Orlando kicks off 2023 with a range of new experiences for visitors, including new attractions, hotels, transportation and dining options.
Beginning in JAN 2023, Jetlines and Lynx Air will offer additional nonstop flights to the area out of YYZ.
“Orlando is an ever-growing destination offering incredible new experiences, unique places to stay and diverse dining for travellers,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With major new attractions opening at our theme parks, several brand-new hotels ranging from luxury to budget, and increased accessibility for travellers to arrive in Orlando, 2023 is the perfect time to visit our unbelievably real destination.”
Some of the Orlando openings for 2023:
Attractions
Walt Disney World Resort TRON Lightcycle / Run: scheduled to open at Magic Kingdom Park in spring 2023, is based on the Disney sci-fi film TRON: Legacy, and will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world. Additionally, Walt Disney World announced an updated nighttime show with the return of the “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park in 2023.
Walt Disney World Resort Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opens in late 2023 within World Nature - the EPCOT neighbourhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the natural world. The all-ages attraction will showcase the lifecycle of water.
Universal Orlando Resort Universal’s Great Movie Escape at Universal CityWalk: is an escape room that features two rooms with interactive missions, storytelling and detailed sets, inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Back to the Future’.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast: opening summer 2023 at Universal Studios Florida – will combine innovative screen technology, gaming interactivity and physical sets to create a game-based adventure where guests are provided immersive environments that feature the Minions characters from Illumination’s film franchise. The new attraction will be part of a new Minion land, which also includes the ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’ attraction and a new Minion café.
SeaWorld Orlando’s ‘Pipeline: The Surf Coaster’: opening in Spring 2023. The water-themed rollercoaster will include a surfing launch and “wave jumping” motions.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort: The resort will open its newest attraction – Pirate River Quest – in early 2023. The family-friendly treasure hunt, led by a pirate in search of a lost treasure, takes guests through the waters of the Cypress Gardens.
Hotels and Resorts Opening in Fall 2023
Conrad Orlando at Evermore will debut with 433 rooms, including 51 regular suites and 10 family suites. The property will also feature 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, a tranquil spa, several dining options and a rooftop area. The hotel represents the first phase of a 10,000-bedroom resort complex that will have single homes, villas, flats and hotel guestrooms.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Disney Springs Area: a new official Walt Disney Partner Hotel, is set to be completed in spring 2023 with 604 guestrooms and 17,000+ square feet of meeting space. The property will have a resort-style pool, splash pad and poolside dining and refreshments, as well as a marketplace, dining, complimentary hot breakfast, shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, and evening snacks and beverages.
Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd will start welcoming guests this winter. Located in the International Drive Resort area – near major attractions as well as local shopping and restaurants – this 118-room property includes a rooftop pool and lounge, fitness centre, the Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant and a rooftop bar.
Aloft Lake Nona, opening in Fall 2023, will be a six-story, 205-room music-themed property. The hotel will also have a 10,000 square-foot conference centre and full-service restaurant.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes completed several multimillion-dollar renovations for 2023 travel. The property now includes: a waterpark, updated guest rooms and suites, new executive family suites, and a redesigned and upgraded lobby lounge. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando will feature new additions in 2023 such as the Altira Rooftop Pool Lounge, the Boheme restaurant; the Bösendorfer Lounge; and updated guest rooms.
The Alfond Inn at Rollins, located in Winter Park will renovate 112 existing rooms and suites and add an additional 71 guestrooms and suites, a meeting space and a lobby café. In addition, a new spa will feature seven treatment rooms, a new fitness area and added meeting space. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2023.
Dining and Nightlife
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, an Indiana-based table service restaurant and bakery, will open a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk in Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. The restaurant will offer savoury and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service.
Brew Theory Marketplace, a new food hall coming to Apopka summer 2023, will feature a full liquor bar, Brew Theory taproom, a beer garden and various retail tenants.
Rosa Mexicano opens its first Orlando-area location in the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in early 2023. The menu showcases a contemporary interpretation of authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant will feature a beverage program with 100+ varieties of tequila and agave-based spirits.
KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, a restaurant concept by the owners of Tapa Toro and Taverna Opa, features more traditional Mexican fare.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR at Pointe Orlando, is a diner featuring desserts, milkshakes and smashburgers.
Dizzy Donuts, from Pizza Bruno's Bruno Zacchini, is slated to open by early 2023 in College Park. Dizzy Donuts will serve already prepared as well as made-to-order donuts with different toppings.
Arts and Culture
Orlando Fringe will open “Fringe ArtSpace,” a year-round performing arts venue, in downtown Orlando on 11JAN 2023. The 9,100 square foot space will include two performing theatre spaces: a main stage with 166 seats and a black box with 40-60 seats. The programing will feature a mix of traditionally programmed theatre and concerts as well as a studio series with weekly, monthly and pop-up events like workshops, classes, readings and performances.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando will open Judson’s in Fall 2023. The music room has cabaret-style seating for 150 for live performances. Judson’s joins Steinmetz Hall, Walt Disney Theater and Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater as the fourth performance space in the USD$613 million, 9-acre venue.
Transportation
Brightline Orlando Station, located at Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Terminal C, will connect domestic and international visitors travelling between Orlando and Miami with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Touchless ticketing, in-station lounges, complimentary WiFi, and bars and restaurants will be at every Brightline station.
For more information, please go to Visit Orlando.
