Get the scoop on more than 25 brand-new reasons to visit Orlando in 2022, including fresh adventures, dining options, places to stay and much more.
Have you heard the news? Orlando is set to welcome an amazing array of wondrous experiences in 2022, including a brand-new theme park, an acoustically perfect theater, fresh dining options, and a hotly anticipated theme park hotel property that will transport you to a galaxy far, far away — among other wonders you won’t want to miss. Check out our guide to the newest reasons to visit Orlando and make plans now to experience it all for yourself!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel in Orlando, and check with your favorite attractions and other Orlando businesses for their current status.
Discover fresh experiences beyond Orlando’s legendary theme parks, including can’t-miss attractions and incredible new ways to celebrate the arts!
Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Orlando
Steinmetz Hall
This long-awaited aural wonder opened at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in the heart of downtown Orlando on Jan. 14, 2022. The facility has earned an N1 sound rating — the lowest level at which humans can detect sound — which means you’ll be able to hear performances like never before … literally! Steinmetz Hall opened with a two-week Grand Celebration featuring performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, superstars such as Jennifer Hudson and Lyle Lovett, and the best Orlando’s performing arts scene has to offer, with much more on tap for 2022 and beyond.
These sister attractions set world records when they debuted at ICON Park® on International Drive in December 2021. First, the dual-tower Orlando Slingshot will launch you and another rider out of an “exploding volcano” straight up into the sky, where you’ll reach speeds of 100 mph. It also stands at 300 feet, making it the world’s tallest slingshot attraction. Similarly, the Orlando Free Fall is the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower at 430 feet.
Coming to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in March 2022, this 50,000-square-foot, multi-level attraction will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is on Florida’s east coast, about an hour from our main tourism districts.
Also known as “Art Squared,” this urban park is coming to downtown Orlando in spring 2022. Utilizing a 2-story shipping container structure, the park will incorporate a cafe, art gallery, stage, seating, digital video walls and a gift shop, as well as an artificial turf courtyard, a concrete patio, picnic tables, hammocks, and two food truck spaces.
The Force will be with you when Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opens at Walt Disney World® Resort on March 1, 2022! After booking your stay, you’ll “board” the starship Halcyon for an all-inclusive experience that will make you a part of the immersive Star Wars galaxy. Choose your path, learn to wield a lightsaber, and travel to Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where your journey will continue at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
Having arrived in December 2021, Lake Nona Wave Hotel is a leading-edge property featuring 216 guest rooms, 16 one-bedroom suites and two penthouse suites. Enjoy three restaurants and bars; tech-forward amenities such as voice-automated in-room controls; a focus on holistic wellbeing including access to the world’s first Chopra Mind-Body Zone located at the nearby Lake Nona Performance Club; over 400 pieces of art; and a 50,000-square-foot sculpture garden.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a 14-story, 349-room hotel tower that opened at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in late 2021. The property — just a short walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and EPCOT® — features meeting rooms with rooftop terraces, a restaurant, full-service health club, 90-foot-long pool, and more.
ette Hotel Orlando
This Tuscan-inspired, 126-room ette Hotel Orlando is scheduled to open in spring 2022 near Walt Disney World. Focusing on wellness as an alcohol-free property, the hotel will offer 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.
Mojo Grilled Chicken at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando
Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen
New at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress close to Walt Disney World, Four Flamingos from Top Chefs: All-Stars winner Richard Blais features cuisine inspired by tropical flavors and ingredients from Florida, including native fruits, vegetables, seafood and more.
New Restaurants at ICON Park®
In the second half of 2021, ICON Park welcomed Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, marking the celebrity chef’s first restaurant venture in Orlando … and hopefully not the last! The legendary Key West saloon Sloppy Joe’s debuted in December 2021, offering live music and island-inspired food and libations.
Artist Rendering of Kavas Tacos + Tequila, Coming to Pointe Orlando in Spring/Summer 2022
New Restaurants at Pointe Orlando
Located on International Drive, Pointe Orlando will welcome Kavas Tacos + Tequila in spring/summer 2022 and JoJo’s Shake Bar in fall/winter 2022. Kavas features a menu paying tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary history, featuring savory comfort food, fresh tableside experiences, and recipes hand-crafted from the freshest ingredients. A Chicago original, JoJo’s offers over-the-top sweets and old-school diner ambience with a modern-day vibe.
The Milkhouse in Downtown Orlando’s Milk District (Courtesy City of Orlando)
The Milkhouse
New to downtown Orlando’s Milk District, this unique dining space houses some of Central Florida’s most notable food and beverage brands, including Bagel Bruno, Foxtail Coffee Co. and Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Built to resemble a 1900s-era indoor beer garden in New York’s Lower East Side, will open March 2022 in Winter Garden just a short drive from Walt Disney World. The venue will feature a gastropub, indoor beer garden, tap room, brewery, sidewalk bistro, and three New York City-themed event spaces.
Part of downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village, this new, full-service food hall delivers nine diverse culinary offerings, five curated event spaces, and three premium cocktail bars in an eclectic environment.
Central Florida’s first alcohol-free speakeasy, cocktail lounge and collectibles/vintage shop will open in spring 2022 at Ivanhoe Village in downtown Orlando.
See what’s coming to Orlando’s open-air theme parks in 2022, including fresh attractions, shows and more — not to mention a whole new theme park!
WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort
The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort continues in full swing all through 2022 and into early 2023. Come be immersed in shimmering EARidescence and experience special touches, from embellishments on Cinderella Castle to decor throughout the theme parks and beyond. The 50th Anniversary celebration features new experiences at all four theme parks and beyond, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction at EPCOT® and new nighttime spectaculars courtesy of Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom® Park and Harmonious at EPCOT. And, there’s more on the way including the newly enhanced “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire” stage show and the return of the “Festival of Fantasy” parade!
Opening this summer, the first “other-world” pavilion at EPCOT will include a thrilling new family-friendly coaster that matches the grandiosity and fun of the blockbuster films in what will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!
Coming in 2022, this exciting stage show will invite you to discover the familiar tale of Nemo and friends from a whole new point of view at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
Set for a February 18, 2022, debut, SeaWorld Orlando’s first launch coaster will feature four airtime-filled launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond-vertical drop in Florida — a 93-foot-tall spike with a 100-degree angle!
Just in time for Spring Break 2022, this new water slide at Aquatica Orlando will give you the chance to zoom past a vibrant array of marine life that includes Commerson’s dolphins, leopard sharks and a variety of other aquatic wonders.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Fans of Peppa Pig and pirates won’t want to miss the fresh additions coming to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, starting with an all-new theme park!
Artist Rendering of the World’s First Peppa Pig Theme Park, Coming to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Near Orlando
Peppa Pig Theme Park
Already the Theme Park Capital of the World, the Orlando area is adding another jewel to its crown with the opening of the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park! The standalone park will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, fun live shows, themed playscapes and water play areas. It’s set to debut on Feb. 24, 2022.
Pirate River Quest, Coming to LEGOLAND® Theme Park at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort Near Orlando
Pirate River Quest
Starting in 2022, set sail on a family-friendly treasure hunt adventure, where you’ll journey through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens at LEGOLAND Florida Theme Park and discover the secrets protecting its canals as this all-new story unfolds brick by brick.
Universal Orlando Resort
In summer 2021, Universal Orlando Resort added a brand-new ride that thrill-seekers and dinosaur fans alike will not want to miss!
Rendering of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, New at Universal’s Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Based on the blockbuster movie franchise, this new species of coaster has arrived at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! Spanning more than 4,700 feet of track, it is now Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, featuring a story that expands what you’ve seen on the big screen. It also boasts a series of intense maneuvers that will catapult you up to 70 mph and 155 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators, including two pulse-pounding launches and a 360-degree barrel roll, a zero-gravity inverted stall, and going airborne during the towering “Top Hat,” propelling you 155 feet in the air before an 80-degree drop. Brave the hunt!
It’s not just Orlando’s theme parks, attractions, restaurants and accommodations that get better with each passing year. We also work hard behind the scenes to be one of the nation’s most forward-thinking destinations — and one of the easiest to visit.
Artist Rendering of South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport
South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport
Marking the largest construction project in the facility’s history, work is well underway on the South Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with phase one of the $3.82 billion, multi-year project expected to be substantially completed in the first quarter of 2022. In addition to new shops, restaurants and lounge facilities, the project will add 15 gates and high-tech features such as interactive digital media, a state-of-the-art radio frequency baggage system, and the Intermodal Terminal Facility (ITF), which is designed to accommodate up to three train systems including the forthcoming Brightline high-speed rail with service to Miami.
Founder of 4 Rivers Restaurant Group, John Rivers, will open the first phase of the 4Roots Farm Campus in late 2022. When complete, the 18-acre urban farm, located in The Packing District west of Orlando’s College Park neighborhood, will include classrooms, a community green space, a farm-to-table restaurant, and more than 49,000 square feet of greenhouses and a diverse range of growing systems focused on innovation, sustainability and education.
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