There’s no doubt about it – Orlando, Florida, continues to be one of the top vacation destinations for families year after year.

And it’s easy to see why: The city has some of the best dining and shopping experiences in Florida and is home to theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando in 2026, an incredible lineup of new attractions awaits you. From the groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe that opened in 2025 to exciting new experiences at Disney World, SeaWorld, and beyond, let’s dive right into our top list of Orlando attractions for 2026 so that you can begin planning the ultimate Florida getaway!

Universal Epic Universe: Orlando’s Newest Theme Park

The biggest addition to Orlando’s theme park landscape is Universal Epic Universe, which opened on May 22, 2025. This is the first full theme park to debut in Central Florida since 1999, and it has quickly become a must-visit destination. The park features five immersive themed worlds with 11 rides, two shows, themed play areas, and countless character interactions.

Celestial Park

The heart of Epic Universe welcomes guests with stunning attractions:

• Stardust Racers: A thrilling dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies at speeds up to 62 mph, reaching heights of 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track.
• Constellation Carousel: A grand centerpiece where explorers of all ages can take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that move in multiple directions through a choreographed dance of music and starlight.
• Astronomica: An interactive wet-play area that doubles as a giant compass rose, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic

Set in 1920s wizarding Paris and 1990s London, this area expands the beloved Harry Potter universe with new experiences:

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: An innovative ride that combines massive environments, powerful storytelling, and groundbreaking technology to immerse guests in a thrilling chase through the Ministry of Magic.
• Le Cirque Arcanus: A spectacular live performance featuring live actors, aerialists, amazing puppetry, and brilliant special effects that bring fantastic beasts to life.

Super Nintendo World

Step through the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play with favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Donkey Kong:

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: A groundbreaking attraction that fuses augmented reality and projection mapping technology to recreate the thrill of racing in the Mario Kart universe.
• Yoshi’s Adventure: A family-friendly ride that takes guests on a colorful journey through the Mushroom Kingdom alongside everyone’s favorite dinosaur companion.
• Mine-Cart Madness: Located in the Donkey Kong Country area, this thrilling family coaster sends riders careening through the jungle, recreating iconic moments from the video games.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

A vivid recreation of the world from the popular DreamWorks Animation films:

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A family thrill coaster that launches guests into the sky for a dragon’s eye view of Berk, reaching speeds up to 45 mph.
• The Untrainable Dragon: A spectacular live show featuring beloved characters, puppetry, and special effects.
• Fyre Drill: A wet-and-wild boat battle where teams compete to outscore and out-soak each other.
• Dragon Racer’s Rally: Two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that allow guests to perform high-flying, gravity-defying maneuvers reaching heights of up to 67 feet.

Dark Universe

A world where classic Universal Monsters roam and new legends are born:

• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, taking guests on an intense dark ride through Frankenstein Manor as they try to evade a horde of classic movie monsters.
• Curse of the Werewolf: A family coaster that sends guests racing through a moonlit forest, trying to escape the curse before it’s too late.

Walt Disney World Resort: What’s New in 2026

Disney World continues to evolve with exciting updates and new experiences for 2026.

Magic Kingdom

• Disney Starlight Parade: A brand-new nighttime parade featuring characters from various Disney animated films, illuminating the night with innovative floats, captivating music, and stunning special effects.
• Hatbox Ghost at Haunted Mansion: The popular Hatbox Ghost, previously only at Disneyland, has now been added to Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion next to the Endless Hallway.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Reopening in Spring 2026 with updated ride vehicles, cool new handheld blasters, and interactive targets.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Reopening in Spring 2026 with major modifications including a revamped story, spectacular natural caverns, new smoother track, and new lighting and effects.

EPCOT

• New Test Track: A completely reimagined version of Test Track opened in July 2025, celebrating the spirit of innovation with exhibits showcasing past, present, and future of automotive design.
• Soarin’ Across America: Debuting by Memorial Day 2026, this new version celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States with an all-new flight across America’s most beautiful landscapes.
• CommuniCore Hall and Plaza: Part of EPCOT’s transformation, these new spaces in World Celebration offer interactive exhibits and entertainment.

Hollywood Studios

• Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: The Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in Summer 2026, teaming up with music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival experience.
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update: Beginning May 22, 2026, new scenes starring the Mandalorian and Grogu will take guests to new locations like Tatooine, Cloud City on Bespin, and Endor.

Animal Kingdom

• Zootopia: Better Zogether! Show: A new show at the Tree of Life Theater featuring beloved characters from the animated film.
• Tropical Americas (Coming 2027): DINOSAUR permanently closed in February 2026 to make way for this exciting new 11-acre section featuring an Indiana Jones attraction and the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction.

SeaWorld Orlando: New Adventures Await

SeaWorld Orlando continues to expand its lineup of thrilling attractions and immersive experiences.

Now Open

• Penguin Trek: An unforgettable family launch coaster adventure through the breathtaking vastness of Antarctica. Guests board snowmobile-styled cars and race at up to 43 mph through indoor and outdoor experiences, ending with a visit to SeaWorld’s live penguin habitat.
• Expedition Odyssey: A first-of-its-kind Arctic adventure combining dynamic motion, state-of-the-art visuals, and real-world animal encounters. This Mack Rides flying theater takes guests on an exhilarating journey through towering glaciers and the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean.

Coming in 2026

• SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep: SeaWorld Orlando’s first suspended dark ride, inviting guests to embark on a submersible adventure exploring glowing undersea worlds filled with extraordinary creatures and powerful ocean stories. Annual passholders will have early access to this groundbreaking attraction.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Located just an hour from Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers thrilling coasters and incredible animal experiences.

Now Open

• Wild Oasis: North America’s most immersive kid-friendly adventure realm, featuring Habitat Hideaway animal habitats, Treetop Drop, Canopy Climb, and Enchanted Falls splash zone.
• Serengeti Flyer: A thrilling attraction that sends riders soaring over the park’s vast 65-acre Serengeti Plain, reaching a dizzying height of 135 feet and speeds of up to 68 mph.

Coming in 2026

• Lion & Hyena Ridge: The largest and most immersive animal habitat expansion at Busch Gardens in over a decade, opening Spring 2026. This nearly 35,000 square-foot savanna terrain will house a pride of five young male lions and a pair of playful hyenas, with expansive glass viewing areas and 270-degree perspectives.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Now Open

• SEA LIFE Florida: An immersive aquarium featuring blacktip reef sharks, moon jellyfish, clownfish, and more, including an interactive rock pool and spectacular main ocean exhibit.
• Pirate River Quest: A family-friendly voyage sailing alongside a charismatic crew of LEGO pirates, ensuring a jovial journey for the young and the young at heart.

Coming February 27, 2026

• Galacticoaster: LEGOLAND Florida’s first-ever indoor family coaster! Families will board customizable LEGO spacecraft with more than 625 combinations available and launch into an interstellar mission reaching speeds up to 40 mph. This $90 million investment represents the most technologically advanced attraction ever created at a LEGOLAND Resort.

Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond

Orlando’s theme parks continue to announce exciting future developments:

Walt Disney World

• Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (2027): An 11-acre section featuring a new Indiana Jones experience and the first-ever Encanto-themed ride-through attraction.
• Villains Land at Magic Kingdom: A new area themed around Disney’s most infamous antagonists, featuring two major attractions, themed dining, and shopping experiences.
• Cars Land at Magic Kingdom: Construction starting in 2025, this new area will bring the world of Pixar’s Cars to life in a reimagined section of Frontierland with thrilling rally race attractions.

Universal Epic Universe

• Industry insiders suggest phase two expansion may include attractions based on Luigi’s Mansion and potentially a Legend of Zelda-themed land.

Booking a Vacation Rental

Planning your adventure to Orlando? Make it memorable by booking one of our cozy and convenient Orlando vacation rentals. Offering more space, privacy, and amenities than traditional hotels, our vacation rentals provide a home away from home. Plus, they often come with a more attractive price tag, especially for larger groups.

Here are a few quick tips for securing your ideal vacation rental:

• Start your planning early, particularly if your travel coincides with peak seasons.
• Book directly through a reputable vacation rental company to get the best deals.
• Opt for travel insurance to safeguard your trip against unforeseen events.

Ready to dive into the magic? Secure your theme park tickets now and get a head start on an unforgettable Orlando adventure! With the incredible lineup of attractions in 2026, there’s no better time to visit and make lasting memories with your loved ones.