors, one job is created
- Tourism savings: Each Polk County household benefits from nearly $1,000 in tax savings
“Thanks to Avelo Airlines, it is easier for travelers from around the country to experience Central Florida. We welcome Nashville to Polk County, where the real Florida magic happens,” Jackson added.
With affordable fares, convenient flight schedules, and easy access to major destinations, Avelo Airlines continues to reshape travel in Central Florida.
_______________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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