Orlando 2026: 26 debuts set to reshape your trip

From a sloth “Slotharium” to an indoor space coaster, Orlando 2026 rolls out 26 new attractions, shows, and openings.

America’s most visited destination is already signaling a standout year ahead. In 2026, Orlando adds more than 26 new experiences across theme parks, dining, entertainment, shopping, and beyond—aimed at families, thrill-seekers, food lovers, and travelers who want something genuinely new.

“Orlando’s ongoing growth is what sets us apart year after year, with new and diverse experiences across theme parks, dining, entertainment and shopping that cater to all types of travelers,” says Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. With the recent debut of the first entirely new theme park in 25 years and a steady lineup of launches planned for 2026, she adds, the destination is “entering a new era of innovation.”

Theme parks: what’s new

At Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT updates Frozen Ever After in February 2026 with new Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff audio-animatronics designed to add realism. Later in the year, the classic Soarin’ gets a refresh as Soarin’ Across America, created to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary with an immersive flight over iconic landscapes.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, two additions arrive in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area: “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”, a music-and-dance stage show, and “The Magic of Disney Animation”, inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Emmy-winning short “Once Upon a Studio”. On May 22, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge adds a new mission centered on “The Mandalorian and Grogu”. Later in 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets takes guests into a recording studio with the Electric Mayhem, plus a refreshed courtyard with psychedelic design cues.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Bluey and Bingo arrive at Conservation Station, inviting guests to play, dance, and join character experiences inspired by the hit animated series—framed with an animal-themed twist.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopen after enhancements. Buzz Lightyear returns with redesigned Star Command-inspired ride vehicles, onboard score displays, new handheld blasters, and interactive targets. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is set to reopen with new surprises for fans.

Disney Springs also gains Level 99 in 2026, taking over the former NBA Experience space with a two-story, adults-oriented interactive course featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges, plus a bar and restaurant serving Detroit-style pizza and craft beers.

At Universal Orlando Resort, 2026 marks 25 years since the first Harry Potter film with limited-time experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. One headline moment is Butterbeer Season, running March 1 through May 31, featuring limited-edition treats, new merchandise, and other surprises tied to the iconic drink.

Visitors can also keep exploring Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, with more than 50 attractions across five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

At SeaWorld Orlando, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep debuts as a family-friendly dark ride. Guests board a submarine and travel through marine ecosystems in the dark, following ocean-inspired stories.

At LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the indoor coaster Galacticoaster opens February 27 in a new space-themed land, inviting families into a LEGO galactic adventure with customizable spacecraft and immersive sets designed specifically for the resort.

Beyond the parks: new stops

Among the most talked-about openings is Sloth World, billed as the world’s first and only Slotharium. It’s set to open in February on International Drive, offering small-group guided experiences inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths move freely among trees, vines, and natural climbing structures.

Also on International Drive, Society Park opens in April. The 9,712 m² sports-and-entertainment complex—nicknamed the “Gen Z country club”—features nine padel courts, a showcase court, two kids’ courts, three pickleball courts, a specialty shop, a spa, and two restaurants.

At ICON Park, Build-A-Bear Workshop plans a multi-level concept store in 2026, promoted as the brand’s largest worldwide, mixing classic “make your own” experiences with interactive, personalized elements for all ages.

International Drive also welcomes the Museum of Ice Cream Orlando at Pointe Orlando in 2026, known for bright installations, exclusive sweets, and its signature sprinkle pool.

At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, “Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure” is already on stage, an original live show featuring Emmy-winning Fraggle characters and real NASA space explorers.

For shopping, Florida Mall added 11 first-to-market brands, including Glow or Go (team challenge experience), Pop Mart (collectibles from Beijing), plus Lindt and Steve Madden. In early 2026, the mall adds Round1 Bowling and Arcade, a Japan-style entertainment hub with bowling, Japan-exclusive arcade games, claw machines, and more.

The Mall at Millenia is also upgrading, including an expanded Christian Louboutin area, a new Versace store, and a renovated Gucci gallery. New arrivals include Lids, PacSun, Suitsupply, and Vuori, along with a refreshed Tommy Bahama store and food court changes.

Entertainment: sports and live shows

On the sports side, the United Football League introduced the Orlando Storm, the city’s newest professional team. The franchise will play its inaugural season at Inter&Co Stadium, home to Orlando’s men’s and women’s pro soccer clubs.

In live entertainment, Blue Man Group returns May 1 with a purpose-built new venue at ICON Park, bringing back its signature blend of art, live music, comedy, nonverbal storytelling, and audience interaction.

Capone’s Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando, featuring a larger stage, an expanded restaurant, and an updated storyline.

Orlando Ballet will stage new productions this season at Steinmetz Hall at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Highlights include “Carmen” (Feb. 12–15), “Balanchine, Godden, Gill” (Mar. 26–29, with select “Meet the Artist” events), and “The Great Gatsby” (Apr. 30–May 3).

Hotels and dining: more reasons to stay

In hospitality, EVEN Hotel by IHG (a dual-branded project with Staybridge Suites) is slated for 2026 near Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center. Plans include 288 rooms, about 370 m² of event space, an outdoor pool, a fitness studio, and wellness-focused food options.

On the culinary front, The Reverie, an American brasserie led by chef Brandon McGlamery (recognized by the James Beard Foundation), is set to open this year in Hannibal Square in Winter Park. It will replace Chez Vincent and Hannibal’s Lounge, aiming for refined-but-approachable dishes, classic cocktails with seasonal twists, and wines from both the Old and New Worlds.

Downtown, CityArts Café opened in the historic Rogers Kiene Building, home to CityArts Orlando. The café supports the Downtown Arts District mission and offers a menu inspired by the building’s European heritage, including Lavazza coffee.

Cowboy Curry, a Japanese beef curry spot created by chef William Shen of Sorekara (described in the release as Orlando’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant), is now operating at Mills Market alongside MICHELIN Guide-recognized names like Bánh Mì Boy, Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings, and UniGirl.

More openings and new arrivals include Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar (Winter Garden), Kappo Tsan (O-Town West), Mamazzita Gastrobar (near Florida Mall), Osteria Ester (Thornton Park), and Pomelo, a cocktail bar by Hung Huynh (Top Chef Season 3 winner) expected to open this spring in the Mills 50 district.

For nightlife, Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop is now open at Live! at the Pointe Orlando, with rotating DJ curation, live sets, and cocktails inspired by Still G.I.N. by Dre and Snoop and other ultra-premium spirits.

For official updates and trip-planning support, Visit Orlando points travelers to the destination’s official source: https://www.visitorlando.com/

Photo: Divulgação