In 2024, visitors to Orlando can expect a wide range of attractions and experiences, including movie-inspired attractions, a launch coaster with unique snowmobile-style cars, a cabaret-style music venue, and a luxury beach-like resort featuring a large crystal lagoon.
The culinary and nightlife scene in Orlando is also thriving, with new concepts from Michelin-recognized chefs, celebrity chefs from Food Network and Top Chef, champagne bars, sober speakeasies, omakases, and arcade bars. There are plenty of distinct and diverse offerings to explore.
Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando says: “Year after year, Orlando sets itself apart as a travel destination with new experiences and unforgettable adventures to spark the imagination. Whether visitors are seeking new thrills, immersive entertainment or foodie-focused exploration, a whole new Orlando is ready to welcome you in 2024.”
What’s new in Theme Parks:
- Aquatica Orlando: Introducing Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a new waterslide that takes guests on an awe-inspiring journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow. Opening in spring.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Debuting Penguin Trek, an immersive indoor/outdoor launch coaster that families can ride together. Guests will ride snowmobile-inspired cars and end up in the park’s penguin habitat. Opening in spring.
- LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Introducing LEGO Ferrari Build & Race, where guests can view a life-sized LEGO Ferrari car and build and test it on obstacle-laden tracks. Younger drivers can enjoy the LEGO DUPLO Build Zone. Opening in spring.
- Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana, this self-guided exploration trail at Epcot allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the animated film. They can play, dance, and interact with water as it travels through its lifecycle. Opened in October.
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure: A fully reimagined theatrical production based on the classic Disney film “The Little Mermaid.” Debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard theatre in the fall.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Replaces Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests will embark on a musical adventure inspired by the film “The Princess and the Frog” and join the next chapter of Tiana’s story. Opening in late 2024.
- DreamWorks Land: Coming to Universal Studios Florida in late 2024. Guests can interact with their favourite DreamWorks Animation characters in themed play spaces and attractions based on popular movies like “Shrek,” “Trolls,” and “Kung Fu Panda.”
What’s new in Venues
- Judson’s Live: A low-key, cabaret-style music space located at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Offers a 150-seat venue with unparalleled sound. Guests can enjoy scheduled 50-minute performances, specialty cocktails, and a seasonal scratch-kitchen menu of shareable bites.
- AREA15 Orlando: The second location of Las Vegas’ highly themed entertainment district, coming to the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor. Offers a diverse range of experiences including concert events, art exhibitions, nightlife, and boundary-pushing shows. Features an impressive indoor/outdoor event space.
- Orlando Science Centre: Opens its newest exhibit, “Life,” in spring. The exhibit showcases three distinctive habitats – swamp, ocean, and tropical rainforest – with 300 animals from around the world. Explores the impact of humans on the environment and aims to amaze, entertain, and educate visitors.
What’s New in Accommodation:
- Aloft Orlando Lake Nona: Situated close to the USTA National Campus and Drive Shack golf range. Features 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports-themed restaurant, and event center. Offers eclectic décor and design inspired by music and technology.
- Conrad Orlando: The first Hilton luxury brand in Orlando, located at Evermore Orlando Resort. Offers 433 rooms, a spa, multiple dining options, and a signature rooftop experience. Overlooks a golf course, boathouse, and crystal lagoon with sandy beaches.
- Evermore Orlando Resort: Orlando’s first beach-like property with a Crystal Lagoon and sandy beach. Offers a range of vacation homes from two to eleven bedrooms. Features recreational activities, mixology classes, and the world’s first touchless sunscreen application system.
- Villatel Orlando Resort: Located in the iconic International Drive area. Offers private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities. Phased opening includes an adventure waterpark, fitness center, restaurant, and children’s playgrounds. Upon completion, will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes.
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando: Undergoing a multi-phase transformation of resort rooms, suites, lobby space, and select culinary outlets. Located within the Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve. Emphasizes sophistication and offers an award-winning restaurant, prestigious golf course, and a pleasant environment.
What’s new in Food & Beverage:
- BANDBOX Orlando: A spirit-free speakeasy in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village district. Will expand in 2024 and partner with a local coffee company to offer coffee and tea options by day, and a sober speakeasy by night. Also features a larger bottle shop and retail selection.
- Bar Kada: A sake and wine lounge opening in February, created by Michael Collantes. Offers an intimate setting with small plates, ancient sakes, and low-intervention wines. Also offers classes and pairing dinners.
- Chuck Lager America’s Tavern: Opening its eighth location, and fourth in Florida, by Top Chef alumnus Fabio Viviani. Known for craft bourbons and also offers classic dishes like nachos, burgers, flatbreads, and tacos.
- Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant: An entertainment complex expected to open in Kissimmee in 2024. Backed by NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski, it will feature indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, a food menu catering to different dietary preferences, and a calendar of events including tournaments and lessons.
- EET: The only Indian-inspired restaurant in Disney Springs, created by Food Network’s Maneet Chauhan. Offers traditional Indian flavors with a modern twist.
- Flûtes Champagne Bar: A 40-seat French-inspired champagne bar in Winter Park. Celebrates the art of champagne-making and brings the elegance, culture, and flavors of France.
- Mid Drive Dive: A locally owned bar and restaurant in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. Serves elevated American classics with a mid-century-inspired ambiance.
- Moso Nori: A hand-roll bar concept by chef Henry Moso, opening in Winter Park. Serves a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine, and sake-based cocktails.
- Natsu Omakase: An exclusive sushi omakase concept in downtown Orlando. Offers a 10-seat experience with an innovative and seasonal menu.
- Pointe Orlando: A playground for adults with or without kids. Features new indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces including Sports & Social, a PBR Cowboy Bar, and Live! Plaza for events, music, and sports viewing.
- Summer House on the Lake: A lakeside eatery at Disney Springs with California-inspired cuisine. Features local and sustainable ingredients, water views, a signature Rosé cart, and a dedicated Cookie Bar.
Continuous updates on what’s new in Orlando are available at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination.
