12 Jun 2013
Theme Parks
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld Orlando opened its biggest expansion yet with Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, on May 24. The all-new immersive area transports visitors into the icy world of the penguin in the coldest theme park attraction in the world. A new penguin habitat, allows guests to walk among penguins in their colony. The area includes a first-of-its-kind family adventure ride that takes guests on an exciting journey through the dangers and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic as they follow and mimic a young penguin's adventures.
seaworldorlando.com; 407-363-2280 (media & public)
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort released major details about their 2013 and 2014 developments, which includes TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D and an expansion of the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3-D brings the action of the films to life on Jun. 21. Passengers board a 12-person vehicle, designed to look like a nimble new Transformer named Evac, on an action-packed mission to save mankind. The ride combines larger-than-life characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects.
- Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America's favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer. The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is expanding in 2014.Diagon Alley will be located at Universal Studios Florida and feature new shops, restaurants and an interactive ride based on Gringotts Bank. Hogwarts Express will provide transportation between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade located at Islands of Adventure.
universalorlando.com; (407) 363-8220 (media); 407-363-8000 (public)
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland will double its size as part of an exciting park expansion. Phases 1 and 2 are open with attractions such as the Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid and Enchanted Tales with Belle. Along with the final phase of New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom has also announced a new day-time parade coming in 2014.
- Princess Fairytale Hall will allow guests to interact with beloved princesses like Aurora and Cinderella in the Castle Courtyard. Opening in 2014, The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will take guests on a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” The coaster will feature a first-of-its kind ride system with a train of ride vehicles that swing back and forth, responding to every twist and turn of the track.
- A Pirate's Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas, is a new interactive quest in Adventureland opening spring 2013. Guests will use a pirate map and 'magic' talisman to help complete five different pirate raids throughout the land.
- Disney Festival of Fantasy is a new day-time parade slated to premier in 2014. The parade will include popular characters from stories like “The Little Mermaid”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Dumbo”, “Pinocchio”, “Peter Pan”, “Tangled” and Disney-Pixar's “Brave”.
disneyworld.com; 407-566-6397 (media); 407-934-7639 (public)
Downtown Disney announced a new expansion which will transform Downtown Disney into the new Disney Springs. Construction on the new project will begin Apr. 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.
disneyworld.com; 407-566-6397 (media); 407-934-7639 (public)
MyMagic+ is a new Web site and app that gives 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.
disneyworld.com; 407-566-6397 (media); 407-934-7639 (public)
Central Florida Attractions
Gatorland opened the 2,000-square-foot (609.6-square-meter) Panther Springs in April. The exhibit, which features Florida panther siblings Neiko and Lucy, will also serve as a chance to educate visitors about the official Florida animal.
gatorland.com; 407-855-5496 (media); 800-393-5297 (public)
Hard Knocks, an indoor combat simulation arena and advanced gaming lounge will be located at Pointe Orlando on International Drive. The facility will offer two combat arenas and floor-to-ceiling graphics and TV screens.
indoorwar.com; 407-359-9091 (media & public)
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.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil the 90,000-square-foot (8,100-meter) home for the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which retired in 2011. Opening June 29, the $100 million exhibit will provide 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.
kennedyspacecenter.com; 321-449-4318 (media); 877-313-2610 (public)
KINGS Bowl recently opened on International Drive and features 22 lanes and a full-service, upscale restaurant in a boutique bowling venue. KINGS offers four full-sized billiards tables, a regulation-sized shuffleboard table, a full outdoor bocce ball court, weekend disc jockeys and dancing.
kingsorlando.com; 407-857-6443 (media); 781-329-6000 (public)
LEGOLAND Florida announced that its newest park expansion, World of Chima. is slated to open July 3. The attraction is based on the Cartoon Network animated TV series and new LEGO produce line.
florida.legoland.com; 877-350-5346 (public)
Richard Petty Driving Experience is now offering “Junior Ride-Alongs” at Walt Disney World Speedway. Children will experience real-life racing while riding shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three laps, in a specially equipped two-seat NASCAR race car. The cost is $59. Riders must be at least 48 inches in height.
drivepetty.com; 707-454-6244 (media); 800-237-3889 (public)
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.
disneyworld.com/splitsville; 407- 938-7467 (media & public)
Trapeze Federation, a recreational flying trapeze school,opened in February. Lessons are open to participants of all skill levels, ages five and older. Classes begin at $60.
trapezefederation.com; 407-985-2220 (media and public)
Accommodations
B Hotels and Resorts plans to expand the B portfolio to Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney resort area. Scheduled to open in late 2013, plans for the 394-room hotel in Lake Buena Vista include a total renovation to make it a four-star property.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort –This all-new resort, features 1,120 suites designed after Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King, and 864 rooms inspired by The Little Mermaid. Just outside are imaginative amenities, including three sparkling swimming pools and four playful courtyards – one for each film – to complete the resort experience.
disneyworld.com; 407-566-6397 (media); 407-819-5053 (public)
Drury Hotels opened its first location in Florida, Drury Inn & Suites – Orlando. The 238-room hotel features an indoor/outdoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, free breakfast and free Wi-Fi and long distance.
druryhotels.com; 407-354-1101 (media and public)
Four Seasons Hotel at Walt Disney World Resort is anticipated to open early 2014.
The Peabody Orlando debuted The Loft, a new elite accommodation comprising 52-rooms located within three private-access floors in the Mallard Tower. Complete with furnished private lounge access, The Loft offers a complimentary glass of wine and gourmet snacks during daily wine reception from 5 to 6 p.m.
peabodyorlando.com; 407-284-6604 (media); 407-352-4000 (public)
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando, a contemporary courtyard-style, all-suite hotel, recently opened on International Drive. The new hotel features 146 rooms, complimentary shuttle service to the theme parks, heated pool, complimentary breakfast, a conference room and lobby bar. The hotel is recognized as a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® hotel.
sonesta.com/orlando; 617-421-5429 (media); 407-352-2400 (public)
Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced the opening of a new hotel, Aloft Downtown Orlando. Opening August 2013, the hotel will be located on Orange Ave. and will offer the brand's signature w xyz bar, re-mix lounge, free Internet access, valet parking and over 5,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for both business meetings and social gatherings.
aloftorlandodowntown.com; 321-230-1707 (media and public)
Universal's Cabana Beach Resort is scheduled to open in 2014 and will be the largest of Universal's four on-site hotels with 1,800 rooms.
universalorlando.com; (407) 363-8220 (media); 407-363-8000 (public)
Dining & Nightlife
The Fifth, a new restaurant from The V Group (Vintage Lounge, Vixen Bar and NV Art Bar), has opened in downtown Orlando. Featuring comfort plates and desserts, the Fifth is open for lunch, dinner and late night, with access to the adjacent Vintage Lounge. Eclectic music is streamed daily, along with the music from Vintage's live DJs nightly. Reservations for dinner are available.
thefifthorlando.com; 407-826-1932 (media & public)
Harry Buffalo Downtown Orlando opened on Dec. 5.The menu offers signature bison burgers, homemade chicken tenders and fresh crispy salads, served in a fun bar atmosphere.
harrybuffalo.com; 407 422-6656 (media & public)
Eternal Tap, a new bar on Church Street in downtown Orlando opened Dec. 19. The bar features 51 taps focused on American craft beer, mostly Florida brewed, plus more than 50 international and domestic canned beers, a full liquor bar and hand-tossed, brick-oven pizzas.
B&B Junction is a new burger and beer spot that boasts farm-to-table practices and grass fed beef that is never exposed to antibiotics or growth hormones.
bbjunction.com; 407-513-4134 (media and public)
Mango's Tropical Café is slated to open on International Drive late 2014. Mango's is a targeted tourist destination from Miami's South Beach and promises live bands, on stage performances and family-friendly “Dinner & Show” events nightly.
mangos.com; 305-673-4422 (media)
Orlando World Center Marriott opened a new on-site restaurant, Siro Urban Italian Kitchen on Jan. 26. This casual dining spot features a farm-to-fork philosophy and is open for early-evening light fare and dinner.
worldmarriott.com; 850-668-2222 (media); 407-239-4200 (public)
Nona Blue opened Mar. 15 at the Lake Nona Village shopping center. Owned by professional golfer Graeme McDowell, the modern tavern-style eatery features a unique blend of sports bar atmosphere and high-end private dining.
nonablue.com; 407-313-0027 (media and public)
The Hyppo opened the doors in Orlando on Apr. 14. Its ever-changing menu features gourmet popsicles that come in flavors like pineapple cilantro, Riesling pear and mango habanero.
thehyppo.com; 904-501-7515 (media and public)
Sea Dog Brewing opened its second Florida location on Apr. 5 in Orlando. The casual spot features handcrafted and award-winning English-style beers and creative pub fare with a flair.
seadogbrewing.com; 321-329-5306 (media and public)
Hash House A Go Go, which serves “twisted farm food” in massive portions, recently opened its doors on International Drive. Hash house features fresh farm foods and old-fashioned recipes mixed with unique styling and flavors.
Hamilton's Kitchen, a new restaurant and lounge located at The Alfond Inn, is slated to open in Aug. Guests will experience the sights, sounds and aromas of food being prepared as they enter the early 1900's themed restaurant.
thealfondinn.wordpress.com/hamilton-kitchen; 407-998-8090 (public)
Shopping
The Florida Mall will debut five new tenants to join more than 150 existing retailers and newcomers like clothing retailer Michael Kors and accessory and jewelry retailer Touse. The new storefronts include Garage- a teen apparel store, Fox Racing, Bellagio Jewelry, Perfumania and Best Buy Mobile.
simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall (407) 851-7234
The Mall at Millenia, ranked among the world's top 10 most successful shopping centers by Shopping Centers Today, will open a new wave of internationally-recognized retailers including Prada, YSL and Swiss watchmakers Hublot, Omega and Breitling. The mall will also introduce the new Capital Grille, set to open in late April.
mallatmillenia.com; 407-363-3555 (media & public)
Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Ave is adding 110,000-square-feet (9,900-square-meters) and 12 new stores. The expansion, set to open October 23 and named The Promenade, will be anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and will include additional dining as well as an Information Center.
premiumoutlets.com; 407-238-7787
Transportation
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and Allegiant Airlines offer scheduled, nonstop, low-fare service to Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Columbus, OH, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Harrisburg, PA, Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing, MI, andHarrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Harrisburg, PA
orlandosanfordairport.com; 407-585-4010 (media); 407-585-4000 (public)
allegiantair.com; 702-853-4625 (media); 702-505-8888 (public)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the first airport in the nation to be chosen to automate the international arrival process. Stemming from the 13.7% increase in international travel that MCO has seen, the change will expedite wait times for international arrivals.
orlandoairports.net; 407-825-2055 (media and public)
Additional Resources
For media requiring additional information, including a password protected image gallery, visit our web site at VisitOrlando.com/media.
