The latest Orlando happenings updated weekly using information provided by partners and destination press releases. Stay up-to-date on Orlando's most recent announcements and openings from accommodations and attractions to restaurants and more.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa lobby will undergo a renovation, marking the culmination of the resort’s multi-year refurbishment, which has included enhanced guest rooms; refreshed dining experiences, including Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s and 1900 Park Fare, and more. Upgrades will include a lobby bar inspired by the resort’s signature birdcage, avian-themed stained-glass and intricate woodwork. Additionally, the surrounding lobby, staircase and front desk will be refreshed with a mix of botanical accents and updated furnishings.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-inspired escape overlooking the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, opened on April 16. The hotel features bright, inviting and warm guest rooms and suites - including How to Train Your Dragon-themed Kids’ Suites, delicious dining options, a breathtaking rooftop bar, entertaining amenities and a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe.

ATTRACTIONS

ICEBAR Orlando will debut its new tiki-themed ICEBAR Beach Club as part of “ICEBAR Orlando’s Epic Summer” celebration, May 15 – Sept. 1. The space will feature tropical ice sculptures and island vibes, including a new tiki throne, lush palms, colorful surfboards and more. Additionally, the event will feature themed cocktails, live entertainment, games and free entry on select nights to all guests who present an Epic Universe ticket.  

High Point Climbing and Fitness will open a new facility in Orlando’s Packing District this spring. The 45,000-square-foot gym will feature a 52-foot rope climbing area with Florida’s only competition speed wall, a large bouldering and training zone and a 5,000-square-foot Kid Zone designed for young climbers. Additionally, the space will include a fitness area with weights; strength and aerobic machines; a yoga studio; locker rooms with showers; and a pro shop.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey, the first-of-its-kind arctic adventure attraction, will open May 1. The ride combines cutting-edge technology, breathtaking real-world footage and close-up encounters with Arctic wildlife to deliver an immersive experience. As guests disembark from Expedition Odyssey, the immersive adventure continues with face-to-face encounters featuring real Arctic animals, including beluga whales, seals and walruses.

SeaWorld Orlando will honor Military Appreciation Month with free single-day park admission to active-duty military, veterans and their families. Eligible U.S. military veterans and retirees can register for complimentary single-day ticket(s) for themselves and up to three dependents before May 11 at www.WavesofHonor.com.

Walt Disney World Resort announced the re-opening of Blizzard Beach this summer, making it the first time all six parks have been open simultaneously since 2019. From May 21 – Sept. 7, guests can enjoy both the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park. Starting May 21, resort guests will have free access to both water parks on their arrival day.  

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will offer a limited-time deal that allows guests to pay for one visit and return for a second day of wild fun for no additional cost. The Pay Once Visit Twice deal will only be available online and is valid through Dec. 31, 2025.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

 EPCOT's new adults-only lounge, GEO-82, will open at Walt Disney World Resort on June 4, with reservations available beginning May 6. Located inside Spaceship Earth, this elegant venue will offer 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.

City Food Hall opened in Ivanhoe Village, featuring over 10 chef-driven food stalls and global cuisine including Eggdose, Ramen Takagi, Taglish, Cheese to Share, Kalalou and more; multiple full-service bars; second-floor French brasserie, Chez Les Copains, led by Chef Mike Collantes. The venue also hosts unique events including karaoke, trivia and bingo.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will debut Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, a new restaurant by acclaimed chef Michael Mina, as the newest addition to the hotel’s lineup of 23 restaurants and lounges. The new restaurant will reveal a modern take on the quintessential American steakhouse with premium cuts and global flavors.

Black Phin Coffee Bar opened in Winter Park, specializing in Vietnamese phin-drip coffee using robusta beans. The shop features a variety of drinks including matcha yuzu, ube lattes and earl grey citrus, alongside matcha white chocolate and miso toffee cookies. Guests can also shop for plants at The Heavy plant pop-up.

Noir Bar, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located through a secret door next to Talay Thai in downtown Orlando, has recently opened. Noir Bar serves Thai-inspired craft cocktails accompanied by small plates in a dark, luxurious setting where every cocktail tells a story of its own.

Lorelei, a new French wine bar, opened April 15 on Thornton Ave. The 10-seat bar features a selection of European 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.  

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Monster Jam will return to the Kia Center Aug. 2-3 for three action-packed shows. World champion drivers and monster trucks will take over the stadium as they battle for the Event Championship in four competitions: racing, skills, donuts and freestyle. Fans will be in the middle of the action, helping crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts and saves.

Gatorland will host its 6^th annual Gatorpalooza Weekend May 17-18. The family-friendly celebration, included with park admission, will feature music, specialty food, craft vendors, artisans, games and appearances by the Gatorland Vlog Team. Additionally, the park will offer a 50% discount on regular single day admission for the entire month of May for Florida residents.

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Advent Health Broadway in Orlando 2025-2026 season returns Sept. 30 – June 7, 2026, featuring eight Orlando premieres. Guests can enjoy Tony Award-winning productions like The Outsiders; Kimberly Akimbo and Alicia Key’s musical Hell’s Kitchen; a special Orlando debut of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child; beloved novels like Water for Elephants and The Notebook and more.

The Orlando Opera will premiere a pairing of Berlioz’s Beatrice + Benedict and Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall on April 25 and 27. This opera mash-up is an original concept that will blend comedy and tragedy with both works set on the same day in the same town square of the Sicilian city, Mesina Italy. Additionally, the production will feature the Opera Orlando Chorus and the Opera Orlando Youth Company as well as Orlando Ballet dancers and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit.

H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will return on select nights, May 23 – Sept. 13. Guests can enjoy access to shorter wait times for attractions, exclusive dance parties, complimentary snacks, exclusive menu items and more.

The Orange County Regional History Center will unveil a new exhibition, Orlando Collected, on April 12 in honor of the 150th anniversary of Orlando. The exhibition tells the story of 150 rarely seen objects from Orlando’s history, collected by local historians, community organizations and individuals.

The ette Hotel will host Easter afternoon tea on April 19-20, offering elegant decor throughout the property, seasonal pastries accompanied by an extensive collection of Mariage Freres teas, and a sparkling golden egg for the festivities. In addition, on May 10-11, the property will host Mother’s Day afternoon tea offering attendees the opportunity to create their own bouquet with fresh, locally sourced flowers.

Orlando Family Stage will host Dinosaur Dance Party, a high energy, interactive theater experience for children ages 1-5, featuring puppets, play and prehistoric fun, available every Saturday, April 19 – May 3.

The Renaissance Theater Company will present Gorgeous, a new musical loosely based on the cult classic Drop Dead Gorgeous, running from April 11 – May 3 at The Ren. A shorter version of the show premiered at the Orlando Fringe Festival and was met with enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim, making the full musical a must-see.

Wekiva Island will celebrate Earth Day with its annual Earth Day Celebration April 25. The event will include a river clean up, eco workshops, animal encounters, riverside market, clothing swap and more, with the goal of honoring the planet and working toward a greener future.