New Attractions
Florida's attractions are rolling out new rides and attractions and revamping old ones this year at a record rate. Here's what's happening:
While the Main Street Electrical Parade continues at the Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland is expanding and the makeover is almost complete. Cinderella's Carrousel got a new name Prince Charming's Regal Carousel and with an emphasis on princesses... there will be more ways to interact with your favorite characters and some awesome new attractions. >More of What's New at Disney World 2013.
While Cypress Gardens suddenly closed the park in November of 2009, LEGOLAND Florida opened the fall of 2011 on the property and the new theme park is a huge hit. In fact, it has already expanded! The adjacent LEGOLAND Water Park opened last summer and an addition to the popular Miniland was unveiled in November 2012 featuring Star Wars!
The major expansion to Dinosaur World opened in time for summer 2012. The park's expansion includes a 22,000 sq. ft. pre-historic museum that features everything dinosaur, a new playground, more parking and restrooms. Dinosaur World is located along I-4 in Plant City.
Universal Studios rolled out a new Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular on May 8, 2012. The parade features more characters from beloved stories and the nighttime spectacular highlights some of the more memorable movie memories. Universal Orlando also unveiled its Despicable Ride that replaces the Jimmy Neutron attraction. The entertainment giant also has reanimated one of the most popular rides at Universal — The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
Universal Orlando has announced that TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D will open June 20, 2013. That opening at Universal Studios coincides with Universal's Summer Concert Series that runs from June 1 through July 6, 2013.
All the theme parks are rolling out extended hours and special shows for this summer, including Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando.
Resort News
Disney has opened its new Art of Animation Resort in stages through the summer and fall of 2012! In other Disney resort news... look for the newly re-imagined Princess rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
Gaylord Palms unveiled its new Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park in spring 2012. The new pool area features a multi-level tree house with four twisting water slides, plenty of gushing springs, a tiny tots area, outdoor theater and more! Also, this summer look for special 1- or 2-night Summer Fun with Shrek and Friends packages with lots of value-added extras.
Event Dates Announced
Plan now to attend these very popular events:- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 6 thru May 17, 2013
- Daytona Beach Bike Week - March 8-17, 2013
- Disney's Star Wars Weekends - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays May 17 thru June 9, 2013
- Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival - CANCELLED
- Florida Folk Festival - May 24-26, 2013
- Silver Spurs Rodeo - May 31 & June 1, 2013
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival - September 27 thru November 10, 2013
