Orlando is serving up vacations filled with unforgettable moments this summer with headline-worthy concerts, nighttime water park takeovers, character-driven moments, food and music festivals, and international sporting events, including a World Cup friendly match. Recently named the No. 1 Summer Travel Destination for 2026 by WalletHub, Orlando continues to expand its mix of entertainment offerings, giving travelers more reasons to return — again and again. 

“Our unmatched combination of world-class theme parks, live entertainment and year-round sunshine, plus our exceptional dining scene, is why families, music lovers and adventure seekers continue to choose Orlando for their summer getaways,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando.

Visitors can discover exclusive savings on VisitOrlando.com/offers or receive travel tips and complimentary vacation planning services from Orlando-based vacation planning experts by going to VisitOrlando.com/plan.

NEW ATTRACTION EXPERIENCES

Theme Parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Volcano Bay Nights returns select evenings from May 3 to Aug. 21, offering families shorter wait times for all rides and slides, a live DJ, themed island treats and DreamWorks character meet-and-greets.
Universal CityWalk will welcome the return of the Universal Legacy Store in late April with retro merchandise and photo ops inspired by classic Universal attractions and films. Later this summer, Five Guys will open in the former Burger King Whopper Bar location, serving its signature fresh, made‑to‑order burgers and fries.
Visitors can continue to enjoy Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s newest theme park, featuring over 50 attractions across five immersive 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 to Walt Disney World Resort from May 26 to Sept. 8:
At Animal Kingdom, Bluey’s Wild World opens May 26 at Conservation Station, where guests can take the Wildlife Express Train to play games, snap photos with Bluey and Bingo, and discover animals native to Australia. 
Magic Kingdom Park debuts Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue, a limited-time Toy Story-themed experience at the Diamond Horseshoe in Frontierland featuring playful activities with beloved characters. 
EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall hosts GoofyCore, a special party with interactive games, DJ-led dance breaks and playground-style activities. 
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! premieres May 26, inviting families to join Mickey and friends for a party filled with original songs, dancing and interactive fun inspired by the hit Disney Jr. Series.
At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can experience the reimagined Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin with a series of enhancements, including handheld blasters for more freedom of movement, additional interactive targets and more.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens in May with new magic including a journey through the spectacular natural phenomena of the Rainbow Caverns, full track replacement, new opening scene designs and updated queue.
At EPCOT, Soarin’ Across America will showcase America’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes with a new orchestration of the classic Soarin’ theme beginning May 26 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new Millennium Falcon mission at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge begins May 22, where guests can choose what planet the ship visits and engineers can communicate with Grogu during gameplay. The Magic of Disney Animation opens in late summer, transforming the former Star Wars: Launch Bay into an interactive experience where Disney characters come to life inside the iconic animator’s studio.  Later this summer, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets debuts, taking guests behind-the-scenes inside the recording studio where the Electric Mayhem cranks out rocking tunes.
Disney H2O Glow After Hours returns to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon on select nights from June 2 to Sept. 5, inviting guests to experience the water park after dark. New additions for 2026 include character appearances from Powerline Max and Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.
United Parks & Resorts

Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, opening this spring just in time for summer at SeaWorld Orlando, will transform guests into Arctic researchers on a cutting-edge scientific mission with a breathtaking drone craft journey through dynamic environments and wildlife encounters before transitioning to real-world encounters with live beluga whales and walruses.
Bands, Brew & BBQ runs July 4 to Aug. 23 at SeaWorld Orlando with live country and rock music, BBQ favorites and craft beer, with sampling lanyards available to try a variety of smoked and grilled selections.
AquaGlow, a family friendly nighttime swim party running May 15 to Sept. 26 at Aquatica, transforms Aquatica into a neon paradise with enhanced attractions, foam party and low wait times.
Beyond the Theme Parks

The Great Big Game Show opened its first Florida location in Orlando, offering a TV-style experience with nearly 20 rotating mini-games including Trivia Temple, Drawing in the Dark and Split Decision. Featuring stage lighting, music, buzzers and a live host, the interactive attraction transports contestants into their favorite game shows.
Blue Man Group returns on May 1 with a new custom-built home at ICON Park, featuring the show’s signature mix of art, high-energy live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation for a multi-sensory experience.
SUMMER EVENTS

Harry P. Leu Gardens celebrates its 65th anniversary with Legacy in Bloom through May 31, a seasonal experience featuring immersive garden zones that transform the gardens into a living storybook showcasing Florida’s natural beauty, heritage and future through curated landscapes, floral installations and themed environments.
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, the longest-running fringe theatre festival in the United States, returns for its 35th year May 12-25 at Orlando Fringe in Loch Haven Park with more than 1,000 ticketed performances spanning comedy, dance, plays and more. 
Gatorland’s 7th annual Gatorpalooza Weekend happening May 30-31 is included with park admission, and will feature live music, local artisans and vendors, family fun, exciting giveaways and more.
Kia Center will have many notable artists visiting this summer including Rosalía (June 8), Noah Kahan (June 11-12), A$AP Rocky (June 14), 5 Seconds of Summer (June 17), Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (July 25) and others.
SUMMER SPORTS HAPPENINGS

Inter&Co Stadium will host a friendly match between England’s national team and Costa Rica on June 10, as Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions finalize preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
Orlando Pride (NWSL) will take on various teams this summer at Inter&Co Stadium, including North Carolina Courage (May 8), Bay FC (May 29), Kansas City Current (July 10), Boston Legacy FC (July 15), Chiago Stars FC (July 24), Racing Louisville (Aug 8), Utah Royals (Aug 29).
Orlando City SC (MLS) will welcome several teams to Inter&Co Stadium, including 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).
For additional summer events and festivals happening across the destination, visit www.visitorlando.com/events.