ORLANDO, Fla. (April 23, 2025) – Orlando dials up the excitement this summer with a lineup of new experiences — an all-new theme park, the return of an electrifying stage show, an immersive speakeasy dining experience, themed accommodations perfect for families and star-studded global soccer matches. Recently named the No. 1 travel destination for 2025 by AAA, Orlando continues to deliver unforgettable vacations with something for every type of traveler.  

“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,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “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.” 

Visitors can discover exclusive savings on VisitOrlando.com/offers or receive travel tips and complimentary vacation planning services from Orlando-based vacation planning experts by going to VisitOrlando.com/plan. 

NEW ATTRACTION EXPERIENCES 

Universal Orlando Resort 

• Universal Orlando Resort's highly anticipated theme park, Universal Epic Universe, opens May 22 with 50 attractions across five immersive worlds:  
  • Celestial Park takes guests on a journey of discovery through living gardens and architecture inspired by the cosmos.  
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic unveils a fresh era of wizardry, blending 1920s wizarding Paris from the “Fantastic Beasts” films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. 
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic worlds of beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.  
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise.  
  • Dark Universe allows guests to encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery. 

Walt Disney World Resort 

• Two new shows will debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios starting May 27: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a reimagined production inspired by the classic film at the refreshed Animation Courtyard theater, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” taking over the park's Sunset Showcase with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers — including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent.  

• Coming to EPCOT late summer, Test Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances. 

• Magic Kingdom Park introduces Disney Starlight, the first nighttime parade since 2016, using state-of-the-art technology.  

SeaWorld Orlando 

• Expedition Odyssey will open at SeaWorld Orlando on May 1 as the world's first fully immersive Artic-themed flying theater where guests can experience the Arctic by soaring over icy landscapes, chasing the dazzling Northern Lights, diving beneath frozen waters and encountering majestic wildlife. 

LEGOLAND Florida 

• SEA LIFE Florida, a new aquarium attraction at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, opens May 23, offering an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life, interactive exhibits and a finale 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. The festival includes five immersive zones across the park and over 49 new, big build LEGO models designed to inspire play in different ways.   

Beyond the Theme Parks 

• Blue Man Group returns to Orlando this summer with a new home at ICON Park. The show features its signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation. 

UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS 

• Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on June 17, 20, 24, 26, 30 and July 4, bringing global stars like Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica) to Orlando. 

• Orlando City Soccer Club will take on various teams this summer at Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando: FC Cincinnati (June 28), CF Montreal (July 12), New York City FC (July 16), Inter Miami CF (Aug. 10), Sporting KC (Aug. 16), Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Aug. 30). 

• Orlando Pride, the 2024 National Women's Soccer League champions—with one of the greatest female players of all time, Marta—will take on various teams this summer at Inter&Co Stadium: Houston Dash (June 7), Utah Royals FC (Aug. 3), Racing Louisville FC (Aug. 9), NJ/NY Gotham FC (Aug. 29).  

UNIQUE DINING OFFERINGS 

• Orlando's evolving dining scene has yet again been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Florida as inspectors announced two new Michelin-starred Orlando restaurants for 2025, including the destination's first Two MICHELIN Starred venue, Sorekara. Michelin's recognition of the 59 identified Orlando restaurants includes nine MICHELIN Starred venues, 15 Bib Gourmands and 35 Recommended eateries. 

• Bourbon Steak will be the newest addition to The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin, set to open mid-summer. James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Michael Mina brings a modern take on the American steakhouse, featuring premium cuts and seafood infused with global flavors, showcasing his signature focus on product, technique and presentation. 

• Corazón by Baires, a speakeasy restaurant, opened at Mango's Tropical Cafe in collaboration with Baires Grill, featuring a menu of globally inspired Latin American cuisine. 

• Gyukatsu Rose, the latest concept from Domu founder Sonny Nguyen and newly announced Michelin Recommended venue, is open at East End Market in Audubon Park, offering an authentic Japanese dining counter experience. 

• Live! at The Pointe Orlando, a dining, entertainment, nightlife and social experience, recently opened, creating a block party atmosphere with immersive indoor and outdoor spaces, including Houndsmen English Lounge, Shark Bar, Sports & Social, Palm Tree Club and PBR Cowboy Bar. 

• Nabe, a speakeasy-inspired restaurant specializing in premium A5 wagyu hot pot, is now open in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood. Guests enter through a pivot door located inside of Nola's Ice Cream Shop to enjoy slices of highly marbled Japanese beef, umami-rich broth, premium seafood, cocktails and sake program. 

• Saigon Snow is now open at Mills Market in the Mills 50 neighborhood district, offering shaved ice bowls and smoothies inspired by dessert and fruit stands found in the streets of Vietnam.  

• Named a 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.  

ACCOMODATIONS 

• 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. Disney Vacation Club members currently have access to a select number of finished cabins. 

• Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a new addition to the Disney Vacation Club is now open. The property offers villas for five to nine guests, with amenities like kitchens, dining areas and outdoor patios. The tower includes two-bedroom penthouses with lagoon and Magic Kingdom views. 

• The LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Florida Resort will debut 20 new themed room concepts available for stays beginning this month. Among the refreshed offerings will be six DUPLO rooms specially designed for younger builders, six LEGO Friends rooms and eight action-packed LEGO NINJAGO rooms. 

• Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe, will open in May. The Loews hotel will have 500 rooms and 35 suites, and feature a rooftop bar, a three-meal restaurant, a pool bar, a grab-and-go station and more. 

• Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, now open at Universal Orlando Resort, feature 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms and more. 

• Villatel Orlando Resort features 270 themed villas, accommodating up to 26 guests. The property is the nation's first Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort with 256 spacious two- to three-bedroom units and features 200,000 square feet of resort amenities—including a water park, Splash Cove and a variety of elevated guest experiences. 

About Visit Orlando 

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida's tourism community.  

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando's travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world's top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com.  

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