Orlando will debut more than 25 new experiences in 2025 – including its first new theme park in more than 25 years thanks to Universal. Here’s a closer look:
NEW AT THE THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS
Universal Orlando Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort‘s Universal Epic Universe will open May 22, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds:
- Celestial Park immerses guests in living gardens and architecture inspired by astronomy and mythology.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Fantastic Beasts with the British Ministry of Magic.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic green pipes alongside beloved characters Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk offers a vibrant Viking realm inspired by the hit film franchise.
- Dark Universe reveals Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and a shadowy realm where monsters roam amid myth and mystery.
Walt Disney World Resort
- This summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy two New stage shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” inspired by the classic film, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” with appearances by infamous evildoers.
- Debuting at EPCOT, Test Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances.
- Two new Walt Disney World lounges will make their debut:
- A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge at Magic Kingdom Park.
- A Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge at EPCOT overlooking the World Showcase.
- Magic Kingdom Park will debut the “Disney Starlight” nighttime parade this summer.
SeaWorld Orlando
- SeaWorld Orlando‘s Immersive Experience, opening in spring, is the world’s first fully immersive Arctic flying theater.
Other Attractions
- SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND Florida Resort offers guests an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.
- Fun Spot Orlando introduces new rides this year at both its locations. On I-Drive, kids can whirl around on Tea Cups or experience high-flying twists on MACH FUN, while Kissimmee visitors can enjoy Swing Around in the Kids Spot area and the Up and Overboard inverted pendulum ride.
- Gatorland debuted Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop, a specialty candy store with over 60 varieties of handcrafted chocolates, confections and ice cream.
- Blue Man Group returns April 3 with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy and audience participation.
Beyond the Theme Parks
- The Downtown Orlando Food & Art Tour offers a guided journey through the city’s vibrant history, culture and art scene, while hosting tastings at local eateries.
- Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host a series of high-profile sporting events, including the FC Series international soccer matches between Jan. 15-25, The U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Costa Rica soccer friendly, The NFL Pro Bowl Game Feb. 2 and a series of matches for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition from June 14 to July 13.
- Hamlin House Paddle and Social Club, a new pickleball concept social, opens in the SODO district later this year.
NEW AND REIMAGINED PLACES TO STAY
- Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a Disney Vacation Club addition, opened in December offering villas with kitchens and patios, plus two-bedroom penthouses featuring lagoon and Magic Kingdom views.
- Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, will add 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando, featuring 750 double-queen rooms, diverse dining, resort-style pools, game rooms and more.
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel by Loews, opening in May, will have a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe. The 500-room, 35-suite property features in-room tablets for digital controls, plus a rooftop bar, three-meal restaurant, pool bar and grab-and-go station.
- Upon completion in early 2025, Villatel Orlando Resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes, plus an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and lazy river, fitness center, full-service restaurant and playgrounds.
- Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort unveils 365 newly renovated cabins this spring.
- The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin completes its remodel of Swan guest rooms and debuts refreshed meeting spaces boasting a modern design and upgraded event technology.
NEW DINING AND NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCES
- East End Market welcomes a two-in-one concept: Rion’s Ocean Room, which opened in fall 2024, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open in early 2025.
- The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers opened in October at Disney’s BoardWalk and features savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service.
- Epilogue, a new adults-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort in October. The intimate lounge features library-inspired decor and a variety of themed cocktails.
- Moso Nori, a Japanese hand-roll bar concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November in Winter Park.
- Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specializes in out-of-this-world space-themed and freeze-dried candies, milkshakes, and ice cream.
- The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café – an all-day French bistro – and The Nectar Room – a cocktail lounge – to the hotel’s award-winning dining scene.
- Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.
- Lorelai Wine Bar opens in February in downtown Orlando, offering European wines and shareable plates.
- The Glass Knife opens its second location on Park Avenue in Winter Park this spring, serving elegant pastries and desserts, plus breakfast, lunch and brunch.
Universal Epic Universe (Universal Orlando)