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

  • Lake Nona Wave Hotel, opening in late-fall 2021, will be the region’s newest lifestyle hotel. With architecture inspired by waves of energy, the leading-edge hotel will feature 216 guest rooms, 16 onebedroom suites and two penthouse suites. Guests can expect an experience elevated by technology yet grounded in wellbeing. The property will feature a colorful rooftop pool deck to soak up the sun and three dining concepts perfect for savoring artful plates and Instagram-worthy cocktails.

  • Universal’s Aventura Hotel has officially reopened, marking the first time since the pandemic that all Universal Orlando Resort hotels are open and available to book. Guests now have eight hotels to choose from – with four resort categories – Premier, Preferred, Prime Value and Value.  

ATTRACTIONS

  • Pirates Dinner Adventure will add a new adult-only interactive show, Teatro Martini, and introduce a prohibition-style speakeasy starting July 1. The Vegas-inspired show -- featuring pole dancers, hula hoop artists, comedians, magicians and jugglers – will have dance numbers based on cult-favorites such as Risky Business and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Show tickets start at $69.95.

  • SeaWorld Orlando will extend its "Ignite" fireworks spectacular during Fourth of July weekend to include the normally scheduled fireworks at 10 p.m. followed by a patriotic fireworks finale at 11:30 p.m. Both fireworks performances can be viewed from all around SeaWorld's large central lake.

  • Walt Disney World will debut two new nighttime spectaculars on Oct 1. to kick off the resort’s 50th anniversary festivities. At Magic Kingdom Park, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. At Epcot, “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park, will feature interpretations of classic Disney songs, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world, pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in a celebration of music at World Showcase Lagoon. Additionally, Walt Disney World Resort’s nighttime fireworks spectaculars – “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park and “EPCOT Forever” at Epcot -- will return July 1. 

  • Universal Orlando Resort’s all-new, interactive character experience, DreamWorks Destination, is now open. Located in the KidZone area of Universal Studios Florida, this new experience allows guests to interact, dance and be photographed with multiple beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit film franchises, Trolls, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and more – all in one location. 

DINING

  • The Pinery, a new upscale eatery in Ivanhoe Village serving fresh Florida foods, opened its doors last week. Located on the ground floor of a luxe high-rise built on the edge of Lake Ivanhoe, the restaurant’s swanky, retro vibe is full of nods to the past, from the name itself (referencing the area's past as a pineapple farm), down to architectural touches salvaged from Orlando's past.

  • Portillo’s, a popular Chicago restaurant, opened June 15 at Village at O-Town West in Lake Buena Vista. Diners with a connection to the Midwest will be drawn to the restaurant for its customer favorites like hot dogs, burgers, salads, chocolate cake and craft beer.  

  • Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy restaurant announced a new location in Winter Park, expected to open late this summer. The new 3,500-square-foot restaurant will feature a drive-thru and outdoor dining space, offering its signature grilled or fried chicken tenders that are served in sandwiches, skewers or salads.  

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

  • The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will extend its award-winning Frontyard Festival through mid-December. With COVID restrictions easing, the 2,000-seat, innovative outdoor venue will grow to accommodate approximately 4,500 guests. Air Supply, Four Tops and The Temptations are among the festival artists already confirmed to play the Mainstage at Seneff Arts Plaza.

  • The 44th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola Park will return to downtown Orlando on July 4. The free event will feature live entertainment, food and beverage offerings from various vendors, along with a fireworks finale set to a live performance by the Orlando Concert Band.   

  • SeaWorld Orlando announced the premiere of its first ever separate-ticketed nighttime Halloween event, Howl-O-Scream. The after-hours event joins the daytime Halloween Spooktacular and will feature haunted houses, scare zones and more freight-filled activities. The event will be available select nights Sept. 10 -Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to as late as 2 a.m.

  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort will be hosting the 12th annual Food & Wine Classic Oct. 29 and 30, offering wine and culinary artistry from around the world. The event will feature over 20 food stations and 100 beverage selections in immersive and themed areas such as the beer garden and bubble lounge. Ticket options start at $165. 

AWARDS & ACCOLADES 

  • Orlando is ranked among 2021’s Best Cities for Staycations according to Wallethub. The study compared 182 U.S. cities, including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, across three key indicators of recreation, food and entertainment and rest and relaxation.  Orlando is the top destination Brits want to visit for a 2022 holiday, according to a new survey from Skyscanner, which was based upon the most searched for global travel destinations.