OPENING IN 2025

 

ATTRACTIONS

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Magic Kingdom Park debuted “Disney Starlight” on July 20.  This new nighttime parade features characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen” and more.
     
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, dozens of new and classic iconic villains will take the stage at the Sunset Showcase beginning May 27 for the all-new show, “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” Additionally, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the classic film will debut at the refreshed Animation Courtyard theater.
     
  • At EPCOT, the newly re-themed Test Track presented by Chevrolet debuted in July. The attraction now features new show scenes added to showcase the technological advances for guests to enjoy a joy ride through scenes focusing on onboard technology, customization and personalization. 
     
  • In winter 2025, The Tree of Life Theater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will debut an all-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!”  Families can join their favorite herd from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios movie including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for an exhilarating new wild story. 

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, debuted May 2025, transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences. Celestial Park, the first world guests will encounter, and the gateway to exploring the four additional worlds, will take guests on a journey of discovery and thrills as they wander through living gardens surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can take in the sights and sounds, board a shooting comet for a roller coaster adventure, dine, shop and more. Additional worlds include:
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series.
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.
  • Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery. 

SeaWorld Orlando

  • SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey, an immersive Arctic flying theatre experience, opened on May 9. The ride combines cutting-edge ride technology with real-world Arctic footage and face-to-face encounters with belugas, walruses, seals and more. Guests can also interact with animals when disembarking the ride, including beluga whales, seals and walruses.

Beyond the theme parks

  • Blue Man Group announced their new show will debut at ICON Park. The show will showcase Blue Man Group’s distinctive blend of art, high-energy live music, comedy and non-verbal communication. The custom-built theater, located beneath the Orlando Eye, will be designed for the group’s multi-sensory performances.
     
  • Hamlin House Paddle and Social Club, a new pickleball concept, will open in the SODO district in 2025. The new space will be a modern take on a social club with a special focus on the growing pickleball community in Orlando, featuring three indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts alongside elevated dining offerings.  
     
  • Sweet Tooth’s Candy Store has opened at Gatorland. This specialty candy store features more than 60 varieties of specially crafted chocolates, confections and specialty candies; hand-scooped Hershey’s brand churned ice cream; chocolate dipped fruits; giant lollipops; and bottled drinks.
     
  • The New Romantics, Orlando's first romance bookstore and Latina-owned shop, opened in Audubon Park’s Garden District. The shop features a wide range of romance genres and local gift items, along with various community events, including author signings, book releases parties, literature-oriented workshops and more.
     
  • Fun Spot America Theme Parks announced the addition of four new attractions across its two parks in Orlando and Kissimmee, including:
    • Fun Spot Orlando:
      • The Tea Cups, which will replace the park's existing version while still offering a classic family ride experience.
      • The MACH FUN tower ride, the tallest interactive 360 Flying Jet Ride in North America, where guests will experience barrel rolls and spiraling dives while spinning and soaring through the air.
    • Fun Spot Kissimmee:
      • A new SBF-Visa Group Swing Around ride designed for young guests, in the Kids Spot section.
      • Up and Overboard, a 60-foot inverted pendulum ride with twin gondolas, offering thrilling 360-degree spins and weightless sensations.
         
  • The Wekiva Wild River Tour launched an all-new guided scenic boat tour experience at Wekiva Island. The tour, offered daily, offers up to six guests a one-hour adventure on the Wekiva River, where they will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the river’s unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife aboard a custom boat featuring comfortable couches, river-inspired decor and more.
     
  • SEA LIFE Florida opened at LEGOLAND Florida Resort on May 23. The brand-new aquarium attraction features 25 interactive exhibits, including the main ocean display, which will showcase a unique "Theme Park Under the Sea" design.
     
  • Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new pickleball-centric food and entertainment concept backed by NFL stars, including Rob Gronkowski, opened in Kissimmee. The new concept features a full-service restaurant; large selection of self-pour beer, wine and mixed drink selections; arcade games; opportunities to enjoy a game of pickleball with 10 indoor courts; and more.
     
  • Level 99 will debut at Disney Springs, replacing the former NBA Experience. The two-story space will transform into an interactive adult obstacle course with over 50 physical and mental challenges, including a bar and restaurant featuring Detroit-style pizzas and beer.
     
  • Terra Play Center, a new indoor playground and café opened in Lake Nona. The immersive play facility, catering to children 6 months to 8 years old, allows caregivers the chance to unwind in an upscale café lounge setting while children can enjoy the playground, featuring dedicated sensory rooms, an infant area, rock walls, ball pits and slides.
     
  • Sandbox VR, an immersive virtual reality experience, opened July 25 with nine interactive adventures. Guests can use full-body motion capture to explore, battle and solve challenges in virtual worlds with adult and kid-friendly options.
     
  • Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit opened Titanic Kids Adventure Tour – The Cat, The Bear & The Boat on July 5. The unique tour, designed for children ages 5-11, takes visitors on an interactive scavenger hunt with stories of the Titanic’s design, real artifacts and a guided adventure map. Tours are held every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
     
  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will offer guests 20% off tickets as part of the zoo’s 50th anniversary celebration, July 4-6. Visitors can also explore the new, limited-time historical gallery in the Wayne Densch building featuring photos, milestones, memories and behind-the-scenes moments that trace the zoo’s journey from humble beginnings to Seminole County’s largest attraction.
     
  • City District Orlando Main Street, Launch That, RedTape Orlando and the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency unveiled Floral Odyssey, a bold new large-scale mural in Downtown Orlando. Featuring vibrant strokes, bright colors and artistic imagery representing childlike wonder and blooming possibilities, the mural invites passersby to pause, reflect and reignite their sense of wonder.
     
  • Orlando Watersports Complex debuted the Wave Rider, a thrilling surf simulator that combines soft-surface technology and flowing water. The summertime experience is available for a limited time as a partnership with Surf-Days, a leader in mobile surf experiences.

 

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Walt Disney World Resort

  • The Beak and Barrel, the all-new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, will open at Magic Kingdom Park’s Adventureland on August 29. The pirate pub’s menu will feature tasty options for pirates of all ages, as well as cocktails for guests ages 21 and up featuring a variety of spirits Inspired by flavors of the Caribbean and crafted into colorful cocktails. While guests sip and snack, they’ll be immersed in the Tortuga world through sing-alongs, storytelling and enchanting surprises.
     
  • EPCOT's new adults-only lounge, GEO-82, opened at Walt Disney World Resort. Located inside Spaceship Earth, this elegant venue offers sweeping views of the World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon. Guests can indulge in globally inspired small plates like Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau and Truffled Ahi Tuna, complemented by innovative cocktails such as the Brown Butter Old Fashioned and Clarified New York Sour.
     

Beyond the Parks

  • City Food Hall, a new dining concept in Ivanhoe Village, now lives in the same space previously occupied by the Hall on the Yard. The two-story space houses three eateries concocted by Danilo's Pasta Bar chef, DJ Tagalin, in partnership with Soseki's Michael Collantes - Chez Les Copains, a classic French brasserie; Asin, a Filipino chef's tasting counter; a reimagined version of Collantes' Taglish, which will have a new menu overseen by Tagalin; and additional vendors, including Ramen Takagi and EggDose.
     
  • Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The new intimate lounge, open on select nights to guests 21 and older, features a library-inspired theme and offers a variety of specialty, on-theme cocktails. Tickets are available for $75 each and include two drinks and gourmet bar snacks.
     
  • Acropolis Greek Tavera, a Tampa-based Greek restaurant franchise, opened in downtown Orlando on the ground floor of the Bank of America building. The menu features a fast-casual vibe with items like souvlaki, gyros and spanakopita, along with weekly Greek Nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
     
  • Cowboy Curry, a new concept specializing in scratch-made Japanese curry, will open inside Mills Market in 2025. Headed by chef William Shen of Sorekara and Zaru, the spot will feature Japanese wagyu (A4 and A5 grades), USDA Prime chuck and menchikatsu (or wagyu trimmings) with vegetable topping options.
     
  • Lorelei, a new wine bar named after the German siren of lore, opened on Thornton Ave. across the street from Edoboy. The 10-seat bar will feature a selection of German wines and a menu developed by chef Eric Norvelus, offering cheese and meat boards, duck prosciutto bruschetta, scallop carpaccio, blue crab cannolis, caviar enhancements and desserts.
     
  • Meat N' Bone, a South Florida-based premium butcher offering high-quality cuts of wagyu, beef and pork, opened in Audubon Park.
     
  • Phở Bar, a South Florida-based Vietnamese spot,opened a kitchen and bar on East Colonial Drive. The restaurant offers Asian-inspired craft cocktails, authentic Vietnamese dishes and signature homemade phở with daily noodles from scratch.
     
  • Rion's Ocean Room by Domu founder Sonny Nguyen opened at East End Market, serving traditional Hawaiian poke-by-the-pound and Japanese staple, fried wagyu cutlets. The casual seafood counter offers up to 12 varieties of fresh poke in spicy, shoyu and Hawaiian options, with a choice of plantain chips, tortilla chips or rice.
     
  • Saigon Snow, an all-new sweets shop modeled after dessert and fruit stands found in the streets of Saigon, opened in Mills Market. The new spot, overseen by renowned chef and winner of Top Chef Season 3, Hung Huynh, offers shaved ice bowls and smoothies in a host of South Asian flavors including mango colada, ube, coconut, Vietnamese coffee and more.
     
  • Turci Osteria Italiana, a new concept by Vinicius Turci of Turci Panino and Turci Pasta, will open at Maitland City Centre in mid-2025, promising a unique take on Italian cuisine.
     
  • Hui Lau Shan, an Orlando outpost of the Hong Kong-based dessert chain is expected to open in 2025. The shop, with locations all over the world, specializes in all things mango and all things sweet.
     
  • Chef Lewis Lin will introduce Japanese Hamburg steaks, or hambagu, in a lunchtime subconcept at Juju's kappo bar called Hikiniku to Sumi. The ground Japanese wagyu will be grilled over binchotan coals and served over steamed koshi-hikari rice that Lin says will be made in a traditional clay donabe pot.
     
  • Nabe, a new 100-seater concept specializing in wagyu shabu-shabu opened next door to Peperoncino in the Dellagio Town Center on Restaurant Row. Nabe will also offer premium seafood, as well as cocktails and a sake program.

     
  • Corner Chophouse will open this summer in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square. The new high-end steakhouse will offer a fresh take on classic dishes, featuring Florida seafood, dry-aged steaks and shareable sides.
    ​
  • Gyukatsu Rose, the latest concept from Domu founder Sonny Nguyen, opened on Jan. 16 at East End Market in Audobon Park. The new counter service concept specializes in the traditional Japanese dish gyukatsu, a beef cutlet that is seasoned and coated in breadcrumbs and briefly fried. The dish is sliced and served alongside a mini stone grill for diners to sear the meat to their preferred doneness with various sides, including soup, rice, sliced cabbage, potato salad, pickles, dipping sauces and more.
  • Nuri’s Tavern, an all-new, tavern-style pizza concept, opened in downtown Orlando in February. The restaurant will feature tavern-style pies, noted for their thin and crackly crusts, that are popular throughout the Midwest. It will be the first of its kind in Orlando.
     
  • The Burrow Cafe & Play, a new combined coffee shop and indoor kid’s play space, opened Jan. 19 in the Mills 50 District. The space will offer Lineage coffee, beer, wine, seltzer, non-alcoholic beverages and grab-and-go snacks. It will feature imaginative outdoor kids’ play areas along with regular food truck events.
     
  • The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café and Nectar Room as the newest offerings to the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage scene. Garni Café is an all-day French bistro serving breakfast, brunch seven days a week, light fare and dinner. The upscale Nectar Room is a cocktail lounge concept offering inventive mixology and creative takes on small plates.
     
  • Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek unveiled the newly renovated and rebranded Back Bay Bar & Grill, located at resort’s Oasis Pool. The newly elevated space features a vibrant new look, along with a chef-inspired menu showcasing the best of Florida’s bright flavors, including creative shareables like Creamy Spicy Krab Montaditos, Back Bay Jumbo Wings, the Back Bay Fish Sandwich and more.
     
  • Talay, meaning “ocean” in Thai is now fully open, offering sea-inspired Thai cuisine. The new restaurant is located on Orange Ave. in the former City Pub space and has a special focus on seafood and cocktail menu items. The menu is a combination of traditional and innovative cuisine.
  • Luminescent, an upscale coffee shop by day and cocktail bar celebrating the unique flavors of India by night, opened at the end of May in east Orlando. Luminescent serves craft cocktails and Indian-style street food featuring house-made sauces and is designed around the interplay of light and mood.
     
  • Tiger Sugar, the popular international bubble tea shop founded in Taichung, is set to open its first Orlando Location in the Mills 50 District this year. Known for their original methods and authentic Taiwanese flavors, the shop will feature a variety of flavors including their signature black sugar bubble tea.
     
  • Scholars Restaurant and Bar will open this July in downtown Orlando, taking over the former Frosty’s Christmastime Lounge. The casual spot will offer a blend of Mexican and American comfort food with signature sauces, plus cocktails and beer.
     
  • 88 Donuts Bakery Cafe opened in the Curry Ford West Main Street District. The cafe offers a variety of freshly made donuts, cinnamon rolls, pastries and cakes.
     
  • Sparrow Wine Bar & Lounge is now open in Orlando’s North Quarter. The Euro-inspired bar offers small plates like jamón ibérico and prawn de bourgogne, plus a curated wine list and classic cocktails.
     
  • June, a new wood-fired contemporary Mexican restaurant, began its soft opening in downtown Orlando’s Thorton Park. The concept focuses on gluten-free offerings, prioritizing unrefined ingredients with minimal refined sugars and clean, traditional oils without industrial processing. 
     
  • Okonomi, a new eatery led by Chef William Shen (Sorekara, Zaru, Unigirl), will open in August next to Cowboy Curry at Mills Market. The 10-seat space will offer à la carte nigiri with unique cuts of fish and seafood.
     
  • Allure Lounge opened in downtown Orlando this month. The premium fusion world kitchen and mixology bar emulates the vibrant spirit of Cape Town, South Africa, with live music and fresh flavors.
     
  • The Good Pour opened its third Central Florida location in Winter Park. More than just a bottle shop, it offers rooftop events, daily happy hours and a mission-driven shopping experience where every purchase supports a nonprofit. The store offers more than 5,000 wines, beers, spirits and curated gifts, complete with a tasting bar for complimentary sips.
     
  • Shaka Donuts reopened with a new location in the Curry Ford West Main Street District. The shop is known for its inventive donuts, laid-back vibe and warm atmosphere. The store brought back fan favorites including delicious donuts, ice cream scoops, Hawaiian shave ice and root beer on tap.
     
  • Noir, a hidden Thai-inspired speakeasy tucked behind a wall inside Talay, opened in downtown Orlando. The spot offers sultry ambiance, inventive cocktails and sleek design that blends Thai flavors with modern mixology.
     
  • Asin, a new Filipino-inspired tasting counter from chef DJ Tangalin, is now open inside Ivanhoe Village’s Arden, across from City Food Hall. Currently offering small bites ahead of its full menu launch, Asin features dishes such as longanisa deviled eggs, Filipino-style ceviche and ube tiramisu.
     
  • BABBI BABBI Korean Kitchen will open its third Central Florida location in Lake Nona in late 2025 as the area’s first Korean restaurant. The fast casual spot is known for its modern take on traditional Korean comfort food. Signature dishes include bibimbap, Korean BBQ bowls, kimbap and Korean corn dogs.
     
  • JALA, a new fine dining destination in Winter Park, brings a modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant blends authentic North Indian flavors with elegant ambiance, offering a curated menu of elevated dishes and wine-based cocktails.
     
  • Luminescent, a new coffee-to-cocktail lounge, soft-opened on East Colonial Drive, bringing a vibrant, mood-shifting experience to East Orlando. By day, guests can enjoy specialty coffees and baked goods in a cozy workspace setting; by night, the venue transforms into a craft cocktail bar with Indian street food-inspired bites and dynamic lighting themes that evolve throughout the week.
     
  • À La Cart will operate Art², a new park opening this fall in downtown Orlando. The space will combine food, art and flexible programming, with À La Cart overseeing vendors, events and daily operations. Highlights include a public mural by 3D street artist Sitki Dogan, modular seating, rotating food trucks and a craft beverage station, all a part of the city’s vision to create “An Awesome Outdoor City.”
     
  • Outpost Neighborhood Tavern will open this month in downtown Orlando. The LGBTQ+ owned tavern will feature a Southern-inspired menu.
     
  • Heatwave, a new hybrid bar, restaurant and café concept, will begin soft openings in downtown Orlando on Aug. 15. The new space will feature three distinct areas: The Green Room main space, offering a coffee spot during the day and a full bar in the evening; the Views upstairs bar; and the outdoors terrace area and bar.
     

HOTELS & RESORTS

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Walt Disney World Resort will replace and upgrade all 365 cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with new permanent structures featuring a modern, rustic aesthetic, updated amenities, and larger windows. Scheduled for completion this year, the new cabins will be available to both Disney Vacation Club members and non-members.
     
  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows has opened at Walt Disney World Resort. Located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the new, 10-story tower is inspired by the vibrant spirit and rich cultures of the Polynesian Islands, adding 268 rooms that include one- and two-bedroom villas; deluxe studios; and two-bedroom penthouse villas featuring elements from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film "Moana." Additionally, the property offers a brand-new Cove Pool area featuring a zero-entry swimming pool and "Moana's Voyage," a whimsical splash area featuring a statue of Moana and her iconic canoe, and the Wailulu Bar & Grill, a casual dining spot that celebrates the sea and how the ocean connects all life.

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort added 1,500 guest rooms to the destination’s hotel portfolio, with newly opened Universal Stella Nova Resort, on January 21 and Universal Terra Luna Resort on March 25. The new property rates start at $147 (per night, plus tax), based on a stay of four nights or more, featuring 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms, recreation rooms and more.
     
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe, opened in May 2025. The Loews hotel will have 500 rooms and 35 suites, and feature tablets for guests to digitally control elements of the room from lighting to room service. This regal hotel will have a rooftop bar, a three-meal restaurant, a pool bar and a grab-and-go station.
     

LEGOLAND Florida

  • The LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort debuted 20 brand new themed room concepts this spring. Among the refreshed offerings will be six DUPLO rooms specially designed for younger builders, six LEGO Friends rooms and eight action-packed LEGO NINJAGO rooms, available for booking soon.

Beyond the theme parks

  • Villatel Orlando Resort opened on March 3, unveiling 270 villas with immersive themed rooms featuring living and sleeping space for up to 26 guests; the nation’s first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort, a collection of 256 apartments featuring two- to three-bedrooms, spacious layouts and a full kitchen; and a 200,000-square-foot wonderland of resort amenities including a water park, Splash Cove, elevated resort experiences and more.
     
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will undergo the largest renovation and expansion in the property’s history over the next several years.  The renovation will include the addition of a new, two-story annex connecting the hotels existing convention space, offering a multipurpose, pre-function and ballroom space, with an anticipated completion in late summer 2026; a refresh of the current meeting spaces, to be completed by summer 2025; and a remodel of all guest rooms, to be completed in 2024.
     
  • The Terraces at The Grove Resort, an all-new, four-story luxury condo hotel opened at The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando campus. The Terraces at The Grove will feature studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, access to all the amenities the resort has to offer, along with the condo hotel’s own lounge, fully equipped gym, pool with private cabanas and more.
     
  • EVEN Hotel Orlando International Airport officially opened in July, offering wellness-focused accommodations located minutes from MCO. The new property features in-room fitness zones, a 24/7 athletic studio and health-conscious dining at EVEN Kitchen & Bar.
     

WHAT’S NEXT: 2026 AND BEYOND

ATTRACTIONS

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios will unveil “The Magic of Disney Animation” in 2026, a new family friendly experience inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Emmy-winning short film, “Once Upon a Studio.” Taking over the current Star Wars: Launch Bay space, the reimagined area will feature interactive exhibits, character meet-and-greets and a whimsical indoor playground. Outside, the Animation Courtyard will be transformed into “The Walt Disney Studios,” a shaded, play-friendly space modeled after Disney’s Burbank campus.
     
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will speed into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026 for high-energy, rockin’ concert. The attraction will take guests behind-the-scenes inside the recording studio, where the Electric Mayhem is cranking out some rocking tunes. Thanks to new management under legendary Muppets tycoon and owner of The Muppet Theatre, J. P. Grosse, groovy vibes will take over the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Courtyard including a new psychedelic wrap on the giant guitar marquee, complete with one gold key on the piano motif, a nod to a certain far-out band leader’s gold tooth. 
     
  • At Magic Kingdom Park, Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars franchise will become a reimagined area in Frontierland, with two all-new attractions. Work will begin on a new Villains Land, complete with two attractions, dining and shopping. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in 2026 after refurbishment, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will debut an all-new introductory scene featuring Walt Disney through groundbreaking Audio-Animatronics technology—honoring the visionary who never stood in the way of progress.

Cinderella Castle will debut a refreshed color palette inspired by its classic, original look, with updated shades of gray, cream, deep blue and shimmering gold that highlight its iconic architecture.

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is set to reopen in 2026 with exciting updates, including redesigned ride vehicles with Star Command-inspired styling and featuring onboard video monitors for real-time scoring, while handheld blasters offer improved aim and interactive feedback.   
     
  • Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, set to open in 2027, will feature two new
    signature attractions – an Indiana Jones-themed adventure and the first-ever “Encanto”-themed ride-through attraction featuring a journey through the Casita Madrigal from the film. Additionally, a new show based on Zootopia will take over the Tree of Life Theater, as guests will visit the different biomes from the film and travel along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde, and other characters.
     
  • At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, construction begins in 2025 for the first full land dedicated to Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.”, featuring the first suspended coaster in a Disney park.

SeaWorld Orlando

  • SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a first-of-its-kind suspended family dark ride, will debut at SeaWorld Orlando in 2026. Guests can embark on a dark submersible adventure through different underwater ecosystems to experience the inspiring stories of the sea.   

Beyond the theme parks

  • The Orlando Magic’s mixed-use sports complex, Westcourt, is expected to break ground this year and open in 2028. The complex is slated to include a hotel tower and more than 420,000 square feet of office space, alongside restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
     
  • The Canopy, a new 10-acre park planned to be built under I-4 in downtown Orlando, will begin construction in 2025. The project will serve as a connection between the east and west sides of downtown and feature parking, walking trails, lush landscaping, immersive art installations and event spaces.
     
  • Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, will open on International Drive in April 2026. Described as a “Gen Z country club,” Society Park will include a mix of sports, dining, shopping and entertainment featuring nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, spa and two restaurants.  
     
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop will open a new multi-level flagship store at ICON Park in 2026. The space will feature a classic "make-your-own" experience, plus interactive and personalized elements for all ages.
     
  • Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, will open on International Drive in April 2026. Described as a “Gen Z country club,” Society Park will include a mix of sports, dining, shopping and entertainment featuring nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, spa and two restaurants. 

 

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Beyond the parks

  • Shoma Bazaar, an all-new food hall from Miami-based developer Shoma Group, is expected to debut in South Eola in 2026. The upscale food hall-like bazaar will feature 14 food stalls, together with communal areas for live music, game nights, happy hours, cooking classes, movie nights, pop-up events and more.
     

HOTELS & RESORTS

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Disney Lakeshore Lodge, an all-new Disney Vacation Club resort, is expected to open in 2027. The new nature-themed property will be located along the waters of Bay Lake near Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort.  

Beyond the theme parks

  • IHG and Daiwa House Group have broken ground on a new dual-branded hotel combining EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites on Universal Blvd in Orlando. Scheduled to open in 2026, the property will feature 288 guest rooms, more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space and amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness studio and healthy dining options. The location is near Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center.  
     
  • The Kimpton Orlando, a new 11-story boutique hotel featuring 216 rooms, indoor meeting space, a full-service restaurant, lobby bar, café, and pool bar, is slated to open in early 2027 in downtown Orlando’s mixed-use sport and entertainment district across from the Kia Center. The property will feature perks such as morning coffee and tea service, a social hour every evening, in-room yoga mats and pet-friendly options.
     

NEW WITHIN THE PAST YEAR

ATTRACTIONS

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the all-new attraction evolving from the reimagining of Splash Mountain, opened at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World on June 28, 2024. Guests will join characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” including Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis, on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Guests will travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
     
  • The Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom Park reopened on July 17, 2024. It features a reinterpretation of its iconic Disney songs in different genres of country music that pays tribute to Nashville’s musical revues in the new show, “Country Bears Musical Jamboree.”
     
  • EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort debuted the new CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, on June 10, 2024.  The locations usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits, and entertainment.
     
  • Star Tours - The Adventures Continue at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios debuted new additions on April 5. It now features characters and locations from the new Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian,” beginning April 5, 2024.

Universal Orlando Resort

  • Universal Orlando Resort’s new Dreamworks Land opened at Universal Studios Florida on June 14, 2024. The new family-friendly area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls, will feature a family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, including Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, Poppy’s Playground, and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp; character meet-and-greet zones; and live entertainment.
     
  • Universal Orlando Resort debuted a collection of experiences this summer including the all-new nighttime show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, celebrating the emotional power of music by leveraging the scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions, at Universal Studios Florida; Hogwarts Always, a new projection show at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade located at Islands of Adventure, that will take guests on a journey through moments of a school year at Hogwarts, all set against the backdrop of Hogwarts castle; and Universal Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida, a celebration of movies, and Universal’s largest daytime parade featuring 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers and special effects for guests to relive classic film moments in a new way.

SeaWorld Orlando Parks & Entertainment

  • SeaWorld Orlando opened an all-new immersive family coaster, Penguin Trek, on July 7, 2024. The unique attraction is the park’s eighth roller coaster, featuring snowmobile-style cars transporting riders on an expedition through the Antarctic wilderness. The ride includes two exhilarating launches, a maze of twists and turns and a grand finale arrival at the park’s penguin habitat. 
     
  • Aquatica Orlando’s Tassie’s Underwater Twist, the world’s most digitally immersive waterslide experience, opened in March 2024. Guests will glide through a vibrant digital underwater world full of seagrass meadows and the marine life of Australia's Shark Bay, all while twisting, turning and swirling through the 129-foot-long attraction.
     
  • SeaWorld Orlando will welcome Emperor penguins, the world’s largest and most iconic penguin species, on June 14 in the park’s Antarctica Realm. This will be the only place in the Western Hemisphere where guests will be able to witness the animals up close.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort debuted the new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience on March 8, 2024. The interactive experience puts guests in the driver’s seat to build, test and race their very own LEGO Ferraris. The cutting-edge digital technology brings guests’ creations from their imagination to the racetrack and inspiring creativity through the power of play.

Beyond the Theme Parks

  • The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts opened its fifth venue in February. The Joyce & Judson Green Room, known as Judson’s Live, offers an intimate music space that brings international, national and regional artists for audiences up to 150. 
     
  • Panerai by watchmaker Giovanni Panerai opened at The Mall at Millenia, offering a range of timepieces. 
     
  • Nona Adventure Park launched The Board Room, a new family-friendly live music space, on March 8, 2024. The indoor venue will feature live entertainment and host the “Songs at Sunset” series on Friday evenings featuring local favorites, including Anthony Rouhana.
     
  • Primark, the Ireland-based retail store, will open its first Orlando location inside The Florida Mall on Aug. 29, 2024. The two-story, 36,200-square-foot store will feature an entire floor dedicated to Disney merchandise with products ranging from Walt Disney Animation Studios' The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and more.
     
  • Fun Spot America will celebrate its 27th birthday on July 7 by offering single-day passes for $27 as part of a one-day sale. Tickets will be valid through June 5, 2026, with no blackout dates.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Walt Disney World Resort

  • 1900 Park Fare reopened at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort on April 10, 2024. The restaurant features a new look, offering new and classic dishes for its breakfast and dinner buffets, alongside characters like Princess Tiana, Prince Aladdin, Mirabel and Cinderella.

 

Beyond the Theme Parks

  • Summer House on the Lake opened its doors at Disney Springs West Side at Walt Disney World Resort. The newest restaurant is by Lettuce Entertain You, offering coastal-chic vibes, a California-inspired menu and the brand’s first-ever “Cookie Bar” serving 15 differing varieties of the restaurant’s signature oversized cookies and bars in flavors like sea salt chocolate chip, birthday cake, oatmeal scotchie, apple oatmeal and vegan snickerdoodle, along with other house-made cakes and goodies available for dine-in and to-go.
     
  • EET, an all-new, modern Indian restaurant by the James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star, Maneet Chauhan, opened at Disney Springs in November.
     
  • Pointe Orlando opened an all-new immersive dining and entertainment experience featuring new concepts, Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar, in 2024. Sports & Social will offer elevated food and wine offerings, premier sports watching, live music and social games, including skee-ball, foosball, shuffleboard and more. PBR Cowboy Bar will feature a professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull, multiple signature bars and private VIP booths.
     
  • The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, an Indiana-based table service restaurant and bakery, opened a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort in October 2024. The restaurant will offer savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere.
     
  • Schmankerl Stub’n, a new German restaurant, opened in downtown Orlando on May 16, 2024. The German Scratch Kitchen, formerly Bavarian Takeout, will feature German classics and modern dishes.
     
  • Lamp + Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails opened in Mills Avenue's old Lamp + Shade Fair building. The restaurant offers an Asian-influenced, tapas-style menu and a beverage menu featuring “riffs of tiki classics.”
     
  • Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, from Top Chef alumnus Favio Vivani, opened a location on International Drive. The menu includes nachos, burgers, flatbreads and tacos along with an offering of bourbons.
     
  • Bar Kada, a new concept by Michael Collantes, chef, and owner of Michelin-starred Soseki, opened in March. Bar Kada will be an intimate 30-seat sake and wine lounge with a focus on small plates, ancient sakes and low-intervention wines overseen by Michelin "Sommelier of the Year" Benjamin Coutts and offer experiences like classes and pairing dinners.
     
  • Flûtes Champagne Bar, a 40-seat French-inspired champagne bar, celebrates the timeless art of champagne-making and brings the elegance, culture and flavors of France to Winter Park.
     
  • Debonair Supper Club, an all-new restaurant and lounge concept, opened in downtown Orlando. The new dining and entertainment venue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a large collection of art, a wraparound patio, VIP lounge, wine lockers, a DJ booth, a central stage and more.
  • Moso Nori, a new concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, is expecting to open later this year in Winter Park. The new restaurant will feature a hand-roll bar, serving a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine and sake-based cocktails.
     
  • Natsu Omakase, an exclusive 10-seat sushi omakase concept, opened in downtown Orlando with an innovative and seasonal menu. The restaurant is also among the latest One-MICHELIN-Star venues in the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa.
     
  • Mid Drive Dive, a locally owned midcentury-inspired bar and restaurant serving elevated American classics, opened in the heart of Orlando’s College Park neighborhood.
     
  • Arcade Monsters, a video game bar and restaurant, opened its fifth location on International Drive in 2024. With the purchase of a wristband, guests of all ages will be able to play unlimited classic arcade games or consoles. Classic bar food will include hot dogs, loaded fries, and pizza.
     
  • The Bao Spot, a family-owned Asian fusion restaurant, opened at Church Street Market, offering a variety of appetizers, “space burgers,” rice bowls, churros, baos, boba teas and more.
     
  • Jack & Honey’s, an all-new upscale American diner in the heart of Thornton Park, opened offering all-day brunch, craft cocktails, milkshakes and more.
     
  • Ômo by Jônt, by chef Ryan Ratino, the owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington, D.C., opened Feb. 1, 2024 in Winter Park. The Japanese-French-inspired menu will present guests with 18-22 courses experienced throughout three rooms – first in a salon, second at a tasting counter and ending in a "pastry parlor." Two dinner seatings, each accommodating 16 guests, will be offered Thursday to Sunday for $245 per person, with beverage pairings starting at $195. A 14-course lunch will be offered on Saturdays. 
     
  • The Stadium Club, a new sports bar and entertainment venue, opened at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort. The new venue features sports simulator suites offering 13 immersive sports and games to choose from, along with high-end bar food classics and signature cocktails by “Top Chef” star Janine Booth.
     
  • Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar opened its first Central Florida location in the Winter Park Village shopping center. Located next to the brand’s store, the new restaurant serves signature cocktails and menu items, including tacos, quesadillas, sliders, flatbreads and salads.
     
  • Parlor Doughnuts opened Central Florida’s first location in College Park. The Indiana-based chain, famous for its layered cronut-style doughnuts, will offer handcrafted beverages and 23 different flavors of doughnuts, ranging from strawberry shortcake to decadent bourbon caramel, with specialty options for gluten-free, vegan and keto dietary preferences.
     
  • Pinstripes, a Midwest-based venue, opened its doors near International Drive on April 2024. The new space will feature made-from-scratch dining, full-service Italian/American bistro food, bowling, bocce, and more.
     
  • Birria1983, a new L.A.-style Mexican restaurant serving all things birria, opened in downtown Orlando. The menu features items from quesabirria to birria ramen and more.
     
  • Drake Kitchen & Bar, a new concept by College Park’s Duck and Drake food truck operators, opened in downtown Orlando in February. The restaurant features a seasonal menu of unique international dishes made with local ingredients.
     
  • Sorekara, a new high-end Japanese concept, has opened in Baldwin Park in March. The multi-layered restaurant experience comprises of 20-plus tasting plates, with food inspired by the 72 micro-seasons of Japan, and lasts a few hours as guests are ushered through multiple rooms. The opening will be the first of a multi-phase opening series to be completed by 2025.
     
  • The Fry Shoppe, offering Dutch-style cone fries with customizable options, opened on March 28 in Winter Park. The shop aims to provide a unique, affordable fast-dining experience with a menu featuring a choice of skin-on or crispy fries with over 10 sauces/topping options.
     
  • Curious Cork Wine & Provisions, a new wine bar concept, opened in Lake Nona. The new spot features an extensive collection of wine and beer with 64 wine taps and 18 beer taps, along with a variety of small plates and desserts.
     
  • Crispy Cones, the Idaho-based concept backed by “Shark Tank” star Barbara Corcoran, opened in the Curry Ford West Main Street District on April 5. The shop serves ice cream and extras inside a grilled dough cone where guests can build their perfect dessert with choice of cone, spread, ice cream, toppings and sauces.
     
  • Tom’s Watch Bar, a new two-story sports bar and restaurant, opened on International Drive on May 13, 2024. The venue will feature a 360-degree viewing experience and rooftop views for guests to watch games on stadium screens or from more than 150 TVs that will line the walls. The menu will include elevated game day favorites, such as Deep-Dish Nachos, Tom’s Famous Prime Rib Dip and Korean BBQ Wings, along with an extensive drink menu, featuring numerous beers on tap and a vast selection of specialty cocktails. In addition, guests can explore several Topgolf Swing Suites, featuring several virtual games paired with comfortable lounge seating; HDTVs; and food and beverage service.
     
  • Live! at The Pointe Orlando, the dining, entertainment, nightlife and social experience, opened at Pointe Orlando to create a unique block party atmosphere centered around the outdoor Live! Plaza. The new development will bring immersive indoor and outdoor spaces featuring several venues, including Houndsmen English Lounge, a cocktail lounge offering a curated list of expertly crafted drinks featuring fine spirits, dark whiskeys and diverse inspiration; Shark Bar, offering a spacious interior that blends retro surf with retro cool; Sports & Social, a premier restaurant and bar concept that brings food and drink offerings, premier sports watching, live music, social games and more; Palm Tree Club, a new coastal-inspired dining and nightlife concept from International DJ, songwriter, and record producer, Kygo, features handcrafted signature cocktails and menu items including Hamachi carpaccio, A5 wagyu dumplings, Thai snapper and a selection of sushi and nigiri; and PBR Cowboy Bar, offering an authentic country western experience featuring a professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull, multiple signature bars and private VIP booths.
     
  • Corazón by Baires, a new dining concept, debuted inside Mango's Tropical Cafe on Oct. 23 as a collaboration with Baires Grill. The partnership will feature globally inspired Latin American cuisine with menu highlights including a 40-ounce Tomahawk; 18-ounce Certified Angus Ribeye; Andean Branzino with potatoes, chickpeas, and chorizo hash; and more.
     
  • Before It Melts, a new ice cream shop by Tavistock Restaurant Collection, opened on Aug. 10 in the Lake Nona Town Center. The concept, previously found inside Boxi Park, will now have an expanded brick-and-mortar location next to Park Pizza & Brewing Co., offering premium farmstand ice cream made from Wisconsin dairy with a menu of 12 diverse flavors, including two dairy-free options to cater to all tastes and preferences.
     
  • Palm Tree Club, a new dining and nightlife concept from International DJ, songwriter, and record producer, Kygo, opened at Live! At The Pointe. The coastal-inspired spot will feature handcrafted signature cocktails and menu items including Hamachi carpaccio, A5 wagyu dumplings, Thai snapper and a selection of sushi and nigiri.

 

HOTELS & RESORTS

Beyond the theme parks

  • Aloft Lake Nona opened in December 2023 with 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, a sports-themed restaurant, and a 10,000-square-foot Althea Lake Nona Events Center. 
     
  • Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, began a phased opening in late 2023, offering private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities. The property will eventually include an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and a lazy river, a fully equipped fitness center, a full-service restaurant and children’s playgrounds. Upon full completion in 2025, the entire resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes.

 

  • Evermore Orlando Resort opened in January 2024 as Orlando’s first beach-like property with an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon and a 20-acre sandy beach with hammocks, cabanas and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy family paddleboarding, mixology classes, sandcastle-building lessons and more. Evermore, which has the world's first touchless sunscreen application system, is thoughtfully built for large groups and families offering a range of 2- to 11-bedroom vacation homes.

 

  • Conrad Orlando, the destination’s first Hilton luxury brand, opened on Jan. 9, 2024 with 433 rooms, a spa, numerous dining options – including its signature rooftop experience – and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space. Located at Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, a two-story boathouse for private events and Evermore Bay’s crystal lagoon and sandy beaches.
     
  • Waldorf Astoria Orlando unveiled a property-wide reimagination that includes a floor-to-ceiling transformation inclusive of all guestrooms and suites; the lobby arrival experience; new design and culinary innovations at restaurants Bull & Bear and Peacock Alley; enhancements to The Waldorf Astoria Spa; and a complete restoration of the esteemed 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. The reimagination emphasizes the resort’s unique geographic position located within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve.
     
  • The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando—Disney Springs Area completed a multimillion-dollar renovation on Jan. 30, 2024. The property’s revitalization project includes updates to all aspects of the hotel, including its meeting space, accommodations, Evergreen Café, lounge, pool bar, DoubleTree’s signature Made Market, pool, splash pad, tennis court and fitness center. 

 

 

 

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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