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 was ranked the third best foodie city in America for 2024 according to a study by WalletHub comparing more than 180 U.S. cities across 28 key indicators of food-friendliness.
Orlando was ranked among the Top Thanksgiving Travel Destinations in 2024, according to a study by Allianz Partners USA which reviewed over 750,000 travel itineraries around the Thanksgiving holiday to reveal the most popular domestic and international destinations for 2024.
Orlando was named the Accessible Destination of the Year at the inaugural JRNY America Awards 2024.
ATTRACTIONS
Walt Disney World Resort will begin the rollout of the new Lightning Lane Premier Pass, available to guests staying at Deluxe, Deluxe Villa (Disney Vacation Club) resorts and other select hotels, on Oct. 30. The pass will allow daily, one-time entry to each Lightning Lane experience in each theme park for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
The New Romantics, Orlando's first romance bookstore and Latina-owned shop, will open in Audubon Park’s Garden District on Dec. 7.
Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will debut on May 22, 2025, With a total of more than 50 experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions and breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
Walt Disney World Resort announced the return of the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Jan. 17 – Feb. 24. The festival will feature vibrant artwork; live entertainment, including the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series; and irresistible creations in the Food Studios offering bites and sips made with a creative twist.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Beignets & Brew will open next month on the ground floor of The Nora in Orlando's North Quarter neighborhood. Traditional and specialty beignets will be served while smoothies, power fizzies and a host of coffee will be poured.
Corazón by Baires will debut inside Mango's Tropical Cafe on Oct. 23 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
Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The new intimate lounge, open on select nights to guests 21 and older, features a library-inspired theme and offers a variety of specialty, on-theme cocktails. Tickets are available for $75 each and include two drinks and gourmet bar snacks.
Kia Center welcomed several new Orlando-based food and beverage vendors, including local favorites like Nauti Lobstah, Black Rooster Taqueria, Domi Italian Ice and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream. Additionally, the arena will offer an all-new 4(or)7 value menu that will feature several of the most popular menu offerings for either $4 or $7.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
ÔMO by Jônt will host various special events this fall including the ÔMO x Hundred Acre on Oct. 10, featuring a six-course tasting menu crafted by award-winning Chef Ryan Ratino, paired with multiple expressions of Hundred Acre’s acclaimed wines. Additionally, ÔMO x Master Sommelier Andy McNamara on Nov. 7 will feature an intimate dining event with Master Sommelier Andy McNamara, featuring a curated selection of wines, personally chosen by Andy, alongside a six-course tasting menu crafted by Chef Ryan Ratino.
Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host matches during the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in summer 2025.
The Kia Center, home of the Orlando Magic, was selected to host first and second rounds of the 2028 NCAA Division 1 Men's basketball championship.
ICEBAR Orlando will feature various special events this month including a month-long specialty Halloween cocktail menu with drinks such as the Pumpkin Spice Martini, Witches Brew, Sweet Poison and more; a Joker-themed Halloween weekend, Oct. 25-27, featuring live entertainment, signature cocktails, dancing and a costume contest; and a Day of the Dead celebration, Nov. 1, with a Dia de Los Muertos Party including a live DJ and drink specials.
Central Florida Vocal Arts will captivate audiences with the musical The Light in the Piazza, a six-time Tony Award winner, at The Plaza Live Nov. 15-16. The venue will transform into an Italian market filled with vendors, cafe tables that spill into the audience, delicious Italian treats and unique gifts as guests are swept away to magical Florence, Italy.
The Downtown Arts District will host its 15th Annual “Día De Los Muertos Monster Party” on Oct. 17. The event highlights Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired art created by regional, national and international artists. Additionally, the Street Party on Magnolia Avenue, outside of CityArts Orlando, will feature unique art vendors, live entertainment and food and drink offerings.
Island H2O Water Park will host the Eras Splash Bash on October 19 from 5-7 p.m. The family-friendly, Taylor Swift-inspired event will feature a foam party at the Live! Lagoon Wave Pool, Taylor Triva, a costume contest, themed food, a bracelet making station available for purchase and more.
Come Out With Pride Orlando will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a weekend of LGBTQIA+ Pride events in downtown Orlando, including the "Colors of Courage" parade on Saturday, Oct. 19; pre-parade festivities including variety shows, fundraisers, bingo, and more; a nighttime fireworks show; an afterparty at The Abbey; and more.
Orlando Fringe announced the return of its four-day winter festival, FESTN4, to its Fringe ArtSpace Jan. 8-12. The curated festival bridges the gap for Orlando Fringe’s annual May festival, offering patrons over 20 shows across four consecutive days, including popular works from past festivals and new works from Fringe artists.
Gatorland will host The Great Pumpkin Toss, a pumpkin-themed animal enrichment event, on Oct. 27. The unique event will offer guests the opportunity to view the park’s various animals and witness the powerful jaws of some of Gatorland’s largest reptiles as they enjoy pumpkin-themed enrichment activities.
Inter&Co Stadium will host the FC series, featuring three Brazilian soccer clubs, in January including Cruzeiro vs. São Paulo FC (Jan. 15), Atlético vs. Cruzeiro (Jan. 18), and Orlando City vs. Atlético (Jan. 25). The series, which commemorates the 10-year anniversary in 2025, will hearken back to its Florida Cup roots with four exhibition matches in the state.
TRANSPORTATION
Amtrak will launch a new daily route between Orlando and Chicago beginning Nov. 10. The "Floridian" route, on trains 40 and 41, will transport passengers through 10 states in under two days.
Breeze Airways will offer three new routes to Orlando (MCO) starting at $49 one way, with service from Provo (PVU) beginning Dec. 21; Gulfport (GPT) beginning Feb. 6; and Ogdensburg (OGS) beginning Feb. 13.
Frontier Airlines will offer new non-stop service from Burlington (BTV) to Orlando (MCO) beginning Dec. 20.