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 foodie cities in America, according to a WalletHub study based on comparisons of affordability, diversity, accessibility and quality across 182 cities.

Orlando has been named the second most fun city in America, according to a WalletHub study based on comparisons of entertainment, recreation, nightlife and cost across 182 cities.

Orlando is the top Easter break destination for UK travelers, according to Cheap Deals Away's analysis of Google Flights data for major UK airports.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

The Residence Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista has unveiled a multimillion dollar transformation featuring upgraded suites with new furnishings and custom designed kitchens; a new arcade; outdoor spaces; a fitness center; a refreshed breakfast area and modern amenities.

ATTRACTIONS:  

Wekiwa Springs State Park will implement a new reservation pilot program beginning March 12.  Single-day reservations will be required for day-use park guests. They can be found online and made up to 60 days in advance.  

SeaWorld Orlando introduced American Sign Language (ASL) Saturdays in partnership with American Sign Language Services (ASLS) to provide seamless access to Seaworld’s popular shows and attractions with live ASL interpreters. Beginning on March 1 and recurring on the first Saturday of every month, this program aims to cater specifically to deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Walt Disney World made announcements for new experiences coming to the parks in 2026 and beyond:

• At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can embark on a new adventure featuring Grogu and Din Djarin, the titular Mandalorian from The Mandalorian, on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, on May 22, 2026. Additionally, the Monsters Inc. coaster, located in the upcoming immersive Monstropolis space, will feature a first-of-its-kind vertical lift that will suspend riders in the air as they zoom into the door vault.

SeaWorld Orlando announced the name of its newest family-friendly attraction, Expedition Odyssey. This first-of-its-kind experience features unparalleled ride technology with next-generation vehicles that deliver a unique range of motion, allowing guests to soar, dive, twist and glide with the fluidity of ocean currents as they take a journey through towering glaciers, vast tundra and the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean, encountering some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring wildlife along the way.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE: 

Pom Pom’s, the teahouse and sandwich shop formerly located in the Milk District, will reopen in Sanford at Henry’s Depot food hall this April. Many popular menu items will remain the same, including the Fu Manchu with Asian pulled pork and ginger-cranberry chutney.

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen in Lake Nona has introduced an array of new menu additions across brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert offerings. New menu options include Chipotle Chicken Taquitos, Seared Tuna + Crispy Rice, Moroccan Spiced Lamb Chops, Tuna Tartare, Country Biscuits, New Orleans Beignets, Chocolate Mousse and more.

Sushi Saint, a popular downtown Orlando concept by Chef Michael Collantes, will open its second location at ICON Park. The menu will feature dishes exclusive to the new restaurant as well as the same high-quality rolls, dishes, cocktails and a temaki bar for chefs to craft hand rolls in front of guests.

Original Rainbow Cone, the Chicago–based ice cream chain founded in 1926, opened in the Waterford Lakes Town Center on March 7. The famous cone features a combination of five flavors: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbert.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS:

Orlando Ballet announced the performance schedule for its 2025-2026 season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall, beginning Oct. 16-19 with Swan Lake; The Nutcracker beginning Dec. 5; Carmen, an interpretation of the hyper-dramatic production by the same creator of Casanova, Feb. 12-15, 2026; Balanchine, Godden, Gill featuring a special pre-performance “Meet the Artist” event before select performances, March 26-29, 2026; and The Great Gatsby, an interpretation of the great American novel, telling F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved tragic love story that takes place in the glamorous, roaring 1920s,  April 30 – May 3, 2026.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort will host an all-new LEGO Festival each weekend in May, leading up to World Play Day on June 11. The festival includes five immersive zones and over 49 new big build LEGO models designed to inspire play in different ways.

The Charles Hosmer Museum of American Art will unveil two new exhibitions on March 4 including Arts and Letters, featuring 74 objects that explore the art of letter writing throughout the 19th  and 20th centuries; and Vignette: Fair Views, offering an intimate glimpse into a world’s fair with a curated display of furniture, textiles, pottery, glass, and objects d’art from the turn of the 20th century.

Gateway District will host Jazz & Flavors Fest on May 3 at Gateway Village, featuring opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the various styles of jazz music, savor the flavors of local food trucks and enjoy the captivating works of various artists.

SeaWorld Orlando will host a St. Patrick's Day Celebration at its Seven Seas Food Festival select dates from March 13-23. The special event will feature exclusive entertainment including stilt walkers, street performers, Irish-themed entertainers, traditional Irish musicians, along with limited-time food and beverage offerings.  

Orlando Family Stage will debut Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, a heartfelt adaptation based on the beloved series by Jeff Kinney, March 15 – April 20. The show takes audiences inside the world of Greg Heffley, an ordinary middle schooler navigating friendship drama, family chaos, and the hilarious hurdles of growing up.

Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival will return to Loch Haven Park for its 34th year, May 13-25, featuring over 1,000 ticketed performances spanning a wide array of genres, such as theatre, dance, spoken word, musicals, comedy and much more. Free festival highlights include an outdoor music festival, Visual Fringe (pieces of art on display and for sale throughout festival grounds), Kids Fringe (weekend plays and entertainment for the young and young-at-heart) and more. 

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will host Choo-Choo to the Zoo, March 17-21. The spring break event offers families a fun way to visit the zoo by riding the SunRail to the Sanford station and then hopping on a free “Choo-Choo to the Zoo” themed shuttle, which will transport them to the front gate of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in less than 15 minutes. In addition to Choo-Choo to the Zoo, the attraction will stay open an extra hour March 14-22.