Whether you've not been to Orlando for a few years or a few months, there is always something new to discover, and this summer, there is a ton of exciting new additions to experience
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year in Orlando, with tons of new experiences, including attractions, hotels, restaurants, and more.
You’ll never run out of new things to do in Orlando. and with so much to do, that's where we come in, from our weekly event guides, to our monthly planning guides, and our daily updates news articles, here at Gotta go Orlando we ensure you are the first to know all that's new in Orlando.
So, are you ready to find out what's new in Orlando for Summer 2024? Read on for all the details!
What's NEW in Orlando for Summer 2024
What's New at Walt Disney World
This summer at Walt Disney World is going to be extra magical this year! Not only will you be able to join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom, the resort is hosting four new, limited-time summer celebrations happening across the resort!
Read on for all the details!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The big news from Walt Disney World is that this summer on June 28 , Walt Disney World will unveil the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.
The story will pick up where the film left off as guests join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure down the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome.
CommuniCore Hall & Plaza
CommuniCore Hall and Plaza will open at EPCOT on June 10! Located in the World Celebration neighborhood, CommuniCore Hall will be home to EPCOT's many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, plus the futuristic building will also be home to a new Mickey & Friends meet and greet location.
CommuniCore Hall will also be a perfect cool indoor space year-round for you and your family to recharge.
Encanto Show
Everyone will be talking about Bruno from June 10-Sept. 6 because a new summer sing-along featuring the beloved songs and story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” will take place at EPCOT.
This new limited-time show, “¡Celebración Encanto!” runs several times throughout the day and will not only invite you and your family to sing along with some of your favorite songs, but you’ll also spot Mirabel and Bruno on the newly opened CommuniCore Plaza stage.
Disney Vacation Club Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Walt Disney World will open 350 new Disney Vacation Club cabins that are set to replace the current cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground on July 1.
Each stand-alone cabin offers spacious accommodations, sleeping up to six adults, and features a bedroom, bathroom, living room, full kitchen and private patio.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will open this summer in the space that was previously home to the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk.
Upon opening, this sweet spot will feature both savory and sweet items on its menu, and of course showcase the incredible cakes that Gwendolyn and her team have created, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant and bakery will serve cookies, French macarons, brownies, dessert bars, pies, and cheesecakes in addition to the handmade cakes.
Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show
At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors.
“You can fly” takes on a whole new meaning as we showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky and paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes.
After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, turn your eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2!
Meet Joy from Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2
Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, get into your feels with Joy herself! She’s headed to Pixar Plaza starting June 10, where she joins other Pixar stars. She’ll be in her new home just in time for Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” which premieres in theaters June 14.
What's New at Universal Orlando Resort
Dreamworks Animation Land
Universal Orlando Resort has revealed that everyone will be able to meet Shrek and splash in his swamp. Scream with laughter on the Trollercoaster. And learn kung fu moves with Po, when DreamWorks Animation Land opens on June 24, 2024.
The colourful new DreamWorks Animation land will include favorite characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse in the DreamWorks Character Zone, plus themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that will feature popular franchises Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.
Entertainment includes, a new live show, DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, where DreamWorks Animation stories leap off the screen and come to life. The multisensory adventure combines hit pop songs, high-energy dancing, advanced technology, and more to create an imaginative party atmosphere that will transport guests to the worlds of their favorite characters within the all-new DreamWorks Theater.
Food options will include Swamp Snacks and Troll Treats, plus High Five Hideaway will be the land’s retail location, offering merchandise including plush and apparel from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and more.
Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular
The waters of the Universal Studios Florida lagoon will come to life from June 14 with an all-new nighttime show, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular.
The exhilarating new show will celebrate the emotional power of music by leveraging the iconic scores and scenes from blockbuster films that have inspired Universal Orlando’s past, present and future attractions – including Warner Bros. Pictures Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, Jurassic World, Jaws, Shrek, Ghostbusters, Trolls, Back to the Future, Universal Monsters, Transformers, How to Train Your Dragon, E.T., Fast and Furious, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Minions, The Mummy and King Kong.
Just as awe-inspiring as the moments featured during CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular are the impressive collection of technologies and special effects that bring the show to life. The next-level lagoon show will feature 228 fountains that reach heights up to 131 feet, incredible 4K projection mapping, an original composition featuring newly arranged scores meticulously crafted to each scene, and more than 600 drones – all coming together to envelop guests in a breathtaking display of unforgettable cinematic moments.
Universal Mega Movie Parade
Beginning July 3, some of the most beloved stories from Universal’s films will leap off the screen and land on the streets of Universal Studios Florida for Universal Mega Movie Parade – a spectacular celebration of iconic movies E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions and Sing and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Kung Fu Panda.
Universal Mega Movie Parade will be Universal Orlando’s biggest daytime parade to date and combine 13 brand new floats, nearly 100 performers – including dancers, skaters, stilt walkers, poi performers and more – and special effects to create a jaw-dropping experience where guests can relive classic film moments in a whole new way.
Guests will watch in awe as they see the massive 16-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man atop the Ghostbusters float, the colorful Caterbus and giant rainbows on the vibrant Trolls float, a live marching drum line perform the iconic movie score of Jaws alongside a float themed to the film, and – for the epic finale – a Gyrosphere, Raptors and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex aboard the Jurassic World float – and so much more.
Fans should also pay close attention to the parade to see if they can spot additional details that nod to iconic elements from the films.
Universal Orlando’s Summer Tribute Store will complement the new parade experience and feature themed rooms, merchandise and photo ops inspired by some of the films that will be seen in the Universal Mega Movie Parade. More details about the Summer Tribute Store will be revealed soon.
Hogwarts Always Castle Projection Show
On select nights from June 14, guests visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade will delight in the nighttime extravaganza, Hogwarts Always – an incredible new projection show that will take guests on a journey through iconic moments of a school year at Hogwarts – all set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. From supply shopping in Diagon Alley, and the exhilarating ride aboard the Hogwarts Express, to participating in the Sorting Ceremony, celebrating the House Cup winner and so much more, this visually stunning experience promises to captivate witches, wizards and Muggles of all ages.
The show will also feature four different endings that celebrate each Hogwarts house and will culminate with a colorful pyrotechnic display. Fans should also listen for dialogue from beloved characters like Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Sorting Hat and more throughout the show.
Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando
Prepare for Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando, an unforgettable family launch coaster adventure where you will board your snowmobile and race along with your expedition team at up to 43 miles per hour, navigating twists and turns and narrowly escaping the crumbling hazards of an icy cavern.
This new indoor/outdoor family ride opening soon, is the most immersive addition to the Coaster Capital of Orlando, and with a height requirement of just 42”, it’s the perfect journey for families to share.
Described by SeaWorld as the ultimate family launch coaster experience, "Penguin Trek" features a unique snowmobile styled ride car where once aboard, riders will embark on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica as they join a penguin research mission unlike any other.
Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando will be a unique family friendly coaster experience with riders aboard a snowmobile styled ride car on an indoor and outdoor tack that will conclude in SeaWorld's Penguin Habitat.
Featuring two exhilarating launches and a maze of twists and turns, this unforgettable coaster moves at speeds of up to 43 mph across a 3,020-foot track that traverses both indoors and outside. Yet, what sets this experience apart as truly extraordinary is its unparalleled finale: as the coaster comes to a halt, guests find themselves not in a simulated penguin colony, but in the very heart of SeaWorld Orlando's own penguin habitat.
An experience for the whole family, the ride accommodates rider heights from 42-inches to 77-inches. A unique and immersive blend of coaster thrills and authentic animal interaction offers the whole family the spirit of adventure and exploration, while further connecting SeaWorld's mission and commitment to animal care, education, and research.
60 Years of SeaWorld
SeaWorld commemorates a remarkable 60-year journey this year, and to celebrate, SeaWorld is throwing a party!
A new exciting Cirque-style show will debut at SeaWorld Orlando. Also making its debut this summer, guests of all ages will enjoy a new 60th Anniversary celebration parade featuring fan favorite live costumed characters.
Guests will also have the chance to purchase exclusive 60th Anniversary merch and culinary additions. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!
Tassie's Underwater Twist at Aquatica Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando has a brand-new attraction at Aquatica Orlando, Tassie's Underwater Twist, open now, an all-new immersive waterslide will transform the guest ride experience into an awe-inspiring journey through Australia's Shark Bay seagrass meadow.
AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando
Get ready to light up your summer nights at AquaGlow, a brand-new after-hours event that will transform Aquatica Orlando into a dazzling neon paradise!
On select nights from June 7 - August 10, you can ride the waves of Cutback Cove, while experiencing the awe of the ALL-NEW Electric Tides, a mesmerizing laser light show illuminating the night sky above you.
Float down Roa’s Rapids AMP’ED UP, as the currents take you on an adventure through thrilling enhancements including mist effects, captivating projections and immersive light tunnels.
Burst into an epic foam party, and groove to the hottest music throughout the night, while staying refreshed with complimentary soft drinks. Plus, say goodbye to long lines! With limited capacity, you’ll enjoy reduced wait times for all your favorite attractions, ensuring you make the most of this exclusive experience.
Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has revealed that Phoenix Rising, a brand new family roller coaster is coming to the theme park in summer 2024.
Once open, Phoenix Rising will take thrill seeking families on a hair raising journey swinging them side to side as it does so, reaching speeds of up to 44 mph throughout it's 1,831 ft of inverted steel track.
The new ride will be the first ride at the park to feature onboard audio and will sport a minimum height requirement of only 42 inches to ride. This exhilarating new attraction will have riders soaring over the Serengeti Plain, and will be the largest family-friendly addition to the Tampa Bay theme park.
The coaster is being built in the location of Sand Serpent, which was permanently closed and demolished earlier this year.
Castaway Falls at Adventure Island
Adventure Island will debut Castaway Falls, in Summer 2024. The all-new multi-level, interactive water-play attraction will feature more than 100 play elements, including two giant tipping buckets that dump more than 1,300 gallons of water combined.
Castaway Falls will have four exciting water slides, soakers, flow pipes, hose jets, spray jets, water shooters, water curtains, tipping troughs, spinning and sliding buckets, and much more. The new attraction replaces the former splash area and is double the size of the former Splash Attack, making the new addition to Adventure Island bigger and splashier than ever before.
Harmonizing with the water park’s paradise-like ambiance, Castaway Falls resembles a splash haven and a fun-filled retreat for the young and young-at-heart. Castaway Falls will immerse guests in a watery world of excitement, perfect for all park guests, even the littlest splashers.
LEGO Ferrari Build and Race at LEGOLAND Florida
From your imagination to the racetrack... It's race time at the new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience at LEGOLAND Florida Resort! See a life-sized LEGO Ferrari and create your own Ferrari race car in interactive play zones before you test drive it through three extreme test tracks. Then digitally build and race on a virtual track to the finish line! Plus, the youngest drivers will design their own Ferrari with bigger bricks in the LEGO DUPLO build zone.
Judson’s at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The Joyce & Judson Green Room, known as Judson’s Live is a new, intimate music space that joins the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Steinmetz Hall and Seneff Arts Plaza on the Dr. Phillips Center campus.
Inspired by the legendary listening rooms of the world’s most musical cities, Judson’s Live is an intimate artistic oasis. Designed with stellar acoustics in mind, artists of all genres sound their most impressive in this elevated and inviting space, surrounded by table-style seating for 150. The atmosphere is low-key with a stylish slant, anchored by a grand piano once belonging to Judson Green, the late jazz musician, beloved Dr. Phillips Center board member.
Art2 in Downtown Orlando
Art2 is an urban pocket park that will be open to the public in Summer 2024 and will be developed on the southwest corner of Orange Ave. and Robinson St. Park amenities include a two-story container structure with a café, art gallery, stage, seating, and more. The Park will include audiovisual equipment throughout the footprint, space for two food trucks, green space for scheduled activities, and a downtown gateway feature.
Pinstripes Orlando Bistro, Bowling and Bocce
Now open at Vineland Pointe in O-Town West, Pinstripes Orlando Bowling & Bocce serves delicious Italian and American cuisine, and feature a bowling alley and bocce ball courts.
Pinstripes Orlando Bistro, Bowling and Bocce is located in a huge 28,000-square-foot space in Vineland Pointe, that was originally going to be home to an Alamo Drafthouse.
Senso Beach Club
Senso Beach Club Entertainment Complex is a project a long time in the planning, this is an idea that was first touted way back in 20218. This 40,000 square-feet, multi-level entertainment complex will boast two pools, several bars, and roof top areas. Programming throughout the season will be highlighted by SENSO Beach Club resident DJs together with the world's premier electronic music talent. Currently, the project is looking at a late summer 2024 opening.
Tom's Watch Bar
Tom's Watch Bar, is an 11,000 SF sports bar concept from Smashburger founder Tom Ryan and will soon be occupying the roof-top space in the Hollywood Plaza parking garage on I-Drive, next to Mango's Live.
The new Tom's Watch Bar will feature Top Golf simulators and several other entertainment features, and its calendar, once open, will feature a variety of watch parties and events. The menu in the new sports bar will include traditional sports bar staples such as burgers and wings but also sushi-grade tuna towers and poke bowls. Estimated opening date is expected to be summer 2024.
Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar
36,000 square feet of immersive indoor and outdoor space anchored by nationally acclaimed concepts Sports & Social and PBR Cowboy Bar, as well as an incredible outdoor Live! Plaza is coming to Pointe Orlando on I-Drive, offering a year-round gathering place for special events, live music, sports watching, and festivals. Two additional concepts will be announced at a later date. The target opening date for the new immersive dining and entertainment hub is summer 2024.
Packing District Food Hall
Scheduled to open in summer 2024, the Packing District Food Hall will feature 11 vendors in a 22,400-square-footspace featuring an elevated plaza with outdoor green space. Hospitality HQ, run by award-winning chef Akhtar Nawab, whose restaurant Alta Calidad in Brooklyn earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2018, will operate the hall.
Chuck Lager America’s Tavern
Growing restaurant brand Chuck Lager America’s Tavern is set to open soon at 8151 International Drive, Orlando, a location that was previously home to Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux. Co-created by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, Chuck Lager is centered around the idea that life’s best stories take shape over delicious food and a couple of drinks.
Big Chicken
NBA legend Shaq O'Neal is opening one of his hugely popular Big Chicken restaurants in Orlando at the Market at Southside at 250 E. Michigan Street this summer. From crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders to Cheez-It crusted mac n’ cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes, each menu item tells a story all while offering guests an inside look into the life and personality of Shaquille O’Neal.
White Rabbit
White Rabbit is set to open at E. Robinson St. this summer. White Rabbit will offer international-themed tapas, small plates and craft cocktails in downtown Orlando. The New York City inspired Restaurant and Bar is being described as where Latin American and American gastropub cuisine meet craft cocktails. The new venue will be a place to eat, share, and drink in a chic setting with live music and modern vintage art.
Natsu Omakase
Natsu Omakase, an exclusive 10-seat sushi omakase concept is now open at 777 N. Orange Ave.. Omakase, a form of Japanese dining in which customers leave themselves in the hands of a chef and receive a meal which is innovative, elegant, seasonal, and uses the finest ingredients available.
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls
The former home of Embassy Irish Bar at 2 S. Orange Avenue, will be the location for Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. The chain features lobster rolls, shrimp rolls, crab rolls, BLT rolls, New England clam chowder, lobster grilled cheese, lobster mac and cheese, lobster bisque, and salads, as well as Whoopie Pies for dessert.
Mid Drive Dive
Mid Drive Dive is now open at 2401 Edgewater Drive in College Park, a restaurant and bar serving American snacks, salads, sandwiches and mains. At the bar, guests can enjoy cocktails, beers and wines.
Primark
Irish based Primark, a discount Fashion, Home & Beauty retailer, and one of the leading brands on the high streets of the United Kingdom, and Ireland is coming to the Florida Mall, Orlando. In addition to having an entrance inside the Florida Mall, the new Primark store will have its own direct access from the parking lot. The 50,000 SF space is next to American Girl, H & M, and Zara, and is scheduled to open in Summer 2024.
Evermore Orlando Resort
Now open, the luxurious Evermore Orlando Resort has been purpose-built for large groups and families, offering accommodations from 2 to 11-bedroom vacation homes, all resort-run to make your stay exceptionally easy. Formerly the Villas of Grand Cypress, the new Evermore Orlando Resort will also feature a luxurious Conrad Hotel, a first for the Central Florida area.
Evermore also offers two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, and Evermore Bay, featuring a stunning 20-acre tropical beach complex with zero-entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, private fire-pits, and an aquatic adventure area including waterslide, rope swing, and watersports.
Conrad Orlando
The Conrad Orlando at Evermore is now open featuring 433 rooms, including 51 suites and 10 family suites offering “oversized accommodations.” Other amenities include 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a spa and numerous dining options, including a rooftop experience.
Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, Stadium Club
Caribe Royale Orlando Resort's new, one-of-a-kind Stadium Club, is now open. Described as a high-tech and immersive sports entertainment destination, Stadium Club will emanate the energy of a nightclub and the comfort of a neighborhood sports bar.
The two-story, 9,000-square-foot club will feature cutting-edge offerings including eight pro-level sports simulators by Full Swing Golf, a virtual reality suite, two bars, two 165-inch XHD projector displays, and a 110-foot-long ribbon display television for 360-degree viewing. Sports-themed decor will be complemented by stadium-style cuisine.
Daskk Orlando Hotel near Universal Blvd
The former Quality Suites on Canada Avenue, located between Universal Blvd. and International Drive has been transformed into a new boutique hotel named DASKK Orlando Hotel Near Universal Blvd.
The new hotel by Choice Hotels, has been completely remodelled including the reception, lobby, restaurant, guest rooms, and meeting rooms. Hotel amenities include free WiFi in your room and throughout the hotel, plus free parking on premises. The redesigned guest room, include a microwave, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, hair dryer, refreshing showers and extra comfy beds. When you are looking for extra room, many rooms also come with a sofa bed.
Hyatt House Orlando / International Drive
Hyatt House Orlando / International Drive is scheduled to open late summer. The property offers a total of 175 guest accommodations that include suites that come with a fully equipped kitchen and a separate living area. Ammenities include a 55-foot-long outdoor pool, Omelet Bar, H Market, and H BAR.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk
Embassy Suites by Hilton presents a new lifestyle in Orlando, a Condo Hotel concept in the heart of Margaritaville Orland Resort’s growing paradise. This is a unique opportunity to own a combination of Embassy Suites’ award-winning hospitality and Sunset Walk’s non-stop entertainment and amenities, all just minutes away from Orlando’s world-class theme parks and excitement.
Are you excited for the new additions to Orlando? Let us know in the comments below.
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