• Major theme parks are unveiling new character experiences and celebrating significant cinematic anniversaries.
• International Drive is expanding with unique specialty attractions like a Slotharium and the Museum of Ice Cream.
• The professional sports landscape in Orlando grows with the addition of the Orlando Storm football team.
• The city is enhancing its luxury dining and hospitality options with new chef-led restaurants and hotels.

Orlando, Florida, continues to expand its tourism offerings for 2026, introducing a diverse array of attractions, entertainment venues, and sporting events. Visit Orlando, the region’s official tourism association, has highlighted dozens of new experiences designed to maintain the city’s status as the most visited destination in the United States. This growth follows the recent opening of Universal Epic Universe, signaling a new era of investment in the Central Florida area.

The 2026 lineup includes significant updates across the major theme parks. Walt Disney World Resort is introducing several character-focused experiences, including meet-and-greets with Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom and a Muppets-themed redesign of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. Universal Orlando Resort will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Harry Potter film franchise with seasonal events, while SeaWorld Orlando and LEGOLAND Florida Resort are debuting new family-oriented ride systems focused on deep-sea and space themes, respectively.

Beyond the traditional theme parks, the city is diversifying its entertainment portfolio. International Drive will see the opening of Sloth World, the world’s first “Slotharium,” providing a rainforest habitat for guided animal encounters. Other notable additions include the Museum of Ice Cream at Pointe Orlando and the return of the Blue Man Group to a new permanent home at ICON Park. Additionally, the professional sports scene in Orlando is expanding with the introduction of the Orlando Storm, a new team in the United Football League playing at Inter&Co Stadium.

Culinary and hospitality sectors are also evolving with the introduction of high-end dining concepts from James Beard-recognized chefs and new wellness-focused hotels near the convention center. Retail centers like The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall are undergoing major refreshments to include more luxury brands and entertainment facilities. These combined efforts aim to provide comprehensive experiences for travelers ranging from families to adult groups seeking more specialized challenges and nightlife.

SOURCE Visit Orlando