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Universal Orlando Resort Expands Mardi Gras Experience with Food, Beverage Offerings Across its Eight Hotels

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Shrimp Po' Boy with Zapps Chips, served at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Photo: NBCUniversal.
Shrimp Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie, served at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Photo: NBCUniversal.

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:
  • Five-night hotel accommodations
  • 3-Park, 3-Day Park-to-Park + 2-Days Free Ticket to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay
  • Savings of $650 when staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required, select attractions.

For more information on the “Save $650” vacation package and Universal Orlando hotels, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

Travel and Tourism

Avelo Airlines Expands Lakeland Service with New Nonstop Flights to Nashville

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LAKELAND, 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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Travel and Tourism

Avelo Airlines Extends Florida Flights to Labor Day 2025 with $49 Fares

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CENTRAL FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – Avelo Airlines has announced an exciting extension of its Central Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025, giving travelers more opportunities to explore top destinations with affordable fares. Customers can now book flights from Lakeland (LAL), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA) for travel through September 2, 2025.

Travelers can take advantage of one-way fares starting at just $49, making summer vacations or weekend getaways more accessible than ever. Reservations can be made at AveloAir.com.

Statements from Avelo Airlines

“Central Florida – It’s time to start planning summer travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Florida flight schedule through Labor Day 2025,” said Trevor Yealy, Avelo Airlines’ Head of Commercial. “With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, now is the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their summer vacations or long-weekend getaways. Avelo offers somewhere for everyone – from award-winning beaches to outdoor adventure destinations, to cultural and entertainment hotspots and more.”

Available Central Florida Routes

From Lakeland International Airport (LAL):

  • Boston / Manchester, N.H. (MHT)
  • Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA)
  • Nashville, Tenn. (BNA)
  • New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
  • Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
  • Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)

 

From Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa International Airport (TPA):

  • New Haven, Conn. (HVN)
  • Philadelphia / Wilmington, Del. (ILG)
  • Wilmington, N.C. (ILM)

 

Extended Schedules at Other Airports:
Avelo Airlines has also extended its flight schedule through Labor Day 2025 for Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).

What’s Next for Avelo Travelers?

With the extended schedule, travelers can start planning trips to a variety of destinations offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to cultural and entertainment experiences. Avelo’s commitment to low fares and reliable service makes it easier than ever to lock in summer plans well in advance.

t

FUN FACT: Hello, Avelo!

For those wondering, Avelo is pronounced UH-VELL-O, rhyming with “yellow” or “jello.”

________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Travel and Tourism

CFHLA PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulate election night winners in the City of Orlando races, and Florida House District 35 primary race

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association (CFHLA) PAC and PC Board of Directors congratulated the winners of the City of Orlando races, as well as the primary election winner of the open Florida House of Representatives, District 35.

This includes City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer; Tony Ortiz, City Commissioner, District 2 (unopposed); Patty Sheehan, City Commissioner, District 4; Bakari F. Burns, City Commissioner, District 6; and Erika Booth (R), Florida House of Representatives, District 35.

Each of the winners were endorsed by the CFHLA PAC and PC.

“CFHLA PAC and PC would like to congratulate all of our endorsed candidates, who truly understand the importance of tourism and the positive impacts it has on our community,” said Jay Leonard, General Manager of the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area, and the Chairman of the CFHLA PAC and PC. “We targeted these elections as the top races for the hospitality industry and we look forward to working with each of these pro-hospitality champions, as we ensure that our region remains the best place to work, play, live and visit.”

Robert Agrusa, President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association went on to say, “CFHLA looks forward to working with Mayor Dyer and the rest of the Orlando City Commission, as we advance policies that will continue to provide a positive economic impact and support for the employees of the hospitality industry, as well as the entire Central Florida region. Additionally, each of these leaders are willing to face the challenges confronting our community and are focused on providing transportation and workforce housing solutions that will improve the quality of life for all residents of our community.”

Currently a member of the Osceola County School Board, Ms. Booth has now advanced to the General Election that will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association’s mission is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service. As the largest regional lodging association in the United States, CFHLA represents approximately 80 percent of the more than 129,500 hotel rooms in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and more than 500 “supplier” organizations that do business with the hospitality and tourism industries.

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