Explore Orlando’s Latest Attractions and Why 2024 Is the Time to Visit
Explore the unforgettable new attractions that keep Orlando at the top of U.S. travel lists—see the iconic Wheel at ICON Park® pictured.
Orlando’s appeal lies in two strengths: unrivaled, one‑of‑a‑kind attractions and a relentless annual expansion of must‑see experiences.
Whether you visited last year or five years ago, Orlando has evolved dramatically. Read on to discover the growth over the past five years and why you should plan a trip in 2024 and beyond.
How Long Has It Been Since You Visited Orlando?
Since 2014, Orlando has added over 100 new rides, resorts, dining venues and retail destinations, with even more on the way. Below is a snapshot of what you may have missed.
If It’s Been One Year Since You Visited Orlando…
You’ll be amazed at how much we’ve grown in such a short time! At Walt Disney World Resort, you’ve missed Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring rides, dining and shopping based on the hit Disney·Pixar Toy Story films. This park also introduced two new shows in the past year: Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and Wonderful World of Animation, a nighttime spectacular, plus Disney Junior Dance Party.
Save on discount tickets: Walt Disney World Resort
For the first time ever, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a Star Wars experience that lets guests pilot the Millennium Falcon and step into a galaxy‑far‑far‑away battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Welcome to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening Aug. 29, 2019.
Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime show, Happily Ever After, is also a must‑see.
In 2018, Universal Orlando Resort launched Fast & Furious – Supercharged at Universal Studios Florida, accompanied by the new nighttime show, Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration. Keep an eye out for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, which expands The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure on June 13.
Save on discount tickets: Universal Orlando Resort
SeaWorld Orlando’s main park now boasts a 6‑acre Sesame Street Land expansion and the white‑water raft adventure, Infinity Falls. Aquatica Orlando added Ray Rush and KareKare Curl.
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando
LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s newest addition, THE LEGO® MOVIE WORLD, debuted earlier this year. In 2018, the resort introduced The Great LEGO® Race, the first VR‑enhanced roller coaster designed for kids.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Other new or updated attractions since 2018 include the Orlando StarFlyer at ICON Park, a golf‑themed experience at Drive Shack Orlando, Justice League at Madame Tussauds Orlando, Stompin’ Gator Off‑Road Adventure at Gatorland, Headrush 360 at Fun Spot America, and the Aquapark at Orlando Watersports Complex.
Orlando’s dining scene has grown with Chef José Andrés’ JALEO and Pepe at Disney Springs, plus The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, The Polite Pig, and Terralina Crafted Italian. The Glass Knife in Winter Park also deserves a mention.
Accommodations have expanded with Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Margaritaville Resort Orlando, and The Grove Resort Orlando.
If It’s Been Three Years Since You Visited Orlando…
Downtown Disney’s transformation into the larger, more vibrant Disney Springs brings over 150 dining, retail and entertainment options, including a lineup of celebrity chefs.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom unveiled Pandora – The World of Avatar and the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular, with a 2029 update in summer. Up! A Great Bird Adventure and extended evening Kilimanjaro Safaris were added. EPCOT introduced Frozen Ever After and revamped Soarin’ Around the World.
Universal’s Volcano Bay debuted in 2017, alongside Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon at Universal Studios Florida. Skull Island: Reign of Kong expanded Islands of Adventure. SeaWorld’s Mako roller coaster and the revamped Dolphin Nursery opened in 2016 and 2017. LEGOLAND Florida added LEGO® NINJAGO® World. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and Topgolf Orlando offer fresh thrills.
Sports venues have evolved: Orlando City Soccer Club now plays at the new Orlando City Stadium, while Camping World Stadium has been renovated for major college bowl games. The USTA National Campus near Orlando International Airport reinforces the city’s status as the Home of American Tennis.
If It’s Been Five Years Since You Visited Orlando…
In 2014, Hogwarts Express linked The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida with Islands of Adventure. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened at Magic Kingdom, and Ihu’s Breakaway Falls arrived at Aquatica. 2015 saw Heartlake City debut at LEGOLAND Florida, and MyMagic+ launched at Walt Disney World.
The iconic Wheel—formerly the Orlando Eye—stands on International Drive at ICON Park, a hub that also houses SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, In the Game ICON Park, and 7D Dark Ride Adventure.
International Drive’s attractions have grown with iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving, I‑Drive NASCAR, Kings Dining & Entertainment, and new adventures at Fun Spot America. The Escape Game Orlando and Escapology offer fresh escape experiences, while the Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall brings color to the shopping district.
The arts scene has flourished thanks to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a state‑of‑the‑art, multi‑theater venue hosting Broadway productions, ballet, concerts and cultural events.
Across the city, new hotels, resorts, dining options, nightlife, and outdoor adventures continue to rise.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Orlando to experience everything you’ve missed before more must‑do attractions are added to your bucket list!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and its experiences are subject to capacity. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not available at opening and will open later in the year.
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