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 named one of the top U.S. Spring break destinations for 2025, according to AAA booking data.
ACCOMODATIONS
The LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort will debut 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.
ATTRACTIONS
The Mall at Millenia will introduce eight new brands and five store expansions this year. Among the new openings are Balenciaga; Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand, Gorjana; and American handmade leather goods brand, Tecovas. Luxury designers Gucci, Louis Vuitton, David Yurman and “everyday luxury” brands Aritzia and Tory Burch are included in the portfolio of stores expanding their footprint at the mall.
Universal Orlando Resort unveiled new details about some of the food and beverage offerings guests can enjoy during their visit to Universal Epic Universe. From full-service restaurants to fast casual dining locations, the theme park will offer a wide range of menu items across 30 dining locations with over 100 menu items. Guests can savor everything from popular culinary staples like seafood, eclectic Asian, barbecue, Italian and French cuisine. Uniquely themed items include a Butterbeer Crêpe in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the Mario Burger in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Stormfly’s Catch of the Day in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich in Dark Universe.
LEGOLAND Water Park will reopen to guests at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in February 14. As a part of refurbishments, the Joker Soaker and Twin Chaser attractions will receive a vibrant refresh.
Aquatica Orlando announced the return of “Beach Nights”, an extended hours event included with theme park admission, on select nights through Feb. 22. Guests can enjoy exclusive family-friendly movies, play interactive games and participate in fun-filled challenges with the Beach Patrol crew.
Terra Play Center, a new indoor playground and café, will open in Lake Nona in April. The immersive play facility, catering to children 6 months to 8 years old, will allow caregivers 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.
SEA LIFE Florida will open at LEGOLAND Florida Resort on May 23. The brand-new aquarium attraction will feature 25 interactive exhibits, including the main ocean display, which will showcase a unique "Theme Park Under the Sea" design.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Nami will unveil new seasonal rotations by chef Freddy Money and chef Jason Beliveau at Nami Chef’s Counter, an elevated take on luxury dining at the restaurant’s 10-seat counter, featuring an 18-bite tasting journey blending European and Japanese cuisine complemented with curated wine and sake pairings. Nami Nights, a new late-night concept, will be held every Friday and Saturday after 10 p.m., featuring a live DJ, champagne service, craft cocktails and light bites.
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.
Salvatore’s Prime Sandwiches opened a new outpost for its popular subs in College Park. The new shop features hot and cold Italian-inspired sandwiches including the popular Rocky Balboa and Ham Malone.
Dutch Bros Coffee, an Oregon-based chain, will open its first Orlando location on S. Apopka Vineland Road on Feb. 7, making it one of only five in the state. The new store will feature its popular menu offering iced coffee, Nitro Cold Brew, the Dutch Bros Rebel energy drink and more.
Pacchioni’s World Inspired Cheesesteaks Food Truck celebrates its official grand opening Feb. 23 at the Faire of the Dog: Lovers Market in the Mills District. The menu, crafted by Chef Mike Collantes, will blend the iconic taste of a Philadelphia-style cheesecake with worldly ingredients from around the globe to create an elevated and delectable culinary experience.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Pet Alliance will host the 31st annual “Paws in the Park” pet festival in Lake Eola Park on Saturday, Feb. 8. The free, family-friendly event will feature exciting activities for both humans and canines, including its signature Pet Costume Contest featuring celebrity judges and cash prizes; lure courses; a beer garden; and a variety of food trucks and shopping.
Pointe Orlando will host a Mardi Gras-themed celebration on March 1 from 8-11 p.m. The free event will feature live music, photo opportunities and food and drink specials across various bars and restaurants. Partygoers can keep the party going at Live! at The Pointe, with roaming entertainment, a Burlesque show, a parade and more as part of the complimentary event experience.
The City of Winter Garden will host the Winter Garden Music Festival on Feb. 22. The free outdoor concert will feature more than 30 musical acts of different genres performing across six stages throughout historic downtown Winter Garden.
The Renaissance Theatre Company (The Ren) will debut Boots, a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree concept, on select dates Feb. 7 – March 29. The Ren will transform its space into a lively, immersive “saloon,” offering live music, line dancing lessons and performances by dancers, singers and drag performers.
Harry P. Leu Gardens announced the arrival of Origami in the Garden, an outdoor sculptural exhibition featuring larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the delicate Japanese art of origami, cast in aluminum, bronze and steel, available through Sept. 3. The exhibit, included with general garden admission, will feature guided tours, educational programs and hands-on origami workshops for guests of all ages.
SeaWorld Orlando will host Coasters After Dark: Seven Seas Edition, a separately ticketed, limited-capacity after-hours experience, available on select nights March 12 – April 11. In addition to enjoying nighttime thrills, attendees will receive an exclusive five-sample lanyard to use at the Seven Seas Food Festival booths and complimentary popcorn at select locations throughout the park.
The Lake Nona Art Festival, a vibrant two-day celebration full of creative events, will be held at the Lake Nona Town Center Feb. 22-23. The event will showcase a variety of art across mediums and styles, featuring local and national artists; live entertainment; various food offerings from local food trucks and Lake Nona restaurants; the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the artists; and more.
Universal Orlando Resort will host Universal Volcano Bay Nights, the park’s first-ever nighttime event, on select Saturday nights April 12 – May 17. The all-new, limited-capacity event will feature exclusive access to Volcano Bay water attractions; live entertainment; DreamWorks character meet and greets; complimentary island treats; and more.
SeaWorld Orlando announced the return of its Mardi Gras festivities on select dates from Feb. 27 – March 9. Guests will be immersed in the sights, sounds and flavors of New Orleans as the Wild Arctic Plaza transforms into a high-energy celebration complete with lively parades, live jazz music and street parties.
Brunch in the Park will return to Gaston Edwards Park at Ivanhoe Village on March 1. The event will feature over 20 local brunch restaurants offering limitless brunch bites, drink offerings, live entertainment and more. General admission tickets start at $60 per person.
TRANSPORTATION
Orlando International Airport will add new flight routes for 2025 including two new international routes with Discover Airlines (Munich, Germany) starting March 5 and Air France (Paris, France) starting May 21.