A fun-filled collection of new-look theme park attractions will greet UK visitors to Orlando as part of the destination's summer programme. It maintains its popularity as one of the top US resorts for British visitors and the area is offering more new adventures, from a new golf entertainment venue from Tiger Woods to an alcohol-free speakeasy concept.
Casandra Matej, president and chief executive for Visit Orlando, said: “Orlando is ready to welcome summer travellers with unforgettable new experiences. Whether you’re a theme park expert or a first-time visitor, there's always something new to discover with a variety of new hotels, unique restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions to explore and create new vacation memories.”
Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as water parks, outdoor thrill rides, activities to connect with nature, and a dynamic dining and entertainment scene — Orlando is popular with tourists of all ages. With 450 hotels, visitors have choices from massive resorts to themed boutique hotels.
Here are some of the new attractions expected to amaze tourists this year
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT’s first “other-world” showcase pavilion opens May 27, featuring a new storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
Ice Breaker: SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster features four launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch with a 93-foot-tall spike with 100-degree angle, the steepest vertical drop in Florida.
Aquatica: Orlando’s newest water slide, Reef Plunge, offers eye-catching translucent cutouts and rings with twists and turn though 330 feet of fiberglass. A vibrant array of marine life, Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks and a variety of other cold-water fish are also part of the new dynamic habitat.
PopStroke: Golf entertainment venue created in partnership with Tiger Woods, will offer a wide-ranging menu to enjoy from the indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking two 18-hole miniature golf courses. PopStroke even has an app to automatically keep track of scores on the course and is set to open in May at Waterford Lakes Town Center.
The BANDBOX: Central Florida’s first alcohol-free speakeasy cocktail tasting lounge and vintage shop, will open this summer at Ivanhoe Village in Downtown Orlando.
Immersion at London House: A new boutique restaurant by chef Rikku Ó'Donnchü, features a tasting menu-only concept with a sensorial dining experience focused on science, climate change, sustainable farming and zero waste, where texture, scents and sounds are as important as taste.
New York Beer Project: Set to open this summer in Winter Garden, will resemble an indoor beer garden complete with a gastropub, sidewalk bistro and up to 20 craft beers on tap.
Knife Burger: Featuring a slightly more expanded menu than the original Texas location, the poolside restaurant offers classic, high-quality burgers as well as seafood burgers and salads, all made with the finest ingredients at JW Marriott Orlando.
ette Hotel Orlando: Tuscan-inspired hotel opening in June near Disney World. Focusing on wellness as an alcohol-free property, the hotel offers culinary experiences in partnership with Michelin Star Chef Akira Back, along with The Spa at ette, with services for everyone from the modern minimalist to the unruly naturalist.
AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista: Offering a state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness facility, inventive chef-tailored dining and signature cocktail service. The property is set to open June 2022.
Continuous updates on what's new in Orlando can be found at VisitOrlando.com, the official visitor information source for the destination.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
