It's Friday, Orlando. Similar to yesterday, we’ll see a mix of sun and clouds this AM, leading to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening ☔️ Highs will be around 92. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Disney's $17B Expansion Fuels Theme Park Rivalry

• $1.36M Art Initiative Aims to Revitalize Downtown Orlando

Let’s dive in.

THEME PARKS

Disney's $17B Expansion Fuels Theme Park Rivalry

The Big Picture: Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) have reached a 15-year development agreement that sets the stage for a major expansion in central Florida, highlighted by Disney's $17 billion investment.

Why It Matters: This deal promises “significant capital improvements” and could lead to the construction of a fifth major theme park, among other developments, boosting both the local economy and tourism.

Details:

• The agreement will allow Disney to potentially build two additional minor parks, increase retail and restaurant space by 20%, and expand hotel capacity by over 30% to around 53,000.

• CFTOD Vice Chair Charbel Barakat emphasized the agreement’s role in providing economic stability and development, calling the impact "immeasurable."

Disney's Take: Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, highlighted the economic and experiential benefits of the deal. "This new development agreement paves the way for us to invest billions of dollars in Walt Disney World Resort, supporting the growth of this global destination, fueling the Florida economy, and allowing us to deliver even more memorable and extraordinary experiences for our guests," Vahle said.

The Competitive Landscape:

• Disney's expansion comes as Universal Orlando is significantly increasing the size of its Epic Universe, set to open in summer 2025.

• Park blogger John Saccheri noted the competitive atmosphere between Disney and Universal, stating, "I definitely think there’s a war. Don’t let anybody tell you there’s not. There’s definitely a nice fight going on."

What’s Next: While specific timelines for Disney’s projects haven’t been disclosed, the agreement signals a significant commitment to enhancing the resort's offerings and staying competitive in the theme park industry.

Read more here (Fox 35 Orlando)

ON THE DOCKET

What’s Happening this Weekend?

1. Aventura performs @ The Kia Center on Friday and Saturday night

2. Aquatica is hosting its after-hours AquaGlow event on Friday from 8-11pm

3. Orlando City faces LA FC @ Inter&Co on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.

4. The Silversun Pickups are @ House of Blues Sunday for an 8pm show.

DOWNTOWN

$1.36M Art Initiative Aims to Revitalize Downtown Orlando

The big picture: Orlando’s Downtown Development Board is aiming to transform downtown into a vibrant hub through a $1.36 million arts initiative. This effort seeks to enhance the appeal for residents, workers, and visitors.

What's happening: The yearlong program, announced by the Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency in partnership with United Arts of Central Florida and others, will feature over 800 performances and events in various downtown locations.

Details:

• Performances will occur during lunch hours and "gap time" between 4:30 and 7 p.m., mainly on weekdays but also during weekends.

• Key spots include Luminary Green Park, Church Street Plaza, Heritage Square Park, Wall Street Plaza, and City Hall Plaza.

• Strategic scheduling aims to attract a variety of audiences, including families on Saturday mornings at Lake Eola Park's Walt Disney Amphitheater.

The goal: The investment aims to reinvent downtown post-COVID and boost pedestrian traffic, benefiting local businesses by increasing footfall. Funding from the project supports artists, ensuring their continued presence in Central Florida.

A Few Highlights:

• Creative City Project will contribute six large-scale art pieces throughout the year. The first, a "Wizard of Oz"-themed rainbow arch, is currently being built. Upcoming installations include neon-colored inflatable pigeons.

• The Downtown Arts District will fill vacant storefront windows with art and expand monthly Third Thursday events, which feature music and performances.

Bottom line: Orlando's arts initiative is not just about entertainment but also about revitalizing downtown, enhancing safety, and promoting a vibrant community environment.

Read more here (Orlando Sentinel)

QUICK HITS

In Other News…

1. Gov. DeSantis signed a $116.5 billion state budget with increased funding but also nearly $1 billion in vetoes.

2. $9.4 million initiative in Central Florida seeks to address youth homelessness through housing assistance, drop-in centers, and other support services.

3. A car submerged in downtown’s Lake Lucerne has been removed.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s edition of the newsletter. See you back here on Monday.

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