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.

 

ATTRACTIONS

Walt Disney World Resort announced various character returns and debuts as they continue The World’s Most Magical Celebration. Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long returns on July 6 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where guests can join them for a campfire celebration followed by a classic Disney movie under the stars. In Magic Kingdom Park, Mirabel, the young hero from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “Encanto,” will join Miguel from “Coco,” Nick and Judy from “Zootopia” and more, in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade.” Fantasyland friends Peter Pan and Snow White will greet guests once again beginning on July 10. And at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay will return July 17.

LEGOLAND Florida will open its newest attraction – Pirate River Quest – on November 2. The family-friendly treasure hunt adventure will be led by a pirate in search of lost treasure. Guests will journey through the uncharted waters of the legendary Cypress Gardens and discover the secrets protecting its canals.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will return to the Walt Disney World Resort, welcoming young guests once again for royal head-to-toe transformations at Magic Kingdom Park Resort on August 25.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the all-new attraction evolving from the reimagining of Splash Mountain, will open at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World in late 2024.  Inspired by the story of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog”, the attraction picks up where the film left off. Guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story

Universal Orlando Resort will feature a “Get 1 Day Free with a 2-Park 2-Day” ticket offer exclusively for Florida and Georgia residents to visit now through Dec. 15. For an additional $25, guests can add a day at Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Mi Cocina By Chef D.O.C., an all-new from scratch kitchen from Central Florida chef Danny Otero, is now open. The new restaurant showcases a fusion of multicultural-inspired cuisine with a touch of Latin American flavors using fresh ingredients.

Wafu, a Japanese-style waffle restaurant, is now open in East End Market offering taiyaki (crispy, fish-shaped waffles) alongside uniquely flavored treats like yuzu soda and lavender ice cream.

Susuru Juju, an all-new retro-themed izakaya, will open in August near East Colonial Drive. In addition to binchotan-grilled yakitori (chicken), kushiyaki (meats and veggies), yakizakana (fish), A5 wagyu and other izakaya items like ramen, Susuru Juju will feature a "kappou bar" where sashimi, partially torched meats, grilled fish and seafood will be prepared and served.

Walt Disney World Resort will welcome back popular pals from character dining experiences including Stitch for breakfast at ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on Sept. 27, Minnie and her friends for breakfast at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort on Oct. 4 and Winnie the Pooh and friends at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park for both lunch and dinner on Sept. 20.

Simply Cheese, an all-new specialty cheese and charcuterie store is now open in Winter Park. The shop will feature over 60 different cheeses, hand-selected from across the U.S. and the world, and charcuterie accompaniments like prepackaged meats, spreads, jams honey and vegan options.

Cucina Pizza & Bar is now open in downtown Orlando. The restaurant features  a selection of wines, fresh salads, pasta, pizza, subs, and more.

Edoboy, the eight-person standing sushi bar featuring local daily catch and fish flown in weekly from Japan, will soft open in the Mills 50 district on July 28.

ICEBAR Orlando, will debut the first and only specialty beer sold inside ICEBAR, the Raging Yeti Red Ale, which is also available inside Fire Lounge and as four-packs to-go for $25. The Raging Yeti Red Ale is brewed specially for the bar by Orange County Brewers, Central Florida’s premier craft beer destination.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

The Renaissance Company will present “Lenox Ave,” a Harlem renaissance experience at the Ren July 22 – Aug. 13. The experience invites guests into an imagined speakeasy called 'Lenox Ave' during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s, offering an original show, signature cocktails available for purchase and various entertainment throughout the night.

Walt Disney World Resort announced the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom on 24 select nights Nov. 8 – Dec. 22, 2022. This separately ticketed event will offer an evening of merriment featuring “Minnie’s Wonder Christmastime Fireworks,” “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,” complimentary cookies and hot cocoa at locations throughout the park, three jolly new photo opportunities and more.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will present the Great American Orchestra Series, featuring the internationally renowned, classical ensembles of the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra. The shows take place in arts center’s acoustically remarkable space, Steinmetz Hall, in January and February 2023.

ICON Park will host a patriotic light show on July 4 at 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy The Wheel’s 64,000 LED lights dancing to a patriotic soundtrack during the 10-minute production.

FusionFest will return to downtown Orlando for its fifth annual celebration on Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 26-27. The free, two-day cultural diversity festival at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will feature music, dance, food, visual arts, spoken word, games and interactive activities from more than 1,000 local artists. This year, an all-new signature show titled Kaleidoscope -- The Wonders of Creative Collaboration, will headline the event, featuring CeCe Teneal, an award-winning performing artist who is curating this one-of-a-kind showcase of Central Florida’s cultural performers.

The 20th Annual Global Peace Film Festival returns live Sept.19 – 25 and virtually Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, offering a selection of feature and short films presented in person at locations in Winter Park and Orlando. These films highlight themes such as civil rights, environmental justice, ethics, human rights, immigration, LGBTQ+, music, social justice, voting, wellness and wildlife.

The Mennello Museum of American Art announced the return of the Indie-Folkfest for its eighth year. The free outdoor pet-friendly event will be held on October 8 in the Mennello Museum Sculpture Garden featuring local, regional, and national art, music and cuisine.

Disney Springs will present ZOM-BEATZ BASH, a 20-minute dance stage show for all ages, featuring music from Disney Channel films: “ZOMBIES,” and “ZOMBIES 2.” From Aug. 5-14, guests are invited to sing-along to favorite songs or snap a photo at the “ZOMBIES 3” inspired photo wall during the DJ-hosted event held at the at the Disney Springs AdventHealth Waterside Stage.

Creative City Project will present “Anthology”, at the Renaissance Theatre Company, on August 19-21. The 70-minute show will offer a night of stories and spirits featuring four writers’ original works paired with custom cocktails curated to match each story, designed to bring a new level of immersion into the art of fiction. 

 Walt Disney World Resort announced the full lineup for the 2022 Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting July 14. This year, fresh acts will take the America Gardens Theatre stage, including local bands Tuesday-Thursday, alongside recognized artists with genres spanning Rock, Latin, Rap, Pop, Country and more.

Universal Orlando Resort unveiled new details for Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, including an all-new haunted house, “The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare,” inspired by the record-breaking “After Hours” album by The Weeknd, beginning Sept. 2. Guests will be challenged to survive the night while trapped within the terrifying, unexpected world featuring eerie music, grotesque characters and themes inspired by The Weeknd’s music and short films

Gatorland will be holding its fourth annual Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event weekends between Oct. 15-30. The event, included with regular admission, will feature multiple themed haunt zones, interactive characters, animal meet-and-greets, candy giveaways, a children’s Halloween costume parade and more.

Opera Orlando’s Summer Concert Series will be headlined by soprano Emily Pulley and pianist Ammon Perry Bratt on August 14, with (DIS)REPUTABLE: the good, bad, and questionable women of the stage, a program that runs the gamut of formidable women with varying degrees of respectability and rectitude.  

Cranes Roost Park will host the India Independence Day Parade on August 13. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, the free event will feature live music and cultural entertainment.