9 Must-See New Attractions in Orlando for 2016
In 2014, Orlando welcomed more than 62 million visitors, setting the all-time record for the most visited destination in the United States. That year also marked the completion of Walt Disney World's expanded Fantasyland and Universal Orlando Resort's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The standard for attractions in the "Theme Park Capital of the World" is exceptionally high, and surging tourism numbers are driving even faster development. For adventure enthusiasts, this delivers a nonstop flow of innovative, state-of-the-art experiences.
Here's our curated list of the most anticipated new Orlando attractions for 2016:
1) “Frozen Ever After”: Epcot
Epcot's World Showcase bids farewell to the 27-year-old Maelstrom water ride—often called one of the most underwhelming ever—and replaces it with a captivating Frozen-themed log flume. Guests will explore a magical winter celebration in Arendelle, witnessing Elsa's ice powers, greeting Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, and singing along to "Let It Go." Disney anticipates a May 2016 opening in the Norway Pavilion, blending authentic Scandinavian culture.
2) "Skull Island: Reign of Kong": Universal's Islands of Adventure
Universal unleashes the iconic King Kong, terrifying audiences since 1933. This multi-sensory, multi-dimensional ride follows a 1930s expedition into a mysterious island fraught with hostile natives and prehistoric beasts. Opening summer 2016 at Islands of Adventure.
3) "Mako": SeaWorld
Summer 2016 brings Orlando's tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster: Mako, named after the ocean's speediest shark. Towering 200 feet with 4,760 feet of track, it hits 73 mph. This hypercoaster anchors a new two-acre shark-themed plaza exploring their environmental role and human impact.
4) "Disney Springs": Walt Disney World Resort
Downtown Disney evolves into Disney Springs, doubling in size by summer 2016. Expect over 150 shops, restaurants, and venues from Disney and top brands. Click here for the full list of establishments.
5) “Pandora”: Animal Kingdom
Disney Imagineers, James Cameron, and Lightstorm Entertainment transform Animal Kingdom's largest expansion into Pandora from Avatar. Discover floating mountains, bioluminescent flora, shopping, dining, a boat ride, and a thrilling 3D banshee flight through this mystical world.
6) “Loews Sapphire Falls Resort”: Universal
Universal and Loews Hotels partner for a fifth on-site hotel: 1,000 Caribbean-themed rooms around a dramatic waterfall and lagoon. Opening summer 2016.
7) Orlando City Soccer Stadium
Orlando City SC's new 25,500-seat stadium, two blocks from Amway Center, features full canopies, a 10,000 sq ft fan plaza, and a sunken natural grass field for optimal street views.
8) “Volcano Bay”: Universal Orlando Resort
In 2017, Universal adds a 53-acre water park with a dramatic volcano, slides, rapids, wave pool, lazy river, and immersive tropical adventures.
9) “Rivers of Light”: Animal Kingdom
Extending hours, Animal Kingdom debuts this spring 2016 nighttime spectacle on Discovery River. Mystical hosts summon animal spirits via glowing displays, live performances, and projections on the Tree of Life.
Bonus! “Season of the Force”: Hollywood Studios
Star Wars invades Hollywood Studios in 2016 with Stormtrooper encounters, Jedi battles against Darth Vader at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, a cinematic celebration, themed eats like BB-8 lemonade, Star Wars Launch Bay, and updated Star Tours with The Force Awakens sequences. A Star Wars Land breaks ground in 2016.
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Lead photo by Kamira / Shutterstock.com
