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Welcome to The Orlando Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Orlando Downtown Businesses Need More Foot Traffic.

• Developer Plans Two Hotels Near Orlando Venues

• A deep-dive into the life of Walt Disney

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

- Edmund Burke

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Orlando golf course is famous for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a key event on the PGA Tour?

A) Bay Hill Club & Lodge

B) Dubsdread Golf Course

C) Orange County National

D) Grand Cypress Golf Club

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Orlando golf course famous for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a key event on the PGA Tour, is A) Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

News

💼 Business

Downtown Orlando business owners say foot traffic needed. (link)

Here's what's next for SunRail DeLand expansion. (link)

New electric shuttles proposed for downtown Orlando. (link)

Orlando company Blaq Luxury Hair revenue grows 80%. (link)

🏒 Sports

Developer planning 2 Parramore hotels near Orlando sports venues. (link)

First Look at Tom's Watch Bar Orlando Location On International Drive. (link)

Elevated rooftop spot Tom's Watch Bar is now open on International Drive in Orlando. (link)

Officials give final approval for downtown Orlando sports and entertainment district. (link)

🏦 Finance

100% of Orlando Red Lobster restaurant contents sold as auction closes. (link)

Orlando Sets Records with Build-to-Rent Homes, Ranking Among Top 20 Metros in the Nation. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🧘 Class with a Glass: Barre at the Bar
Tuffy's Music Box 200 Myrtle Ave Sanford, FL
Thursday, May 30th | 6:30 PM | (More Info)

🤼 NIght of Champions
Caribe Royale Orlando, ORLANDO, FL
Friday, May 31st | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏉 Orlando Predators vs. Washington Wolfpack
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Saturday, Jun 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Montgomery Drive Presents: Private Island and Pink Skies
Conduit 6700 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL
Tuesday, May 28th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Kaleigh Baker
Lil' Indies, Orlando, FL
Monday, May 27th | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤  Sexpill, Armor, Flask, and Rosary
Will's Pub 1040 North Mills Avenue Orlando, FL
Monday, May 27th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶  Catnap, Adolescence, Dream October, and Holyfield
Conduit 6700 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL
Monday, May 27th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎶 OCLS Storybook Fun
Orange County Library Alafaya Branch, FL
Friday, May 31st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Orlando with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Orlando Historical Events

Orlando International Airport Opens (1981) - Transition from McCoy AFB to a major civilian airport.

Orlando International Airport (MCO), the gateway to Florida's world-renowned attractions, officially opened its doors to the public in 1981. This marked a significant transition from its former identity as McCoy Air Force Base (AFB), a strategic installation for the United States Air Force. The transformation of this military base into a major civilian airport was a visionary step aiming to accommodate the booming tourism and commercial growth in Orlando, home to Walt Disney World Resort among other major attractions.

The transition from McCoy AFB to Orlando International Airport was not only a name change but a complete overhaul of the facility's purpose and infrastructure. The military runways and facilities were repurposed and expanded to serve commercial airlines and their passengers. This change involved extensive renovations and new construction, including modern passenger terminals equipped with advanced technology for efficient processing and a comfortable experience. The airport was designed to handle the increasing volume of international and domestic flights, making it a crucial hub for travelers visiting central Florida.

Since its inception as a civilian airport in 1981, Orlando International Airport has become the busiest airport in the state of Florida and one of the busiest in the United States. Its design and operations have set benchmarks for airport functionality, passenger service, and aesthetic appeal. The airport's success is a testament to the foresight of transforming a military base into a cornerstone of commercial aviation. It serves not just as a point of entry and departure but as a welcoming gateway to the magic and adventure that Orlando offers to visitors from all around the globe.

Famous People From Orlando

Walt Disney - Although not an Orlando native, his vision fundamentally transformed the city with the creation of Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney: 1901-1966

Early Years and Ambitions (1901-1922)

Walt Disney was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1901 and spent much of his early life in Marceline, Missouri, a place that would inspire the idyllic settings of his future theme parks. From a young age, Disney showed an interest in drawing and painting, a passion that persisted throughout his life. Despite his family's financial struggles and his father's disapproval, Disney pursued his artistic ambitions with tenacity and vision.

The Birth of an Animator (1923-1928)

In 1923, Disney moved to Hollywood with little more than a camera and a few dollars. There, he and his brother Roy O. Disney set up a small studio. Disney's early attempts at animation, including the creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, were met with some success but also challenges, including the loss of control over Oswald. This setback, however, led to the creation of Mickey Mouse, a character that would become synonymous with the Disney name.

The Golden Age of Animation (1928-1941)

The advent of Mickey Mouse, beginning with the groundbreaking "Steamboat Willie" in 1928, marked the onset of the golden age of animation. Under Disney's leadership, the Walt Disney Studio introduced a host of beloved characters and technological advances in animation. The 1930s saw the debut of classics such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Disney's first full-length animated feature, which opened to critical acclaim and financial success.

World War II and Aftermath (1941-1950)

World War II ushered in a difficult period for Disney, with the company contributing to the war effort through the production of training and propaganda films. Post-war, Disney's studio faced financial difficulties but rebounded with new animated features like "Cinderella" (1950) and "Alice in Wonderland" (1951), as well as venturing into live-action films and television.

Creating Disneyland (1950-1955)

Disney's dream of building a theme park where children and adults could explore magical worlds together culminated in the opening of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955. The creation of Disneyland was a massive undertaking that faced skepticism and financial challenges, yet Disney's vision and storytelling prowess turned it into a place of wonder and innovation, setting the standard for theme parks worldwide.

Walt Disney World and the Florida Project (1955-1966)

Although not a native of Orlando, Walt Disney's ambitious vision for a new theme park in Central Florida would dramatically change the city and entertainment industry. The "Florida Project" led to the development of Walt Disney World Resort, a venture that Disney passionately pursued but would not live to see completed. His plans for Disney World included the ideas for EPCOT, a utopian city of the future that exemplified his interest in innovation and urban planning.

Legacy and Innovations (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Disney was an innovator, integrating storytelling with technological advancement. He pioneered developments in animation, including synchronized sound (in "Steamboat Willie"), Technicolor (in "Flowers and Trees"), and the multiplane camera technique (in "The Old Mill"). Disney's work earned him multiple Academy Awards and transformed the entertainment landscape.

Passing and Beyond (1966)

Walt Disney passed away in 1966, before the completion of Walt Disney World. His legacy, however, lived on through the company he founded, which continued to grow under the leadership of his brother Roy until its opening in 1971. Today, Walt Disney's name is synonymous with creativity, imagination, and innovation.

EPCOT and Continuing the Dream (1982)

Following Disney's death, the company continued to work towards realizing his vision for EPCOT, which officially opened in 1982 as EPCOT Center. While it differed from Disney's original concept of a futuristic city, it embodied his spirit of discovery and optimism about humanity's future, showcasing innovations in technology and international cultures.

The Disney Legacy Continues (Beyond 1966)

Walt Disney's influence extends well beyond the opening of Disneyland and Disney World. His company continues to innovate in animation, theme park design, and global entertainment. Disney left an indelible mark on American culture and the entertainment industry, transforming not just the way stories are told but how they are experienced globally.

Key Achievements of Walt Disney:

• Created iconic characters, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

• Pioneered innovations in the field of animation such as synchronized sound and Technicolor.

• Opened Disneyland in 1955, introducing a new concept in family entertainment and theme parks.

• Initiated the development of Walt Disney World, changing Orlando and the entertainment industry.

• Awarded 22 Academy Awards from 59 nominations, holding the record for most Oscars won by an individual.

Walt Disney was a visionary whose creativity, persistence, and innovative spirit transformed the entertainment industry and left a lasting legacy on global culture. His creation of Disneyland and the development of Walt Disney World redefined family entertainment, bringing his magical storytelling to life. Through his work, Disney reminded the world of the importance of imagination, perseverance, and the power of dreams.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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