The new LEGOLANDBeach Retreat, opening on April 7th, brings a brand new resort style to their second hotel at LEGOLAND Florida.
LEGOLANDBeachRetreat will feature the same high level of detail and kid-centric amenities at the LEGOLAND Hotel, but this time guests will enjoy a village-style vacation resort on Lake Dexter (a half-mile away from the park entrance) with 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms, each with whimsical LEGO décor inside and out.
The brightly colored bungalows are grouped into 13 “coves” named after popular LEGO Minifigures. Each includes an outdoor play area with fun and challenging elements, all within view of the bungalows’ shaded patios, where mom and dad can relax while kids play.
Take a first look inside the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Bungalows that are still under construction!
httpv://youtu.be/rNQm3PHTstc
Other LEGOLANDBeachRetreat amenities include:
Sandy’s Castle Restaurant, located inside The Lighthouse and featuring a bountiful menu of entrees, sides and desserts designed to please the palates of kids and grownups alike.
Bricks Beach Bar, offering an eclectic menu of made-to-order food, drinks and creative cocktails served poolside and inside The Lighthouse.
A delicious breakfast is included with each night’s stay; lunch and dinner will be available without reservations.
Palm Tree Traders, a large retail shop stocked with LEGO building sets and Minifigures, apparel, toys, swimwear, snacks and sundries.
Complimentary parking in LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s main parking lot.
Early access to the theme park, with exclusive use of some of the most popular attractions, including LEGO NINJAGO World when it opens Jan. 12.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Reservations are available for stays from April 7 through Nov. 30, 2017. To book a stay at LEGOLANDBeachRetreat, visit LEGOLAND.com/beachretreat or call (877) 350-5346 daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nightly room rates start at $135 (plus tax and resort fee) and vary by season, date and availability.
Praise Wave at lets Christian music fans kick off the year on a positive note with a day of fellowship and fun during SeaWorld Orlando’s annual concert series that takes place on Saturdays from January 14th to the 28th.
Guests at SeaWorld Orlando will get the chance to enjoy live performances by some of the hottest names in Christian music while having a fun day celebrating the new year in an atmosphere filled with Christian friendship, thrilling rides, and attractions.
2017 Praise Wave at SeaWorld musical performances include:
Saturday, January 14 Musical Performance: TobyMac
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
Seven time Grammy® award winner, TobyMac kicks off Praise Wave at SeaWorld Orlando. With more than 11 million units in career sales, fans will go gangbusters with songs like “Feel It” and “Lights Shine Bright.”
Saturday, January 21 Musical Performance: Francesca Battistelli
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
Billboard Chart Topper andGrammy® award winner, Francesca Battistelli will delight audiences with famed songs such as “Holy Spirit” and “He Knows My Name.”
Saturday, January 28 Musical Performance: Skillet
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
Billboard Award winning and Grammy® nominated Skillet takes the stage with hits such as “Stars,” “Feel Invincible,” and “Awake & Alive.”
Guests will be able to enjoy the live concerts when they take place at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm each Saturday during the event in the park’s Nautilus Theater.
What makes Praise Wave even better is that is included with park admission, but if you want to take your experience to a VIP level you can add on a reserved seating package to your SeaWorld Orlando admission.
The best deal for guests to experience Praise Wave and all of SeaWorld’s special events and new experiences that will be debuting throughout the year, is with an Annual Pass. To purchase tickets visit the park’s website, SeaWorldOrlando.com.
Make sure to follow SeaWorld Orlando on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest details about events and new additions. Also while you are there, join the conversation on social media by using #SeaWorld #PraiseWave.
The 2017 Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate has me giddy to say the least with familiar and favorite stories being re-told and continued, a chance to journey into nature, and to go on a colorful adventure.
I can’t wait any longer…let’s go!
New in 2017: Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate
March 17, 2017 –Beauty and the Beast (Walt Disney Studios)
Every time I see the Beauty and the Beast trailer I have to catch my breath a little, because Belle is one of my top Disney Princesses and I cannot wait to watch Emma Watson as Belle live out the dream of dancing with Beast in the ballroom or to see/hate Luke Evans as Gaston.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.
Walt Disney Studios
“Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.
httpv://youtu.be/OvW_L8sTu5E
Seriously…is it May yet???
April 21, 2017 – Born In China (Disneynature)
Watching Born in China will be the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day this year! With stunning footage of never-before-seen imagery of China’s vast terrain, the movie’s adventure takes us through and above the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest while telling a compelling story.
Disneynature’s new True Life Adventure film “Born In China” takes an epic journey into the wilds of China where few people have ever ventured.
Walt Disney Studios
Following the stories of three animal families, the film transports audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to witness some of the most intimate moments ever captured in a nature film. A doting panda bear mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A two-year-old golden monkey who feels displaced by his new baby sister joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard—an elusive animal rarely caught on camera—faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet.
httpv://youtu.be/Yv3eTYz3_zo
It’s been awesome to be able to share the next generation of ‘True Life Adventure’ films that I loved so much with my daughter, and Born in China looks to be an fantastic addition to the Disneynature films.
May 5, 2017 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (Marvel Studios)
The first Marvel Studios release in the 2017 Motion Picture Slate is going to set the bar pretty high for the summer, because I don’t know too many people who aren’t hyped for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!
httpv://youtu.be/dW1BIid8Osg
Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos.
Walt Disney Studios
The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.
I. Cannot. Wait. From the moment I saw the first teaser photo, I flipped! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 seems to be a continuation of the adventures with a perfect combination of action, witty dialogue, & amazing music…and this time we get more Baby Groot!
May 26, 2017 – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (Walt Disney Studios)
Fans of the Disney Parks can’t help but get excited to hear more familiar words that echo in the caverns of the attraction on the big screen! Dead Men Tell No Tales is a continuation of a story and ride that I have enjoyed most of my life!
httpv://youtu.be/1xo3af_6_Jk
Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”
Walt Disney Studios
The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil’s Triangle bent on killing every pirate at sea—notably Jack. Jack’s only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.
What could be wrong about having more Captain Jack Sparrow in 2017???
June 16, 2017 – CARS 3 (Disney / Pixar)
The intensity of the Cars 3 teaser trailer made me realize how emotionally invested I was in Lightning McQueen…A sentence I never thought I would type.
httpv://youtu.be/E4K7JgPJ8-s
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves.
Walt Disney Studios
To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!
When Zoe was younger we watched Cars on repeat and then when Cars 2 was released I watched as she enjoyed racing with her friends again, and now I can’t wait to experience Cars 3 with my favorite passenger!
November 3, 2017 – Thor: Ragnarok (Marvel Studios)
While Tony Stark is my main man, I can’t help but wait to see one of my other favorite Avengers back on the big screen.
In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok—the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization—at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger—the Incredible Hulk!
Thor? Gladiatorial contest? The Incredible Hulk? Evil villain? I’m all in!
November 22, 2017 – COCO (Disney / Pixar)
At the 2015 D23 Expo in Anaheim, I was lucky (lucky = waited in the basement of the convention center for hours with great friends, even better conversation, and mediocre snacks) to snag a seat at the Walt Disney Studios presentation to hear about Coco.
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt).
Walt Disney Studios
Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
I have always been intrigued by the Día de los Muertos celebrations, so you can only imagine what my excitement level is on a scale from 1 to 10…it’s an 11!
December 15, 2017 – STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII (Lucasfilm)
2017 is going to end in a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: Episode VIII hits the screen.
Now while we don’t know much about what adventures we will go on, we do know that this journey will push the boundaries of the saga even further.
Is there really a better way to end an amazing year of films?
If you aren’t pumped for the 2017 Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Slate, then I don’t know if we can be friends! This is the stuff that movie dreams are made of, and I can’t wait to share more information and even some fun activities about them this year.
Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news and trailers from the amazing Walt Disney Studios 2017 Motion Picture Slate!
The LEGOLAND Florida Resort is rounding out their AWESOME year of expansion with the opening of NINJAGO World, a new resort, new partnerships, and several new special events throughout the year!
New in 2017: LEGOLAND Florida
LEGO NINJAGO World – Spring 2017
The newest immersive area of LEGOLAND Florida inspired by the popular LEGO building sets and television show “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu” on January 12, 2017. will be filled with hands-on outdoor activities, LEGO building experiences, and the centerpiece LEGO NINJAGO The Ride which is an innovative attraction that combines 3D computer animation with 4D effects and groundbreaking technology.
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat Resort–Summer 2017
LEGOLAND Florida will open their second resort, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, on April 7th inviting families to stay in a village-style vacation resort with 83 beach-themed bungalows each with whimsical LEGO décor inside and out themed to popular LEGO Minifigures. The resort has a focus on outdoor play, and the bungalows are grouped into ‘coves’ that feature outdoor play areas that are within the view of the bungalows’ shaded patios, where mom and dad can relax while kids play.
LEGOLAND Florida 2017 Special Events
LEGOLAND Florida is known for hosting special events throughout the year that are filled with special characters and activities which are included in regular park admission, and in 2017 they’re adding two new events and expanding the dates of existing favorites!
The LEGO Batman™ Movie Days – March 4-5 & 11-12: New for 2017Super hero. Crime-fighter. Master Builder. LEGO Batman™ is all of those and so much more. Come meet Gotham City’s Caped Crusader during this celebration of the Warner Bros. feature film, which will include photo ops with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman™-inspired LEGO build activities.
KIDZ BOP Weekend – April 28-30: New for 2017The No. 1 music brand for kids will deliver three days of high-energy fun during this inaugural event exclusive to LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Guests can enjoy the KIDZ Bop Kids live in concert at The KIDZ Bop Theater as part of their 2017 tour, including songs from the forthcoming “KIDZ BOP 34” album and their version of the LEGO NINJAGO theme song, “The Weekend Whip.”
LEGO Star Wars™ Days – May 6-7 & 13-14: Visit a galaxy far, far away during this Lucasfilm authorized event, which features some of the most famous scenes from the Star Wars saga made out of 1.5 million LEGO bricks in the LEGO Star Wars MINILAND Model Display. Activities will include appearances by costumed Star Wars fans, LEGO building activities inspired by Star Wars characters, settings and stories, and a Star Wars™-themed costume parade for kids. It’s the only LEGO Star Wars theme park event in Florida!
PHOTO / Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND Knight Lights – Select dates in July, including Tuesday, July 4:When the sun goes down, the fun goes up during LEGOLAND Florida’s signature summertime event! The Good Knight offers extended park hours, uniquely LEGO light displays, opportunities to build alongside our Master Model Builders, and meet-and-greet opportunities with one of the heroes of LEGO NEXO KNIGHTS! Plus, enjoy a spectacular themed fireworks show over Lake Eloise to end the night, with a special patriotic show planned for the Fourth of July.
Firefighter Fridays – October 6, 13, 20 and 27: The National Fire Protection Association returns the annual kickoff of to NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week and a month-long celebration of real-life heroes. The event includes fun, educational activities that teach kids the importance of fire safety with opportunities to meet firefighters who keep our communities safe.
Photo: LEGOLAND Florida
Brick or Treat – Select dates in October: The park’s annual, all-day Halloween event promises lots of spooky, kooky, fun for the entire family that includes larger-than-life LEGO models, a costume parade, multiple LEGO build activities, trick-or-treating (with lots of candy!), exclusive LEGO character meet-and-greets, a Halloween-themed fireworks show, and much more!
Photo: LEGOLAND Floirda
Christmas Bricktacular – Select dates in December: The LEGOLAND Florida Resort is filled with festive fun to celebrate the season with fun touches like a giant Christmas tree made of thousands of LEGO and DUPLO bricks, holiday-themed scavenger hunts, LEGO building activities, meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa and LEGO Toy Soldier, sparkling lights, beautiful decorations, and even the occasional snow flurry! At the end of each Christmas Bricktacular, you can end your night with the not-so-silent-night fireworks spectacular choreographed to classic holiday music.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve – Sunday, December 31 only: Ring in the New Year with a one-night-only party built for kids, featuring an exclusive dance party, park-wide LEGO building activities, special entertainment, and an awesome fireworks show that kicks off the ‘kid-friendly’ countdown to a giant LEGO “brick drop” before midnight!
Don’t forget that I will be sharing my favorite picks for 2017 at the Theme Parks this Friday on icFlorida’s Best Bets on WFTV!
SeaWorld Orlando is set to have one of their biggest years with the enhancement of a fan favorite, new nighttime entertainment, new festivals, a restaurant, and more!
SeaWorld Orlando’s iconic Kraken roller coaster will have a new feel in 2017 as it will receive an upgrade to become the first digitally enhanced VR ride experience in Florida. New technology is being developed to create an experience that will enthrall coaster enthusiasts and bring a new level of excitement to Kraken .
Dolphin Nursery – Summer 2017
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando’s Dolphin Nursery is one of our favorite stops in the park, so we are extremely excited that this area will get a makeover!
Guests will get an up close view on multiple levels to create a face-to-face perspective with dolphin calves, a new slide out areas and lifting floor will allow for easier access to mom and baby for the veterinary and animal care teams, and the next generation of multi-purpose digital displays will allow SeaWorld educators to share information about dolphin educational and animal care content.
Seven Seas Festival– Starting February 2017
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando already hosts some of the most popular music and tastiest food events throughout the year, and in 2017 they will expand to a total of 14 weekends in 2017 as part of the Seven Seas Festival. The festival will feature food and craft brews throughout the park that is inspired by street foods from Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the Mediterranean.
Flamecraft Bar – Summer 2017
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
Continuing the park’s food and beverage focus, a new dining location adjacent to the SeaFire Grill along the waterfront area will provide a great place to pause for a drink in a casual atmosphere. TheFlamecraft Barwill feature 16 seasonal craft brews and a new menu.
Electric Ocean– Summer 2017
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
The evening will shine at SeaWorld Orlando this summer when a brand new, end-of-day spectacle event called Electric Ocean will debut. As the sun goes down, the lights and energy go up offering guests a different kind of fun after dark. The ocean comes to life with bioluminescent lighting, original music, and pathway entertainment immersing guests in a glowing sea of wonder.
Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion– Spring 2017
Photo: SeaWorld Orlando
As part of SeaWorld’s ongoing commitment to their Annual Pass Members, the Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion will open just in time for spring break. The exclusive pavilion will feature concierge service, complimentary sunscreen, a private entrance to Banana Beach, private animal encounters and additional offers.
Nautilus Theatre –Summer 2017
Continuing the park’s focus on entertainment, events and shows, an entirely new experience is coming to the Nautilus Theatre. The dedicated summer show will debut Memorial Day weekend.
Don’t forget that I will be sharing my favorite picks for 2017 at the Theme Parks this Friday on icFlorida’s Best Bets on WFTV!
Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news at SeaWorld!
2017 at the Universal Orlando Resort will see the opening of a new water park and an attraction starring the much beloved The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon!
Don’t forget that I will be sharing my favorite picks for 2017 at the Theme Parks this Friday on icFlorida’s Best Bets on WFTV!
New In 2017: Universal Orlando Resort
Volcano Bay Water Park
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3Ro3bYOraI
At Volcano Bay ‘Water is life’, and this next generation of water park will have 30 acres of fun for the entire family that will feature four distinct areas with highly themed attractions and details.
The Volcano
At the heart of the island stands Krakatau™, the mighty Fire and Water Volcano. Towering 200 feet above the tropical landscape, Krakatau streams waterfalls during the day and fiery lava effects at night. Inside the cavernous volcano the Waturi people dare you to brave a variety of heart-pounding water slides.
Krakatau™ Aqua Coaster
Honorary Waturi can experience the power of Krakatau™ on this amazing ride. Four-person canoes slide upward through the mists and into the dark twists and turns within the volcano before emerging with a plunge through a shimmering waterfall.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Join in the centuries-old tradition of honoring the volcano god, Vol, by braving the incredible Ko’okiri Body Plunge. Featuring a 70-degree fall through a drop door and 125 feet of screaming, white-knuckle fun, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself.
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Join Kala and Tai Nui where sea and sky meet and take a leap of faith from high atop the volcano. Twin trap doors simultaneously drop two guests down clear, intertwining tubes before sending them joyfully splashing into the turquoise waters below.
Punga Racers
A favorite among Waturi children of all ages, Punga Racers send single riders on their manta ray mats sliding down four lanes through underwater sea caves.
Wave Village
This peaceful escape overlooks the sparkling waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano.
Waturi Beach
Locals know — the surf’s always up at Waturi Beach. Swim, splash and relax right along with them in the sparkling waters and warm waves of this sparkling lagoon at the foot of mighty Krakatau™.
River Village
The scenic River Village has fun for people of all ages, including the very youngest Waturi.
Honu ika Moana
Just like the ancient Waturi people who rode the ocean waves on friendly sea turtles and whales, guests can enjoy these two twisting, turning, multi-person slides. Honu sweeps up two massive walls, while ika Moana sprays water on riders from the center of the raft.
Tot Tiki Reef + Runamukka Reef
The little ones can frolic among the splashy slides and fountains of the Tot Tiki Reef toddler play area, while Runamukka Reef delights older children with its bubbling geysers, water guns, slides and dump cups.
Kopiko Wai Winding River
Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River. Sprays of water surprise along the way, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above.
Rainforest Village
Rainforest Village stretches along the shores of an action-packed river and features the perfect mix of relaxation and exhilaration.
Ohyah + Ohno Drop Slides
Test your mettle and get into the Waturi spirit. Ascend cliff side and plummet down the twisting waters of Ohyah before dropping out four feet above the pool below. To achieve even greater bragging rights, brave the rope bridge and plunge down Ohno, a serpentine adventure that ends six feet above the pool below. Be sure to yell your battle cry on the way down.
Maku Puihi Raft Rides
Ready for the high adventure of the Maku Puihi lava tubes? This six-person rafting adventure is a favorite of Waturi families, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Choose one of two paths or try them both—just be ready for a thrilling ride. Puihi careens through a dark, winding tunnel before the stomach-flipping thrill of zero gravity hang time. Maku slides you through a deep volcanic gorge before spinning wildly around bowl-like formations.
TeAwa The Fearless River
Up for an adventure? Take a thrilling whitewater ride along TeAwa The Fearless River. Race along a roaring, watery onslaught of churning rapids and choppy waves hanging tight to your inner tube.
Taniwha Tubes
There’s a place where the puka trees grow abnormally tall. Inspired by their twisting roots, the Waturi built four twisting water slides called the Taniwha Tubes. Riders can try all four twisting tracks, but beware — mischievous tiki statues spray jets of water when you least expect it.
One of the main focuses of Volcano Bay is to enhance the guest experience at the park with the power of the TapuTapu wearable (included in admission) that allows you to virtually wait in attraction queues, retrieve tubes and mats at the slides instead of carrying them around the park, and the chance to unlock secret features along the way with a wave of your arm.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
Join Jimmy Fallon and some familiar favorites on The Tonight Show on this all-new attraction that will take you on a one-of-a-kind adventure speeding down The Tonight Shows’s hallways and through the iconic streets and icons of New York City onboard the world’s first-ever flying theater.
Photo: Universal Orlando Resort
But before your ride experience begins, you will get the chance to walk the halls of NBC Studios on a VIP experience that includes:
Take in a special live performance from the Ragtime Gals barbershop quartet,
Meet and interact with The Tonight Show’s beloved mascot Hashtag the Panda,
Step into Studio 6B Club where you can play host at their own Interactive Desk where you will be able to send Jimmy Fallon’s famous Thank You Notes to friends and family,
Prep for your race with a ‘Jimmy Drive’ retro-style video game, and
Watch some of your favorite “The Tonight Show” clips.
Get an up-close look at significant moments in the 62-year history of one of television’s most popular franchises, “The Tonight Show” with real props, cue cards, set pieces, and even actual suits of past and present hosts to NBC video cameras used to record the show to cue cards used in past episodes.
Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news on the Universal Orlando Resort!
Happy New Year!!! 2016 brought new additions to the theme parks of Central Florida, and 2017 is going to be a year filled with even more new attractions, lands, and restaurants across the board.
I thought a great way to start the year would be to spend the week looking forward to what is coming in 2017 leading up to me sharing my favorite picks this Friday on icFlorida’s Best Bets on WFTV!
So let’s get this new year started by taking a look at what is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort!
While this year will see the long awaited arrival of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the amped up construction of both Star Wars and Toy Story lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are new shows, attractions, restaurants, and events that will be making their debut at the Walt Disney World Resort!
New In 2017: Walt Disney World Resort
Pandora: The World of Avatar – Summer 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
Pandora: The World of Avatar will open in this summer, and this land full of fantasy and cutting-edge technology has been created in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment.
Photo: Walt Disney World
The land will feature two signature attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage that will send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and on the Na’vi River Journey this a family-friendly boat ride will take riders through the dramatic Bioluminescent rainforests.
Photo: Walt Disney World
The Satu’li Canteen will be the land’s main dining location while Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner, will help keep visitors fed while they ride and shop for Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.
Photo: Walt Disney World
Rivers of Light – 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
This powerful theatrical production takes Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests on a magnificent emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark show on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. With innovative and never-before-seen technology, Rivers of Light will be unlike any other production ever staged at Walt Disney World Resort.
Star Wars Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Spring 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
An all-new Star Wars Guided Tour is a seven-hour immersion in all current Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character greetings, themed dining, ride experiences, insider’s tours, dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular are among highlights. Offered Mondays and Saturdays, it’s part of several new Star Wars additions announced in December 2016 for the park, including a new onstage sequence in the daytime experience “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Star Wars-themed lands are planned for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Sky Dine-Around – 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
The new experience gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for a distinctly Disney dining experience with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. From a welcome cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests call at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (appetizers), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (entree), and back to the Contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee. This experience will be offered Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Weekends (Friday to Monday) January 13 – February 20
Photo: Walt Disney World
Epcot welcomes an all-new festival playing winter weekends and treating guests to a triple scoop of artful fun. For six colorful weekends visual, culinary, and performing arts will take center stage. Each weekend will feature taste bud-tempting and eye-dazzling creations from the Disney culinary team. Meantime, exciting new art from various media will tempt art lovers. Because the artwork will change out, it’s a new art festival every weekend. In addition, the lagoon-side stage at American Gardens Theatre will pulse with favorite showtunes performed by Broadway talent. In a collaboration with Disney Theatrical, songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows including The Lion King, Newsies and Aladdin will be performed.
Miss Fortune Falls – Spring 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea booty. When it opens, it will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.
Disney Springs – Throughout 2017
New dining establishments will help round out the line-up of dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs!
Photo: Walt Disney World
Paddlefish – Sleek and modern after a bow-to-stern transformation from the former Fulton’s Crab House, Paddlefish will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops. Unique menu choices for seafood lovers include a build-your-own boil. A new rooftop lounge will serve up a late-night menu and shipshape views of the water and Disney Springs. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Photo: Planet Hollywood Observatory
Planet Hollywood Observatory – Longtime Downtown Disney-goers will remember the iconic domed restaurant that drew celebrities and fans of the Hollywood scene. The reborn space will be themed to stars of a different kind: a turn-of-the-20th-Century observatory serving up amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.
Photo: Walt Disney World
The Polite Pig – A sister restaurant to the Ravenous Pig, a favorite with Orlando locals, The Polite Pig will bring the same focus on genuine Florida cuisine to a broader global audience at Disney Springs. Lunch and dinner menus will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including beer, wine and cocktails.
Photo: Walt Disney World
Wine Bar George – Orlando master sommelier George Miliotes uncorks his first Disney wine bar in a space reminiscent of a winemaker’s estate warmed by oak wood and cozy lighting. Small plates dominate the food menu but it will be the wines with a starring role: more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals and vintages.
New Cabins and Deluxe Villas coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 2017
Photo: Walt Disney World
A proposed new Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is scheduled to open, featuring new Resort accommodations that include plans for Deluxe Villas and unique waterfront cabins. Other enhancements coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool, part of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is also scheduled to open in summer 2017. Named Boulder Ridge Cove, this area will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool.
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