Orlando Shines this Summer with New Attractions, Seasonal Festivals and International Sporting Events

Orlando them park
Author

Hannah Lajara

Release Date

Friday, July 12, 2024

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Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, debuts a full lineup of fun this summer - from new theme park attractions and star-studded soccer games to cultural festivals celebrating the food and music represented in Orlando.
“Orlando is the ideal summer destination with plenty of deals and new reasons to visit this year,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “And because we know an Orlando vacation can be complex, Visit Orlando offers free vacation planning services through our website to help travelers create unforgettable vacation memories.”
Special Canadian deals can be found at VisitOrlando.com. Sign up for Visit Orlando’s free, personalized Vacation Planning Service at VisitOrlando.com/plan.
SUMMER DEALS
  • Canada Jetlines is offering 20% off direct flights from Halifax to Orlando this summer. Travellers may use the code ORLHFX20 when booking.
  • WestJet Vacations is offering various Orlando promotions:
  • At Rosen Shingle Creek, every 5th night is free, and guests enjoy added benefits such as no resort fee and complimentary shuttles and parking when booking by June 30 for travel dates between May 1st to December 24, 2024.
  • Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW Celebration Area offers a free 7th night for travel that is booked by August 31 with travel dates between May 1st to December 23rd, 2024.
  •  Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Suites are providing free nights, waived resort fees and additional perks like free breakfast for trips booked until May 31st with travel dates between May 1st 2024 to January 7th, 2025.
  • Comfort Suites Maingate East offers a free 7th night for trips booked between May 1st 2024 to March 26, 2025 for travel between May 1st 2024 to March 31, 2025.
NEW: THEME PARKS AND BEYOND
  • Walt Disney World introduces new adventures plus four seasonal celebrations:
  • Disney Dreams That Soar: A nighttime drone spectacle for all ages with iconic soundtracks and memorable movie quotes.
  • Meet Joy from Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Starts June 10 at Pixar Plaza ahead of upcoming “Inside Out 2.”
  •  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom: Opens June 28. Experience a musical journey inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” as Tiana and her friends invite guests into the next chapter of her story.
  • Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Recently updated, this attraction now features new characters and locations from Disney+ series in the Star Wars universe, such as “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.”
  • Universal Orlando Resort debuts a captivating collection of new, must-see experiences:
  • CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular – a nighttime lagoon show debuting June 14 at Universal Studios Florida; Hogwarts Always – a castle projection show debuting June 14 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure; and Universal’s largest daytime parade, Universal Mega Movie Parade, debuting July 3 at Universal Studios Florida.
  • Dreamworks Land will open June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. The new family-friendly area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, features family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, character meet-and-greet zones; and live entertainment.
  • Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando: This immersive indoor/outdoor launch coaster features snowmobile-inspired cars. Families can ride together up to 43 mph, ending up in the park’s penguin habitat.
  • Aquatica Orlando: A new waterslide, Tassie’s Underwater Twist, offers an awe-inspiring journey through Australia's Shark Bay seagrass meadow.
  • Orlando Science Center: Opened exhibit, “Life,” featuring three distinctive habitats – swamp, ocean and tropical rainforest – with 300 animals from around the world.
SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS
  • Orlando Carnival Downtown: A Caribbean-inspired festival with live music and food at Tinker Field May 24-26.
  • Aloha to Summer at Aquatica Orlando: Dance parties, culinary delights and live entertainment held weekends through June 2.
  • AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando: Experience the water park illuminated at night with DJ dance parties and treats on select nights from May 25 to Aug. 31.
  • Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando: A Latin festival with music, international foods, shopping and more happening weekends June 1-30.
  • Summer BRICK Party at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Features all-new shows, costumed characters and plenty of bricktastic fun on select dates from June 1 to Aug. 11.
  • ¡Celebración Encanto! at EPCOT: The summer sing-along runs from June 10 to Sept. 6 at CommuniCore Plaza.
  • The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdon – Celebrate with specialty food, character experiences and more from June 30 to Sept. 6.
  • Orlando Fringe: The longest-running fringe theater festival in the US with a wide range of music, dance and comedy from local and international artists happening June 27-30.
  • Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando: Available weekends from July 6 to Aug. 25.
 
SUMMER OF SOCCER EVENTS
  • Camping World Stadium will host Allstate Continental Clásico (June 12), featuring team USA vs. 5-time World Cup champion Brazil.
  • Three-time reigning Premier League champions Manchester City faces Barcelona in an FC Series friendly at Camping World Stadium (July 30).
  • Orlando is one of 14 U.S. host cities for 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, with matches Chile v. Canada (June 29) and Bolivia v. Panama (July 1) at Camping World Stadium.
  • MLS’s Orlando City SC plays in 2024 Leagues Cup vs. CF Montreal (July 26) and Liga MX’s Atlético de San Luis (Aug. 4)
  • From April to November, Orlando City SC and NWSL’s Orlando Pride play regular season home matches at INTER&Co Stadium.
 
About Visit Orlando  
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World  ® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,500 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.

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