If you’re planning your Orlando trip this summer, get ready for a wave of magical and adventurous updates that families won’t want to miss! Between immersive new shows, dazzling parades, and groundbreaking attractions, the heart of Orlando is beating with excitement.
Let’s begin at Walt Disney World Resort, where the storytelling has stepped up in a big way. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a stunning reimagining that brings Ariel’s world to life with vibrant puppets, special effects, and even new songs that will have everyone singing along. And right around the corner, the mischievous Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After lets Cruella, Maleficent, and Captain Hook take center stage in an entertaining twist on their tales. If you want to savor these shows before they’re overrun with crowds, now’s your chance!
Over at Magic Kingdom, summer magic now continues into the evening with Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away—a brand-new nighttime parade featuring floats from Frozen, Moana, Encanto, and more, led by a shimmering Blue Fairy on Main Street USA. This parade marks the return of nighttime enchantment, the first since 2016.
At EPCOT, the newly reimagined Test Track 3.0 is officially open as of July 22. Buckle up for a refreshed ride that’s loaded with new scenes, a fresh soundtrack, and immersive exhibits in the queue—perfect for tech-loving families.
Now let’s take a chilly detour to SeaWorld Orlando, where Expedition Odyssey is making a splash. This cutting-edge Arctic adventure features a motion-simulated ride that flows like ocean currents and transitions into live animal encounters with beluga whales and walruses—nature meets thrills in a way only SeaWorld can deliver.
Looking beyond Disney and SeaWorld, Legoland Florida Resort recently opened SEA LIFE Florida, an immersive aquarium experience with interactive exhibits and a jaw-dropping “Theme Park Under the Sea” finale. It’s a beautiful escape for little explorers and marine life lovers alike.
For a change of pace, ICON Park’s Blue Man Group show has returned! Now housed in a refreshed theater, this energetic spectacle blends visual artistry, music, and comedy—an artsy, high-energy favorite that’s ideal for families looking to mix it up after a day of rides.
And let’s not forget Universal Orlando’s game-changer: Epic Universe, which officially opened on May 22, 2025. This brand-new park features five fantastical lands—from Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic to the mystical Dark Universe and aerial antics in Isle of Berk and Celestial Park. Top-tier rides like Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained are drawing huge attention from thrill seekers and families alike.
On the competition front, Disney World still posted a record third-quarter revenue—a testament to the strength of magical experiences, with visitors still flocking despite Epic’s arrival. Interestingly, many families are opting to split their vacation time between both Disney and Epic Universe, making for packed and unforgettable Orlando itineraries.
Planning Tips for Families
1. Prioritize evening shows & parades
Catch “Disney Starlight” and the new stage shows early in your trip—these are showstoppers, and seats fill fast.
2. Split your days between parks
Balance high-tech thrills at EPCOT’s Test Track and SeaWorld’s Expedition Odyssey with immersive storytelling at Epic Universe and Disney.
3. Save evenings for lighter entertainment
A Blue Man Group show or a late-night stroll in Magic Kingdom is the perfect way to recharge after a big day.
4. Watch your timing
Especially for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, morning openings and evening closures often coincide with lower queue times and short wait periods.
Sources:
- What’s New for Summer 2025 in Orlando – Gotta Go Orlando
- 25+ Fresh Experiences Going Live in 2025 – Visit Orlando
- What’s New in Kissimmee – Summer 2025 – Experience Kissimmee
- What’s Coming to Walt Disney World Resort in 2025 and Beyond – Orlando Informer
- What’s New and Coming Soon in Orlando – July 2025 – Gotta Go Orlando
- Test Track – Wikipedia
- 5 Things Coming to Central Florida’s Theme Park Landscape in 2025 – ClickOrlando
- What’s New and Coming Soon in Orlando – June 2025 – Gotta Go Orlando
- 14 New Orlando Vacation Experiences in 2025 – Orlando Parks Guy
- New Reasons to Visit Orlando – Visit Orlando Blog
- Universal Epic Universe – Wikipedia
