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.
ACCOMODATIONS:
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels will offer Florida residents and Disney Annual Passholders up to 30% off regular rates on stays this summer.
ATTRACTIONS:
Orlando Family Stage announced its 2023-2024 season, featuring a lineup of show for audiences of all ages, including Disney’s Descendants: The Musical (A Youth Academy Production) July 14-23, TheatreWorks USA’s The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System Sept. 5 – Oct. 8, Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Nov.13 – Dec. 23, Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. (A Youth Academy Production) Dec. 8 - 10, 2024, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical April 12 – May 12, 2-24, and more.
Creative City Project will present “The Carnival - Where Orchestra meets Circus,” an orchestral event in collaboration with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at downtown Orlando’s historic Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House, Aug. 25-27. The concert will feature the music of French composer, Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals,” as actors, dancers, circus performers and large puppetry bring the world of the circus to life like never before. Tickets start at $35 per person.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center™. This collaboration aims to ensure that autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals can visit with confidence and paves the way for inclusive experiences. As a Certified Autism Center, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will have trained and knowledgeable team members, on-site sensory guidance, designated low sensory areas and a sensory guide.
Universal Orlando Resort unveiled all-new details about Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, opening this summer. The new experience will transport guests to Villain-Con – the largest convention for villains around the globe – where the headlining event is a challenge to see who has what it takes to become the newest member of the supervillain group, the Vicious 6, featured in the film, “Minions: Rise of Gru.” Throughout the competition, guests will use their “E-Liminator X” blaster – equipped with Freeze Rays, Banana Bombs, Explosive Nunchucks and more – to cause as much mayhem as possible to earn points.
Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ animated characters in an immersive and interactive experience in 2024. The land will feature Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, along with interactive play spaces and attractions including characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and more.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will debut its 2023–2024 season on October 17, featuring new exhibitions including Fascinating Clutter: American Taste during the Reign of Victoria and American Arts and Crafts from the Morse Collection. The season will also feature programs and events including the 45th annual Christmas in the Park, an outdoor exhibition featuring Tiffany windows on November 30 and celebratory events with free admission for Thanksgiving Weekend, Christmas Eve, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Easter Weekend, and Independence Day.
Burlington will open a new store at the Olinda Center on Aug. 18-20. The grand opening weekend will feature giveaways to the first 100 customers to enter the store.
Cool Zoo Wildlife Center, featuring 10,000 square feet of indoor wildlife experiences and interactive education, will open on International Drive in September. The attraction will feature up-close animal encounters with Cool Zoo’s animal residents including sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, alligators, snakes, capybaras, porcupines and more. General admission will be $15 per person and one-on-one encounters with ambassador animals will range from $10 to $100 per person.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE:
Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new pickleball-centric food and entertainment concept backed by NFL stars, including Rob Gronkowski, is expected to open in Kissimmee. The new concept will feature healthy and indulgent options with a Southern flair, a large selection of self-pour beer, wine and mixed drink selections, opportunities to enjoy a game of pickleball, leagues tournaments and more.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar will offer $5 Classic Mojitos at the bar during Happy Hour on July 11, in celebration of National Mojito Day.
American Social Bar & Kitchen will offer a new Saturday bottomless brunch service for the summer. From now until Sept. 3, ladies can enjoy two-hour bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée, priced at $17 or more, by reservation only. Guests can also enjoy $20 La Marca Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé Bottles, with no food purchase required, and a live DJ from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
ICEBAR Orlando will host Barbie-inspired “Come on Barbie ICEBAR Party” event July 21 – July 23, featuring a pink ambiance combined with signature drinks, a DJ performance and prizes for the best dressed Barbie and Ken. Entry for visitors ages 8 and older will be available from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., with entry for visitors 21 and older after 9 p.m.
EET, an all-new, modern Indian restaurant by the James Beard Award-winning chef and Food Network star, Maneet Chauhan, will be opening at Disney Springs later this year.
Soseki, Winter Park's Michelin starred modern omakase restaurant, launched its lunch service this Saturday, July 22. It is available on Saturdays only and features an abbreviated six-course tasting menu for $85++ per person. Guests can enjoy a seasonal showcase of Japanese inspired fare, plus extras.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will offer “Feel the Heat” launch-viewing packages for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon Heavy EchoStar JUPITER 3 mission. The package costs $250 and includes two-day admission, a complimentary meal, bus transportation to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, a complimentary souvenir and more.
Universal Orlando Resort unveiled new details for Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The event will bring season 4 of Netflix’s original series, “Stranger Things,” to life in an all-new haunted house, where guests will encounter the newest supernatural villain, Vecna, who is set on obliterating the barrier between the Upside Down and the real world to reign supreme. The event will also extend the horror for four additional dates for a record-breaking 48 nights of terror.
ICON PARK will host The Great American Cookout, a new summer foodie festival on July 30, featuring chef-inspired gourmet dishes from local culinary stars, along with flight samples of wine, beer, spirits and live entertainment. Tickets are priced at $39.99 for adults and $9.99 for children (ages 3-12) when purchased in advance. A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to The Salvation Army.
The Lonely Dog Immersive will host a Dueling Piano Night on July 21, combining art, music and family fun for all. Visitors will experience a live dueling piano performance from Donovan Peters and Jason J in the Coco Kitz lounge. The event also includes access to the 30-minute immersive show, Selfie Salon, VR Lounge and Zen Energy Ball Pit, along with beer, wine and champagne. Food will be available to purchase at Café Terra. Tickets for the event cost $33.
Dezerland Action Park will host the I-Drive Throwdown, an event highlighting hundreds of trucks and off-road vehicles, July 21-23. The three-day event will showcase the power and agility of various off-road vehicles, including trucks, side-by-sides and ATVs, and feature vendors for accessories and prizes.
SeaWorld Orlando will launch a new Ultimate Shark Experience as part of a weeklong shark celebration at the park. From July 21-28, this separately ticketed experience allows guests to see, feed, touch and learn about sharks and conservation efforts surrounding them. For each ticket sold, SeaWorld will donate a portion to shark conservation to help sharks for generations to come. Tickets for the experience are priced at $199 per person.
Gaylord Palms will host ICE! featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Nov. 17 – Jan. 3, 2024. Guests will experience an immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures of classic scenes and beloved characters re-created in three dimensions, along with frozen slides, tunnels and more.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe returns Jan. 26-27 for a weekend of faith, fun and fellowship. During Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, fans and youth groups can come together to enjoy moving performances by some of Christian music’s top artists, worship experiences and theme park attractions at Universal Studios Florida.
Orlando will host the 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon. The multi-day AFC vs NFC competition will take place at Camping World Stadium on February 4, featuring new and returning skills challenges. Eighty-eight of the league’s top players showcase their football and non-football skills in unique competitions, culminating in action-packed flag football games.
TRANSPORTATION:
Sunshine Flyer and Mears Connect has announced a merger that will shuttle guests between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. The brand-new service will begin operation on Aug. 1.
