Hi, I’m Luis!
I'm the founder of the Orlando Social Network (OSN). My wife Nicole and I moved to Orlando from Houston in 2020, originally hailing from Long Island, NY. We quickly fell in love with Orlando and knew it would be our new home.
As an adult in a new city, I realized making friends wasn't easy. Inspired by the connections I made through a weekly sand volleyball meetup in Houston, I decided to create something similar here. With help from apps like Bumble Friends and Meetup, I connected with others looking for friendship, and on October 27, 2023, OSN was born.
Today, we have an awesome team of 5 volunteer leaders who host a variety of events. From theme park adventures and restaurant outings to theater trips and outdoor excursions, we've got something for everyone. We even host virtual game nights on Discord for those cozy evenings in!
What makes OSN special is our focus on active participation. We encourage regular attendance and track event participation, creating real opportunities for members to form lasting friendships.
We're always growing and partnering with other groups to bring new experiences to our members. Whether you're new to Orlando or a long-time resident looking to expand your social circle, we'd love to have you join us. Together, let's explore Orlando, combat loneliness, and create a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome.
Ready to make new friends and have fun? Come join our OSN family!
Q&A with Luis!
1. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
If I could have dinner with any historical figure, it would definitely be Walt Disney. He’s not only a cultural icon but truly embodies the spirit of Americana. Walt was so far ahead of his time, with a vision and leadership style that brought out the best in those around him. It’s amazing to think that his name is now synonymous with magic from movies to theme parks all because he inspired people to pour their hearts into creating something extraordinary.
I’d love to ask him about the early days, how he kept pushing forward despite the odds, and how he inspired people to believe in his dream. I’d also ask him about the importance of staying connected to your roots, as he clearly did. His small hometown of Marceline, MO, still honors him to this day. Remembering where we come from is so important, and Walt’s story shows how much that shapes us and our dreams. Plus, I’d just love to hear about the “crazy” ideas he had that maybe never made it to the screen or parks!
2. What's your favorite local Orlando spot that you think more people should know about?
As much as I’d love to keep it a secret, my favorite local spot is definitely the Atlantic Dance Hall! I’ve had some of my best nights (and a few questionable ones - like fracturing my foot) there and met some of the most amazing people I still keep in touch with today. I’ve become a bit of a Saturday night regular, drawn by the lively atmosphere and the chance to dance the night away. Sure, sometimes the DJ might miss the mark, but it’s the people and the memories that make it unforgettable. There’s just something special about that place - it’s got the perfect vibe, and it always feels like home.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received about making friends?
Get out of your comfort zone! You’ll never make new in person friends sitting on the couch, wishing for connection. Getting out there is key: volunteer, join a social community, dive into an activity you love, or try something new. Never be afraid to say “hi,” and remember that not everyone’s always ready to connect right away. It’s not rejection; sometimes, people just need to see you around a few times to warm up. The biggest thing? Be patient. Friendships don’t happen overnight, and having expectations can set you up for disappointment. Focus on enjoying life, and you’ll naturally find people who want to share it with you.
4. If you could plan the ultimate OSN event with an unlimited budget, what would it be?
If I could plan the ultimate OSN event with an unlimited budget, we’d rent out an entire theme park, Disney World or Universal, for an unforgettable night just for OSN members, their family, and friends. Think unlimited food and drinks, but not your typical theme park fare! We’d have special dishes, unique cocktails, mocktails, and even an exclusive OSN popcorn bucket and sipper for everyone to take home. We’d throw in some friendly competitions, like a prize for the first to tackle three thrill rides, and set up special character meet-and-greets. Heck, even invite the characters to join us on the rides. To top it all off, we’d have a nighttime parade and an awesome fireworks and drone show that spells out “OSN” across the sky. It would be an incredible night that really celebrates this community in the best way possible!
5. What's the funniest or most memorable moment you've had at an OSN event?
The most memorable OSN event for me has to be our 1 year celebration potluck. It was our biggest event yet, and we had such a blast playing “Get-to-Know-You Bingo” and “Family Feud.” Everyone got involved, and the energy was incredible! The support from my leadership team was above and beyond, and seeing everyone come together and bring food to share really showed the strength of our community. It was a reminder of why we do this and inspired us to plan more events like it. Such an unforgettable day!