More than 25 new experiences are popping up in Orlando, Florida, this year, including the addition of a new theme park—the first in decades.
“For the first time in 25 years, Orlando is on the brink of welcoming an entirely new theme park—a milestone that underscores our position as a top destination this year for travelers worldwide,” says Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Universal Epic Universe will open May 22 at Universal Orlando Resort, including five immersive worlds within its bounds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon-Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park. Universal Orlando Resort offers team-building activities, group dining, and many event venues across its parks and hotels. Its Loews Meeting Complex, comprising the connected Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, provides 247,000 square feet of meeting space and 2,000 guest rooms.
In addition, the iconic Blue Man Group show returns to the city on April 3 with its new home at Icon Park in an all-new theater custom-built for the comedic trio. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, and Icon Park’s event venue offerings include an outdoor lawn space for 1,000 attendees standing, block party options for a maximum of 5,000, and full park buyouts for up to 10,000.
Four new resorts also are set to open this year. Universal Stella Nova Resort opened in late January and Universal Terra Luna Resort in late February, adding 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando Resort’s hotel portfolio. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will open in May with a dedicated entrance to the new Universal Epic Universe park, as well as 4,648 square feet of flexible event space and catering. Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the bustling International Drive area, will open mid-March and consists of 526 apartments, villas, and estates, a departure from a traditional hotel. Its location near Kia Center, Orange County Convention Center, and notable golf courses makes it a convenient choice for planners.
