Orlando, the ‘City Beautiful’ is ready to welcome more than two dozen all-new experiences in 2026.
From the world’s first-ever Slotharium to Orlando’s newest professional sports team, there is always a surprise in store for someone!
What’s New Park To Park:
At EPCOT, the popular Frozen Ever After will welcome newly updated audio-animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff in February. This summer, guests can take flight on a new immersive journey with Soarin’ Across America, a refreshed experience featured in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
This summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will unveil two new experiences in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, including “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”, a high-energy show with tunes and dancing, and “The Magic of Disney Animation”, inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Emmy-winning short film, “Once Upon a Studio.” May 22nd 2026, a new mission will touch down in the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge with an all-new adventure centered around “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Late summer, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will take guests inside a recording studio where the Electric Mayhem is laying down new tracks.
The arrival of Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer marks a significant addition to the park’s offerings, inviting guests of all ages to play, dance and enjoy meet-and-greets and favorite games.
At Magic Kingdom Park, those old favorites Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in spring following upgrades. The galactic space battle attraction will feature redesigned ride vehicles with Star Command-inspired styling and onboard video monitors for real-time scoring.
Level 99 will open at Disney Springs, replacing the former NBA Experience, transforming the two-story space venue into an interactive adult obstacle course featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges.
Universal Orlando Resort marks the 25th anniversary of the original Harry Potter film with special limited-time offerings throughout the year in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Highlights include Butterbeer Season, running March 1st through May 31st, featuring limited-edition treats, new themed merchandise and other surprises.
Visitors to Orlando can of course continue to enjoy Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive 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.
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a first-of-its-kind suspended family dark ride, will debut at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests can embark on a dark submersible adventure through different underwater ecosystems.
Galacticoaster will blast off at LEGOLAND Florida on Feb. 27th at the park’s newest space-themed land. The indoor coaster invites families to embark on a LEGO galaxy adventure with a customizable spacecraft .
Beyond the Big Parks:
Sloth World, the world’s first and only Slotharium, will open in February on International Drive, offering guided, small-group experiences inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths roam freely among lush trees, vines and natural climbing structures.
Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, opens on International Drive in April. Dubbed a “Gen Z country club,” it will feature nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, a spa and two restaurants.
Build-A-Bear Workshop will debut a multi-level flagship store — the largest in the world— at ICON Park, offering classic “make-your-own” experiences along interactive and personalized elements.
Museum of Ice Cream Orlando, known for its colorful exhibitions, unique sweet treats and world-famous sprinkle pool, will make its debut at International Drive’s Pointe Orlando this year.
Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure, an original live show starring the beloved Fraggles characters and NASA’s real-life space explorers, is now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
More Distraction Attractions:
The United Football League introduced Orlando Storm, the city’s newest professional sports franchise. The new UFL team will play its inaugural season at Inter&Co Stadium, home to the two professional men and women’s soccer teams.
Blue Man Group return to Orlando on May 1st with a new custom-built home at ICON Park, featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation.
Capone’s Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and an updated gangster themed storyline.
Orlando Ballet will present new performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts‘ Steinmetz Hall, including Carmen, an interpretation of the hyper-dramatic production by the same creator of Casanova, Feb. 12-15. There is also Balanchine, Godden, Gill, featuring a special pre-performance “Meet the Artist” event before select performances, March 26th-29th; and The Great Gatsby, an interpretation of the great American novel, telling F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved tragic love story. April 30th – May 3rd.
New Food & Night-life Options:
The Reverie, an American brasserie by James Beard-recognized Chef Brandon McGlamery, will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square later this year. The restaurant will offer refined cuisine alongside a curated beverage program featuring classic cocktails with seasonal twists and a thoughtfully selected New and Old World wine list.
CityArts Café opened inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building, home to CityArts Orlando in downtown. The café is part of the Downtown Arts District’s mission to cultivate the arts in Orlando by creating a new space to highlight local artistry.
Cowboy Curry, the Japanese beef curry house by Sorekara (Orlando’s only two-star Michelin restaurant) chef William Shen, is now open at Mills Market, along MICHELIN Guide-recognized booths Bánh Mì Boy, Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings and UniGirl.
Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a two-story restaurant lounge with a dynamic first-floor lounge and upstairs dining room with a veranda terrace, is opening in Winter Garden later this year.
Kappo Tsan, specializing in kappo-style dining offering sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and à la carte formats, is now open in O-Town West.
Mamazzita Gastrobar, a Peruvian/Latin restaurant that transforms into a nightclub, is now open near the Florida Mall.
Osteria Ester, an Italian American concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group founders Jason and Sue Chin, is now open in Thornton Park. It is a true neighborhood gathering place taking on a casual and communal feel.
Pomelo, a cocktail-focused concept by Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh, is set to open in the Mills 50 District this spring. The restaurant will feature Southeast Asian flavors and a vibrant indoor-outdoor bar experience.
Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop is now open at Live! at the Pointe Orlando and features an elevated nightlife experience that blends west coast swagger and southern soul. Guests can expect a curated rotation of DJs, live performances and playlists inspired by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg themselves, and a cocktail menu inspired by Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop among other ultra-premium spirits.