The latest Orlando happenings updated weekly using information provided by partners and destination press releases. Stay up-to-date on Orlando's most recent announcements and openings from accommodations and attractions to restaurants and more.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Walt Disney World Resort will feature three new offers for spring and summer 2024 for guests who book stays at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, including up to 30% off select hotels, March 25 – July 7, for Florida residents; up to 35% off stays for five or more consecutive nights for select nights, July 8 – October 3; And up to 30% off stays March 25 – July 7.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando unveiled a property-wide reimagination that includes a floor-to-ceiling transformation inclusive of all guestrooms and suites; the lobby arrival experience; new design and culinary innovations at restaurants Bull & Bear and Peacock Alley; enhancements to The Waldorf Astoria Spa; and a complete restoration of the esteemed 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club. The reimagination emphasizes the resort’s unique geographic position located within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve.
The Terraces at The Grove Resort, an all-new, four-story luxury condo hotel on The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando campus, will open May 2024. The Terraces at The Grove will feature studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, access to all the amenities the resort has to offer, along with the condo hotel’s own lounge, fully equipped gym, pool with private cabanas and more.
ATTRACTIONS
Panerai by watchmaker Giovanni Panerai is now open at The Mall at Millenia, offering a range of timepieces.
Prismatica by RAW Design, a new art installation, debuted in downtown Orlando at Lake Lucerne. The installation of 25 rotating and reflecting prisms, on display through Feb. 11, showcases a rainbow of colors that will shift depending on lighting and perspective.
FUNBOX, the world’s biggest bounce park with 25,000 square feet of inflatables, will launch a temporary residence at the Florida Mall, select weekends through Feb. 4.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Bar Kada, a new concept by Michael Collantes, chef and owner of Michelin-starred Soseki, will open in February. Bar Kada will be an intimate 30-seat sake and wine lounge with a focus on small plates, ancient sakes and low-intervention wines overseen by Michelin "Sommelier of the Year" Benjamin Coutts and offer experiences like classes and pairing dinners.
Flûtes Champagne Bar, a 40-seat French-inspired champagne bar, celebrates the timeless art of champagne-making and brings the elegance, culture, and flavors of France to Winter Park.
Debonair Supper Club, an all-new restaurant and lounge concept, opened in downtown Orlando. The new dining and entertainment venue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring a large collection of art, a wraparound patio, VIP lounge, wine lockers, a DJ booth, a central stage and more.
The Bao Spot, a family-owned Asian fusion restaurant, is now open at Church Street Market, offering a variety of appetizers, “space burgers,” rice bowls, churros, baos, boba teas and more.
Jack & Honey’s, an all-new upscale American diner in the heart of Thornton Park, is now open, offering all-day brunch, craft cocktails, milkshakes and more.
Ômo by Jônt, by chef Ryan Ratino, the owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington, D.C., will open Feb. 1 in Winter Park. The Japanese-French inspired menu will present guests with 18-22 courses experienced throughout three rooms – first in a salon, second at a tasting counter and ending in a "pastry parlor." Two dinner seatings, each accommodating 16 guests, will be offered Thursday to Sunday for $245 per person, with beverage pairings starting at $195. A 14-course lunch will be offered on Saturdays.
Helena Modern Riviera, a new Mediterranean restaurant located in the former Tapa Toro space in ICON Park, will soft open with special events for Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s celebrations kick off Feb. 13 with a cocktail-making class at $86 per person. A prix fixe six-course dinner menu will be available for Valentine’s Day at $110 per person.
The Stadium Club, a new sports bar and entertainment venue, opened at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort. The new venue features sports simulator suites offering 13 immersive sports and games to choose from along with high-end bar food classics and signature cocktails by “Top Chef” star Janine Booth.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
SeaWorld Orlando’s “Inside Look” event, included with park admission, will return weekends Jan. 13-21. The special event will take guests behind the scenes of animal habitats, including beluga whales, walruses, harbor seals and California sea lions, as well as allow guests to meet members of the SeaWorld Rescue & Dive Teams during exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities at the Rescue Center.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will host its annual Wednesday Lecture Series select dates Jan. 24 – April 27. The museum will bring scholars to host lectures on various subjects related to the museum’s collection and exhibitions. The series is free and open to the public on select Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in the Jeannette G. and Hugh F. McKean Pavilion (just behind the Museum). Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Gateway District will host its first monthly Arts After Dark Market at Hyatt House Orlando Airport on Jan. 25. The event will feature an eclectic mix of arts, crafts and performances from local artists, food, drinks and more.
Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns to Universal Orlando Resort Jan. 26 – 27. The faith-filled weekend includes a full concert lineup by some of Christian music’s top artists, powerful worship experiences and thrilling theme park attractions.
MEGACON returns to the Orange County Convention Center for another year of fan culture. The Southeast’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event offers daily special experiences with celebrity guests, Feb. 1 – 4.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval returns to Orlando, Feb. 3 – April 7. Highlights of this year’s celebration include a series of live concerts, an elements-themed float parade and an expansive menu with tastes from around the world.
Orlando will host the Olympic Marathon Trials on Saturday, Feb. 3. Orlando will be the first city in Florida to host the marathon trials in Olympic history. Spectators are invited to gather at designated viewing areas on the route as runners compete on a course through downtown Orlando. The top three men and women will go on to represent Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Lake Nona Adventure Park will host The Cookout, a BBQ bash and competition, on Feb. 3. The family friendly event will feature games and delectable dishes as local chefs compete for the title of the best BBQ master.
American Social will host a couples cocktail masterclass by Brugal 1888 on Feb. 7. Guests are invited to celebrate their love while learning the secrets behind crafting cocktails, specifically the 1888 Mojito, 1888 Old Fashioned and the 1888 Espresso Martini. The event is priced at $50 per person or $100 per couple.
Pet Alliance will host the 30th anniversary “Paws In The Park” pet festival at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando on Feb. 10. The free event will feature adoptable pets; dock diving and doggy sports; a pet costume contest; food trucks; a beer garden; pet-friendly vendors and more.
The Alfond Inn will host “Bella Notte Under The Stars” on Feb. 14. Located at the property’s Courtyard Lawn, this 21+ celebration of romance will offer a four-course dinner by Chef Ellin, champagne, live music and more.
Orlando Ballet will present The Sleeping Beauty at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall, Feb. 15-18. The re-telling of the classic fairy tale will feature choreography with a human touch that ushers the audience to a happy ending after its journey through good versus evil and love conquering revenge.
Walt Disney World Resort announced the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival’s return Feb. 28 – May 27. The springtime event will offer 90 days of topiaries and gardens along with fresh flavors, lively entertainment and more.
TRANSPORTATION
Breeze Airways launched two new routes to Orlando as part of its latest expansion. The low-cost airline’s new summer schedule will include seasonal routes to Orlando International Airport (MCO) with nonstop service from Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (GSP) beginning May 24, and Mobile, Alabama (BFM) on April 10.
