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Orlando Solidifies ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ Status with Over 25 New Experiences for 2025

As the Theme Park Capital of the World and the number one visited destination in the US, Orlando is ushering in a year of innovation and excitement with more than 25 new experiences in 2025, including the debut of its first new theme park in more than 25 years.  

Whether exploring epic imaginative worlds, soaring through the Arctic tundra or diving deep into a literary-themed adults-only speakeasy, the destination’s iconic attractions promise unforgettable adventures.

With every corner brimming with unique encounters—themed dining, vibrant nightlife, major international sports and entertainment events and new luxury accommodations—Orlando continues to be the perfect stage for an ‘Unbelievably Real’ vacation in 2025. In fact, AAA named Florida the No. 1 travel destination for 2025.  

“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park — a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travelers worldwide,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

“If it’s your first time or you haven’t visited in over a year, consider this your invitation to plan an unforgettable Orlando vacation, creating memories with our world-class theme parks, award-winning dining and new experiences slated to open in 2025.” 

NEW AT THE THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS 

Universal Orlando Resort 

  • Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will open May 22. This expansive park features over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds:  
  • Celestial Park takes guests on a journey of discovery through living gardens surrounded by architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. 
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic unveils a fresh era of wizardry, blending 1920s wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series. 
  • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features the iconic green pipe and the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong.  
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise.  
  • Dark Universe allows guests to encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery. 

Walt Disney World Resort 

  • This summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy two brand-new stage shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a fully reimagined production inspired by the classic film debuting at the refreshed Animation Courtyard theater, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” taking over the park’s Sunset Showcase with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers — including Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent. 
  • Debuting at EPCOT later this year, Test Track presented by Chevrolet will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances.  
  • Two new Walt Disney World lounges will make their debut:  
  • At Magic Kingdom Park, an all-new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge will open in Adventureland.  
  • A lounge inspired by Spaceship Earth featuring breathtaking views of the World Showcase and firework shows will open at Epcot.  
  • Also at Magic Kingdom Park, “Disney Starlight,” a nighttime parade using state-of-the-art technology, will debut this summer as the first nighttime parade since 2016. 

SeaWorld Orlando 

  • SeaWorld Orlando unveils the all-new Immersive Experience, the world’s first fully immersive Arctic flying theater, this spring. Building on the park’s Penguin Trek family coaster, the new attraction will transport guests to the Arctic by soaring over icy landscapes, diving beneath frozen waters and encountering Arctic wildlife. 

Other Attractions 

  • SEA LIFE Florida, the aquarium attraction at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, offers guests an oceanic adventure with diverse marine life, interactive exhibits and a finale showcasing “The Theme Park Under the Sea.” 
  • Fun Spot Orlando is bringing a mix of fresh adventures and family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages with new rides debuting in 2025. At their Orlando location on I-Drive, kids will be able to spin themselves silly on Tea Cups, while MACH FUN will deliver the thrill of flight with barrel rolls and spiraling dives. And at their Kissimmee location adjacent to Old Town, new additions will include Swing Around in the Kids Spot section, plus an inverted pendulum ride with twin gondolas called Up and Overboard. 
  • Sweet Tooth’s Candy Shop is now open at Gatorland. The 1.8-million-dollar specialty candy store features more than 60 varieties of specially crafted chocolates, confections and specialty candies, hand-scooped Hershey’s brand churned ice cream, chocolate-dipped fruits and giant lollipops. 
  • Blue Man Group returns to Orlando April 3 with a new home at ICON Park featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation. The show will be housed in a new venue completely customized to the infamous blue trio and enhanced with cutting-edge theater technology. 

Beyond the Theme Parks 

  • The Downtown Orlando Food & Art Tour, hosted by Wandering Palm Adventures, offers a guided journey through the city’s vibrant art scene, featuring contemporary galleries, iconic landmarks like Lake Eola and CityArts, and outdoor sculptures. Along the way, guests indulge in tastings from top local eateries like Papi Smash’d Burger, while exploring the history and culture that define Orlando’s creative identity. 
  • Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium will host a series of high-profile sporting events, including the 2025 Hula Bowl Jan. 11, FC Series international soccer matches between Jan. 15-25, The U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Costa Rica soccer friendly, The NFL Pro Bowl Game Feb. 2 and a series of matches for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition from June 14 to July 13.  
  • Hamlin House Paddle and Social Club, a new pickleball concept social featuring indoor and outdoor pickleball courts alongside elevated dining offerings, opens in the SODO district later this year to cater to the growing pickleball community in downtown Orlando. 

NEW AND REIMAGINED PLACES TO STAY 

  • Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, a new addition to the Disney Vacation Club, opened in December. The property offers villas for five to nine guests, with amenities like kitchens, dining areas and outdoor patios. The tower includes two-bedroom penthouses with lagoon and Magic Kingdom views. 
  • Universal Stella Nova Resort, opening Jan. 21, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, adding 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando Resort’s hotel portfolio. The new properties feature 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms, recreation rooms and more. 
  • Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe, will open May 2025. The Loews hotel will have 500 rooms and 35 suites, and feature tablets for guests to digitally control elements of the room from lighting to room service. This regal hotel will have a rooftop bar, a three-meal restaurant, a pool bar and a grab-and-go station. 
  • Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, began a phased opening in late 2023. Upon full completion early 2025, the private villa rental resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes, as well as an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and a lazy river, fitness center, full-service restaurant and children’s playgrounds. 
  • Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort will unveil 365 newly renovated cabins, set to be fully completed this spring. Disney Vacation Club members currently have access to a select number of finished cabins. 
  • The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s renovations are slated for completion this year. All guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan have undergone remodeling and have been available to guests since late 2024. The hotel’s existing meeting space at the Swan and Dolphin will be enhanced with a modern look and new capabilities in event technology. 

NEW DINING AND NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCES 

  • East End Market is welcoming a two-in-one concept to the food hall near downtown Orlando: Rion’s Ocean Room, which opened in fall 2024, and Gyukatsu Rose, set to open in early 2025. Rion’s is a walk-up, takeout-only operation, offering varieties of freshly prepared poke, while the new Gyukatsu Rose offering limited seating solely devoted to guests indulging in gyukatsu – Japanese fried beef cutlets. 
  • The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers opened this past October at Disney’s BoardWalk and features savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the area’s idyllic charm.  
  • Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort this past October. The new intimate lounge, open on select nights to guests 21 and older, features library-inspired decor and offers a variety of specialty, themed cocktails.  
  • Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin-recognized chef Henry Moso, opened in November in Winter Park. The new restaurant features a hand-roll bar, serving a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine and sake-based cocktails. 
  • Alien Treats, an alien-themed dessert shop in downtown Orlando, specializes in out-of-this-world freeze-dried candies, milkshakes and ice cream. Alien Treats also sells candies to go from its sundries section, all space-themed, like Astro rocks, Blue Raspberry Galactic Gummies and Candy Corn Galaxy Gems. 
  • The Lake Nona Wave Hotel introduced Garni Café and The Nectar Room as the newest offerings to the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage scene. Garni Café is an all-day French bistro serving breakfast, brunch seven days a week, light fare, and dinner. The Nectar Room is a cocktail lounge concept offering inventive mixology and creative takes on small plates. 
  • Oza Izakaya is now open near SeaWorld Orlando, highlighting a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining. 
  • Lorelai Wine Bar opens in February in the Thornton Park neighborhood district in downtown Orlando, offering European wines by the bottle or by the glass along with shareable plates for snacking. 
  • The Glass Knife opens a second location in Winter Park this spring on Park Avenue with an elegant array of pastries, cakes, baked goods, along with breakfast, lunch and brunch offerings. 
Geoff Percival
Geoff Percival
Geoff has worked in business, news, consumer and travel journalism for more than 25 years; having worked for and contributed to the likes of The Irish Examiner, Business & Finance, Business Plus, The Sunday Times, The Irish News, Senior Times, and The Sunday Tribune.
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