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

Meliá Orlando Celebration Hotel launched its Pet Friendly by Meliá program featuring a welcome gift; in-room dog beds; water bowls; an on-property dog park for play and exercise; and an exclusive Dog Menu offered by the on-site restaurant, The Wilson. The program welcomes guests with up to two dogs of any size.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will introduce new and enhanced children’s programming. The Explorer’s Activity Guide program offers a booklet featuring animal characters that will guide children through challenges across the property grounds, through puzzles, animal footprint spotting and more; a welcome gift in guestrooms to complement the activity guide; an “Explorer’s Bedtime Story” card from the housekeeping attendants at turndown service; and more.  

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando, a new development property powered by the partnership of Lion Star, Everest Place, and Paramount, is slated to open in 2026 in Kissimmee. The family-friendly resort will feature over 400 themed hotel rooms and condo units inspired by characters from the Nickelodeon franchises, including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; themed dining opportunities; interactive character encounters; an Aqua Nick water park; Club Nick, Nick retail shops and more.  


ATTRACTIONS:

Universal Orlando Resort’s new Dreamworks Land will open at Universal Studios Florida on June 14. The new family-friendly area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls, will feature a family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, including Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, Poppy’s Playground, and Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp; character meet-and-greet zones; and live entertainment.

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled new details about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Epic Universe. Guests can explore a multi-sensory environment of Super Mario Land, offering adventures alongside Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and other characters; and Donkey Kong Country, where they’ll encounter thrills featuring Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and other members of the Kong family. Super Mario Land will feature attractions and dining including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a ride-through experience which fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology and elaborate environments to bring the fun of the Mario Kart video game series to life; Yoshi’s Adventure, the family-friendly ride making a U.S. debut, providing guests of all ages with views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshi and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs; and Toadstool Cafe, featuring a variety of dishes inspired by the world of Super Mario and its characters, including Mario and Luigi-themed burgers, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Fire Flower Spaghetti and Meatballs and more. At the edge of Super Mario Land, Donkey Kong Country will feature Mine-Cart Madness, a first-of-its-kind family coaster that sends riders on a thrilling adventure as they careen through the jungle to help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the coveted golden banana.

Universal Orlando Resort will debut a collection of experiences this summer including the all-new nighttime show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, celebrating the emotional power of music by leveraging the scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions, at Universal Studios Florida; Hogwarts Always, a new projection show at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade located at Islands of Adventure, that will take guests on a journey through moments of a school year at Hogwarts, all set against the backdrop of Hogwarts castle; and Universal Mega Movie Parade at Universal Studios Florida, a celebration of movies, and Universal’s largest daytime parade featuring 13 new floats, nearly 100 performers and special effects for guests to relive classic film moments in a new way.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will honor those who currently serve or who have served in the United States Armed Forces with complimentary admission and a 50% discount for up to four guests during Armed Forces Week, May 13-19.

Discovery Cove unveiled its Flamingo Point habitat, a new addition to the park that offers guests an immersive and educational experience while promoting conservation efforts for the birds. The flamboyance of flamingos can now be observed up-close all day as part of the all-inclusive day resort experience.

Kurt Geiger London, the fashion retailer offering luxury and bold design, opened this month at the Mall at Millenia. The shop features fashion-forward footwear, handbags and accessories.

Aquatica Orlando will launch AquaGlow, a new swim party experience, featuring a series of neon-filled nights select dates between June 7 - Aug. 10. Featured additions will include the Electric Tides laser show; the transition of Roa’s Rapids into Roa’s Rapids Amp’ed Up; changes to the park’s restaurants and bars; and a foam party.  

Universal Orlando Resort will open a new Summer Tribute Store on May 24 inspired by blockbuster 1980s movies. The store in the Hollywood area of Universal Studios Florida will be transformed into a 1980s shopping mall, complete with a Mega Video Rental, Mega Castle Arcade and Tribute Theatre. Throughout the store, there will be vignette rooms filled with new merchandise, props and photo ops from Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jaws.  

EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort will debut the new CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza, located in the new World Celebration neighborhood in the heart of the park, on June 10.  The locations will usher in a new era of festivals, exhibits and entertainment, including new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!”, a summer sing-along featuring the songs and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto,” running June 10 - Sept. 6. 

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled new details for five of the Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights houses including “Slaughter Sinema 2,” a sequel to the horror movie drive-in maze from 2018; “Goblin’s Feast,” a new original house complete with hungry goblins, orcs and witches; Major Sweets Candy Factory:” “The Museum: Deadly Exhibits:” “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America:” and “Triplets of Terror.”  

SeaWorld Orlando unveiled a lineup of new experiences coming to the park this summer:  

  • The Antarctica Realm, a new immersive area which will be home to the new Penguin Trek coaster. The realm will offer new dining offerings and experiences including "South Pole Sips,” offering draft beer, canned selections, and frozen cocktails; The Expedition Café, featuring a new diverse menu with dishes inspired by Italian and Asian cuisines; and up-close encounters with penguins in the penguin habitat.  

  •  Xceleration, an all-new live stunt live featuring hip hop music, BMX, roller skating and skateboarding, has debuted in the air-conditioned Nautilus Theater.  

  • Flippers, Facts and Fun, a new comical and educational sea lion presentation, will debut on June 7.   

DINING & NIGHTLIFE: 

Tom’s Watch Bar, a new two-story sports bar and restaurant, will open on International Drive on May 13. The venue will feature a 360-degree viewing experience and rooftop views for guests to watch games on stadium screens or from more than 150 TVs that will line the walls. The menu will include elevated game day favorites, such as Deep-Dish Nachos, Tom’s Famous Prime Rib Dip and Korean BBQ Wings, along with an extensive drink menu, featuring numerous beers on tap and a vast selection of specialty cocktails. In addition, guests can explore several Topgolf Swing Suites, featuring several virtual games paired with comfortable lounge seating; HDTVs; and food and beverage service.

Live! at The Pointe Orlando, the dining, entertainment, nightlife and social experience, will open at Pointe Orlando this fall to create a unique block party atmosphere centered around the outdoor Live! Plaza. The new development will bring immersive indoor and outdoor spaces featuring several venues, including Houndsmen English Lounge, a cocktail lounge offering a curated list of expertly crafted drinks featuring fine spirits, dark whiskeys and diverse inspiration; Shark Bar, offering a spacious interior that blends retro surf with retro cool; Sports & Social, a premier restaurant and bar concept that brings food and drink offerings, premier sports watching, live music, social games and more; and PBR Cowboy Bar, offering an authentic country western experience featuring a professionally endorsed mechanical riding bull, multiple signature bars and private VIP booths.

Corazón by Baires, a new dining concept, will debut inside Mango's Tropical Cafe on May 24 as a collaboration with Baires Grill. The partnership will feature globally inspired Latin American cuisine with menu highlights including a 40-ounce Tomahawk; 18-ounce Certified Angus Ribeye; Andean Branzino with potatoes, chickpeas, and chorizo hash; and more.

Nami, the contemporary Japanese concept in Lake Nona, launched its new Chef’s Counter offering an intimate 10-seat culinary experience directed by Chef Freddy Money, who leads Michelin-starred concept, Atlas Restaurant, in Atlanta. The limited-seating experience will feature a 20-bite tasting menu coursed in four distinct waves, with dishes like Snow Beef Tartare, Caviar Corn Dog, Ikura Rye and more, for $225 per person.

Pirates Dinner Adventure will introduce its new entertainment show, “In Search for Neptune’s Treasure,” this summer. The experience will feature a new script, stunts, songs, set pieces and costumes, allowing audiences to interact with the cast while dining. The new show is set to soft open this month and will officially open on June 1.

Lamp & Shade Craft Kitchen and Cocktails will open May 22 in the Mills 50 District. Located in the historic walls of the former Lamp Shade Fair store, the new concept will feature an Asian influenced, tapas-style menu, offering small plates like charred baby bok choy and curry mussels; seafood hot pot; and desserts like Japanese purple sweet potato cheesecake and castella cake, a type of Japanese sweet honey cake. The restaurant's exterior will feature the "Diversity Mural" by artist Cherie Bosela, memorializing the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting and dedicated to all who suffer from discrimination.

 The Burrow Cafe and Play, a new family-friendly café, will open in September in the Mills 50 District. In addition to coffee and grab-and-go bites, this spot will host food trucks and occasionally partner with local restaurants to feature their fare.

Tamara Modern Indian Cuisine, an authentic Indian restaurant, opened on International Drive this month. This dining experience focuses on quality ingredients and traditional Indian cooking methods and features live music.  

Red Coconut Club at Universal CityWalk will celebrate pride this June with exclusive drinks, live entertainment and a DJ, as part of its Love is Universal Nights.  

Oza by Tim Liu, an omakase style eatery, will open in Downtown Orlando in January 2025. The dining experience will showcase a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.  

SeaWorld Orlando will offer the “Shamu and Crew Better Together Breakfast,” a new interactive dining experience, this summer for guests to start their day by hanging out with Shamu and Crew while enjoying breakfast. 

EVENTS & FESTIVALS:

Meliá Orlando Celebration Hotel will host Dog Parties on select Saturdays throughout the month of May as part of its “All The Paw-sibilities” month in celebration of its Pet Friendly by Meliá program.  The pet-friendly, open to the public event will feature a Puppy Kissing Booth with themed outfits, Ball Pit for dogs, Snuggle Zone and 20% off the Dog Menu at The Wilson restaurant. 

Lake Nona Wave Hotel will host its summer pop-up experience, The Palm Club, inspired by Florida’s 1960’s golden age, throughout the summer. The experience, located at the heart of the hotel’s Sculpture Garden and available on weekends, features vintage cocktails, gourmet picnics, inspired photo moments, and more.

Boxi Park in Lake Nona will host a Dog Mom Day celebration on May 11. The Pet-friendly event will feature a dog costume contest, local vendors offering canine-centric goodies, live music and more.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Latin festival, Viva La Música, will return for an expanded five weekend run June 1-30. The indoor festival, included in theme park admission, will be held in the park’s Nautilus Theatre featuring live entertainment, including salsa, bachata and reggaetón artists, authentic cuisine inspired the colorful flavors of the Caribbean, Spain and Central & South America and family-friendly cultural activities throughout the park.

East End Market will host East Meets West, the food hall’s first AAPI-centered event in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, May 17-18. The locally curated night market will feature 25 local Asian food vendors, handcrafted goods, art, as well as beer, wine and cocktails. Additionally, an Asian-themed cocktail class will be available in the Audubon Room for $65 per person.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes will offer an array of events, entertainment and culinary offerings this summer, including the second iteration of the GLO Summer experiences, featuring a special appearance from the Red Bull Air Force as they perform aerial acrobatics above the resort Memorial Day Weekend. Other activities include a weekly fireworks show; exclusive luxury amenities and programming on the property’s enhanced Club Level lounge, including a Father’s Day event in partnership with the on-property Saks Fifth Avenue Club team; and summer holiday weekends featuring experiences including balloon creations, face painters, stilt walkers, obstacle courses, water slides, games and more.

Café Tu Tu Tango will celebrate Memorial Day with Bottomless Brunch, available on May 26. Guests can enjoy any item from the restaurant’s scratch kitchen, featuring an array of small plates, and savor bottomless street tacos, for $34.22 for adults and $11 for children ages 10 and under. Additionally, Bottomless Bloody Mary's and Mimosas will be available for $24.22.  

Harry P. Leu Gardens will host Summer of the Fairies June 8 – Aug. 25, featuring a series of events for guests to enjoy gardens and celebrate the mystical world of fairies. The Fairy Doors experience will be included with regular park admission and feature 20 whimsical fairy doors. On select nights June 21 – Aug. 16, Leu Gardens will host “Fairy Nights,” a separately ticketed evening event, inviting guests to make art creations, dress up in fairy-inspired attire and enjoy select food offerings available for purchase.  

The Kia Center will host Disney on Ice Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. The new show highlights Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Moana.  

Disney Springs will host a new drone show, “Disney Dreams That Soar,” May 24 – Sept. 2. The nightly, 10-minute show will use 800 drones to showcase beloved Disney characters from across the decades of Disney storytelling.  

ÔMO By Jont, the experiential tasting menu restaurant in Winter Park, will host a special Chef Collaboration series this summer, including the Krug X Flower collaboration on June 27, offering guests a five-course dining experience with a flight of four Krug Champagne Éditions. A one-of-a-kind dining experience in partnership with Chef Freddy Money of Atlas, the MICHELIN starred restaurant in Atlanta, will take place on June 28.  

Curry Ford West will host its annual Dress Like a Dad Pub Crawl for its seventh year on Saturday, June 8. The crawl will feature seven stops where guests will have the chance to score nine free drinks, enjoy food and participate in contests.  

SeaWorld Orlando will host several events this summer including: 

  • Precious Moments creator Hiko Maeda will be part of the park’s 60th anniversary, May 31 - Jun. 1.  The special event will spotlight an exclusive limited-release figurine made by Maeda in honor of the park's 60th birthday.  

  • The return of the Ignite Fireworks show, featuring music, lights, pyrotechnics and Club SeaGlow at Bayside Stadium, offering an evening of music, lights, dancing and more on select nights.   

  • A new interactive parade “So Much More to Sea,” featuring the park’s ocean crew and fan-favorite SeaWorld characters, Shamu and Crew. 

Pinstripes Orlando will offer a variety of Father’s Day specials this month including a grilling-themed brunch, specialty cocktails, live music and fun activities to celebrate the holiday.  

TRANSPORTATION  

Flair Airlines, the Canadian low-cost airline, announced its winter schedule expansion from key Canadian cities to the Orlando International Airport (MCO), including nonstop service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF) beginning Oct. 29; MCO and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) on Dec. 16; MCO and London (YXU) on Dec. 20; and MCO and Saint John (YSJ) on Dec. 22.  

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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