Experience all that’s opening in Orlando in 2017. From new theme park attractions, an entirely new water park to new entertainment and a full year of unforgettable sporting events, a whole new lineup of family fun awaits next year in Orlando. There are so many reasons to visit Walt Disney World in 2017. Here is what you can expect to take in on your 2017 Disney vacation.
Disney After Hours
Disney After Hours events will be held at Magic Kingdom on January 20 & 27, February 2,9, & 16, and March 2 & 9, 2017. These special events will take place for three hours after park closing and will be open to a limited number of guests. Disney After Hours includes access to 25 Magic Kingdom attractions, character greetings, and more.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Epcot will host a new festival each Friday through Monday beginning January 13 and continuing through February 20, 2017. The Epcot International Festival of the Arts will feature artwork from historical Disney artists. In addition to Disney art, the festival will feature a collaboration with Disney Theatrical bringing the music and talent of Disney’s Broadway shows to the America Gardens Theatre stage. New Food Studios will showcase delicious culinary creations.
Highway in the Sky-Dine Around
This unique dining experience will give guests priority boarding on the monorail with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. The Highway in the Sky-Dine Around will be offered Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Magic Kingdom Opening Show
Beginning January 9, 2017 Magic Kingdom’s Rope Drop show will be replaced by a new experience. Rather than waiting for park opening outside the Magic Kingdom gates, guests will now be allowed on Main Street, U.S.A. prior to park opening. Promptly at park opening, a new welcome show will take place on the Castle Forecourt Stage. A Royal Herald will take the stage to deliver a proclamation and welcome a few familiar characters to officially open the Magic Kingdom.
Restaurants at Disney Springs
While dozens of new shopping and dining experiences opened at Disney Springs in 2016, even more are set to debut in 2017. This year will see the opening of the Planet Hollywood Observatory, Paddlefish, The Edison, The Polite Pig, and Wine Bar George.
Rivers of Light
Scheduled to debut in 2017 is a brand new nighttime experience for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new Rivers of Light show will feature water, fire, nature, and light choreographed to an original musical score. The show will take place on Discovery River and is inspired by the idea when animals pass from one world onto the next, their spirits create a “river of light” in the sky.
Star Wars Guided Tour
Disney has created a new guided tour designed for the ultimate Star Wars fans. The tour will include a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide, priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, an encounter with Chewbacca and Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay, an insider’s tour of Star Wars Launch Bay, a screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” and Star Wars themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express. Also included in this new tour is admission to the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party. The dessert party includes sweet treats, specialty beverages, and reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show.
Lego Ninjago / Legoland Florida
Inspired by the popular series which features the “LEGO” building blocks and the TV Show, “LEGO NINJAGO: Masters of Spinjitzu,” is a new area located in Legoland Florida. It invites guests to step into the wonderful world of martial arts where they are experimenting with an original attractions which combines 3D animation, 4D atmospheric effects, and the latest technology created by Triotech.
Skyscraper / International Drive
The entertainment complex Skyplex and the roller coaster will be located on International Drive in Orlando. The Theme Park will be expanded by 4300(square) meters and located in an area of 4.85 hectares. The center will house restaurants, shops, and in the center of it all, an enormous observation tower. The designers boast that the tower will be the highest structure in Central Florida and visitors will have a panoramic view from a glass elevator 55 floors high.
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Opening in early summer 2017, Universal’s Volcano Bay will be a water theme park unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, from incredible thrills to perfected relaxation. It’ll feature dozens of attractions that offer something for everyone – and you won’t have to stand in long lines to experience any of them.
Legoland Beach Retreat / Legoland Florida
By mid 2017, a new hotel at Legoland Florida will makes its debut with scenic views of Lake Dexter in Winter Haven. The newest LEGOLAND Beach Retreat hotel with its peculiar design will house the Lego Lighthouse and 83 rooms with capacity of up to 5 persons.
Pandora – World of Avatar / Disney Animal Kingdom
Pandora – World of Avatar is the largest expansion project in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. The principle attraction will be AVATAR Flight of Passage, which will allow visitors to fly aboard a Banshee to a land far away! A voyage on a boat ride will take visitors through a bioluminescent jungle.
Volcano Bay / Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando opens its first aquatic park en 2017. Volcano Bay is being constructed on 53 acres south of Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The theme of the park is based upon the Pacific island and volcano of Krakatau.
Miss Fortune Falls / Disney Typhoon Lagoon
The new attraction will be called ‘Miss Fortune Falls’ and will be located near Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. The attraction will be the longest raft ride at Disney’s water parks with a duration of 2 minutes.
Orlando City Soccer Stadium / Orlando
The stadium will be located in downtown Orlando in the center of an entertainment complex being developed a block away from the Amway Center. The stadium will be able to house between 25,000 and 28,000 visitors and will be the permanent home of the Orlando City Lions.
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon / Universal Orlando
Jimmy Fallon will have his own ride at Universal Studios Florida in 2017. This 3D attraction Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon will be a funny and entertaining adventure which will take visitors throughout the streets of New York City.
Attractions without Definite Dates
Nintendo / Universal Orlando
Universal formed an alliance with Nintendo to bring experiences based on the game, characters, and world of Nintendo. Although not much is known yet about what this means for Universal Orlando, we do know there will be a major attraction.
Toy Story Land / Disney Hollywood Studios
The construction began in 2016, but we don’t have an actual opening date. Disney has not mentioned anything in reference to the restaurants and shops for Toy Story Land, but we assume there will be eateries and merchandise available. Here are 4 certain facts we do know about Toy Story Land: Slinky Dog Roller Coaster, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Andy’s Backyard.
Star Wars Land / Disney Hollywood Studios
James Cameron’s AVATAR-based land Pandora is set to open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom some time in 2017. The land will be the largest expansion in Animal Kingdom history with floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. The main attraction will be AVATAR Flight of Passage, which will let guests take flight over an alien world aboard a Banshee. A boat ride will take guests through the bioluminescent forest.
Fast & Furious: Supercharged / Universal Orlando
You’ve seen the cars. You’ve seen the action. And soon, you’ll be able to live it.
I’m so excited to share that one of the most successful film franchises of all-time will soon become one of Universal Orlando Resort‘s most action-packed ride experiences.
Buckle your seat belts , because in 2018, Fast & Furious: Supercharged is coming to Universal Studios Florida. You’ll feel like part of the “Fast family” as you embark on a thrilling new Fast & Furious adventure that will put you right in the middle of the action.
LOVE ORLANDO NO MATTER WHERE YOU CHOOSE TO STAY,
MAGICALGETAWAY IS AT YOUR SERVICE.
