Key Takeaways…
- Orlando tops WalletHub’s 2026 summer travel list, boasting new theme park attractions like Universal Epic Universe, Disney’s Cool Kids’ Summer, and SeaWorld’s Expedition Odyssey.
- Signature events include Kia Center concerts (Rosalía, Noah Kahan), Fringe Festival, and FIFA tune-up: England vs. Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium.
- Book via VisitOrlando.com/offers for deals; plan itineraries at VisitOrlando.com/plan.
Orlando is poised to deliver exceptional vacation experiences this summer, featuring marquee concerts, immersive nighttime water park events, character engagements, culinary and music festivals, and high-profile international sporting events—including a FIFA World Cup preparatory friendly match. Recently crowned WalletHub‘s No. 1 Summer Travel Destination for 2026, the city continually evolves its entertainment portfolio, ensuring compelling incentives for repeat visitation.
“Our unparalleled blend of world-renowned theme parks, premier live entertainment, perpetual sunshine, and sophisticated culinary landscape positions Orlando as the premier choice for families, music aficionados, and thrill-seekers seeking summer escapes,” stated Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando.
Travelers can access exclusive promotions via VisitOrlando.com/offers or obtain expert itinerary guidance and complimentary planning assistance from Orlando specialists at VisitOrlando.com/plan.
Premier New Attractions
Theme Parks
Universal Orlando Resort
- A marquee summer program unfolds from May 23 to August 10, showcasing limited-time cinematic immersions such as the Spielberg Summer Blockbusters exhibit with artifacts from the forthcoming “Disclosure Day,” interactive “Jaws”-inspired photo opportunities, signature cuisine, and exclusive previews of Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters” featuring character interactions and bespoke merchandise. Returning favorites include the Universal Mega Movie Parade, CineSational nighttime spectacle, Hogwarts Always projections, CityWalk’s Summer Music Series with weekly live performances, Re(d)tro Nights at Red Coconut Club evoking 1980s and 1990s nostalgia, and a resort-wide Independence Day festivities with dazzling pyrotechnics.
- Volcano Bay Nights resumes on select evenings from May 3 to August 21, providing expedited access to rides, live DJ sets, thematic refreshments, and DreamWorks character encounters.
- Universal CityWalk introduces the Universal Legacy Store in late April, offering nostalgic merchandise and photo experiences from iconic Universal attractions and films. This summer, Five Guys debuts in the reconfigured former Burger King space, delivering handcrafted burgers and fries.
- Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s latest theme park milestone, captivates with over 50 attractions spanning five worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
Walt Disney World Resort
- Cool KIDS’ SUMMER returns May 26 through September 8:
- Animal Kingdom’s Bluey’s Wild World launches May 26 at Conservation Station, accessible via Wildlife Express Train for interactive games, photos with Bluey and Bingo, and Australian wildlife exhibits.
- Magic Kingdom introduces Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue at Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland, a Toy Story-themed spectacle with character-driven activities.
- EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall hosts GoofyCore, an engaging soiree with games, DJ dance sessions, and playground elements.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios premieres Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! on May 26, a family-oriented production with original songs, choreography, and interactivity from the acclaimed series.
- Magic Kingdom’s enhanced Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin incorporates portable blasters, expanded targets, and fluid mobility. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May with refreshed queue, full track refurbishment, Rainbow Caverns phenomena, and new introductory scenes.
- EPCOT’s Soarin’ Across America receives a revitalized score for the U.S. 250th anniversary starting May 26, highlighting national landscapes and landmarks.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios unveils a new Millennium Falcon mission on May 22, enabling planetary selection and Grogu interactions. The Magic of Disney Animation transforms the former Launch Bay into an animator’s studio experience later this summer. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets debuts, immersing riders in the Electric Mayhem’s recording studio.
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon operates select nights from June 2 to September 5, featuring neon-lit aquatics, with 2026 additions including Powerline Max and Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers appearances.
- Disney Springs welcomes Level99 this summer: a 45,000+ square-foot interactive gaming arena for adults and teens, boasting 63 oversized challenges, a luminous two-story bar, artisanal cuisine, and 40+ original installations.
United Parks & Resorts
- Aquatica’s AquaGlow, from May 15 to September 26, reimagines the park as a neon oasis with amplified features, foam parties, and minimal queues.
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice opens spring 2026, propelling guests as Arctic explorers on a drone voyage through elemental realms, culminating in beluga whale and walrus interactions.
- Bands, Brew & BBQ spans July 4 to August 23 at SeaWorld, fusing live country and rock, smoked barbecue, and craft beers with tasting lanyards.
Beyond the Theme Parks
- The Great Big Game Show debuts its inaugural Florida venue in Orlando, delivering a televised game show ambiance with 20 rotating challenges like Trivia Temple and Drawing in the Dark, complete with hosting, lighting, and buzzers.
- Blue Man Group relaunches May 1 at ICON Park’s bespoke theater, blending art, percussion, comedy, and audience immersion.
Signature Summer Events
- Harry P. Leu Gardens marks its 65th anniversary with Legacy in Bloom through May 31: immersive zones narrating Florida’s ecology, history, and vision via landscapes, florals, and themes.
- The 35th Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival (May 12-25) at Loch Haven Park presents over 1,000 performances in comedy, dance, and theater.
- Gatorland’s 7th Gatorpalooza Weekend (May 30-31) offers music, artisans, activities, and giveaways with admission.
- Kia Center hosts luminaries including Rosalía (June 8), Noah Kahan (June 11-12), A$AP Rocky (June 14), 5 Seconds of Summer (June 17), and Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (July 25).
Premier Summer Sports
- Inter&Co Stadium features England’s national team and Costa Rica on June 10, a FIFA World Cup tune-up under Thomas Tuchel.
- Orlando Pride (NWSL) schedule: North Carolina Courage (May 8), Bay FC (May 29), Kansas City Current (July 10), Boston Legacy FC (July 15), Chicago Stars FC (July 24), Racing Louisville (Aug 8), Utah Royals (Aug 29).
- Orlando City SC (MLS) matchups: Philadelphia Union (May 13), Atlanta United FC (May 16), Nashville SC (July 25), FC Cincinnati (Aug 15), Chicago Fire FC (Aug 19), Real Salt Lake (Aug 22).
Explore comprehensive event listings at www.visitorlando.com/events.
About Visit Orlando
As the Official Tourism Association® for Orlando—America’s most-visited destination, Theme Park Capital of the World®, and top meetings hub—Visit Orlando, a nonprofit, promotes the region globally on behalf of 1,600+ members across Central Florida’s tourism sectors.
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