Las Vegas and Orlando share a lot\u2014huge convention centers, sprawling resorts, nonstop tourism. It\u2019s looking like they\u2019ll have underground transit in common, too.<\/p>\n
Hey, In The Loop subscribers, it\u2019s Haley.<\/p>\n
Rumors began circulating last summer that the Boring Company might be expanding its operations to Central Florida. <\/p>\n
This week, Elon Musk\u2019s tunnel venture was chosen to design and build underground connections between Universal Orlando\u2019s theme parks, including the Universal Epic Universe<\/a>.<\/p>\n Teslas are lined up inside the Vegas Loop Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo\/Ty ONeil) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)<\/p>\n The firm is best known for its \u201cVegas Loop,\u201d where riders travel in Tesla vehicles through tunnels. <\/p>\n Following Wednesday\u2019s announcement<\/a>, News 6 followed up with a representative of Glydways, a collaborator with the Sunshine Connection Partners that lost out on the project. Brian Guttier said the big reason The Boring Company got picked was their ability to build tunnels much faster than usual.<\/p>\n The area surrounding Epic Universe has certainly evolved since the park\u2019s arrival, like the Kirkman Road extension<\/a> and the diverging diamond<\/a> on Daryl Carter Parkway.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Universal is also backing SunRail\u2019s planned Sunshine Corridor expansion.<\/p>\n Carnaval cravings \u269c\ufe0f<\/p>\n Velrasso Salmon at Universal Orlando Mardi Gras. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Last weekend, I attended a special kick-off event to Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval.<\/p>\n Food lovers visiting Mardi Gras can savor a diverse menu featuring dishes from over 40 countries, alongside New Orleans classics.<\/p>\n My favorite among the menu items that I tried is the velrasso salmon from Chile, brought fresh to the event.<\/p>\n I included interviews with the executive chef, show director, and new videos in my guide that you can find by clicking here<\/a>. Universal also just updated its concert lineup. <\/p>\n Going cashless \ud83d\udcb3<\/p>\n Volcano Bay drinks (Universal Orlando)<\/p>\n Universal Volcano Bay is going fully cashless. <\/p>\n Starting later this month, if you bring cash, just use the kiosks to load it onto a Visa prepaid card to spend inside the park. <\/p>\n Volcano Bay isn\u2019t the only major Florida theme park choosing to be cashless<\/a>. Time will tell if the entire resort will follow suit. <\/p>\n SeaWorld Orlando<\/a><\/p>\n Mana-\u2019team\u2019 effort \ud83e\udd6c<\/p>\n Rescued manatee at SeaWorld Orlando (United Parks & Resorts)<\/p>\n Another rescued animal is now in SeaWorld Orlando\u2019s care. <\/p>\n After being trapped in a storm drain for possibly weeks, a manatee was transported from Brevard County to SeaWorld<\/a>. <\/p>\n SeaWorld said the young male manatee is now in a warm medical pool, moving around and starting to eat, with staff closely monitoring his recovery.<\/p>\n Rescue, rehab, return\ud83e\ude7a <\/p>\n SeaWorld Orlando rescue teams release three manatees back into the wild at Blue Spring State Park. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n Just days after SeaWorld helped rescue the Brevard manatee, they released a trio of sea cows into the wild at Blue Spring State Park.<\/p>\n CardiTee, Clawford, and Lilypad<\/a> were fitted with satellite tags for monitoring. Their release is part of a wider rescue effort supporting manatee survival and rehabilitation across Florida.<\/p>\n Winner winner, fin dinner \ud83d\udc96<\/p>\n Sharks underwater Grill and Bar at SeaWorld Orlando (McReynolds)<\/p>\n Forget roses and chocolates \u2014 at SeaWorld Orlando, romance comes with a side of sharks. <\/p>\n The theme park is once again offering a unique Valentine\u2019s Day date night, where couples can have a three-course prix fixe meal<\/p>\n At the time of this newsletter\u2019s publication, there were still reservation spots available<\/a>. <\/p>\n Walt Disney World<\/a><\/p>\n COMING SOON: Spring at EPCOT \ud83c\udf3c<\/p>\n 2023 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (WKMG)<\/p>\n Spring is knocking on the door at Walt Disney World.<\/p>\n Dates and details for the 2026 EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival<\/a> were dropped this week, including the top topiaries to look out for. <\/p>\n There\u2019s also the lineup<\/a> for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. <\/p>\n Blizzard beaching it\u2744\ufe0f<\/p>\n Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park reopens to guests on Nov. 13, 2022 offering arctic adventures and new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Frozen at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Courtney Kiefer, photographer) (Courtney Kiefer)<\/p>\n When one Disney water park closes, the other opens. <\/p>\n Blizzard Beach will reopen this President\u2019s Day weekend. Disney recently announced its seasonal water park pass. It has blackout dates, but also some decent perks<\/a>. <\/p>\n As always, keep me in the loop through my email<\/a> or reach out to me on X<\/a> or Instagram<\/a>. <\/p>\n See you next week. <\/p>\n – Haley<\/p>\n Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n