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 estimates 79.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 26 – Dec. 2), with Orlando being the top U.S. destination.
 

ATTRACTIONS:  

From Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, Universal Orlando Resort transforms for the holidays with festive experiences across the park. Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure features The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter sparkles with seasonal decor and holiday shows in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Universal Studios Florida presents Universal's Holiday Parade with Macy’s, complete with giant balloons, holiday floats and Santa. On select dates, guests can enjoy The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast, a fun-filled meal with Dr. Seuss characters, including the Grinch himself.

SeaWorld Orlando will host an all-new holiday event, Coasters After Dark: Christmas Edition, on select nights from Nov. 8 – Dec. 13. This nighttime event is separately ticketed and allows guests after-hours access to rides with lower wait times, fewer crowds and free popcorn.

Fun Spot America Theme Parks announced the addition of four new attractions across its two parks in Orlando and Kissimmee, including:

  • Fun Spot Orlando:
    • The Tea Cups, which will replace the park's existing version while still offering a classic family ride experience.
    • The MACH FUN tower ride, the tallest interactive 360 Flying Jet Ride in North America, where guests will experience barrel rolls and spiraling dives while spinning and soaring through the air.
  • Fun Spot Kissimmee:
    • A new SBF-Visa Group Swing Around ride designed for young guests, in the Kids Spot section.
    • Up and Overboard, a 60-foot inverted pendulum ride with twin gondolas, offering thrilling 360-degree spins and weightless sensations.

The Wekiva Wild River Tour launched an all-new guided scenic boat tour experience at Wekiva Island. The tour, offered daily, offers up to six guests a one-hour adventure on the Wekiva River, where they will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the river’s unique ecosystem and abundant wildlife aboard a custom boat featuring comfortable couches, river-inspired decor and more.

SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando will offer guests savings of up to 60% on tickets, Fun Cards, and annual passes through Nov. 29 as part their Black Friday sale.
 

DINING & NIGHTLIFE:

Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, launched a soft opening this week.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic returns for its 15th anniversary Nov. 15-16. More than 170 beverage offerings and 45 dishes from 85 booths will be available along the resort’s causeway.

Rion's Ocean Room by Domu founder Sonny Nguyen will be open daily through mid-November at East End Market, serving traditional Hawaiian poke-by-the-pound and Japanese staple, fried wagyu cutlets. The casual seafood counter offers up to 12 varieties of fresh poke in spicy, shoyu and Hawaiian options, with a choice of plantain chips, tortilla chips or rice.

Saigon Snow, an all-new sweets shop modeled after dessert and fruit stands found in the streets of Saigon, will open in the Mills Market this fall. The new spot will be overseen by renowned chef and winner of Top Chef Season 3, Hung Huynh, offering shaved ice bowls and smoothies in a host of South Asian flavors including mango colada, ube, coconut, Vietnamese coffee and more.
 

EVENTS & FESTIVALS:  

The Orlando Coffee Festival takes place on Nov. 16 at Festival Park and will feature coffee samples from roasters across the country alongside various art and food vendors. Admission is free but attendees are invited to take part in the coffee sampling for $15.  

The Electric Daisy Carnival returns to Tinker Park in Orlando from Nov. 8-10. This year's lineup features over 100 performers and DJs including Diplo, Zeds Dead, John Summit, Steve Aoki and more.  

SeaWorld Orlando will host Guy Harvey at the park Nov. 15-16 for exclusive experiences with the renowned artist and conservationist. Friday will consist of an “Evening with Guy Harvey,” offering ocean tales from Guy Harvey’s travels and a menu of savory appetizers along with a selection of wine, beer and cocktails. On Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to meet Harvey during three special sessions at SeaWorld's Waterfront.

MegaCon will return to Orlando in early 2025, offering four days of celebrities, cosplay, comics and collectibles from Feb. 6-9 at the Orange County Convention Center. Fans can expect vendors, panels and some familiar faces, including Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Alicia Silverstone (Clueless), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad, Kick-Ass) and more.

ICEBAR Orlando will welcome the new year with its 2025 Ice Masquerade: A New Year's Eve Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31 starting at 7pm. The themed evening will feature specialty cocktails; a midnight buffet; live DJ and entertainment; ice sculptures; free digital souvenir photos and raffle giveaways.

The Orlando Museum of Art will welcome back the Festival of Trees for its 38th year from Nov. 15-24. This year’s theme, “Let the Joy of the Season Shine," features 50 intricately decorated trees and wreaths; light displays; pop-up shops; artisan gingerbread creations; and treats from a Holiday Café.

Holidays in Space, presented by PEPSI, returns to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Dec. 20-30. The visitor complex will be transformed into a spectacular, holiday-themed space wonderland, with highlights including the return of Starflake’s Holiday Voyage, the nightly projections show inspired by the adventure of space travel; larger-than-life holiday installations; festive photo opportunities; and an expanded Rocket Tree Trail.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has opened ticket sales for Kennedy Under the Stars, an exclusive after-hours event taking place Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. The event will feature a DJ in the Rocket Garden, a techno DJ dance party in NASA Central, Cosmic Glow Mini Golf under the massive Saturn 1B rocket, multisensory science experiments from the visitor complex STEAM Team, glowing bar and lounge areas and photo-worthy live entertainment.
 

TRANSPORTATION

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has unveiled an enhanced MCO app that delivers features like indoor turn-by-turn navigation, security checkpoint wait times and flight status notifications. In addition, parking information will provide users with current availability and access to the Reserved Parking system.