Eyes are on Orlando with the highly anticipated opening of
its first new
theme park in more than 25 years. But there’s more.
Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando said in a
statement, “This summer marks one of the most exciting seasons in Orlando’s
history, with the first new theme park in 25 years opening in May, and a wave
of new experiences and sporting events that continue to give travelers new
reasons to choose Orlando.”
She added, “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular
to our destination, this summer Orlando delivers new unbelievably real vacation
opportunities for all types of travelers.”
Here’s a look at what travelers can look forward to.
New Attractions and Experiences
Universal Orlando Resort’s, Universal Epic Universe opens
May 22 with 50 attractions across five exciting, immersive worlds.
At Walt
Disney World Resort, two new shows debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
beginning May 27. Coming to EPCOT late summer, Test Track presented by
Chevrolet will open and Magic Kingdom Park introduces Disney Starlight, the
first nighttime parade since 2016.
Expedition Odyssey opens at SeaWorld Orlando on May 1 as the
world’s first fully immersive Artic-themed flying theater.
SEA LIFE Florida, a new aquarium attraction at LEGOLAND
Florida Resort, opens May 23, showcasing “The Theme Park Under the Sea.”
LEGOLAND Florida Resort will host a new LEGO Festival each
weekend in May, leading up to World Play Day on June 11.
Beyond the Theme Parks
Blue Man Group returns to Orlando this summer with a new
home at ICON Park.
Sporting Events
Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host
matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Orlando City Soccer Club will take on various teams this
summer at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando.
Orlando Pride, the 2024 National Women's Soccer League
champions will take on various teams this summer at Inter&Co Stadium.
Unique Dining Offerings
Orlando’s dining scene has again been recognized by the
MICHELIN Guide Florida with two new Michelin-starred Orlando restaurants for
2025, including the destination’s first Two Michelin Starred venue, Sorekara.
Bourbon Steak is the newest addition to The Walt Disney
World Swan & Dolphin, set to open mid-summer, led by celebrity chef Michael
Mina.
Corazón by Baires, a speakeasy restaurant, opened at Mango’s
Tropical Cafe in collaboration with Baires Grill.
Gyukatsu Rose, the latest concept from Domu founder Sonny
Nguyen opened at East End Market in Audubon Park.
Live! at The Pointe Orlando recently launched, creating a
block party atmosphere with immersive indoor and outdoor spaces.
Nabe, a Japanese-inspired speakeasy-inspired restaurant is open
in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood.
Saigon Snow at Mills Market in the Mills 50 neighborhood
district offers shaved ice bowls and smoothies inspired by dessert and fruit stands
of Vietnam streets.
James Beard finalist for Best Restauranteur, Good Salt
Restaurant Group’s Jason and Sue Chin will welcome Sparrow Wine Bar &
Lounge with Chef Wendy Lopez in downtown Orlando this summer.
Accommodations
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World
Resort will unveil 365 newly renovated cabins, available to all guests for the
first time this summer.
Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows,
a new addition to the Disney Vacation Club is now open.
The LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort will debut 20
new themed room concepts in April.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into
the new Universal Epic Universe, opens its doors in May.
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort
at Universal Orlando Resort, features 750 double-queen guest rooms with
spaceship-styled windows and more.
Villatel Orlando Resort showcases 270 themed villas and the
nation’s first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort with spacious two- to
three-bedroom units featuring 200,000 square feet of resort amenities—including
a water park and Splash Cove.
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