Things To Do In SW Florida

More monster-related details have emerged about Universal Horror Unleashed, the year-round haunt set to open in Las Vegas later this summer.

The attraction, created by Orlando-based Universal Destinations & Experiences, will feature four mazes a la Halloween Horror Nights, as well as themed bars with craft cocktails and a retail location, at the AREA15 entertainment complex.

In the Universal Monsters house’s storyline, visitors will see the mausoleum of monster hunter Van Helsing, the Mummy’s tombs, Castle Dracula and the lab home of Frankenstein’s monster and his bride.

“You get to follow Van Helsing as he battles all of your favorite classic monsters,” show director Nate Stevenson said in a promotional video for the attraction.

“Costuming and makeup have always been a key part of telling the Universal monsters’ stories,” said Lorelei Lee, production manager. “The more details that we’re able to put into these costumes and makeup, the richer the character becomes and the scarier they will be for all of our guests to encounter.” read more

Orlando Science Center is preparing for this weekend’s two-day Make Fest, an event that centers on crafting and mastering the art of tools.

The sessions will include interactive workshops and local artisans presenting handcrafted goods.

Participants may meet makers from Burning Designs Creations, Wonderly Co., Black Bee Honey, Love Club Labs, Black Lab Soapery, Florida Dairy Farms and others. They will share their work and stories during the weekend. The museum lists activities such as 3D modeling and designing a paper roller coaster as possibilities.

Hands-on projects and storytime session for children will be held at Kidstown’s Creative Corner at the science center. Also available will be “Robots,” a 40-minute National Geographic film that focuses on emerging technologies.

Make Fest is included with regular admission to Orlando Science Center. Tickets are $31 ($24 for ages 2-11). Operating hours Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets, go to OSC.org.

Disney dates: When Epcot’s Test Track reopens but the Boneyard bows out read more

Q: My condominium is charging me $8,000 to repair a leak they claim originated from my unit.  They sent the assessment in a letter without even discussing it with me. The leak wasn’t from my unit because I also had slight water damage where water leaked through my ceiling, leaving a stain, which they would have known if they had contacted me. I shouldn’t have to pay for something that was not my fault. What can I do? — Jane

A: Disputes with condominium associations can be frustrating, especially when dealing with unexpected or unjustified charges. It’s essential to approach the situation methodically and with a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. While laws and regulations vary depending on where you live and the governing documents of your association, the steps for addressing these issues are generally consistent.

The first step is to review your condominium’s governing documents, such as the bylaws, declarations, and rules. These documents outline the responsibilities of both the association and individual unit owners. Pay close attention to sections regarding maintenance, repairs, and assessments. In many cases, the association is responsible for common areas, while unit owners are responsible for repairs within their own units. If the leak originated from a common area, such as the roof or shared plumbing, the association may be responsible for the repairs, not you. read more

It was technique, says two-time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Mina, that distinguished Bourbon Steak nearly 20 years ago when the first location opened in Scottsdale, Arizona.

That and fun.

At the time, Mina was known mostly for AQUA, his then two-Michelin-starred venue on the West Coast. Mina wanted to shatter that formality a bit.

And so instead of something staid-and-steakhouse like a bread basket, he debuted a trio of duck fat fries. Customers received the crisp, complimentary welcome of “three different flavors of french fries with three different sauces, right when they sit down.”

Guests of Bourbon Steak’s new 10th location, set to open midsummer at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, will be greeted in the same savory manner. The venue will replace Shula’s Steakhouse, which closed its doors on June 15 after a 25-year run.

“It’s what people have found at Bourbon Steak from the beginning: that we always wanted to have a little fun with it.”

The Swan and Dolphin says Mina, who’s been cooking in Vegas for nearly 30 years, is an ideal location for Bourbon Steak for some similar reasons. read more

Royal Caribbean is giving three of its ships face-lifts with revamped pool decks, new dining options and modernized amenities — including Port Canaveral-bound Harmony of the Seas.

The company’s third Oasis-class ship, which entered service in 2016 and is set to arrive in Florida in August 2026, will feature a new Caribbean-inspired pool deck, a refreshed adults-only solarium, laser tag, arcade upgrades and fresh dining options: The Lime & Coconut, El Loco Fresh and Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. Upgrade plans also include new ways to stay like the Ultimate Family Suite and an expansion at the largest Casino Royale in the company’s fleet.

Harmony was the first Oasis-class ship to incorporate the 10-story twisting dry slide The Ultimate Abyss. In addition, the ship boasts three high-speed waterslides, a zip line, FlowRider surf simulators and the Bionic Bar with robotic bartenders.

Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum-class ship which entered service in 2016, will receive a refreshed pool deck with private casitas, a new whirlpool, the Pesky Parrot bar and accommodation upgrades such as the Ultimate Family Suite and Panoramic Suite. Liberty of the Seas, a Freedom-class ship that debuted in 2007, will return to service with the Royal Escape Room experience, a reimagined pool deck with more casitas, The Lime & Coconut, a new-to-ship Starbucks and new dining options at El Loco Fresh and Izumi Teppanyaki. read more