New Reasons to Visit Orlando

Orlando was recently named the top trending US destination. Check out all the reasons to come visit the newest attractions in Orlando! Ranging from fresh theme park thrill rides to tasteful restaurants the Theme Park Capital of the World continually evolves, and 2021 will be no exception. Orlando’s newest additions a the perfect reason to come visit in 2021.

Take a look at the New Experiences at Orlando’s Theme Parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Based on the blockbuster movie franchise, this new species of the coaster is coming to Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort on June 10, 2021. Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track, it will be Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, featuring a story that expands what you’ve seen on the big screen. It will also boast a series of intense maneuvers that will catapult you up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators, including two pulse-pounding launches; a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree barrel roll; a zero-gravity inverted stall; and going airborne during the towering “Top Hat,” propelling you 155 feet in the air before an 80-degree drop. Brave the hunt!

The Bourne Stuntacular

In 2020, Universal Studios Florida debuted this all-new, cutting-edge, live-action stunt show based on the blockbuster Bourne film franchise. Using a never-before-seen hybrid of stage magic and cinema, the edge-of-your-seat experience follows Jason Bourne around the globe as he’s pursued by sinister characters.

SeaWorld® Orlando

Ice Breaker

With an anticipated opening in 2021, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster will feature four airtime-filled launches, both backward and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot-tall spike with a 100-degree angle!

Riptide Race

Florida’s first-ever dueling waterslide is now open at Aquatica Orlando! You and a family member or friend can race side-by-side at top speeds, navigating tight loops and accelerations through indoor and outdoor sections of nearly 650 feet of splashing slides.

Flamingo Mingle 

Now available at Discovery Cove, this exclusive animal experience invites you to feed and learn about flamingos in an outdoor setting.

Walt Disney World® Resort

They’re also gearing up for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” — a 50th-anniversary gala that’s set to kick off on October 1, 2021! The milestone is such a big deal that Walt Disney World has coined a new word — “EARidescence” — to describe what you’ll see when you visit. In addition to golden bunting and a 50th-anniversary crest at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom® Park, the celebration will also include special nighttime magic at all four Disney parks’ icons, including the Tree of Life® at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and Spaceship Earth at EPCOT®.

All this, plus sparkling new looks for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and a wealth of other surprises. Stay tuned for more details as they’re announced!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Billed as one of the most ambitious, immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering, this groundbreaking attraction at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will place you aboard a Resistance transport that’s captured by an Imperial Star Destroyer. Accordingly, expect plenty of action when you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Believe it or not, Mickey Mouse never starred in his own ride at a Disney theme park until the premiere of this attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Using cutting-edge technologies to transform classic 2-D cartoons into immersive 3-D adventures, it’s your ticket to entering the worlds of Mickey and Minnie’s beloved animated films.

Check out the New Experiences Beyond Orlando’s Theme Parks

See what else is new in Orlando for 2021, including attractions, restaurants, resorts, and more!

ICON Park is adding four more reasons to visit in 2021! Located on International Drive, the open-air entertainment, dining and shopping hub on International Drive is already home to The Wheel, Orlando StarFlyer and other popular attractions, as well as enticing restaurants such as Blake Shelton’s Ole Red(which opened in 2020), Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, and more.

Museum of Illusions

Now open, Museum of Illusions is a mind-bending “edutainment” experience with 50 interactive, immersive, and mentally deceptive exhibits based on math, science, and psychology. Fun for all ages!

In the Game ICON Park

This brand-new, 7,000-square-foot family entertainment center and arcade feature 70 games, an interactive mirror maze, interactive virtual reality experiences, themed escape rooms, and more.

ICON Park Slingshot™

Set to open this summer, this 300-foot-tall, two-tower attraction will be the world’s tallest slingshot ride! Expect to be launched out of an “exploding volcano” 450 feet straight up into the sky while reaching speeds up to 100 mph.

ICON Park Drop Tower

This new attraction will become the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower at 430 feet when it opens in the summer, tilting you forward 30 degrees to face the ground before free falling nearly 400 feet at speeds exceeding 75 mph.

Dezerland Park

An all-new indoor entertainment center on International Drive, Dezerland Park offers several experiences, including the longest indoor dual go-karting tracks in Florida, bowling, arcade games and a trampoline park. It’s signature attraction, The Auto Experience at Dezerland Park, is home to over 2,000 vehicles featuring the world’s largest collection of Batman vehicles, plus James Bond vehicles, micro cars, motorized bikes and more.

Sky Hawk at Fun Spot America

In May 2021, Fun Spot America’s Orlando location will debut a new, 90-foot family swing ride, Sky Hawk, featuring both traditional, side-by-side, two-passenger ride seating, as well as side-by-side, two-passenger horizontal (prone) seating. Also boasting a programmable LED package with vivid colors such as purple, magenta, yellow, and orange, the new ride will elevate you to new heights while spinning at 10 RPMs.

Frontyard Festival™ at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Through May 2021, enjoy the country’s first socially distanced music festival with this innovative series that keeps safety top of mind while providing world-class entertainment that includes music, comedy, movies, and more. Taking place at downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and presented by AdventHealth, the outdoor Frontyard Festival series invites you to book a private, elevated box for up to five people, spaced 6 feet apart from other boxes, where you can order food and drinks from local restaurants while watching the show.

New Places to Eat in Orlando

Many high-profile eateries opened in Orlando over the past year and will still be new to you if it’s been a year or more since your last visit — including these standouts.

Ole Red

Part of ICON Park, Ole Red is a restaurant headed by country superstar Blake Shelton, merging southern hospitality, good food and live country music.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

Highlighting the best of its iconic chef’s signature dishes, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at Disney Springs® features a Mediterranean-influenced menu and ambiance inspired by California.

The Hampton Social

Offering lively dining experiences that seamlessly transition from day to night, The Hampton Social features exceptional food, cocktails, and live music in a beautifully designed atmosphere. Located at Pointe Orlando on International Drive, is Florida’s first outpost of the famous Chicago original.

City Works Eatery & Pour House

New to Disney Springs, City Works Eatery & Pour House is a premier sports restaurant and bar boasting unique menu items and 90 craft beers on draft.

Fish & Chips

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is bringing his take on classic English street food to ICON Park, with an expected opening in August 2021.