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
AAA projects 45.1 million Americans plan to travel for Memorial Day weekend with Orlando being the top Memorial Day weekend domestic destination based on AAA booking data for trips between May 22-26.
Orlando has been named 2025’s best summer travel destination, according to a recent study from the personal finance outlet WalletHub.com
ACCOMODATIONS
Mission Resort + Club unveiled a series of enhancements including refreshed guestrooms, a reimagined clubhouse restaurant and updates to The Spa at Mission Resort + Club. Guestrooms now feature modern furnishings, beverage coolers and upgraded bathrooms, while Grove House, formerly the Nicker’s Clubhouse, offers a fresh take on the classic “19th Hole” experience.
ATTRACTIONS:
SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey, an immersive Arctic flying theatre experience, opened on May 9. The ride combines cutting-edge ride technology with real-world Arctic footage and face-to-face encounters with belugas, walruses, seals and more. Guests can also interact with animals when disembarking the ride, including beluga whales, seals and walruses.
ICEBAR Orlando will debut its new tiki-themed ICEBAR Beach Club as part of “ICEBAR Orlando’s Epic Summer” celebration, May 15 – Sept. 1. The space will feature tropical ice sculptures and island vibes, including a new tiki throne, lush palms, colorful surfboards and more. Additionally, the event will feature themed cocktails, live entertainment, games and free entry on select nights to all guests who present an Epic Universe ticket.
High Point Climbing and Fitness will open a new facility in Orlando’s Packing District this spring. The 45,000-square-foot gym will feature a 52-foot rope climbing area with Florida’s only competition speed wall, a large bouldering and training zone and a 5,000-square-foot Kid Zone designed for young climbers. Additionally, the space will include a fitness area with weights; strength and aerobic machines; a yoga studio; locker rooms with showers; and a pro shop.
Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, will open on International Drive in April 2026. Described as a “Gen Z country club,” Society Park will include a mix of sports, dining, shopping and entertainment featuring nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, spa and two restaurants.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will host a special event showcasing the Black Glass Necklace, one of the rarest artifacts recovered from the wreck site, in its first-ever public debut following conservation on June 11. In addition, there will be a live conservation demonstration of Little Piece, a two-ton section of the ship’s hull and one of the ship’s most prominent artifacts, with expert commentary.
Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney will offer free kids’ tickets with the purchase of a qualifying adult ticket for Thursday performances through Labor Day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Disney Springs box office by mentioning the “Kids Free” offer, and are subject to availability and exclusions.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE:
Edible Education Experience has rebranded as The Kitchen House and will continue to operate in the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House and Culinary Garden in the heart of College Park. The non-profit organization’s mission focuses on creating opportunities to foster deeper connections with food and community through immersive, garden-to-kitchen experiences for the Central Florida community.
The Bleak and Barrel, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, will open later this year at Walt Disney World Resort. Nestled inside Magic Kingdom Park’s Adventureland, the new dining spot will have the look and feel of a lively pirate pub with adult and kid-friendly food options. Entertainment options include sing-alongs, storytelling and delightful surprises.
Luke’s Kitchen and Bar will welcome guests with a grand reopening on May 27. The Maitland restaurant will return to its coastal roots with a freshly redone interior and innovative takes on classic dishes with an emphasis on fresh coastal cuisine.
EPCOT's new adults-only lounge, GEO-82, will open at Walt Disney World Resort on June 4, with reservations available beginning May 6. Located inside Spaceship Earth, this elegant venue will offer sweeping views of the World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase Lagoon. Guests can indulge in globally inspired small plates like Jumbo Lump Crab Gâteau and Truffled Ahi Tuna, complemented by innovative cocktails such as the Brown Butter Old Fashioned and Clarified New York Sour.
City Food Hall opened in Ivanhoe Village, featuring over 10 chef-driven food stalls and global cuisine including Eggdose, Ramen Takagi, Taglish, Cheese to Share, Kalalou and more; multiple full-service bars; second-floor French brasserie, Chez Les Copains, led by Chef Mike Collantes. The venue also hosts unique events including karaoke, trivia and bingo.
Luminescent, an upscale coffee shop by day and cocktail bar celebrating the unique flavors of India by night, will open at the end of May in east Orlando. Luminescent will serve craft cocktails and Indian-style street food featuring house-made sauces and is designed around the interplay of light and mood.
Tiger Sugar, the popular international bubble tea shop founded in Taichung, is set to open its first Orlando Location in the Mills 50 District this month. Known for their original methods and authentic Taiwanese flavors, the shop will feature a variety of flavors including their signature black sugar bubble tea.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on select nights Aug 15. - Oct. 31. The separately ticketed event will feature live entertainment; Halloween-themed food and beverages; photo opportunities; exclusive merchandise and character greetings.
Old Town announced the debut of Waggin’ Weekend Dog Festival on Sunday, June 15. The event will feature an exciting lineup of activities, hosted by the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, including contests, live giveaways and vendor pop-ups offering dog-centric products.
Orlando Sings will host its 4th annual Orlando Sings Choral Festival May 15-17 at the renovated O.R. Davis Auditorium at Edgewater High School. The festival will feature a three-concert celebration of heritage, pilgrimage and renewal, performed by Orlando’s premier vocal ensembles.
LEGOLAND Florida launched its first-ever LEGO Festival, running every weekend through June 8. The family celebration includes five immersive zones: Music, Dance, Chill Out, Creative and Gaming, offering high-energy shows, massive LEGO builds, character meet and greet, interactive activities and more.
TRANSPORTATION:
Delta Air Lines will offer new winter seasonal flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) from seven U.S. destinations including Columbus, Ohio (CMH); Grand Rapids, Michigan (GRR); Indianapolis (IND); Kansas City (MCI); Louisville, Kentucky (SDF); Nashville (BNA); and Pittsburgh (PIT) from Dec. 20 – April 11, 2026.
Air France launched a non-stop flight four days a week from the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Orlando International Airport (MCO).