ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World and the most-visited destination in the U.S., welcomes new experiences in 2026, from the world's first-ever Slotharium to Orlando's newest professional sports team.

"Orlando's continuous growth is what sets us apart year after year, with new and diverse experiences across theme parks, dining, entertainment and shopping that cater to every kind of traveler," said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. "With the recent opening of the first entirely new theme park in 25 years, and a stellar lineup of openings for 2026, the destination has entered a new era of innovation, setting the stage for exciting experiences for years to come."

For the latest updates, visit VisitOrlando.com and sign up for a free, personalized Vacation Planning Service.

NEW AT THE THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

Walt Disney World Resort

• At EPCOT, Frozen Ever After unveils updated audio-animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff in February. In summer, guests can take flight on a new immersive journey with Soarin' Across America in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios will unveil "Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!" and "The Magic of Disney Animation" this summer. On May 22, a new mission will touch down in the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge with an all-new adventure inspired by "The Mandalorian and Grogu." Later in the summer, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will make its debut.
• The arrival of Bluey and Bingo invites guests of all ages to play, dance and enjoy meet-and-greets at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
• At Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will reopen in spring following enhancements.
• Level 99, a two-story venue featuring an interactive adult obstacle course with more than 50 physical and mental challenges, will debut at Disney Springs.

Universal Orlando Resort

• Universal Orlando Resort will mark the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film with special limited-time offerings throughout the year in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Butterbeer Season (March 1 - May 31) featuring limited-edition treats and more.
• Visitors can continue to enjoy Universal Epic Universe, Orlando's newest theme park, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds.

SeaWorld Orlando

• SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a first-of-its-kind suspended family dark ride, will debut at SeaWorld Orlando.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

• Galacticoaster will blast off at LEGOLAND Florida on Feb. 27 with a customizable spacecraft and immersive cosmic scenes at the park's newest space-themed land.

BEYOND THE PARKS

• Sloth World, the world's first and only Slotharium, opens in February on International Drive, offering guided, small-group experiences inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths roam freely.
• Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex featuring padel and pickleball courts, a spa and two restaurants, opens on International Drive in April.
• Build-A-Bear Workshop will debut the world's largest multi-level flagship store at ICON Park later this year.
• Museum of Ice Cream Orlando will make its debut with colorful exhibitions and world-famous sprinkle pool at International Drive's Pointe Orlando.
• Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure, an original live show starring the beloved, Emmy Award-winning Fraggles characters and NASA's real-life space explorers, is now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
• The Florida Mall welcomed 11 new-to-market retail brands, including Glow or Go and Pop Mart, plus Lindt, Steve Madden and more. Round1 Bowling and Arcade, a Japanese-style, multi-entertainment facility, will also open soon.
• The Mall at Millenia welcomes a wave of updates, including an expanded Christian Louboutin space, a new Versace store, a refreshed Gucci gallery and openings from Lids, PacSun, Suitsupply and Vuori, plus an upgraded Tommy Bahama location, alongside food court changes welcoming DalMoros Fresh Pasta to Go and recent additions like Rosetta Bakery.

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• The United Football League introduced Orlando Storm, the city's newest professional sports team, playing its inaugural season at Inter&Co Stadium.
• Blue Man Group returns to Orlando on May 1 with a new home at ICON Park, featuring the show's signature mix of art, live music, comedy and audience participation.
• Capone's Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline.
• Orlando Ballet's new performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Steinmetz Hall include Carmen, Feb. 12-15; Balanchine, Godden, Gill, March 26-29; and The Great Gatsby, April 30 – May 3. 

NEW AND REIMAGINED PLACES TO STAY

• EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual-branded EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, will open a 288-room property near Universal Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center.

NEW DINING AND NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCES

• Cowboy Curry, a Japanese beef curry house by Sorekara chef William Shen, is now open at Mills Market.
• Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a two-story restaurant lounge, opens in Winter Garden later this year.
• The Reverie, an American brasserie by James Beard-recognized Chef Brandon McGlamery, opens in Winter Park's Hannibal Square later this year.

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, we represent 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 seven of the world's top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, 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 or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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SOURCE Visit Orlando