New Attractions Premiere this Summer in Orlando and Central Florida

Town Center at Disney Springs opened May 15

This summer is an exciting time to visit Orlando and Central Florida, as new attractions, shows, thrill rides, and more are set to open at the area’s theme parks.

Here’s a look at what you can expect this summer:

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WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Epcot guests can cool off in the kingdom of Arendelle when the highly-anticipated “Frozen Ever After” opens in the Norway Pavilion. This family adventure set in the magical world of “Frozen” will feature the popular story of the royal sisters Anna and Elsa, hit songs and new technology for an icy trek that is sure to warm hearts.

Also at Epcot, an updated version of the ride “Soarin’ Around the World” includes a whole new film, taking guests on a journey to far-flung lands, and accommodating more guests with the addition of an extra theatre.

Guests will discover new entertainment around every corner this summer with the debut of four new shows across the parks on June 17.

The Force has awakened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including a new character-filled stage show already open, “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” and the upcoming nightly “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” combining fireworks, pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections to be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of the park.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature a new night time show, “The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” show. Inspired by the live-action film, it is scheduled to start at the end of May.

Meanwhile, Mickey and his friends will welcome favorite characters from some of Disney’s newest classics in the live stage show “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire,” debuting in June at the Magic Kingdom.

A majority of the new Town Center at Disney Springs opened May 15 (pictured above) with a variety of stores (PANDORA, Sephora, kate spade new york, Vera Bradley, and more) and restaurants (D-Luxe Burger, Sprinkles, The Daily Poutine, and more). Even more are scheduled to open in June.

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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

At Universal’s Islands of Adventure “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will honor one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests will board massive off-road vehicles and explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors, in an attempt to find the giant beast.

The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will open this summer. The new property is the fifth onsite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring 1,000 rooms and suites with an old-world Caribbean theme, built around a 16,000 square foot, resort-style pool and towering waterfall. Rooms will be available for booking starting July 14.

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SEAWORLD ORLANDO

“Mako,” a brand new 200-foot-tall hypercoaster, is set to open June 10. Named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks, it will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 73 mph as it races along 4,760 feet of steel track. The surrounding realm will be fully shark-themed, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about the impact humans have on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment.

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LEGOLAND FLORIDA RESORT

Creative Cove at LEGOLAND Water Park is now open. The new area invites young visitors to build and race their own LEGO boats.

“LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS 4D: The Book of Creativity,” which premiered May 26. Characters from the popular LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS series battle forces of evil in this new immersive experience, combining 3D computer animation with “4D,” real-world effects that bring the high-tech action bursting off the screen and into the audience.

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Add to this all the new restaurants, shops and more opening elsewhere in the city this summer, and a visit to Orlando should be on your calendar. For more information, visit my other blog, CitySurfing Orlando, or head to visitorlando.com for a list of current deals.

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I'm Michelle Snow, the writer and creator of Zengrrl. I write about travel, entertainment, women's issues, health, body positivity, and more, both for this blog and freelance. I have also authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida. If you aren't already following me, the links are below, as well as on the top right of this page. Thanks!