The summer of 2013 is a blockbuster season for new Florida theme parks and attractions. The incredible new adventures include Space Shuttle Atlantis, Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, Transformers: The Ride – 3D, World of Chima, and expansions in Fantasyland

New & Upcoming

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex unveils the 90,000-square-foot (8,100-meter) home for the world-famous Space Shuttle Atlantis, which retired in 2011 after 33 missions into space. Opening June 29, the $100 million exhibit provides views of the vehicle up close, along with interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.The complex also partnered with Rovio Entertainment to present Angry Birds Space Encounter. Opened March 22, the 4,485-square-foot (416.67-square-meter) interactive attraction includes six stations designed to engage and immerse guests in a new dimension of Angry Birds Space.

• SeaWorld Orlando unveils its biggest expansion ever with Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, which opened in late May 2013. In this all-new immersive area, guests are transported into the icy world of the penguin, which includes a first-of-its-kind family adventure ride. They also may walk among penguins in their colony. SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment also opened a new show in May at Busch Gardens called “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation.” The live musical show includes character meet-and-greets.

• Universal Orlando Resort brings the battle for galactic domination to Florida with TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. Opening June 20, 2013, the attraction combines the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects – placing riders right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

• LEGOLAND Florida opens its newest park expansion World of Chima on July 3, 2013. World of Chima, based on the Cartoon Network animated TV series and new LEGO product line, follows animal warriors on magical journeys and will center around an interactive water ride, Quest for Chi.

• Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom continues its Fantasyland expansion. Princess Fairytale Hall allows guests to meet Aurora, Cinderella and other Disney princesses in the Castle Courtyard located in the center of Fantasyland. Walt Disney World Resort alsoannounces their newest experience at Magic Kingdom Park, A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas. This new interactive quest is set to open this spring in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. At Walt Disney World Resort waiting in line may be a thing of the past, when MyMagic+ launches later this spring. Through MyMagic+, a new Web site and app will give guests, prior to leaving their homes, the opportunity to lock in seating for parades, fireworks and character interactions or even coveted FastPasses. Once in Orlando, guests will wear wristbands called MagicBands, serving as room keys, tickets and FastPasses. The optional system also allows for changes through the app and customization so that characters may even be able to provide personalized greetings.

• Walt Disney World Resort announced a new expansion which will transform Downtown Disney into the new Disney Springs. Construction on the new project began in spring 2013 and will utilize the current waterfront and lakeside charm of the venue. The project will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix of styles, as well as double the amount of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences available.

• KINGS Bowl, a boutique bowling venue features 22 lanes and a full-service, upscale restaurant. KINGS offers four full-sized billiards tables, a regulation-sized shuffleboard table, a full outdoor bocce ball court, weekend disc jockeys and dancing.

• Splitsville opened at Downtown Disney in December 2012. The 45,000-square-foot (4,050-square-meter), 31-lane retro bowling alley also features billiards, dining, dancing, and an outdoor patio that puts a new spin on a classic American pastime.

• Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom opened the second stage of the Fantasyland expansion in early December. New attractions include Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, a musical showcase featuring Ariel and friends, as well as Enchanted Tales with Belle where Belle and friends will share “the tale as old as time.” 
  
  

• I-Drive Live, a new entertainment complex located on International Drive is scheduled to begin opening segments in spring 2014. The project is centered by a 425-foot (129.54-meter) observation wheel. Other entertainment offerings include Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and Sea Life Aquarium. The project also includes a variety of dining and shopping such as Red Robin, Starbucks, Seafood Republic, Buffalo Wild Wings and Walgreens.

• Walt Disney World Resort's Magic Kingdom continues its Fantasyland expansion, with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster. Animal Kingdom will begin construction on its AVATAR themed-land expansion.
  
  

Media Contacts: Denise Spiegel / Heide Colon
407-354-5586/media@VisitOrlando.com
VisitOrlando.com/media


Find more news at VISIT FLORIDA's newly redesigned website www.VISITFLORIDA.com