ORLANDO, Fla. – 2023 looks strong for new attractions and experiences at Central Florida’s world-class theme parks.
In 2022, theme park guests had a handful of new things to check out, including Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruisera Peppa Pig theme park, Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens, Icebreaker at SeaWorld Orlando and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World.
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In 2023, visitors to Central Florida will see everything from new roller coasters to family attractions and restaurants.
Check out the list of attractions at each of the following theme parks:
Walt Disney world
TRON light cycle / run
opening one Spring 2023, guests visiting Magic Kingdom finally have the opportunity to board a Lightcycle and race into the Grid. said Walt Disney World TRON light cycle / run will be one of the fastest roller coasters in any Disney theme park in the world. Families fly through a dark, computerized world as they compete to race through eight energy gates first and claim victory, Disney described. The ride was first announced at D23 Expo five years ago and has faced a number of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An exact opening date has not yet been announced.
New EPCOT neighborhoods, experiences
The late 2023 opening at EPCOT will be the very latest world festival and World Nature neighborhoods. In World Celebration, guests can now experience the theme park in a new way renovated entrance, complete with new lightning, landscape and water games. World Celebration will also feature a beautiful focal point, divided into several different gardens, with a central planter based on the EPCOT five ring logo. Just a few steps from World Celebration is World Nature, home to the brand new “journey of the water” Experience.
Disney said “The Voyage of Water, Inspired by the hit Disney movie “Moana”, will be a lush exploration trail inviting EPCOT guests to meet and play with magical living water.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant
Over in Toy Story Land at Disney Hollywood Studios, families will soon be able to dine in a rodeo-style setting. Walt Disney World is preparing to open in spring 2023 Rodeo Roundup BBQ Restaurant. First announced in 2019, the restaurant will serve grill-inspired comfort food served family-style, including house-cured meats, side dishes, and some miniature desserts. Walt Disney World plans to share more details about the unique dining experience as the grand opening approaches.
Other exciting additions:
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The Hatbox Ghost character will eventually appear in the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom in 2023.
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An updated version of “Happily Ever After” returns to Magic Kingdom. No exact debut date has been given.
Universal Orlando
Villain-Con Minion Blast by Illumination
The Minions are taking over Universal Orlando in Summer 2023 as the resort will open a brand new attraction: “Villain-Con Minion Blast by Illumination.” According to Universal, the Blaster interactive gaming experience will combine innovative on-screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity and sophisticated physical sets to create a unique game-based adventure. It is based at the former site of Shrek 4-D, which closed to guests in 2021. Alongside the new attraction, Universal Orlando said guests can continue their mischievous day by visiting the brand new Minions Cafe. Universal Orlando has announced that more surprises will be announced in the new Minion Land in the coming months.
Sea World Orlando
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
SeaWorld Orlando will open in spring 2023 and will make its debut newest roller coaster “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster”. The innovative design elements that make this coaster the first of its kind are the surf start and the “wave jump” movements that the riders will experience. The Unique Vehicle in the form of a surfboard will also offer guests an immersive experience from the start of the ride.
According to the park, all pass members have the opportunity to be among the first to experience “Pipeline” with SeaWorld Orlando’s Passport to Thrills program.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Serengeti Flyer
Over at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Park welcomes Serengeti flyers in the spring. The attraction will be the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, a squeaky swing. With each swing, riders soar higher and higher over Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s sprawling 65-acre Serengeti Plains while experiencing multiple negative G-moments before plummeting back to earth. Serengeti Flyer will feature two dueling arms that climb higher and higher, reaching speeds of 68mph and a maximum height of 135ft at the peak of the ride.
Guests sit back-to-back in rows of 10 in two gondolas, allowing 40 guests to experience the ride at a time.
Legoland Florida
Pirate River Quest
A brand new daring quest awaits families visiting LEGOLAND Florida. On January 12th Guests can experience Pirate River Quest. Originally slated to debut in 2022, the attraction was delayed due to problems caused by Hurricane Ian. When the attraction opens, captained boats will navigate guests through Lake Eloise’s natural corridors and historic Cypress Gardens. Guests will attempt to uncover Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure. The attraction will have exciting sequences telling the story of a rowdy Lego pirate crew, a horde of mischievous monkeys and even a fearsome octopus. Pirate River Quest will open before the resort welcomes back its popular event, Pirate Fest Weekends.
Other attraction additions
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