Happy Spring!
Welcome to our Spring 2023 Update with all the new attractions and happening this Spring at Orlando's Theme Parks and Attractions.
This year, Spring is an amazing time to be in Orlando with so many new attractions to look forward to throughout Central Florida including the long awaited opening of the fastest coaster at Walt Disney World, TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, then over at SeaWorld Orlando we have Pipeline, a first-of-its-kind stand up surf coaste, and at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay you can ride the world’s tallest and fastest swing ride, Serengeti Flyer.
Read on for everything new this Spring in Central Florida!
Everything New At Orlando's Theme Parks & Attractions For Spring 2023
THEME PARKS
Walt Disney World
Tron Lightcycle Run
Park: Magic Kingdom
Expected Opening: April 4, 2023
It's hard to believe that TRON Lightcycle Run has been under construction for over five years now, and while the attraction was due to open for the start of Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the attraction will now open on April 4, 2023
TRON Lightcycle Run is currently open for Annual Passholder Previews, but if you are in Magic Kingdom in the coming days, you could see the ride enter soft opening ahead of the official opening.
You can look forward to climbing aboard their very own Lightcycle and racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs, crossing through energy gates as well as thrilling twists and turns.
The launch coaster has the distinction of being the fastest at Walt Disney World when it opens, reaching a top speed of 60 MPH.
Happily Ever After
Park: Magic Kingdom
Expected Opening: April 3, 2023
The fan-favorite nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After returns to light up the sky, high above Cinderella's Castle.
The show is returning as it was in September 2021 when it ended, but this time it features new Main Street projections to enhance the show.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Park: Hollywood Studios
Expected Opening: March 23 2023
Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 23, 2023.
The newest sit-down restaurant in Hollywood Studios is being added to Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, this unique, fun, family-friendly dining experience, guests will enjoy delicious barbecue fare while surrounded by a kaleidoscope of toys, games, and playsets that Andy has brought together to create his one-of-a-kind rodeo.
Stepping into the lobby and waiting area, guests will experience first-hand what it feels like to be one of Andy’s honorary toys, before progressing into two larger dining room spaces where Andy’s rodeo takes place.
Here, the rodeo will be in full swing, with the western town and train station playsets mixing with surprising, playful details, like some fan-favorite Pixar characters as they’ve never been seen before!
2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Park: EPCOT
Event Duration: Wednesday, March 1 - Sunday, July 5, 2023
The popular and fragrant, 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features fresh cuisine, colorful gardens, playful topiaries and vibrant entertainment.
The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back in 2023, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre, and of course, fresh flavors will be on the menu at Outdoor Kitchens and other food and beverage locations throughout the park, among other delights.
2023 EPCOT Garden Rocks Concert Series
Park: EPCOT
Event Duartion: Wednesday, March 1 - Sunday, July 5, 2023
Get ready to rock with the Garden Rocks Concert Series, part of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
Garden Rocks features internationally recognized artists performing Friday-Monday and showcases local Orlando talent on Tuesday-Thursday at the America Gardens Theater.
Concerts are included with park admission, and a park reservation.
Moana Meet & Greet
Park: Animal Kingdom
Expected Opening: April 22 2023
Moana, from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, will greet fellow voyagers on Discovery Island for the first time, starting April 22.
Animal Kingdom Theme Park 25th Anniversary
Park: Animal Kingdom
Event Date: April 22 2023
In April, there will be new ways to join in the celebration for Animal Kingdom's 25th Anniversary, and Earth Day, including new sweet and savory treats, specialty merchandise and limited-time character sightings in the park.
There will be more surprises on April 22, when the park officially turns 25.
EPCOT Forever
Park: EPCOT
Expected Opening: April 3 2023
“EPCOT Forever” returns to World Showcase Lagoon starting April 3. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.
Summer 2023 And Beyond
Looking beyond Spring we also have new attractions to look forward to later this year at Walt Disney World, including Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, Dreamer's Point featuring Walt The Dreamer, a Figment Meet & Greet, a new Nighttime Show, and all new Disney100 celebrations, all coming to EPCOT.
Over at Magic Kingdom, we have a brand new Mirabel Meet & Greet, and the addition of the Hat Box Ghost to the Haunted Mansion, both later this year.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando are currently working on multiple new attractions, plus a brand new Theme Park, Epic Universe due to open in Summer 2025.
While nothing new is planned for Spring a new Minions Land, complete with family attraction and themed cafe, will open within Universal Studios Florida in summer 2023.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Park: Universal Studios Florida
Expected Opening: Summer 2023
The minions are going to be taking over Universal Orlando in the summer of 2023 as the resort is set to open an all-new attraction: Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
The new family attraction will be an interactive blaster-game experience which guests will walk through on a moving walkway which will combine innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and elaborate physical sets to create a unique, game-based adventure.
Minion's Themed Cafe
Park: Universal Studios Florida
Expected Opening: Summer 2023
While not much is know about the new Minion's theme cafe, we do know it will be taking over the former Universal Monsters Cafe space next to the new under construction Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
Universal's 2023 Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Park: Universal Studios Florida
Event Duration: Now - Sunday April 16, 2023
Every spring, the fun and excitement of the Big Easy makes its way to Universal Orlando Resort for an authentic celebration that completely transforms Universal Studios Florida into a family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.
Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval runs through April 16, 2023.
The parkwide celebrations will transform Universal Studios Florida into Florida’s biggest party, complete with the return of the parade, the beads, the tribute store, the food, and the big name concerts.
SeaWorld Orlando
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
Park: SeaWorld Orlando
Expected Opening: Spring 2023 Pipeline is a first-of-its-kind surf coaster coming to SeaWorld here in Orlando in Spring 2023.
Youll experience the rush of launching 110 feet up and sensing every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to an inventive harness that keeps you secure while giving you unparalleled freedom of movement.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster will reach top speeds of around 60 mph. Each rider will get the “rush of cutting through waves” as they race up to heights of 110 feet in the air along 2,950 feet of track.
Pipeline will feature a unique surfboard ride vehicle will give riders an immersive experience when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave.
Riders will encounter the rush of hanging loose on a massive wave while in a standing position as the coaster sends them through several gnarly twists and turns with five airtime movements and an innovative 'wave curl' inversion.
2023 SeaWorld Orlando Seven Seas Food Festival
Park: SeaWorld Orlando
Event Duration: Now - Sunday, May 7, 2023
Oceans of flavor and fun are waiting at SeaWorld. From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct offerings.
Explore more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to pair with over 75 refreshing wine and cocktail selections, including more than 75 craft brews.
With so many exquisite flavors to top off exhilarating coasters and extraordinary animal encounters, the Seven Seas Food Festival is a voyage to fill the belly!
The Seven Seas Food Festival is included with valid theme park admission
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Serengeti Flyer
Park: Busch Gardens Tampa
Opening: NOW OPEN Busch Gardens Tampa have introduced a swinging new attraction for 2023, Serengeti Flyer which is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a screamin’ swing.
With each swing, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth.
Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak.
Guests are seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, allowing for 40 guests to experience the ride at once.
Falcon's Fury
Park: Busch Gardens Tampa
Expected Opening: Spring 2023
Also at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, while no reopening date has been revealed, we do know that the drop tower ride Falcon's Fury will reopen at hopefully this Spring, following its closure since early last year.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival
Park: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Event Duration: Friday, March 10, 2023 - Sunday, May 21, 2023
A world of taste awaits at the annual Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival with a delicious menu and drinks as dynamic and unique as the park's thrilling roller coaster collection.
Guests can sip & savor their way through flavorful eats and mouthwatering treats before finding their new favorite brew or cocktail.
Park guests can explore a variety of flavors while enjoying a diverse concert lineup, including acts for all tastes.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival is available with valid theme park admission.
Pirate River Quest
Park: LEGOLAND Florida
Opening: NOW OPEN
Pirate River Quest was Central Florida's first new attraction to open in 2023, back on January 12.
On this all-new attraction, captain-driven boats will navigate the natural passageways of Lake Eloise and the historic Cypress Gardens.
The quest to uncover the lost treasure of Captain Redbeard of this family-friendly boat ride unfolds brick by brick with a variety of exciting sequences that tell the tale of a rowdy LEGO pirate crew, a troop of mischievous monkeys, and even a fearsome Kraken.
All Systems Are Go
Park: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Expected Opening: March 24 2023
America’s favorite four-legged cartoon friend and other Peanuts characters will soon be landing at the transformed Universe Theater at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The beloved characters including Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Franklin and Schroeder will take guests on a journey through NASA’s history, the Artemis missions, and the future of space travel.
All Systems Are Go is an exciting immersive experience featuring state-of-the-art puppetry, lights, sounds, opening on March 24, 2023.
Mermaid Tales
Location: Pirates Dinner Adventure
Event Duration: March 9 – April 14 2023
Family-friendly and full of excitement, Pirates Dinner Adventure is a must-see dinner show for children and adults alike.
Set sail with a cast of entertainers, acrobats, and cutthroats as they chart a course through danger and romance. Sword fights, songs, sea monsters, and a captain’s feast — no other Orlando dinner show packs so much entertainment into a single evening.
Look no further for fun things to do. Pirates Dinner Adventure has it all and from March 9 – April 14, journey into the magical world of mermaids at Pirates Dinner Adventure!
A limited-time adaptation of the fan-favorite Orlando dinner show, Mermaid Tales will feature specialty food, merchandise, and a special photo opportunity with a real, live mermaid!
Gator Gully Splash Park
Park: Gatorland Orlando
Expected Opening: Spring 2023
Just in time for Spring Break, Orlando's iconic roadside attraction Gatorland, the “Alligator Capital of the World,” is bringing more cool-down fun for kids and families of all ages with brand new water features.
The attractions Gator Gully Splash Park, which is included with the price of admission, now includes a colorful collection of majestic coconut palm sprayers, a radiant butterfly, zany water dragon and of course, brand new gator sculptures to sit on for all the splashes and fun.
Gator Gully provides cool to the touch floor panels, shade and vibrant over-sized Adirondack chairs for parents and grandparents to watch the little ones have fun.
Selfie Spot Beach
Park: Island H20 Water Park
Opening: Now Open
Island H20 Water Park in Kissimmee is now open for the 2023 season and they have a fun, limited time experience.
The water park located next to Margaritaville Resort Orlando, have added an all-new Instagrammable pop up “Selfie Spot Beach.”
This is a limited time experience for families to capture the perfect family photo and share on social media.
Country Nights Live
Location: Pirates Dinner Show
Opening: Now Open
The new interactive dinner show will transport you from I-Drive to a classic Southern hoedown, featuring a mouth-watering spread of country cooking, and a knee-slapping, foot-stomping good time featuring a live band and lots of dancing!
During the show guests become part of the action and everyone will learn how to do real country dances.
Country Nights Live takes place every Thursday to Saturday at 6 pm.
Earth Illuminated
Location: The Pointe
Opening: March 24 2023
Earth Illuminated takes guests on a journey to rediscover creation through unique environments and scenes that take inspiration from aspects of the world around us.
Experience it now for a limited time only!
RoboLand
Location: Roboland I-Drive
Opening: Now Open
In what is being described as the first robotic and tech innovation show in Orlando, RoboLand will take visitors and guests on a journey of discovery to explore the robotic world and uncover exciting stories and thrilling adventures that will dazzle your imagination.
Check out interactive robotic shows, a virtual reality experience, robotic animals, interactive exhibits, food made by robots and much more to get a glimpse into the future of technology.
Will To Escape
Location: The Pointe
Opening: Now Open
Will To Escape is a brand new escape room experience, located on the ground floor at The Pointe.
Will To Escape has six separate escape rooms to choose from.
Dinosaurs at Leu Gardens
Park: Leu Gardens
Opening: April 8 – July 9 2023
Don't panic, Dinosaurs at Leu Gardens is a new event that's coming to thrill, enthral, and entertain kids of all ages at Orlando's Leu Gardens
Dinosaurs are back, this amazing outdoor exhibit of prehistoric creatures will inhabit the gardens from April 8 – July 9, 2023.
Featuring over 20 life-size dinosaurs ranging in size from 14 inches to a massive 33 ft. Daspletosaurus, cousin to the T-Rex.
Once Upon A Spring Celebration
Park: Gaylord Palms Resort
Event Duration: March 3 - May 14 2023
Spring is in bloom, and the Easter Bunny, and of course the return of the much loved Once Upon a Spring celebration at the luxurious Gaylord Palms here in Orlando.
This year's event features plenty of oversized pastel eggs, beautiful springtime flowers, activities in the new Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse, an Easter Day Buffet, a pirate escape room, themed scavenger hunt and everyone’s favorite holiday hares, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny!
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