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 will be the No. 1 destination in America over the fall season according to gathered data from AAA showing that more flights and cruises are getting booked in Central Florida compared to last year.
 

ATTRACTIONS:

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will reopen and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will temporarily close starting Nov. 4. The return of the Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass will give guests repeated admission to the water parks through May 23, 2025.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host a new Disney Villains show next summer. Dozens of iconic villains will take the stage at the Sunset Showcase, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and many more new and classic Disney Villains. Before the show comes to life, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will make its final appearance on Oct. 7.

Universal Orlando Resort will debut Wicked: The Experience, allowing guests to step into iconic locations from the Land of Oz, featuring immersive sets, costumes and props from the film. Fantabulous-themed dining will be available as well as limited-time Wicked-inspired treats at Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal CityWalk.

Universal Orlando Resort will expand the Universal Studios Store in Universal CityWalk to include two new areas featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, with an opening planned for 2025. The retail location will offer Butterbeer treats, beverage varieties and merchandise inspired by all three lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando – including the new Ministry of Magic. Super Nintendo World will have an all-new dedicated entrance inspired by the colorful landscapes and characters from the Nintendo video games, offering an assortment of merchandise featuring characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more.

Fun Spot Orlando will debut FUNOWEEN, an all-new, family-friendly Halloween event, beginning Sept. 5. The celebration, included with admission and held every Saturday in October, will feature a Trick-or-Treat Trail, scavenger hunts, dance parties, costume contest, Halloween-themed treats and more.

SeaWorld Orlando will unveil the world’s first fully immersive Artic flying theater, which is planned to open spring 2025. Building on the park’s new Penguin Trek family coaster, the new attraction will invite guests to experience the Arctic by soaring over icy landscapes, diving beneath frozen waters and coming face-to-face with creatures found in the region.

Gatorland will offer savings of $20 off the regular price of its Screamin’ Gator Zipline as part of its Weekday Fall Sale, available weekends through Oct. 31.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE: 

KFC will pilot new "KFC Original" restaurant concepts at 16 Orlando locations, with a new menu, fresh decor, enhanced technology and updated service speed.

Chick N Max, the Kansas-based fast-casual chain, announced its plan to open five new locations in the Orlando area.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with two exciting, limited time offers from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. Guests ordering Cuba Libre’s Cuban Pork Feast for Two will receive two complimentary Cuban-style desserts while those who order an off-the-menu entree of Guava BBQ Ribs will receive it at a value price.

Escobar Kitchen, offering a fusion of Latin and Asian cuisines, is now open in Thornton Park.

The new Food Truck Fridays at Ivanhoe Park Brewing kicks off Sept. 13, featuring a rotating lineup of 10 local food trucks each week -with over 40 expected throughout the month. Food offerings showcase innovative cuisine from vendors like Chicken Waffle Grill, Churro World and Cholo Dogs.

The Glass Knife will open a second location in Winter Park’s Park Avenue in spring 2025, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, donuts and dessert.
 

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

The Orlando Museum of Art will host its 38^th annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 16-24. Visitors can admire over 50 designer-inspired decorated trees and wreaths, all of which are available for purchase. The event will also feature artisanal gingerbread creations, pop-up shops, stunning holiday vignettes and raffles for holiday-inspired tabletop displays throughout the venue.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens will offer free admission to kids ages 12 or younger throughout the month of September. An adult ticket purchase is required for each free child ticket.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2024-2025 Jazz Series, where guests can immerse themselves in the world of some of the finest jazz musicians, including performances by 14-time Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock and more.

Come Out with Pride Orlando will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 19. With the theme "Colors of Courage," the event will feature two entertainment stages with local and national talent, vibrant vendor marketplaces and a new parade route. Highlights include Rainbow Ranch, a dedicated sober space, a youth pride zone and a trans rally.

The Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Nov. 15-16, featuring 45 dishes, over 170 beverage options and interactive seminars across 85 booths.

Taste of College Park returns on Oct. 10 to a new location – The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall & Bar in the Packing District. This year’s fundraising festival will feature 24 local eateries that will provide food, beer and wine.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of offerings including an art exhibit featuring a collection of works from the Central Florida community that celebrates Hispanic culture at Gallery MCO; performances by the Don Soledad Trio on Sept. 13 and Mariachi Oro Internacional on Sept. 20; and a Dominoes game area available to travelers on Sept. 27.  

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels announced their fall special events including Jake’s Beer Festival at Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Oct. 4), Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Oct. 18) and Velvet Unplugged at Hardrock Hotel featuring BBMAK (Nov. 22).

Old Town will celebrate the Halloween season with the introduction of new characters and photo op areas, available every Saturday evening in October. Additionally, on Oct. 31 guests can enjoy Old Town’s annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Celebration featuring live music, characters, a costume contest and trick-or-treat candy stations.

The Orlando Museum of Art will feature new punk rock and skateboarding exhibitions now through Jan. 5. The Push exhibit will feature widely recognized skateboarding photographer, J. Grant Brittain, and a library of his iconic works from the 1980s. The Torn Apart: Punk + New Wave Graphics, Fashion and Culture, 1976-86 collection will display visual works, including posters, flyers, pieces of ephemera; photos of musicians and fans; Vivienne Westwood garments; and more.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host the SpaceX Falcon Heavy Europa Clipper launch on Oct. 10. Guests can explore Jupiter’s moon Europa at the closest launch viewing area. The “Feel the Heat” package will grant exclusive access to Apollo/Saturn V Center (4 miles from launchpad), two-day admission, bus transportation, one meal, souvenirs and more. General admission will provide complimentary viewing from Atlantis North Lawn or South Lot (7 miles away).

The Great Southern Box Company will host P1 Vodka’s First Annual Martini Fest on Nov. 16. Guests can savor martinis crafted by the best mixologists in town in a lively atmosphere complete with DJs, giveaways, interactive games and more.

The ‘Anything for Selena’ themed market will return to Ivanhoe Village in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring more than 20 vendors ranging from food to art.
 

TRANSPORTATION:

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) has made the Experience MCO Visitor Pass Program a permanent addition to the airport after a year as a pilot program. The pass allows non-traveler guests to explore, shop and dine post-security at MCO’s Terminal C without a boarding pass.