From the world’s first-ever “surf coaster” and immersive escape rooms inspired by blockbuster films, to a new luxury resort and a high-speed rail connection to Miami, the ever-expanding ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ is set to bring a host of new experiences for visitors in the coming year
Orlando will also become more accessible to Canadians with new non-stop airlift offerings out of Toronto via Jetlines and Lynx Air, beginning in January.
“Orlando is an ever-growing destination offering incredible new experiences, unique places to stay and diverse dining for travellers,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With major new attractions opening at our theme parks, several brand-new hotels ranging from luxury to budget, and increased accessibility for travellers to arrive in Orlando, 2023 is the perfect time to visit our… destination.”
Continuous updates on what’s new in Orlando can be found at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination. On the website, visitors can also make an appointment for advice and guidance on building the perfect itinerary.
Here are some of the Orlando taking place in 2023:
ATTRACTIONS
Walt Disney World Resort
• TRON Lightcycle /Run, scheduled to open at Magic Kingdom Park in spring 2023, will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world. Based on the Disney sci-fi film TRON: Legacy, guests will speed across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race in their very own Lightcycle.
• Walt Disney World has announced an updated nighttime spectacular with the return of the “Happily Ever After” lighting up the skies at Magic Kingdom Park in 2023.
• Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opens in late-2023 within World Nature, the EPCOT neighbourhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. The all-ages attraction will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again.
Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk is the first-ever escape room experience that features two rooms with interactive state-of-the-art missions, captivating storytelling, and intricately detailed sets, inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s blockbuster films Jurassic World and Back to the Future.
• Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – opening summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida – will combine innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a one-of-a-kind, game-based adventure where guests encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains, and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s blockbuster film franchise. The new attraction will be part of a new Minion land, featuring the beloved Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction, a new Minion café and more.
SeaWorld Orlando Parks & Entertainment
• Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, SeaWorld Orlando’s 7th roller coaster, will debut in spring 2023. The attraction will be the world’s first “Surf Coaster,” offering immersive design elements, including a dynamic surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions, for a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
• LEGOLAND Florida will open its newest attraction – Pirate River Quest – in early 2023. The family-friendly treasure hunt adventure, led by a pirate in search of a lost treasure, takes guests through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens to discover the secrets protecting its canals.
HOTELS & RESORTS
• Set to open fall of 2023, Conrad Orlando at Evermore will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 regular suites and 10 spacious family suites. Other features include 3,700 sq. m. of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa, numerous dining options and a signature rooftop experience. The hotel will be the first phase of a massive 10,000-bedroom resort complex offering an array of stay experiences, from single homes to villas, flats, and hotel guest rooms.
• Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs Area, the newest official Walt Disney Partner Hotel, is set to be completed in spring 2023 with 604 guestrooms and 1,600+ sq. m. feet of meeting space. Property guests will be able to enjoy a resort-style pool, splash pad and poolside dining and refreshments, as well as an extensive marketplace, a cozy dining experience, complimentary hot breakfast, shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World® Resort theme parks, and evening snacks and beverages.
• Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd will welcome guests this winter. Located in the International Drive Resort area – near major attractions as well as local shopping and restaurants – this 118-room property offers amenities including a rooftop pool and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness centre, the sophisticated Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant, rooftop bar and more.
• Opening fall 2023, Aloft Lake Nona will be a six-story, 205-room music-themed property. Its eclectic décor and design nods to the hotel’s music and technology roots that gives each guestroom its own character. Aloft Lake Nona will also feature a 930 sq.-m. conference centre and full-service restaurant.
• JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed several multimillion-dollar renovations just in time for 2023 travel. The property’s new amenities and offerings include: an expansive waterpark, refreshed guest rooms and suites, the introduction of inspired executive family suites, and a redesigned and upgraded lobby lounge.
• Visitors staying at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando in 2023 will experience new additions – like the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge where guests can savour seasonally influenced dishes and specialty cocktails – and reimagined spaces like the property’s signature restaurant, The Boheme; the Bösendorfer Lounge; and guest rooms.
• The Alfond Inn at Rollins, the award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park will renovate 112 existing rooms and suites and add an additional 71 luxury guestrooms and suites, added meeting space and a lobby café. In addition, a new spa will feature seven treatment rooms, a new fitness area and added meeting space. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
• The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, an Indiana-based table service restaurant and bakery, will open a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. The restaurant will offer savoury and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere.
• Brew Theory Marketplace, an all-new food hall coming to Apopka summer 2023, will feature a full liquor bar, Brew Theory taproom, a beer garden and various retail tenants.
• Rosa Mexicano opens its first Orlando-area location in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in early 2023. The menu showcases a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine, including beloved classics and innovative dishes that pay tribute to Mexico’s richly varied culinary regions. The restaurant will feature an extensive beverage program boasting over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits.
• Pointe Orlando’s newest restaurant addition KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, a restaurant concept by the owners of Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa, pays tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary history, featuring savoury comfort food, fresh tableside experiences, and recipes hand-crafted from the freshest ingredients.
ARTS & CULTURE
• Orlando Fringe will open “Fringe ArtSpace,” a year-round performing arts venue, in downtown Orlando on Jan. 11, 2023. The 845 sq.-m. space will include two performing theatre spaces: a main stage with 166 seats and a black box with 40-60 seats. The programing will feature a mix of traditionally programmed theatre and concerts as well as a studio series with weekly, monthly, and pop-up events like workshops, classes, readings, performances, and artistic explorations.
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando will open Judson’s in fall 2023. The dynamic music room will offer intimate cabaret-style seating for 150 for live performances. Judson’s joins Steinmetz Hall, Walt Disney Theater and Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater as the fourth performance space in the $613-million, 3.6-hectare venue.
TRANSPORTATION
Brightline Orlando Station, located at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C, will connect domestic and international visitors travelling between Orlando and Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Riders will enjoy touchless ticketing, premium in-station lounges, complimentary WiFi, and topnotch bars and restaurants at every Brightline station.