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.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Orlando has been ranked as the second Most Fun City in the U.S. by WalletHub according to a study that compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 65 key metrics ranging from entertainment and recreation to nightlife and cost.
ACCOMODATIONS
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.
ATTRACTIONS
The New Romantics, Orlando's first romance bookstore and Latina-owned shop, will open in Audubon Park’s Garden District on Dec. 7. The shop will feature 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.
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.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will undergo a re-theme to feature The Muppets. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving from Muppets Courtyard to Sunset Boulevard as they take over the attraction, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Acropolis Greek Tavera, a Tampa-based Greek restaurant franchise, will open in downtown Orlando on the ground floor of the Bank of America building. The menu will feature a fast-casual vibe with items like souvlaki, gyros and spanakopita, along with weekly Greek Nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Gatorland’s annual Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down will return every weekend from Dec. 7-22. The family-friendly event, included with park admission, will feature live music, festive food items, displays, interactive characters and more.
Downtown Winter Garden will host a series of holiday events throughout the month of December, including Light Up Winter Garden, Winter Garden Christmas Parade, a first-time Holiday Night Market, Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade and A Very Merry Light Show.
The Violectric® Holiday Show will return for its 12th anniversary to celebrate the holidays in Downtown Orlando. Central Florida string super-group and GRAMMY-nominated “Vinylinist” and founder of Violectric, Michelle Jones, will bring a free, family-friendly concert to the Walt Disney Amphitheater in Lake Eola Park on Dec. 14. The 90-minute, live performance will blend holiday classics like O Christmas Tree and The First Noel with rock hits such as Born to Run and Sweet Dreams.
Downtown Arts District will host its inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration, "Midnight on Magnolia," on Dec. 31 at CityArts. Presented by Valley Bank, the celebration will offer an elevated, artistic atmosphere, featuring live art, music, DJs, party favors, gourmet bites, cocktails and a champagne toast.