What's New in Central Florida
They say that “newer is always better” - and whether or not that is true, newer is certainly always more exciting! Central Florida has such a wide array of new and exciting attractions, rides, hotels, and meeting spaces, as well as renovations for you to discover. Follow a craft drink trail in DeLand, get your adrenaline pumping on a ride in Orlando, stay at the Super Bowl headquarters in Tampa, or host an event in Ocala.
Attractions and Rides
Get ready to enjoy the thrill of a fresh new attraction like a museum filled with optical illusions, or a world class equestrian center. Speaking of thrills, don’t miss the newest thrill rides at your favorite theme parks!
Museum of Illusions Orlando, Orlando
New to Florida this year is Museum of Illusions Orlando. The museum welcomes you to the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you. Let your imagination run free in the vast expanse of the Infinity Room, defy the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, shrink to miniature size in the Ames Room - all while capturing you in the coveted, impossible photo (which you have to see to believe). Amusing and awesome tricks will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain and science so it will be easier to perceive why your eyes see things which your brain cannot understand. Make sure you visit the playroom with intriguing and educational games and puzzles.
orlando.museumofillusions.us
CoolCraft Trail, DeLand
Visitors to West Volusia County can hit the DeLand trail for the best “crafts” around…and we aren’t just talking about the beer, though there is plenty. With meads, smoothies, teas, coffees and, of course, some of the best brews, you can tour and taste all that the “trail” destinations have to offer. Throughout the year are events held on the trail like fairs and festivals fir everyone to enjoy.
coolcrafttrail.com
World Equestrian Center, Ocala
The highly anticipated international destination located in the “Horse Capital of the World” is becoming reality, as the largest equestrian and multi-purpose event complex in the U.S. opened in late 2020 with the hotel grand opening expected this year. The centerpiece of the state-of-the-art World Equestrian Center is the 248 room five-story luxury hotel complete with retail shopping, bakery, spa, unique food and beverage options, and much more. Onsite event venues include four indoor arenas, climate controlled stabling for more than 2,000 horses and 17 outdoor arenas. The beautifully landscaped grounds will enhance the serenity of the onsite chapel, as well as miles of walking and jogging trails all within easy access to the planned 4,000 acre World Equestrian Estates community.
worldequestriancenter.com
Universal Orlando, Orlando
Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster - along with a pack of fierce Velociraptors - has been unleashed at Universal Orlando Resort! This summer, experience the debut of Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Conceptualized and designed by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with acclaimed filmmakers from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, this new species of roller coaster touts a series of intense maneuvers that will send guests catapulting up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.
universalorlando.com
Disney World, Orlando
Epcot’s France pavilion will feature the much-anticipated attraction Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, where guests will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant on a wild adventure. Joining this family-friendly experience in the France pavilion will be a delicious new restaurant, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options and a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
disneyworld.disney.go.com
Busch Gardens, Tampa
The newest addition at Busch Gardens, Iron Gwazi, will be a wood and steel hybrid coaster design, featuring a maximum height of more than 200 feet tall. The ride will feature all-new thrill elements, as well as restored elements of the original Gwazi. Iron Gwazi takes thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206 foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. Riders on Iron Gwazi will experience a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, as they sink their teeth into crocodile-inspired thrills. The tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster in North America opened in spring of this year.
buschgardens.com
Sea World, Orlando
Visit Florida to enjoy the Arctic! Named after the icy Arctic summits, Ice Breaker will feature four airtime filled launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida - a 93 feet tall spike with 100 degree angle. It is the SeaWorld’s first launch coaster.
seaworld.com/orlando
Accommodations and Meeting Spaces
Florida offers some of the most fantastic hotels, resorts, and conference centers in the world - and new additions are opening every year! Whether it’s an all-suite boutique hotel or a lakefront RV resort, you’re going to reach the next level of R&R at these fresh spots.
Streamsong Resort, Bowling Green
Modern, stylish, and meticulous in detail, the Streamsong Lodge and Streamsong Red and Blue Clubhouse are architectural masterpieces featuring 228 spacious guestrooms and suites, all thoughtfully appointed with rich linens, plush furnishings, and modern amenities to help ensure no element of your stay is overlooked. The resort’s famous Streamsong Blueand Streamsong Red courses have just reopened after a re-grassing with a revolutionary new kind of Bermuda grass. Be among some of the first in the world to golf these revamped courses that feature stunning natural scenery and lovely nature trails.
streamsongresort.com
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, Kissimmee
Don’t miss out on this summer treat! LEGOLAND Beach Retreat operates on a limited, seasonal calendar each year, beginning in May. LEGOLAND Beach Retreat features a village-style layout with 83 beach-themed bungalows offering 166 separate rooms, each with whimsical LEGO® décor inside and out. The brightly colored bungalows are grouped into 13 sections, each named after a popular LEGO Minifigure including Shark Suit Guy, Ocean King and Sea Captain. Each centers around an outdoor play area with fun and challenging elements, all within view of the bungalows’ shaded patios, where parents can put their feet up, kick back and relax while kids play.
legoland.com/florida
Hilton Garden Inn, Winter Park
Completed in the fall of 2019, Hilton Garden Inn Winter Park combines the feeling of luxury with affordability that suits every traveler. The hotel’s Garden Grille & Bar prepares you made to order breakfast and dinner, while The Lounge serves handcrafted cocktails. There is 1,680 sq. ft. of event space available, plus plenty of shopping and dining nearby.
hiltongardeninnwinterpark.com
Celeste Hotel
Just opened last year and inspired by the wonders of the universe, the Celeste Hotel is a Tribute Portfolio hotel that reflects the stars. Their goal is to take guests on “a true expedition through time and space, with celestial influence from corner to corner.” Through their specialty decor and furnishings inspired by the wonders of the galaxy, they have crafted a one of a kind hotel stay that enters a new dimension of refined service and first class hospitality. Dine on American cuisine at the hotel restaurant, grab a drink at the bar or a snack at the market, or take some laps in the outdoor pool.
thecelestehotel.com
Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Newly opened in October 2019, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a family vacation paradise! Your family will love the amazing water recreation area, with multiple pools, lazy rivers, slides and splash zones. The spacious family suites offer plenty of room for everyone and come equipped with fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers to make your vacation as easy and convenient as possible. Situated just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort, this Orlando resort boasts an ideal location close to many area attractions. Enjoy a wide range of onsite activities and entertainment.
wyndhambonnetcreek.com
Homestead Tiny House Resort
Create your *mini* home away from home at Homestead Tiny House Resort! The “tiny houses” are available to rent while visiting the Williston area for a week or weekend. There are five separate units, each with a porch and plenty of room to spread out once you are outside. Each tiny house has a brand new interior and bright shiplap walls with tasteful décor. While in the area, the new Sad Donkey Coffee Shop offers an array of drink specials usually found in urban areas. Homemade Danishes and muffins will start your morning off on the right foot.
homesteadtinyhouse.com
Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Conference Center, Brooksville
In case you missed it, this unique meeting location on Florida’s Adventure Coast opened in summer 2020. The 115-acre property sits atop one of the highest elevations in Central Florida and shares the location with the Historic Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, which features a stately manor house built in the 1850s, and now under separate operations. The meeting space includes a 75-person capacity conference room and a 65-seat group dining hall. The onsite cottages can accommodate up to 56 guests.
chinseguthillretreat.com
Reilly Arts Center, Ocala
In October 2020, the Reilly Arts Center broke ground on their 15,590-square foot expansion. The Reilly Arts Center is home to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and is a performing arts hub in Ocala/Marion County. The expansion includes a new black box theater that will be flat floor space flexible for a variety of uses including: concerts: media events, receptions, community events and more. Additionally, the lobby and box
office will be expanded, along with new performing arts teaching facilities. The Reilly Arts Center is located just five blocks from Ocala's Historic Downtown Square in Tuscawilla Park.
reillyartscenter.com
