With Universal and Disney going head to head in the battle of new worlds, there are so many new things in Orlando and Central Florida exploding on to the scene.

Universal launched Volcano Bay and Disney launched  Pandora: The World of Avatar, Toy Story and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Super immersive worlds with new rides, new shops and both taking theme park dining to a whole new level.

But it doesn’t stop there. There’s so many new things in Orlando and Central Florida, it opens up brand new explorations for returning visitors.
And gives new visitors even more to plan!

So lets take a look at all the exciting new things in Orlando and Central Florida Coming Our Way:

New Things in Orlando: Walt Disney World

Pandora: World of Avatar

If a journey to another worldly place is your dream escape, then a visit to Pandora: The World of Avatar is a must on your planning list.

Featuring floating mountains, a trip down the Na’vi River and banshee bonding and riding, this is an escape you won’t forget.
Opened: May 27th 2017
Web: Pandora: World of Avatar

Miss Adventure Falls – Typhoon Lagoon

Miss Adventure Falls, a new family style water raft ride at Typhoon Lagoon, is now officially Disney’s longest water park ride.

This wild and water-splashing fun has cool fun written all over it!
Now Open
Web: Miss Adventure Falls

New Eats & Treats at Disney Springs

We’re already spoiled for choice at Disney Springs for dining options. And this menu venue just keeps on adding more!

After an extensive refurbishment program, the old Fulton Crab House was elegantly transformed into the Paddlefish.

This upscale restaurant with a yacht club ambiance offers a seafood-centric menu and a top deck lounge overlooking Disney Springs.
Now Open
Where: Marketplace, Disney Springs


The Polite Pig sister to the famous Ravenous Pig restaurant of Winter Park, is a ‘modern BBQ’ eatery with a beverage display you must see.

The menu offers chicken, pork or fish prepared on the smoker and a great range of sides using locally sourced ingredients.

This is a beverage wonderland too and has every single drink they serve on tap.

Now Open
Where: Town Center, Disney Springs


Planet Hollywood Observatory was relaunched to fanfare in January 2017.

Now you can dine like a rock star with a menu featuring exclusive burgers and sandwiches conceived by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Desserts and shakes are divine and a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

You can also take in the scenes and sounds of Disney Springs on the upper deck wrap deck at Stargazers Bar.
Now Open
Where: Town Center, Disney Springs


The Edison is set in a 1920s industrial power plant and will be serving up American cuisine.

There will be plenty of live entertainment too, including DJs, contortionists and palm readers.

When: Now Open
Where: The Landing, Disney Springs


Wine Bar George is home to more than 100 acclaimed wines, handpicked by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. There’s also be an array of sharing plates offered. You’ll be in good company, George Miliotes is one of just 230 master sommeliers in the world.
When: Now Open
Where: The Landing, Disney Springs

For a full list, check out our Guide to New Restaurants in Disney Springs

Festival of The Arts – Epcot

One of our favorite new things in Orlando, the Festival of the Arts is where sight, sound and food all come together in perfect tasteful harmony. Festival of The Arts made a debut in January 2017 and is now a regular feature each winter.

World class cuisine, visual art and live entertainment. What’s not to love?

Web: Epcot Festival of The Arts 2018

Toy Story Land – Hollywood Studios

You’ll feel just like a tiny toy in this immersive new land that opened in Hollywood Studios in 2018. Woody and Buzz Light year joined the rest of the Toy Story characters to bring Andy’s backyard to life.

New rides include: 

  • Slinky Dog Dash – a coaster Andy has created all over his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit.
  • Alien Swirling Saucers is designed as a toy play set that Andy got from Pizza Planet. you’ll be swirling to the sounds of space jazz as you try to avoid capture by the aliens.

When: Now Open
Web: See full details Toy Story Land

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Hollywood Studios

A can’t miss destination for Star Wars fans. This is largest expansion ever in the works for Disney World in Orlando and Disneyland in California. You’ll be able to fly the Millennium Falcon, visit planets yet to be discovered and join Star Wars characters along the way.

This super immersive planet on the outer rim of space is set in a galaxy so far away, it’s never been seen before. Frequent visitors include smugglers, rogue traders and adventurers traveling between the frontier and uncharted space.
When: August 29th 2019
Web: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge


New Things in Orlando: Universal

Volcano Bay 

For a unique and immersive water experience, this has to be at the top of our list for favorite new things in Orlando.

The third theme park from Universal, Volcano Bay is a tropical-themed water park that offers excitement and relaxation.  Discover the beauty of a volcano that offers fast paced water rides or relaxation of lazy rivers.
Opened: May 25th 2017
Web: Volcano Bay

Christmas At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

For the first time ever, Christmas made a sparkling appearance at both Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios.

Both parks were decked in Holiday finery with live shows and special Holiday food right from the movies.

And the icing on the Christmas cake? Hogwarts Castle was transformed into a magical mirage using the latest mapping technology.

Not only that, once the Holidays were over, Universal announced the Castle projection show would continue throughout the year on select nights. See Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle. Show time aren’t released too far in advance, so check the schedule a few weeks before you visit.
Check here for full details of Christmas with Harry Potter.
Web: Universal Christmas Events

Race Through NEw York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Want to visit New York while you are in Florida? Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Orlando is a 3D ride that will make you feel like you’re there. This is one of the new things in Orlando that we waited so long for! It opened to huge fanfare in April 2017.

Join and race through, under and above the streets of New York. You may not win, but you will definitely laugh. The history of the NBC talk show is housed on the ground floor and the ride uses a virtual line, so you don’t waste time hanging around.
Now Open
Web: Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon

Fast & Furious – Supercharged

Ride with the stars of the movies while accelerating through the world of underground racing.
Now Open
Web: Fast & Furious Orlando


What’s New in Orlando – SeaWorld

SeaWorld has an impressive list of new things in Orlando. Upgraded rides, exciting shows and enhanced experiences all make for exciting news.

Kraken Unleashed
This floorless coaster has always been a favorite for many visitors, but Kraken got a make-over this summer. The ride was upgraded to become the only virtual reality coaster in Florida, you’d better be ready for this one!
Launched: Summer 2017


Dolphin Nursery
No trip to Florida would be complete without visiting SeaWorld’s famous dolphins. Young and old alike will fall in love with the Dolphin Nursery, which is now even more interactive. New underwater viewing windows give visitors an awesome view of what goes on under the calm waters.


Dolphin Days
After an 11 year run, the live show Blue Horizon was replaced in April 2017 with the more educational Dolphin Days.

The environmentally themed show teaches about dolphin personalities and educates how to help them in the wild. One lucky youngster will be selected from the audience for an up-close encounter with one of the dolphins and a green-winged macaw.

Seven Seas Festival

One of the tasty new things in Orlando was Seven Seas Festival. Take your taste buds on a trip around the world, sample international beers and wines and listed to the sounds of the live concerts.

There are over 60 unique eats, 55 craft brews and 13 wines on offer in 11 food markets. Concerts held every Saturday with headline acts included in regular park ticket.
Web: Seven Seas Festival

Infinity Falls

Infinity Falls is the centerpiece of a newly themed area at SeaWorld Orlando, fully immersing guests in a rain forest canopy.

After riding the rapids on Infinity Falls, the entire family can explore the village. Take part in interactive experiences that combine play with education to create a positive impact on freshwater ecosystems. SeaWorld’s Animal Ambassadors will also provide up-close encounters with animals native to South America.
Opened: Summer 2018
Web: Infinity Falls


Gatorland Expansion

A $2.9 million expansion was launched at Gatorland. New attractions include Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure and Gator Joe’s Adventure Outpost.

Stompin’ Gator is an off-road tour taking visitors through swampland and eco-systems on board a 12 foot high custom-built monster vehicle.

The new Gator Joe’s Adventure Outpost is located in front of the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

Gatorland is a 100-acre theme park combing Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. The park originally opened as a road side attraction in 1949.
Open: Now Open
Web: Gatorland


Ninjago at LEGOLand Florida

There’s non-stop fun at the newest attraction to LEGOLand. NINJAGO World features an ultimate state-of-the-art ride where guests battle one another with ninja moves to score points. Blasting fireballs and elite ninja hand moves are some of the tactics you will need to win on LEGO NINJAGO and become the Ninja master! This interactive martial arts themed land helps youngsters hone Ninja skills.
Open: Now
Web: Ninjago at Legoland


New in Orlando: Sports Scene

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games facility opened in Orlando. Mario Andretti is the inspiration behind this entertainment complex which offers plenty of fast fun and a good time for guests of every age.

A zip-line, 120 game arcade, rock wall, rope course and of course high-speed electric supercarts (you have to see the two-level track!) make this an attraction for everyone.
There is dining facilities and a full service bar/lounge in 160,000 square feet of air-conditioned space.
Open: Now Open
Web: Andretti Karting

TopGolf Orlando

One of the new things in Orlando that will thrill golf enthusiasts. TopGolf Entertainment began construction on a brand new 65,000 square foot venue that opened in October 2017.

The new 3 level location is home to 102 climate controlled hitting bays. TopGolf Orlando offers an upscale playful experience which includes dining, music, games and, of course, golf.
Open: Now Open
Web: TopGolfOrlando

So What Are You Waiting For?

We’re waiting to welcome you to see all the new things in Orlando! A vacation that includes any one of these awesome additions will provide all the thrills, laughter and moments you can imagine on one trip.