2013: What’s New for Orlando

2013 means new attractions, more shopping and impressive expansions in Orlando! 2013 it’s truly a lucky year in Orlando, giving you more reasons to add a visit to your bucket list. Here’s a few must-see events and new additions of all the “new news” in Orlando this year:

Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando

Attraction will open on May 24^th.

A state-of-the-art interactive ride will take guests on an exciting journey through the dangers and wondrous beauty of the Antarctic as they follow and mimic a young penguin’s adventures.

Fun Spot America

Its first phase expansion includes the new White Lighting wooden coaster, the world’s biggest SkyCoaster, a new suspended family coaster called Vekoma and a wide range of family-friendly racetracks and rides. Phase two will open by 2015 with the addition of a water park, dinner show and food court but until then you’ll have plenty of things to do this year.

East End Market Opening

This new marketplace will host ten local, independently owned food businesses; including a butcher, seafood merchant, produce vendor, and baker. Inside the market, James Beard Nominated Chef Henry Salgado, along with his wife Michele, will open Txokos Kitchen, a dine-in restaurant featuring farm-fresh lunch and dinner options. Definitely a great reason to stay away from McDonalds during your trip 😉

New stores at The Mall at Millenia and The Florida Mall!

Shoppers we have great news for you today! The Mall at Millenia will debut open a new wave of internationally-recognized retailers including Prada, YSL, and Swiss watchmakers Hublot, Omega, and Breitling. Clothing retailer Michael Kors, along with accessory and jewelry retailer Tous will be added to the more than 250 retailers at The Florida Mall as well!

Disney is Getting App-Friendly!

Another cool addition this year is Walt Disney World Resort’s MyMagic+, a new Web site and free app (available at the iTunes Store, Google Play and Amazon) that will give you an opportunity to lock in seating for parades, fireworks and character interactions or even coveted FastPasses before leaving home. Once you get to Orlando, you’ll wear MagicBand, a wristband that will be your room key at a Disney hotel and your theme park ticket/FastPass. The optional system also allows for changes through the app and customization so that characters may even be able to provide personalized greetings.

TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D at Universal Orlando Resort

Opening this summer

This attraction will combine the larger-than-life TRANSFORMERS characters and an exciting storyline with life-like HD CGI media, state-of-the-art 3-D technology and amazing special effects to place riders right in the middle of an epic battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Will be an amazing experience for the whole family whether you are a TRANSFORMERS fan or not!