What's New at Orlando Theme Parks for Summer 2023

Welcome to our Summer 2023 Update with all the new attractions and happening this at Orlando's word famous Theme Parks, where there is always something new happening!

Happy Summer!

This year, Summer is an amazing time to be in Orlando with so many new attractions to look forward to throughout Central Florida, including the opening of a brand new Minion Land at Universal Orlando Resort, it's bananas!

Over at SeaWorld Orlando we have brand new attraction Pipeline, a first-of-its-kind stand up surf coaster, plus when the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld's Summer Spectacular featuring DJ, performers and fireworks, while over at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay you can ride the world’s tallest and fastest swing ride, Serengeti Flyer which opened in Spring, together with the park's seasonal red hot Summer nights including spectacular fireworks on select nights.

Read on for all the details, there is so much happening, have a great summer!

Everything New At Orlando's Theme Parks & Attractions For Summer 2023

Walt Disney World

This Summer at Walt Disney World there is so much to experience as always, and while there is no new attraction set to debut this Summer, already this year we have seen many new additions including the amazing Tron Lightcyle Run!

Let's check out all that's new in 2023!

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

First up the ever popular and fragrant, 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival continues throughout the summer until Sunday, July 5, 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.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Hot on the heals of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival ending on July 5, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival kicks off on July 27 and runs through until November 18!

Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain.

The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre. And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more

Character Meet and Greet's

Already this year we saw the return of many fan-favorite character experiences including Enchanted Tales with Belle, Ariel’s Grotto and Pete’s Silly Sideshow at Magic Kingdom Park, and Moana, from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film, now greets fellow voyagers on Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Plus following the conclusion of the Walt Disney World 50th Celebrations, you can once again meet Mickey in his magicians outfit in Magic Kingdom.

Pixar Place

Pixar Pals have also returned at Disney's Hollywood Studios with a makeover, here you can meet Edna Mode, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.

Live Action Ariel

Also at Hollywood Studios you can meet the live-action version of Ariel at Walt Disney Presents, also for a limited time, a sneak peek and props from the film will be available at the Walt Disney Presents Theater.

Later this summer, guests will get the chance to hug long-time EPCOT icon Figment at the Imagination! pavilion.

And this fall, Mirabel from Disney Animation’s Academy Award-winning film “Encanto” will greet guests in the Fairytale Garden at Magic Kingdom, which will be transformed with whimsical décor inspired by la Familia Madrigal.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Yee-haw! Andy has created Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios in Toy Story Land.

Serving barbecue-inspired comfort foods, this one-of-a-kind dining experience is the first “Toy Story” table-service restaurant in the world.

A collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Roundup Rodeo BBQ bringsg more toy-sized, tasty fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Happily Ever After

Fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” Presented by Pandora Jewelry Has returned to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, and

New this year, the nightly fireworks show includes brand-new projections extending down Main Street U.S.A., adding even more magic to this unforgettable spectacle.

EPCOT Forever

Meanwhile over at EPCOT, the nighttime show EPCOT Forever has returned to World Showcase Lagoon. Featuring stirring renditions of memorable EPCOT music, the show sparks fond memories from the park’s rich history.

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Guests can now climb aboard Lightcycles for a thrilling race on TRON Lightcycle / Run Presented by Enterprise.

Located in Magic Kingdom Park, it is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland.

The attraction masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Although not quite ready for Summer, this fall will bring even more exciting experiences as part of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.

Guests will be able to explore the wonders of water when Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens.

This fun interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, guests learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality – just as Moana did on her heroic voyage.

Fall will also see completion of the new World Celebration neighborhood. As the hub of the park, it will feature different gardens that change with the seasons.

Dreamers Point

It is also where guests will discover Dreamers Point, an inspiring overlook showcasing a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.”

CommuniCore Hall

When CommuniCore Hall opens in World Celebration later this year, it will be the center of festival programming throughout the park.

In new renderings, you can see this will be home to a new character greeting location called Mickey & Friends. You’ll be able to meet Mickey Mouse and some of his best pals in this colorful space.

Also located in the World Celebration neighborhood, CommuniCore Hall will be the home of a dynamic exhibition space that will transform with each festival throughout the year, as you can see here in one possibility imagined for EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.

Playing with light, shapes and reflections, the architecture of this building was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering to celebrate the legacy of EPCOT and the original CommuniCore buildings.

New Nighttime Spectacular

Plus, a new nighttime spectacular will debut at EPCOT later this year, inviting everyone to gather around World Showcase Lagoon for a show that will unite us through commonalities of the heart in a dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different

EPCOT is also hosting the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World Resort.

Enjoy all-new experiences as Walt Disney World celebrate this momentous anniversary and the culmination of the EPCOT transformation – from meeting Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their platinum attire to snapping a selfie with a platinum sculpture of Walt Disney, and watching Spaceship Earth illuminate the evenings with a special lighting design.

Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

On select nights this summer Typhoon Lagoon Water Park welcomes back Disney H2O Glow After Hours, running on select nights through 2 September 2023.

Limited-quantity tickets mean more time for splashing around all of the Park’s popular attractions. Immerse yourself in all the fun effects and décor. Groove to the cool beats of the DJ dance party. Plus, adults can relax in an area just for them that features a bar area with refreshing beverages available for purchase.

Visit DisneyWorld.com for more information.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando are currently working on multiple new attractions, plus a brand new Theme Park - Epic Universe which is due to open in Summer 2025.

Minion Land

For summer this year, the huge news at Universal Orlando is a brand new land is opening this summer and its going to be bananas!!

While we don't yet have an official opening date, Universal say the land will open this summer.

Minion Land will invite guests to step inside the world of the Minions, with unique dining experiences like Minion Cafe, Bake My Day and Pop-a-Nana, plus Minion Land will also be home to new Villain-Con Minion Blast Attraction and More...

Minion Land on Illumination Ave. is an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination.

The new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise.

As soon as guests enter the land, they’ll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave.

From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast to savoring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favorite characters along the way, here are details about the exciting new experiences that await in Minion Land:

Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast

Guests can put their villainous skills to the test in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – an all-new attraction where guests compete against each other in a fully interactive gaming experience that’s so much fun, it’s a crime. Afterward, guests exit through Evil Stuff, an all-new retail location where they can stock up on Villain-Con and Minions merchandise. More details about Villain-Con Minion Blast will be revealed soon.

Illumination’s Minion Cafe

It’s Minions in the kitchen, mischief in the dining room, and tons of tasty food at the new Illumination’s Minion Cafe – the marquee dining location within Minion Land. This immersive new eatery offers something for every palate in a highly-entertaining dining experience that features three themed areas designed after beloved Minions Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto: the Kitchen – where guests will get a glimpse of the equipment and gear the Minions have used to whip up the cafe’s menu; the Breakroom – where guests can dine in the Minions’ break space that includes everything from “Office Safety Tips” to a vending machine stocked with mischievous items; and the Dining Room – a vibrant space adorned with colorful artwork courtesy of the Minions and more. Guests can also enjoy their meal on an outdoor patio that overlooks the fun of Minion Land.

BAKE MY DAY

Topped with a massive pink cupcake that’s visible from anywhere in the land, Bake My Day is a whimsical retail location and bakery featuring a selection of Minion-themed sweet treats, including cupcakes, macarons, s’mores and more, along with exclusive Minion-inspired merchandise like apparel, plush, drinkware, accessories, keychains and more.

Pop-A-Nnana

Banana-flavored popcorn, anyone? This walkup location features sweet and savory popcorn inspired by the Minions’ love for bananas. Here, guests may also find an assortment of cute popcorn buckets, including the Minion Selfie bucket.

Freeze Ray Pops

Guests can cool off with a visit to Freeze Ray Pops, featuring a variety of colorful popsicles inspired by Gru, the Minions and Vector – along with beverages.

Illumination Theater

Guests can meet, greet and interact with beloved characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, plus new additions from the hit film “Sing” – Rosita, Gunter and Johnny – at an outdoor Illumination Theater facade.

Guests can also discover murals, photo ops and more throughout Minion Land that celebrate additional characters from popular Illumination films.

For more information about Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Also at Universal Studios Florida, Universal is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park as Universal Orlando celebrate Jurassic June!

Jurassic Park Tribute Store

A new Jurassic Park Tribute Store: Jurassic Park takes over this summer in the Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida. The immersive retail location will invite guests to explore the history of the blockbuster movie as they venture through a series of themed rooms that highlight everything from pre-production elements like storyboards and blueprints to photo ops that recreate memorable scenes from the iconic film.

Guests can also shop exclusive 30th anniversary merchandise including apparel, hats, key chains, plush, collectibles, and more.

Universal Orlando is also celebrating with Jurassic-Themed Menu Items!

From June 1, Guests visiting Thunder Falls at Islands of Adventure can sink their teeth into a new Coconut Cajeta Churro (a caramel-infused churro drizzled with coconut flakes and caramel sauce) and Prehistoric Raptor Wings (chargrilled chicken wings marinated with olive and spices then tossed in a sweet chili sauce and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and a plantain chip). Guests can also enjoy an exclusive Jurassic Park 30th Anniversary Fanta flavor – the “Wild Refresherrrr.”

A Jurassic Park celebration would not be complete without actually watching the film on the big screen, and Universal Orlando will be offering Jurassic Park Film Screenings at Universal Cinemark in CityWalk!

Guests can catch screenings of the original Jurassic Park on June 9, 10, and 11 at Universal Cinemark.

The activities at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are just part of a collection of exciting experiences taking place during #JurassicJune and beyond to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jurassic Park.

Fans can look forward to new broadcast, digital and game content, as well as exclusive merchandise across a variety of categories at retailers around the world, a re-release of the film, retail promotions, anniversary celebration events, and more to celebrate the awe-inspiring film.

SeaWorld Orlando

Get ready for a spectacular summer at SeaWorld Orlando this year, as the resort prepares to celebrate all summer long with fun days amped up with gnarly entertainment, thrilling rides and breathtaking presentations, and when the sun goes down, enjoy fiery nights featuring new shows, entertainment and a brilliant fireworks spectacular.

The summer events at SeaWorld Orlando run through September 4, 2023.

Pipeline: The Surf Coaster

First up is Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, new this summer, feel the awesome power of the ocean in a whole new way on Pipeline, the first-of-its-kind surf coaster. Experience the rush of launching 110 feet up at 60 mph and feeling every bank and curve as though you’re really riding the waves, thanks to innovative dynamic seats that gives you unparalleled freedom of movement.

Experience the ultimate thrill with the addition of this seventh coaster to the Coaster Capital of Orlando.

Summer Spectacular

When the sun goes down, the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular! Stay late all summer to immerse yourself in exotic worlds of light and music and experience your favorite SeaWorld attractions in a whole new way.

Dance the night away with world-class DJs for a family-friendly party beneath the waves. Then end the night with Ignite, a fireworks spectacular that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above. Put a charge in your summer at SeaWorld’s vibrant Summer Spectacular.

Club Sea Glow

The party amps up in the evening at Bayside Stadium, where a DJ will be mixing dance music all evening leading up to the start of our nighttime fireworks show.

Enjoy plenty of space to spread out and dance while enjoying the entertainment. That includes dancers and high-energy atmospheric acts to get the party going!

Ignite Fireworks

Surf the wave to a whole new level with Ignite, a fireworks and fountains spectacular that brings the brilliant colors of the sea to the skies above the park.

The fireworks can be seen from all around SeaWorld’s large central lake, including from Bayside Stadium, The Waterfront, and the Orca Encounter Pathway.

For more details on SeaWorld Orlando's spectacular Sumer events: SeaWorld Orlando

Aquatica Orlando

Turi’s Kid Cove

The ALL-NEW Turi’s Kid Cove is now open at Aquatica Orlando!

Grab your best buddies and get ready to splish, splash, spray, and play in this ALL-NEW water adventure attraction filled with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more. Plus, your kids can grab a tube and glide into fun on the ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl, a kid-sized wave slide designed just for them!

Fun Fact: The ALL-NEW Tamariki Twirl is a smaller version of the water parks big kids slide, KareKare Curl!

Other new attraction in the ALL-NEW Turi’s Kid Cove includes the slides, Zippity Zappity, Slider Rider, Racer Chaser, and Slippity Dippity.

For more info on Aquatica Orlando check out the official website.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Serengeti Flyer

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.

Enjoy world-class coasters, electrifying entertainment and more during extended summer hours.

Summer Nights

Great News! Summer Nights is returning to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for 2023.

Starting May 26 through until until August 6, Busch Gardens are celebrating all summer long with extended park hours, all-new entertainment, and fireworks on select days during Summer Nights including special 4th of July Fireworks!

As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights. Explore the park after dark with extended park hours every night.

Dance the night away at themed party zones throughout the park, take on Florida’s top thrill rides in the dark and enjoy electrifying entertainment throughout the night.

Cirque Electric

Back by popular demand, this revamped acrobatic show brings all-new music to the Stanleyville Theater for the summer! Witness the extraordinary talent of cirque-style performers undertaking edge-of-your-seat feats alongside an electric ensemble of dancers.

Gwazi Beats

You won’t want to miss this atmospheric show returning for summer! With a combination of drums, dancers, and stilt walkers, this pulse-pounding display of music and dance will leave you wanting more.

Icons

New for 2023, step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seat. Icons starts June 11th.

Turn It Up! Remix

This popular award-winning ice show returns to the Moroccan Palace Theater with beloved original and all-new routines. Talented skaters, stunning video and projection elements demonstrate the power and beauty of living life to the fullest.

LEGOLAND Florida

Pirate River Quest

was Central Florida's first new attraction to open in 2023, back in January.

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.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort has announced a brand new summer show, Go Xtreme!

Go Xtreme

Go Xtreme will have families on edge of their seats at LEGO City Stage, with this all-new show features thrilling, hilarious and EXTREME stunts from world-class performers.

The stunt show action unfolds on the set of LEGO City’s favorite TV show Go Xtreme!, where a panel of fun-loving guest judges will determine which extreme stunts make the cut for the newest season of the show.

Families can join in the fun as part of the “live studio audience” while hopeful stunt performers compete for their big break on the show.

Action-packed stunts include BMX riders, scooter drivers, a Cyr wheel artist, inline skater and a world-record holding pogo athlete, who’s sure to deliver more than a few laughs.

So are you ready to Go Xtreme!?!

LEGOLAND Florida have also revealed that The Rhythm Bricks, a roaming percussion group will offer an interactive instrument experience throughout the park this summer.

Plus, the resort is also bringing back the popular Pirate Island Pool Parties at the resorts Pirate Island Hotel.

The new summer entertainment will be available on select days through August 6.

Red, White & BOOM!

Red, White & BOOM! features Bricktastic Fourth of July celebration at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Daily from July 2 - 4, families can enjoy lots of fun activities, and a DJ Dance party that will have everybody on their feet.

Then when the sun goes down, everyone can experience an unforgettable fireworks display as 3D LEGO bricks illuminate the sky!

Find your seat early to catch the sunset over beautiful Lake Eloise before the show begins while enjoying some of the limited-time food offerings only available during the celebration.

Special 3D firework viewing glasses will be provided which transform the fireworks into LEGO bricks. ​

All Red, White & BOOM! activities are included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida

Did you hear the OINKTASTIC news?

This summer you can start your day with Breakfast with Peppa! Families can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet as Peppa and her family visit with little ones and their grown-ups throughout Miss Rabbit's Diner.

This exciting NEW experience will be available for a limited time on Friday & Saturday mornings beginning on June 9.

The all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast buffet will feature preschooler-friendly options, along with all-new grown-up favorites, while enjoying your meal, families will oink and giggle along with Peppa and her family!

Don’t forget to snap an OINKTASTIC picture to remember your Breakfast with Peppa.

A complimentary 6"x8" souvenir photo is included with every grown-up reservation.

Book your oinktastic experience now: PeppaPigThemePark.com/Florida

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