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

Rosen Hotels & Resorts announced an extensive transformation underway for its Rosen Plaza and Rosen Shingle Creek properties. This will be the most significant renovation in the company’s history, including redesigning 2,300 guest rooms, suites and corridors at both hotels, in addition to widespread upgrades within Rosen Shingle Creek’s event space. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026 for Rosen Plaza and in 2027 for Rosen Shingle Creek.

ATTRACTIONS

Orlando Family Stage announced The Hobbit as a new addition to its 2026-2027 Centennial Season. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novel and adapted for the stage by Greg Banks, the production will run March 6-28, with field trip performances beginning March 1.

Six Ravens, a new grab-and-go concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse, has soft-opened at Disney Springs. The medieval-inspired eatery serves savory “Coffyn” sandwiches, smashed potatoes, local craft beer and specialty desserts.

The Mills 50 District continues to expand its culinary scene with several new restaurant and bar concepts opening this year and into 2027. Recent additions include:

• Catchè, a dessert house specializing in Vietnamese dessert soups called chè, opened in Mills 50 offering Vietnamese coffee, fresh juices and more.
• Earth Grounds Coffee + Matcha, a specialty coffee and matcha bar inside Spiral Circle bookstore, featuring organic ingredients and dairy-free options.
• Jay Lucy’s, a new burger concept serving grass-fed burgers, veggie burgers, tallow fries, shakes and other comfort food favorites on Mills Avenue.
• Rew's, a new luxury-inspired cocktail bar, set to open in the fall. Located in the former Monogram Merchant building, the concept will feature elevated cocktails, a refined food menu and a design inspired by upscale hotel lobby bars.
• Wavy Baby, offering Filipino-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, a pastry program and non-alcoholic beverages, will open in early 2027.
• Oza Izakaya, will open a new location on Colonial Drive, offering a modern take on Kyoto and Izakaya traditions including tsukune (Japanese chicken meatballs), smoked dashi ramen, hokage salmon and more.
• Koa Sushi & Poke, a Japanese-Latin fusion hotspot, will open a second location on Mills Avenue.
• Fan Hwa, a Chinese dessert and bao shop, will open on Mills Avenue, featuring sweet dessert soups called tong sui and bao with both sweet and savory options.
• Little Sister Dumpling, a fast-casual operation offering a variety of dumplings options, small plates and noodle dishes, will open next to Tiger Sugar this year.

Olea Taverna, a new Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, opened in College Park. The new spot serves traditional dishes including gyros, kabobs, falafel, hummus and other Mediterranean favorites.

Whataburger returned to Orlando after a nearly 17-year absence with a new restaurant now open on East Colonial Drive. The 24-hour location marks the Texas-based burger chain’s re-entry into the Central Florida market, serving its signature made-to-order burgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast items and shakes.

Tamara Heritage, an upscale Indian dining concept from the owners of Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine, is slated to open in downtown Orlando later this year. The new restaurant will bring a refined culinary experience and curated tasting menus to the Church Street space.

Nomikai by Sushi Saint, a new Japanese-inspired dining concept from Chef Michael Collantes of Michelin-starred Soseki, will soft open at ICON Park on Aug. 19. The chef-driven restaurant will feature shareable dishes, premium steaks, seafood sushi, inventive cocktails and a Tokyo neo-cyberpunk-inspired atmosphere.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom on select nights Aug. 7 through Oct. 31, featuring trick-or-treating; exclusive entertainment; Halloween-themed food and beverages; specialty merchandise and character experiences. The separately ticketed event offers families one of the first opportunities of the season to celebrate Halloween at Walt Disney World Resort.

Orlando Fringe's Out Fest, the four-day festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ theater, art, music and cinema, will return Sept. 10-13 with a curated lineup of queer stories, artists and experiences. 

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will present Emmy Award-winning dancer and six-time Dancing with the Stars champion Derek Hough during his Symphony of Dance: Encore tour held on Aug. 7, featuring ballroom, salsa, tap, hip-hop and other dance styles. 

The Orange County Convention Center will host Nostalgia Con 2026 Aug. 7-9, featuring celebrity guests, cosplay, gaming, collectibles, panels and family-friendly entertainment.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer launch viewing opportunities for NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope mission, scheduled to launch Aug. 30 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. On Aug. 28-29, guests can also experience special mission-themed activations and presentations highlighting the telescope’s groundbreaking science and exploration goals.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures’ annual Halloween experience, The Terror of Boggy Creek: The Terror 2 - The Swamp Awakens, will return for its second year on Saturday nights Sept. 19 – Oct. 31. The event will feature interactive elements, a night airboat adventure, haunted monster truck, walking trail, live performers and more.

Universal Orlando Resort’s holiday celebration will return Nov. 14 – Jan. 3, 2027, featuring seasonal favorites including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Grinchmas and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. For the first time, holiday décor and festive experiences will also extend to Universal Epic Universe, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.