New Attractions for Early Summer Fun
Hot Ways to Cool Off
Where the Locals Eat
A Galaxy Far, Far Away Comes to Orlando
Fourth of July Celebrations
Orlando Named Best City for Shopping Deals
Spring and Summer Orlando Events
NEW ATTRACTIONS FOR EARLY SUMMER FUN
The best perk of an
Orlando holiday this year may be the bragging rights around being the first to
experience Orlandos newest attractions including:
TurtleTrek ( http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/TurtleTrek ) at SeaWorld Orlando opening April 27 A 3-D/360-degree dome theater immersing viewers in the amazing journey of a sea turtle complete with a natural turtle habitat.
Superstar Parade ( http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/Universal-Studios-Florida.aspx ) and Universals Cinematic Spectacular ( http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Parks/Universal-Studios-Florida.aspx ) at Universal Studios Florida opening May 8 Two new entertainment experiences respectively featuring beloved characters and magical movie moments with light, sound and special effects.
Fantasyland ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/new-fantasyland ) Phase I in Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort now open The re-imagined land is doubling in size and has opened new attractions including dueling Dumbo attractions, the Great Goofini family coaster and interactive adventure role-play games.
The Rattlesnake ( http://www.floridaecosafaris.com/EcoPark ) at Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida now open The first zip line rollercoaster in the United States where riders swing, swoop, jump and dip through 1,000 feet (305 meters) of thrilling adventure.
HOT WAYS TO COOL OFF
Visitors can stay cool this summer with new and exciting water park options opening in Orlando. The worlds largest LEGOLAND ( http://florida.legoland.com ) will open an onsite water park on May 26. The water park will feature a LEGO® wave pool with gentle waves perfect for families, the build-a-raft river will allow families to create a unique LEGO vessel to voyage around the 1000-foot (304-meter) lazy river, and the DUPLO® Splash Safari water play area with shorter slides and interactive DUPLO creatures designed for toddlers. Wet n Wild – Orlando ( http://wetnwildorlando.com ) will open a new Kids Park this summer, its first new attraction in over four years. The interactive water playground will cover an acre (.4 hectare) and expand across two pools with more than 85,000 gallons of water. A sandcastle playground serves as the centerpiece encompassing more than 15,000-square feet (1394-square meters) and features 17 slides and more than 160 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons. Orlando offers even more options to beat the heat with SeaWorld Orlandos first water park Aquatica ( http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com ) and Walt Disney World Resorts Blizzard Beach ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/blizzard-beach ) and Typhoon Lagoon ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon ) .
WHERE DO THE LOCALS EAT?
Venture outside of the popular tourist corridor to discover local dining hot spots and some of Orlandos liveliest neighborhoods. The Ravenous Pig ( http://www.theravenouspig.com ) is an American gastro pub and perennial favorite for locals located in tony Winter Park. Its Chef-owners, Julie and Jim Petrakis, were nominees for this years James Beard Award in the Best Chefs in the South category. With Ravenous Pig such a runaway success, the Petrakiss are opening a second restaurant, Cask & Larder in August featuring southern artisanal food, hand-crafted beer and local seafood products. Trendy restaurants have helped re-shape downtown Orlando into the heart of the citys commercial and cultural core with a 10-mile (15-kilometer) stretch of theaters, galleries and new restaurants. Sushi fans can indulge at Amura Japanese Restaurant ( http://amura.com ) while organic food connoisseurs won’t want to miss The Rusty Spoon ( http://www.therustyspoon.com ) , featuring menu items from local farmers and food purveyors. Thornton Park is one of Orlandos most charming neighborhoods chock full of accessible eateries from the quaint Dexters ( http://dexwine.com ) , offering a tasty Sunday brunch that locals frequent, to the stylish HUE ( http://huerestaurant.com ) , with a menu that changes daily and flavors unique to the Orlando area. Orlando also has more than a few outdoor dining options perfectly fit for the beautiful sunny weather including trendy neighborhood hot spots Luma on Park ( http://lumaonpark.com ) , the new favorite Prato ( http://prato-wp.com ) and SPICE Modern Steakhouse ( http://www.spicesteakhouse.com ) .
One of the best ways visitors can experience Orlandos restaurants like locals is during Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month ( http://orlandomagicaldining.com ) . Running from September 1-30, the program showcases Central Floridas ever-expanding dining universe, with participating restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe dinners for $30 at some of Orlandos most popular dining locations.
A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY COMES TO ORLANDO
No stranger to out-of-this-world events, Orlando is the place to be this summer for wannabe Jedi Masters. May the Force be with you during Star Wars Weekends ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/star-wars-weekend ) , held at Walt Disney World Resorts Hollywood Studios every weekend from May 18 through June 10. Celebrity autographs, shows and a nightly party with Wookies, Ewoks, Stormtroopers and more bring the world of Star Wars to life. Kids ages 12 and under can hone their light saber skills at the Jedi Training Academy, while the whole family can enjoy the all-new Star Tours- The Adventure Continues. With the addition of new characters and destinations riders of Star Tours will find more than 50 different ride experiences. The Force stays strong in Orlando with Star Wars Celebration VI ( http://starwarscelebration.com ) at the Orange County Convention Center August 23-26. This fan festival commemorates the magic of the entire Star Wars saga and is a great option for Jedis big or small. The convention includes celebrity guests, Star Wars experts, workshops, fan costumes, exhibits and more. Orlando Science Center hosts Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination ( http://osc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=117&Itemid=181 ) beginning October 13. The 10,000-square-foot (929-square-meters) exhibit explores the fantasy technologies depicted in the Star Wars film series and the real science behind them along with current research that may someday lead to remarkable real-life versions of the technologies.
FOURTH OF JULY ORLANDO-STYLE
Orlandos wide open skies light up with fireworks every night, but on the Fourth of July they explode to a whole new level. Walt Disney World Resort ( http://disneyworld.disney.go.com ) theme parks hold special patriotic activities including Disneys Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky at Magic Kingdom Park along with the holiday-inspired Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at EPCOT and a special July 4th firework presentation at Disneys Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld Orlando ( http://seaworldorlando.com ) s Summer Nights series feature a special Fourth of July firework show timed to patriotic music. LEGOLAND Florida ( http://florida.legoland.com ) hosts Red, Brick and Boom, a picnic-style family event complete with firework show. The City of Orlando celebrates with the annual Fireworks at the Fountain show at Lake Eola Park featuring free firework display and light show starring the recently renovated Lake Eola fountain.
ORLANDO NAMED BEST CITY FOR SHOPPING DEALS
There is no better place to shop til you drop than Orlando. Recently named the Best City for Bargain Shopping by Forbes magazine, Orlando features enough retail space to fill 900 football fields. Orlando is a shoppers dream with two outlet locations featuring more than 500 stores. Orlando Premium Outlets – Vineland Ave ( http://premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=17 ) recently opened new stores Lululemon Athletica, Brunello Cucinelli and Prada in addition to guest favorites Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach and more. Orlando Premium Outlets – International Drive ( http://premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=96 ) features a new Coach Men retail location alongside shopper favorites including Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Betsey Johnson, J.Crew, Michael Kors and more. The Florida Mall ( http://simon.com/mall/?id=139 ) is Orlandos largest and features anchor stores including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macys along with specialty shops such as the M&Ms Store and MAC Cosmetics. Floridas first H&M location is also located here next door to new Forever XXI Concept, HTG81. Luxury shoppers frequent the Mall at Millenia ( http://mallatmillenia.com ) with its upscale stores including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tory Burch and Chanel. For those in search of a distinctive look, Park Avenue ( http://parkave-winterpark.com ) and Hannibal Square ( http://hannibalsquare.com ) in Winter Park are often referred to as The Rodeo Drive of the East and feature boutiques such as Thread, John Craig Clothier and Tuni.
SUMMER HAPPENINGS IN ORLANDO
21st Annual Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May 16-28) The oldest, non-juried festival in the United States, the Orlando International Fringe Festival is a celebration of theater, art and music. Fringe encompasses hundreds of shows, the Visual Fringe, outdoor concerts and The Kids Fringe Tour. Events are held at various venues in and around downtown Orlando. True to Fringe roots, all acts remain uncensored, with performances ranging from mild to wild. Admission: $5-11 per show. orlandofringe.org ( http://orlandofringe.org ) ; 407-648-0077
Gay Days (May 29 June 4 ) Gay Days is comprised of multiple events staged at world-famous attractions, gay and lesbian clubs and unique venues that create a renowned gay and lesbian vacation experience. gaydays.com ( http://gaydays.com ) ; 407-896-8431
Red Chair Affair (Aug. 25 ) Held at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, the 8th Annual Red Chair Affair kicks off the Orlando cultural season. The event features performances and entertainment by Central Floridas cultural community. redchairproject.com ( http://www.redchairproject.com ) ; 407-872-2382