Orlando Shines this Summer with New Attractions, Seasonal Festivals and International Sporting Events

Thursday, Jun 06, 2024 0

Seven-night flight/hotel packages start at just £577 per person

Orlando, the Theme Park Capital of the World, debuts a full lineup of fun this summer – from new theme park attractions and star-studded soccer games to cultural festivals celebrating the food and music represented in Orlando.

“Orlando is the ideal summer destination with plenty of deals and new reasons to visit this year,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “And because we know an Orlando holiday can be complex, Visit Orlando offers free trip planning services through our website to help travellers create unforgettable holiday memories.”

Special UK deals can be found at VisitOrlando.com. Sign up for Visit Orlando’s free, personalised Vacation Planning Service at VisitOrlando.com/plan.

SUMMER SAVINGS

Fourteen Nights in Orlando from £1,192 with American Affair

Enjoy a 14-night Orlando escape with American Affair from £1,192 per person, based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing and departing on 27th June 2024. Price includes return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow, 3* accommodation* along International Drive and 15 days full size car hire. To book visit: https://www.americanaffair.com/ or call: 02076169949

(*Hotel dependent on availability)

Seven nights in Orlando from £2,308 for a family of four with Virgin Atlantic

Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including scheduled Virgin Atlantic Economy flights direct from London Heathrow to Orlando. Room-only accommodation at Coco Key Hotel & Water Park. Price is based on a family of four (two adults two children) travelling and sharing a Standard Room and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Price is based on a departure on 3rd September 2024. Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book: https://www.virginholidays.co.uk or call 0344 557 3859.

NEW: THEME PARKS AND BEYOND

Walt Disney World introduces new adventures plus four seasonal celebrations:
- Disney Dreams That Soar: A nighttime drone spectacle for all ages with iconic soundtracks and memorable movie quotes.
- Meet Joy from Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Starts June 10 at Pixar Plaza ahead of upcoming “Inside Out 2.”
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom: Opens June 28. Experience a musical journey inspired by “The Princess and the Frog” as Tiana and her friends invite guests into the next chapter of her story.
- Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Recently updated, this attraction now features new characters and locations from Disney+ series in the Star Wars universe, such as “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.”
Universal Orlando Resort debuts a captivating collection of new, must-see experiences:
- CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular – a nighttime lagoon show debuting June 14 at Universal Studios Florida; Hogwarts Always – a castle projection show debuting June 14 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure; and Universal’s largest daytime parade, Universal Mega Movie Parade, debuting July 3 at Universal Studios Florida.
- Dreamworks Land will open June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. The new family-friendly area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters, including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, features family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, character meet-and-greet zones; and live entertainment.
Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando: This immersive indoor/outdoor launch coaster features snowmobile-inspired cars. Families can ride together up to 43 mph, ending up in the park’s penguin habitat.
Aquatica Orlando: A new waterslide, Tassie’s Underwater Twist, offers an awe-inspiring journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow.

Orlando Science Center: Opened exhibit, “Life,” featuring three distinctive habitats – swamp, ocean and tropical rainforest – with 300 animals from around the world.

SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS

AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando: Experience the water park illuminated at night with DJ dance parties and treats on select nights through Aug. 31.
Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando: A Latin festival with music, international foods, shopping and more happening weekends June 1-30.
Summer BRICK Party at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Features all-new shows, costumed characters and plenty of bricktastic fun on select dates from June 1 to Aug. 11.
¡Celebración Encanto! at EPCOT: The summer sing-along runs from June 10 to Sept. 6 at CommuniCore Plaza.
The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdon – Celebrate with specialty food, character experiences and more from June 30 to Sept. 6.
Orlando Fringe: The longest-running fringe theatre festival in the US with a wide range of music, dance and comedy from local and international artists happening June 27-30.

Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando: Available weekends from July 6 to Aug. 25.

SUMMER OF SOCCER EVENTS

Camping World Stadium will host Allstate Continental Clásico (June 12), featuring team USA vs. 5-time World Cup champion Brazil.
Three-time reigning Premier League champions Manchester City faces Barcelona in an FC Series friendly at Camping World Stadium (July 30).
Orlando is one of 14 U.S. host cities for 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, with matches Chile v. Canada (June 29) and Bolivia v. Panama (July 1) at Camping World Stadium.
MLS’s Orlando City SC plays in 2024 Leagues Cup vs. CF Montreal (July 26) and Liga MX’s Atlético de San Luis (Aug. 4)
From April to November, Orlando City SC and NWSL’s Orlando Pride play regular season home matches at INTER&Co Stadium.