A look at what’s new and notable at the theme parks and other Central Florida area attractions.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

That time of year is approaching when vacations are thoughtfully planned out and booked, with many people seeking destinations that offer excitement and pique their interest—places where they can disconnect from their busy lives and enjoy a fun time with loved ones. For locals and tourists alike, Orlando stands out as the ultimate destination for this kind of escape. After all, we are affectionately known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” But beyond the parks, you’ll also find plenty of interesting and in-demand destinations, so here’s a look at what’s ahead at the area’s leading attractions.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

Many popular attractions have been undergoing transformations, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of them. The ride is set to reopen this spring with additional improvements that build upon the existing drops, twists and turns guests already know and love. The beloved roller coaster will return with an updated storyline centered around Barnabas T. Bullion, founder of Big Thunder Mining Company. Among the additions is a new introduction scene called the Rainbow Caverns, taking inspiration from the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland in Disneyland. Within the ride, guests will pass through caves resembling rainbow-like visuals, which will later turn fully red to signal potential trouble ahead.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will be adding new features to the fun-filled galaxy extravaganza. One additional feature will bring to life a new character, a friendly robot called Buddy, who will play an essential part in the Star Command team. Buddy is tasked with serving as a positive support system for the Space Rangers as they prepare to defeat Evil Emperor Zurg. There will also be new design changes to the Star Cruisers, taking inspiration from Buzz and the Star Command’s signature colors. These cruisers will also have video monitors that allow riders to check their scoring updates, improved handle blasters for better aim and updated targets, which will allow riders to see them light up when hit.

Epcot

This spring will be filled with vibrant colors thanks to Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, currently running through June 1. This annual celebration features floral exhibits, lots of food and live entertainment to celebrate the beauty of spring. Disney characters will also appear in more than 60 topiaries and more than 30 garden and flower displays throughout the park. In addition, guests can engage in a variety of experiences, such as The Honey Bee-stro, where park-goers can educate themselves on the role bees play in protecting the environment while enjoying food inspired by them. There will also be numerous musical performances at the Garden Rocks Concert Series and garden-inspired food from Outdoor Kitchens for everyone to enjoy.

Guests can also experience Soarin’ Across America, a limited-time attraction in celebration of the United States 250th anniversary on May 25. This ride, similar to Soarin’ Around the World, will take guests on a journey through America’s most notable landmarks, cities and scenery.

Hollywood Studios

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith permanently closed on March 1 and will be renamed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, slated to open this summer. Guests will be able to step inside a behind-the-scenes recording session with Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem as they create songs at G-Force Records. Riders will then embark on a high-speed limousine ride through Hollywood to get the band to their concert on time while listening to a soundtrack of songs performed by the group.

Taking inspiration from the Once Upon a Studio short film, a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation is on its way to Hollywood Studios, replacing the Star Wars Launch Bay, which permanently closed back in September. Later this summer, guests can participate in an interactive experience made for all ages, allowing each individual to feel like an animator in the studio. Visitors will be able to partake in activities such as an Olaf-themed drawing class, where he guides guests through the process of drawing a character, a play area inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art of Alice and Wonderland and opportunities to meet characters like Rapunzel in the Off the Page! area.

Coming this summer, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will arrive loaded with lots of singing and dancing. Guests will be able to jam out as Mickey and Minnie Mouse go on a road trip to find the rest of the Clubhouse group and bring them back for their party.

Located at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, fans of the Star Wars franchise can expect a new adventure at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which will relaunch on May 22 as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – A New Mission. This ride will now focus on The Mandalorian and Grogu as they go on a mission tracking down ex-Imperial officers across the galaxy. Some exciting new features will include an interactive element with Grogu and a selection of destinations—Bespin, Endor and Coruscant.

Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch came to an end on Feb. 23 to make room for new features with Bluey and Bingo, arriving later this May. Fans of the animated Australian show can hang out with these beloved characters, playing show-inspired games and encountering animals native to Australia.

Universal Orlando 

Universal Studios

Fans of the popular Harry Potter franchise can look forward to an exciting time in the Wizarding World, as Universal Orlando Resort will celebrate the famous drink Butterbeer through May 31 across Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, Hogsmeade in Universal Islands of Adventure and Ministry of Magic in Epic Universe. This annual tradition welcomes visitors to purchase a variety of Butterbeer-themed merchandise and enjoy special drinks and food, where the all-new Butterbeer Waffle will debut. 

From Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, fans can go “Back to Hogwarts,” celebrating the time students from the film return to the school. Park-goers can immerse themselves in limited-edition merchandise, photo opportunities and more.

Halloween Horror Nights returns for its 35th anniversary, releasing a whole new world of horror on select nights starting on Aug. 28 through Nov. 1. Guests can expect haunted houses inspired by their favorite horror movies and series, live entertainment, themed food and beverages with more frightening surprises.

Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk hosts themed events year-round, offering guests a variety of options. On May 2, there will be a watch party for the Kentucky Derby at NBC Sports Grill and Brew; a seasonal change of the Red Coconut Club to Dead Coconut Club during Halloween Horror Nights; and a Summer Movie and Music Series coming soon. In addition, NBC Sports Grill and Brew is hosting a FIFA World Cup viewing party where soccer fans can cheer on their favorite teams.

Legoland

Visitors can now experience Legoland’s first-ever indoor roller coaster called Galacticoaster, which opened on Feb. 27 as part of the newly added LEGO Galaxy area. This roller coaster is an adventure for families to enjoy, as it features specialized spacecraft, controlled spinning and speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Before entering, guests are placed in the Briefing Room, where they meet Chief Engineer Biff Dipper, the very first robotic mini-figure at Legoland. After the introduction, riders are able to customize their spacecraft—everything from the wings to the tail. After each group boards the ride, they can see a snapshot of themselves on their very own spaceship that they previously created, and then begin the ride in a galaxy-saving expedition.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival returned on Jan. 30 and runs until May 17. This festival offers more than 200 global food and drink choices, 29 marketplaces and eight new concepts for guests to enjoy. Visitors can choose from international menus (where at least one item rotates each month), local craft brews, a brand new Secret Menu Experience at Shark Underwater Grill, an exclusive five-course wine pairing with dinner, live entertainment and more.

Later in the year, SeaWorld is introducing a new ride for guests called SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a suspended dark ride capable of a 360-degree rotation with swinging motion for movement. This attraction will take visitors on an underwater adventure with special effects and storytelling aspects, experiencing scenes of sunken shipwrecks, different sea creatures and underwater worlds.

Aquatica Orlando’s Aloha to Summer is making its return for the 2026 summer. The limited-time weekend party runs through May 3, where the water park changes into an island look-alike and guests can participate in interactive games, splash parties, listen to live music, and enjoy food and drinks.

Electric Ocean is also coming back with all-new events, including brand new shows, an ocean celebration during World Ocean’s Day and a nighttime drone show with fireworks that will close out the nights at Club SeaGlow and Ignite.

Local Attractions

International Drive District

Recently opened, Sloth World offers a different vibe for local attractions with its “slotharium” exhibit. This rainforest environment invites animal lovers into the world of sloths, where more than 40 of the animals will wander around the walkable habitat. Group tours will be led by experts who will provide knowledgeable information to those interested in learning more about these mammals.

Opening in April, Society Park combines sports, shopping, dining and entertainment into one big complex. Guests can look forward to pickleball courts, food and beverages as well as areas designed for conversation, connection and relaxation.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has a new experience called Ripley’s Mirror Maze, an attraction with colorful LED lights and mirrored rooms at every corner. Visitors can embark on an adventure challenging their sense of direction while getting lost and found in hallways filled with neon-colored lights.

While there is no set date, visitors can also expect Ripley’s Crazy Golf, a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course that will be located in ICON Park. Guests can put their skills to the test with 360 loops, different challenges and picture-worthy spaces.

The Lightner Museum

For art lovers in the area, The Lightner Museum has exhibits lined up for the months ahead. Through May 17, local artist Donald Martin will showcase a personal interpretation of the Northeast and Central Florida scenery.

The exhibit A Moment in Time: America 250 will run through July 14. Guests can appreciate the First Coast Plein Air Painters and their celebration of Northeast Florida and its role in American history.

Old Town

Old Town is gearing up for its All-American Classic Car Show, a free event for all to attend, with a fireworks show happening on July 4.

While there is no set date, there will also be Sunday Movie Nights for guests to attend. There will also be a new restaurant opening in the near future, with details coming soon.

Florida Mall Fun Factory

The Fun Factory, located in The Florida Mall, offers a variety of fun for the whole family. Visitors can find indoor carnival rides and games, video games, cranes and more. For those who are Gold card members, every Tuesday you can enjoy games for 50% off. The Fun Factory also hosts birthday parties for kids and adults, office parties, holiday events and other specialized occasions for guests to come together and celebrate.