MCO's Parking Upgrade

February 01, 2024

Good morning, Orlando! Notice I didn’t say “afternoon?” As mentioned on Monday, we’re giving Thursday’s issue a shot in the morning instead of afternoon to avoid email dogpiling.

In today’s Orlando Signal, Thursday (weekend fun) issue:

  • STEM Sells

  • EDOBOY

  • Bessie Coleman aviation adventure

  • + lots of weekend recs

🛑 If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to a friend. If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

Let’s roll!

- Philip

3 QUICK NEWS BITS ⏲️
People-First Parking Improvements Takeoff at Orlando International

Orlando International Airport is implementing a $9.6 million high-tech parking makeover aimed at easing passenger headaches. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board has approved plans for a new Parking Guidance System to be installed by June 2024.

Modeled after the smart parking tech used at Disney Springs, digital signs will show open spots and color-coded lights will indicate space availability. The airport also authorized hiring additional staff to improve curbside traffic flow for arrivals and departures.

CEO Kevin Thibault views these projects as part of a broader mission to leverage technology that enhances traveler satisfaction.

While $10 million represents a significant expenditure, Thibault believes improving the airport experience will pay dividends through increased business and enhanced reputation.

By utilizing innovations such as smart parking, Orlando International seeks to deliver convenience on par with top theme parks as it serves 55+ million passengers annually.

"STEM Sells" Say Student Innovators

A rapt audience of legislators observed a robot swirling on a table, created by Orlando students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs run by the Orlando Science Center.

Events like this annual STEM Day showcase such programs’ essential role developing future inventors and scientific pioneers in Florida, explained Jeff Stanford, Orlando Science Center’s Vice President and event organizer.

Interactive demonstrations, including 3d printing projects, illustrated how hands-on STEM curriculums cultivate skills critical for modern careers. Enthusiastic student participation also showed instructors’ power to motivate youth towards STEM futures – urgently needed as STEM contributes $447 billion annually to Florida’s GDP.

Stanford conveyed that these young minds, given proper education, can create innovations to transform health, environment and scientific understanding. But that requires expanded governmental support.

With the cheerful robot beeping behind Stanford, his message resonated: Florida’s future prosperity depends on current actions to nurture STEM talent.

Orlando Sushi Gem Rockets Up Yelp’s Top 100 List

A hidden 8-person sushi spot has captured the hearts and tastebuds of Yelpers nationwide. Orlando's EDOBOY Sushi rocketed to #44 on Yelp's Top 100 US Restaurants list just one year after its quiet opening behind the Cameo Theater.

Inspired by intimate standing sushi bars in Japan, EDOBOY recreates the experience in Orlando in Mills 50 "to bring back that authenticity to my hometown," says owner Sean "Sonny" Nguyen.

The quirky restaurant offers just 48 reservations per evening, with guests limited to 12 pieces of sushi over a strict 1-hour timeframe.

EDOBOY dazzles with nigiri, hand rolls and Aburi sushi crafted to order using "the freshest ingredients." While the entire menu shines, the Dynamite hand roll, Spicy Salmon roll with EDOBOY’s signature spicy edo sauce, and torched Sake-kewpie salmon nigiri draw particular praise.

Before parting, diners indulge in a Matcha S’more kissed with house-made matcha chocolate and marshmallow—a sweet capstone to a singular sushi experience months in the making.

WEEKEND SPOT HIGHLIGHT 🔦
MegaCon's Epic Guest List

📍Orange County Convention Center. 9800 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Map to this location.

🕐 Thursday 4 PM – 9 PM, Friday 10 AM – 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

Orlando’s epic MegaCon returns February 1st for another jam-packed 4 days of fandom at the Orange County Convention Center. The celebrity guest list reads like a pop culture who’s who - think Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, Michael J Fox, Geena Davis and dozens more icons from sci-fi, fantasy and anime.

Passionate fans can get their fill across 120 hours of panels, meetups, tournaments and contests celebrating all things comics, movies and TV.

With demand at an all-time high, 4 day passes are going for $139, single day tickets start at $30, and the most coveted reunion panels are already sold out.

Yes, navigating the crowds and parking situation will be a heroic endeavor on par with Frodo trekking to Mordor. But for those who make the trip, the electric camaraderie and joyful frenzy of the Southeast’s biggest fan convention delivers an experience that’s nothing short of magic.

So grab your lightsabers and Doc Brown impressions – MegaCon 2024 is not to be missed!

TOP 3 4 FUN RECS FOR THE WEEKEND 🍊
The 9th Annual Orlando Whiskey Festival

📍Orlando Science Center. 777 E Princeton St Orlando, FL 32803. Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, February 3 · 7:30 - 10pm

Step into the prohibition era at The Orlando Whiskey Festival, an intoxicating event spiraling through the Orlando Science Center on February 3rd. This gala marks the 9th annual gathering for Florida's most fabulous whiskey connoisseurs and soon-to-be enthusiasts alike.

When the clock strikes 6:30pm, join exclusive VIP Speakeasy access to navigate nearly 100 unique bourbon, scotch and rye varietals before last call at 10pm.

At 7:30pm sharp, General Admission guests gain access to tastings, live music and a Cigar Lounge that would make Jay Gatsby green with envy.

Catered by Orlando's savviest restaurateurs, this ritzy event benefits The Lovely Project while attendees schmooze with distillery experts between decadent bites. Esteemed guests taste their way through a spirited night.


📍Enzian Theater. 1300 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 Map to this location.

🕐 Saturday, February 3rd, at 10:30am

Against azure skies, a hero emerges. Jack Absolute, dashing RAF pilot, artist in the air, swoops and soars to triumph once more. Yet as he returns to his Hurricane squadron’s base at Fontwell, greater turbulence awaits.

For there upon the tarmac stands Lydia—his first love, not glimpsed these long years. Two hearts race in tandem as day fades to dusky blue.

Laughter mingles with longing under summer stars as carburetors sputter and spirits soar. Yet when past and present collide, unforeseen hijinks launch Jack’s campaign for Lydia’s heart to hilarious new heights.

With the comic genius of the writer behind smash hit “One Man, Two Guvnors,” this joyous farce pays tribute to the daring pilots of 1940—the few who defended Britain’s skies against apocalyptic odds.

Featuring Caroline Quentin and Kelvin Fletcher amongst a stellar cast, see “Jack Absolute Flies Again”—and discover how even in our darkest hours, hope and humanity prevail.


📍The Orlando County Regional History Center. 65 E. Central Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32801. Map to this location.

🕐 Sunday, February 4, noon – 4pm

Bessie Coleman was born to fly. Though the odds were stacked against her as an African American woman in early 20th century America, Bessie would not let anything clip her wings. Defying adversity with courage and conviction, Coleman earned her pilot's license in 1921 - the first African American woman in the world to do so.

But Bessie didn't stop there. She had even bigger dreams - to establish a flight school for women and people of color. Tragically, her life was cut short in 1926 at the age of 34 when a freak accident during an aerial show sent her plane plunging to the ground.

Though gone too soon, Bessie Coleman opened the skies for generations of female aviators to come. The Orlando County Regional History Center invites you to celebrate her remarkable story.

Immerse yourself in hands-on activities and guided tours that bring Bessie Coleman's tale of triumph in the face of adversity to life.

Be inspired by this trailblazing woman who, though she had every reason to fail, chose instead to fly.


📍Lake Lucerne and 30 S. Orange Avenue. Map to this location.

🕐 Now through February 11th.

An enchanted forest of color has temporarily bloomed in downtown Orlando, where Prismatica, a wondrous interactive art installation, invites visitors to step into an urban kaleidoscope.

Twenty-five towering prisms, glimmering crystals over six feet tall, now stand watch over Lake Lucerne, refracting the Florida sunlight into countless dazzling hues.

Wander through this prismatic grove and glimpse the once mundane cityscape dancing with new life in shimmers of rose, azure, emerald, violet and every shade between.

Let imagination run as freely as the dancing prisms during Prismatica's limited downtown engagement through February 11th.

MORE WEEKEND HAPPENINGS 🎭 🥁 

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

ORLANDO WEATHER 🌤️

Friday

71🌡️ 50 | ⛅️ | Clouds to start, then sunshine returns

Saturday

70🌡️ 54 | ⛅️ | Nice with periods of clouds and sunshine

Sunday

66 🌡️ 56 | 🌧️ | Morning rain; otherwise, considerable cloudiness

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THANKS! 🙏

We’ll see you on Monday!

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal