Cutting-edge adventures, fresh dining options and never-before-had dreams — just some of the many new reasons to visit Orlando in 2023.
Updated April 21, 2023
Already the most visited destination in the U.S. and the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando is the sort of place that never stops imagining tomorrow. It’s why we have more than 23 all-new experiences for you and your family and friends to enjoy in 2023, from the world’s first-ever “surf coaster” and immersive escape rooms inspired by beloved blockbuster films, to a new luxury resort and high-speed rail connecting Orlando to Miami.
Discover: More New Reasons to Visit Orlando
Explore our guide to the newest reasons to visit and make plans now to experience it all for yourself — only in Orlando.
Orlando vacation planning made easy — and free. Make a complimentary appointment with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planners at a time and date of your choosing for the latest insider advice, special offers and more ahead of your next visit.
New Experiences Beyond Orlando’s Theme Parks
Discover fresh things to do beyond Orlando’s legendary theme parks, starting with incredible new ways to celebrate the arts and an unbelievably fast travel option. Don’t skip 2022’s new additions, either, including Drawn to Life by Cirque du Soleil and Disney at Disney Springs® and Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Discover: Orlando Arts & Entertainment
Fringe ArtSpace
The longest-running arts showcase of its kind in the United States, The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, aka The Orlando Fringe, has been entertaining audiences in Loch Haven Park every May since 1992. Now, they’re growing their offerings with a year-round physical space that opened on Jan. 11, 2023. Located on Church Street in the heart of downtown Orlando, the 9,100-square-foot venue has two performing arts spaces, including a main stage with 166 seats and a black box with 40 to 60 seats. The programing will feature a mix of traditional theater and concerts as well as a studio series with weekly, monthly and pop-up events like workshops, classes, readings, performances and artistic explorations. It’s all part of their dedication to keeping Orlando theater weird!
Discover: Downtown Orlando
Judson’s at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Set to debut in fall 2023, Judson’s will be the fourth indoor performance space at downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, joining Steinmetz Hall (which opened in 2022), the Walt Disney Theater, and the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. The dynamic music room will host live performances with intimate, cabaret-style seating for up to 150 guests.
Discover: Steinmetz Hall
Tank America
Having rolled into Orlando in November 2022, Tank America is the only place in Florida where you can drive an actual tank without having to join the military. Use it to conquer a half-mile course full of obstacles, turns and hills with lots of fun surprises along the way.
Discover: Tank America
Brightline High-Speed Rail Service
Conveniently located in the brand-new Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO), Brightline Orlando Station will connect Orlando with West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami with high-speed rail service beginning in 2023. You will enjoy touchless ticketing, premium in-station lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and top-notch bars and restaurants at every Brightline station. Tickets go on sale beginning May 2023 for future travel dates, with one-way fares starting at $79. SMART fare bundles for families of four will be available for less than $199 one way.
Discover: Orlando Transportation
New & Upgraded Places to Stay in Orlando
With more than 480 hotels and resorts to choose from, plus vacation home and condo rentals, you’ll always find perfect accommodations in Orlando — especially once you factor in new properties opening in 2023 and existing favorites that are getting upgrades. They join other recent additions such as Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, ette Hotel Orlando and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
New Places to Stay
Conrad Orlando
Set to open in fall 2023, Conrad Orlando will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 impeccably designed suites and 10 spacious family suites close to Walt Disney World® Resort. Other features include 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa, numerous dining options and a signature rooftop experience. The hotel will be the first phase of Evermore Resort Orlando; a massive 10,000-bedroom vacation oasis offering an array of stay experiences, from single homes to villas, flats and hotel guestrooms.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs® Area
A new Official Disney Partner Hotel in the Disney Springs® Resort Area, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs® Area features 604 guestrooms and 17,000+ square feet of meeting space. Amenities include 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.
Discover: Reasons to Stay at Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — DISNEY SPRINGS® Area
Aloft Lake Nona
Opening fall 2023, Aloft Lake Nona will be a six-story, 205-room, music-themed property. Its eclectic decor and design nods to the hotel’s music and technology roots that give each guestroom its own character. Aloft Lake Nona will also feature a 10,000-square-foot conference center and full-service restaurant.
Discover: Lake Nona
Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Boulevard
Located in the International Drive Entertainment District, aka I-Drive, Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Boulevard is scheduled to begin welcoming guests in winter 2023 with 118 guestrooms. Amenities will include a rooftop pool and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the sophisticated Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant.
Discover: International Drive
Upgraded Places to Stay
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Just in time for 2023 travel, JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes has completed several multimillion-dollar renovations. The I-Drive area 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. It also features an original culinary venue from the award-winning Chef John Tesar: Knife Burger, his second Orlando restaurant after the One-MICHELIN-Star Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Visitors staying at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando in 2023 will experience new additions — like the upscale Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge where you can savor seasonally influenced dishes and specialty cocktails — and reimagined spaces like the property’s signature restaurant, The Boheme, as well as the Bösendorfer Lounge and guest rooms.
The Alfond Inn
An award-winning boutique hotel in the heart of historic Winter Park, The Alfond Inn will renovate 112 existing rooms and suites and add an additional 71 luxury guestrooms and suites, added meeting space, and a lobby cafe. In addition, a new spa will feature seven treatment rooms, a fitness area and additional meeting space. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.
Discover: Winter Park
New Places to Eat & Drink in Orlando
New high-profile eateries and nightspots have arrived in Orlando with more on the way, joining other recent additions such as Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen, AVA MediterrAegean, Milkhouse, The BANDBOX, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, and others. And in case you missed it, MICHELIN Guide inspectors have honored 46 Orlando restaurants since 2022. Needless to say, all of them are worth your appetite’s attention.
Discover: Eat & Drink in Orlando
New Restaurants at Pointe Orlando
On International Drive, Pointe Orlando welcomes Kavas Tacos + Tequila and JoJo’s ShakeBAR. Kavas features a menu paying tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary history with savory comfort food, fresh tableside experiences, and recipes handcrafted from the freshest ingredients. A Chicago original, JoJo’s offers over-the-top sweets and old-school diner ambiance with a modern-day vibe.
Discover: Pointe Orlando
New Restaurants From Chef Bruno Zacchini
Fresh off MICHELIN Guide Recommended honors for his original namesake restaurant in Orlando’s Curry Ford West district, Chef Bruno Zacchini has opened a second Pizza Bruno in College Park. Next up for the local favorite is Dizzy Donuts, coming to College Park in early 2023. Tapping into Zacchini’s love of cake donuts, Dizzy Donuts will serve hot, made-to-order donuts tossed in different toppings, as well as already prepared donuts dressed in more elaborate flavor creations.
Discover: Orlando Neighborhoods
Rosa Mexicano
Marking the brand’s first Orlando-area location, Rosa Mexicano at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort 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 also feature an extensive beverage program boasting over 100 varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits.
Discover: Hispanic & Latino Culture in Orlando
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
An Indiana-based table service restaurant and bakery, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will open a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk in 2023. The restaurant will offer savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere. Offering a turn-of-the-20th-century seaside setting, Disney’s Boardwalk is part of Walt Disney World® Resort and does not require theme park admission to enjoy.
Brew Theory Marketplace
An all-new food hall coming to Apopka in summer 2023, Brew Theory Marketplace will feature a full liquor bar, Brew Theory taproom, a beer garden and various retail tenants. Apopka is approximately 30 minutes north of our main tourism districts.
New Experiences at Orlando’s Theme Parks
See what’s coming to Orlando’s open-air theme parks in 2023, including fresh attractions, shows and more.
Walt Disney World® Resort
Following the 2022 debuts of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT® and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Walt Disney World® Resort has more magic in store for you this year.
Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Now open at Magic Kingdom® Park, TRON Lightcycle / Run is one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world. Based on the Disney sci-fi film, TRON: Legacy, the attraction invites you to pilot your very own Lightcycle as you speed across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race.
Happily Ever After
An updated nighttime spectacular has returned with Happily Ever After once more lighting up the skies at Magic Kingdom® Park.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
At Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, you will explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again. Opening in late 2023, the all-ages attraction will be part of World Nature, the EPCOT® neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. World Nature is one of three new sections, along with World Celebration and World Discovery, that are replacing the former Future World area as part of the park’s multi-year transformation.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has a first-of-its-kind experience coming to SeaWorld® Orlando in 2023, joining other recent additions such as Ice Breaker at SeaWorld and Reef Plunge at Aquatica® Orlando.
Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld® Orlando
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
SeaWorld Orlando’s seventh roller coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster will debut in spring 2023. The attraction will be the world’s first “Surf Coaster,” offering immersive design elements that include a dynamic surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions for a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure.
Universal Orlando Resort
Get ready for brand-new experiences at Universal Orlando Resort in 2023 — and they’re hard at work on a fourth theme park, Universal’s Epic Universe, set to open in 2025.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape
New to Universal CityWalk, Universal’s Great Movie Escape 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.
Discover: Universal CityWalk
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Coming to Universal Studios Florida in summer 2023, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast 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 you will encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and tons of mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films in a whole new way.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort debuted the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park in 2022, and they’re adding a piratical new way to play in 2023.
Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Pirate River Quest
Now open at LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park, Pirate River Quest is a family-friendly treasure hunt adventure. Led by a pirate in search of a lost treasure, it will take you through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens to discover the secrets protecting its canals.
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