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ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s theme parks are gearing up for an exciting 2026 with new themes, characters, and immersive experiences set to captivate visitors.
Here’s a glimpse into the major attractions and enhancements scheduled for this year.
SeaWorld Orlando
Making its debut in the spring, SeaWorld Orlando introduces SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a groundbreaking suspended dark ride.
Visitors will embark on submersible journeys, discovering vibrant oceanic realms, shipwrecks, and marine life. This family-friendly adventure is enhanced by immersive sound, dynamic lighting, and cutting-edge effects, promising a cinematic underwater escape that defies the weather.
Walt Disney World
Disney World is also set to unveil thrilling ride upgrades and brand-new experiences this spring and summer, promising even more excitement for park-goers.
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopening (spring): The classic Magic Kingdom ride returns with a mountain-top refurbishment: a new track, new trains, rainbow caverns, and refreshed Audio-Animatronics.
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Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin reopening (spring): Updated ride vehicles, new handheld blasters, and interactive targets enhance this beloved attraction.
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Bluey & Bingo (summer): Families can visit Conservation Station at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to play and dance with Bluey and Bingo.
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Soarin’ Across America (summer): A new immersive flight experience at EPCOT will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
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LEVEL 99: The New England-based entertainment venue features over 50 physical and mental challenges in artistic environments, will replace the NBA Experience at Disney Springs, offering immersive team games, a two-story bar, Detroit-style pizzas, and local beers in a 45,000-square-foot space designed for adults and hosting up to 1,000 guests.
Universal Orlando
While there are no major attraction openings set for 2026, Universal Orlando did release a full lineup of theme park experiences and event dates.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23-24 | Rock the Universe |
| Feb. 7-April 4 | Universal Mardi Gras |
| March 1-May 31 | Butterbeer Season |
| Aug. 1-Sept. 1 | Back to Hogwarts |
| Aug. 15-Sept. 30 | Passholder Appreciation Days |
| Aug. 28-Nov. 1 | Halloween Horror Nights |
| Select nights this fall | Dark Arts |
| Nov. 14-Jan. 3, 2027 | Holidays at Universal Orlando |
International Drive
Blue Man Group will officially return to Orlando in May, debuting live shows at the new 500-seat Blue Man Theater at ICON Park.
The venue features cutting-edge technology and exclusive content, marking a fresh chapter after their 14-year run at Universal Orlando ended in 2021.
Opening in February, Sloth World is the world’s first “Slotharium,” offering small-group guided tours through a lush, cage-free rainforest habitat with over 40 sloths.
The 7,500-square-foot space focuses on education and conservation, allowing guests to observe natural sloth behaviors up close in a peaceful environment.
Legoland Florida
Legoland’s Galacticoaster opens Feb. 27, letting guests design spacecraft for an immersive, interactive interstellar ride experience.
When riders board, their personalized spacecraft becomes part of an immersive interstellar journey featuring synchronized lighting, projections, and a LEGO solar system.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Opening spring 2026, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s reimagined Lion & Hyena Ridge offers guests immersive views of five young lions and two playful hyenas in a 35,000-square-foot savanna habitat.
Featuring naturalistic terrain and educational experiences, the expansion doubles space for these iconic species, emphasizing conservation and animal care.
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