What’s Next for Orlando?

It’s no revelation that Orlando is constantly going through a series of renewals and updates; that it never stands still and always has the very latest and greatest to offer. From the theme parks to the restaurants, and shopping to nightlife, you can be sure that there’s always something novel on offer.

We should know. We’ve been in business for more than 25 years and have seen this amazing part of Central Florida just grow and grow with new attractions, dining, culture and more in that time. But even we were surprised by the latest press release from the Visit Orlando tourist organisation’s latest press release, which highlighted a full year’s worth of what’s new and upcoming in the Theme Park Capital of the World.

Whether exploring epic imaginative worlds, soaring through the Arctic tundra or diving deep into a literary-themed adults-only Speakeasy, Orlando’s iconic attractions promise unforgettable new adventures. With every corner brimming with unique encounters – including themed dining, vibrant nightlife, major international sports events and more – it’s no wonder Florida has been named the No.1 travel destination for 2025.

Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, said: “For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park, a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travellers worldwide. If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in more than a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning dining and new experiences slated to open in 2025.”

It’s going to be Epic!

Most people already know about this year’s big headline item, the Epic Universe park from Universal Orlando (opening May 22), but did you know that there are another TWENTY or so significant additions to Orlando’s tourism profile in the coming months?

Yes, that caught our attention and, reading through the list, we thought it would be worthwhile compiling our own countdown to all that’s in store for the first half of 2025. So, here is a month-by-month update showing what to look out for on your next Florida holiday:

February: Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop is now open at Gatorland. The $1.8million speciality candy store features more than 60 varieties of specially crafted chocolates, confections and sweets, plus hand-scooped Hershey’s ice cream, chocolate-dipped fruits and giant lollipops! Also new is the Downtown Orlando Food & Art Tour, hosted by Wandering Palm Adventures, a guided journey through the city’s art scene, featuring galleries, iconic landmarks like Lake Eola and CityArts, and outdoor sculptures. Along the way, guests indulge in tastings from top local eateries like Papi Smash’d Burger, while exploring the history and culture that define Orlando’s creative identity.

March: SeaWorld plans to open its new Arctic “flying theatre” concept this spring, breathing new life into the former Wild Arctic simulator ride. It should be something similar to EPCOT’s Soarin’ Around the World attraction, with the effect of flying over the frozen north. It doesn’t have an official name as yet, but Northern Flights seems likely.

April: We’re hopeful that the big Spring Break holiday in the US, plus the Easter hols for us, will coincide with the opening of two new food and beverage outlets that should be really exciting. At the Magic Kingdom, an all-new themed lounge, the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern, will open in Adventureland while, at Epcot, a lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth will feature breathtaking views of the World Showcase area and famous fireworks show. LEGOLAND Florida should also be on the menu in late Spring with SEA LIFE Florida, an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life, interactive exhibits and a finale showcasing “The Theme Park Under the Sea.” The eagerly-awaited return of Blue Man Group will take place on April 3, with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation. The show will be housed in a new venue completely customised to the blue trio and enhanced with cutting-edge technology.

May: This is the BIG month. On May 22 – just under 100 days away! – Universal Orlando will open the gates to Epic Universe, its incredible $6billion theme park, surrounded by three hotels and a whole array of new road infrastructure. This five “land” creation will feature each of a new Harry Potter section (combined with Fantastic Beasts for the first time), Super Mario World, the monster-themed Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and central hub Celestial Park, with signature ride Stardust Racers. We especially like the sound – and look – of the Dark Universe section, with its iconic Frankenstein Manor. Orlando may never be the same again!

June: Provisionally scheduled for the start of summer, Walt Disney World will unveil The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring a completely reimagined version of the classic film. At the Magic Kingdom, the new Disney Starlight Parade will debut, using state-of-the-art technology as the first nighttime parade since 2016.

July: This is when we expect to see the new Disney Villains – Unfairly Ever After show, taking over Disney’s Hollywood Studios park’s Sunset Showcase, with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers, including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent. At the same time, Fun Spot Orlando is bringing a mix of fresh adventures and family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages with new rides debuting this summer at their International Drive location. Kids will be able to spin themselves silly on Tea Cups, while MACH FUN will deliver the thrill of flight with barrel rolls and spiraling dives. And, at their Kissimmee location adjacent to Old Town, new additions will include Swing Around in the Kids Spot section, plus an inverted pendulum ride with twin gondolas called Up and Overboard.

August: While this date is not set in stone, we can expect to see EPCOT’s classic ride, Test Track presented by Chevrolet, re-emerge from a major refurbishment in the late summer/early autumn, featuring new scenes that highlight technological automotive advances.

Winter 2025: We now know that the Animal Kingdom’s long-running “It’s Tough to be a Bug” animated show at the Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life Theater will close on March 17, to make way later in the year for an all-new 4D production, “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” Families can join their favourite herd from the hit film Zootopia, including Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and more for an exhilarating new wild story.

New Sports in Orlando

Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium and the huge Camping World Stadium will host six games for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition from June 17 to July 4, including Manchester City against Juventus. Later in the year, look out for Hamlin House Paddle and Social Club, a new social pickleball concept featuring indoor and outdoor courts alongside elevated dining offerings to cater to the growing pickleball community in downtown Orlando.


New Dining in Orlando

• East End Market is welcoming a two-in-one concept to the food hall near downtown Orlando: Rion’s Ocean Room, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open this spring. Rion’s is a walk-up, take-away-only operation, offering varieties of freshly prepared poke, while Gyukatsu Rose will offer limited seating solely devoted to guests indulging in gyukatsu, Japanese fried beef cutlets.

• Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specialises in out-of-this-world freeze-dried candies, milkshakes and ice cream. Alien Treats also sells candies to go from its sundries section, all space-themed, like Astro rocks, Blue Raspberry Galactic Gummies and Candy Corn Galaxy Gems.

• The fabulous Lake Nona Wave Hotel has just introduced Garni Café and The Nectar Room as the newest offerings to the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage scene. Garni Café is an all-day French bistro serving breakfast and brunch seven days a week, plus light fare and dinner. The Nectar Room is a chic cocktail lounge offering inventive mixology and creative takes on small plates.

• Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.

• Finally, one of our real Winter Park favourites, The Glass Knife, will open a second location in the ritzy suburb this spring on Park Avenue for its elegant array of pastries, cakes and baked goods, along with breakfast, lunch and brunch offerings. Yum!

What most excites you for all these upcoming new attractions in Orlando? Tell us about it on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.