With 2018 about to end, we like to do an overview of all the new openings at the theme parks in Orlando. This year, it’s been relativity quiet. That’s because many of the parks are constructing big projects that are scheduled to open in 2019 and 2020.
However, even though 2018 might not have given theme park lovers a ton of new things to explore, there were still plenty of great new attractions that opened up this past year. With the end of another year around the corner, let’s look back at the new attractions that opened in the theme parks around Orlando in 2018.
Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios
Certainly, the biggest opening of the year had to be the newest land in Hollywood Studios dedicated to Andy’s favorite toys. Toy Story Land opened in the summer with three brand new rides along with a ton of new character meet and greets, and a few new dining options too.
Explorers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure at Animal Kingdom
This new attraction gives guests the opportunity to find new species of birds from around the world. They’ll even get help from Russel and Dug from UP!.
Fast & Furious- Supercharged at Universal Orlando.
In this new thrill ride explore the headquarters of Dom Toretto’s underground racing world. Based on the popular film franchise Fast & Furious, this attraction will put guests in the middle of the action of high-speed car chases and street racing.
Infinity Falls at Sea World Orlando
This year Sea World Orlando added a new raft style attraction that takes riders through the remains of an ancient civilization. The riders will pass by fountains, through waterfalls getting soaked and a giant plunge at the end will be sure to thrill.
Ray Rush at SeaWorld’s Aquatica
Riders will be propelled by water jets, swirled around in a translucent sphere, and drop into an open-air halfpipe on this new raft ride in Sea World’s waterpark Aquatica.
Upcoming Openings at Orlando Theme Parks 2019 and 2020
Now, let’s take a look forward to what we can get excited about in the next two years at the theme parks. There are going to be some really big openings as the parks expand.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Wonderful World of Animation– This new nighttime show will showcase Disney animation throughout the years. Opening 5/1/2019
Star Wars- Galaxy’s Edge– This highly anticipated land will take guest to another planet in the Star Wars universe and will feature 2 new attractions. Opening Late Fall 2019.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run– Ride as a flight crew on the Millennium Falcon. Opening Late Fall 2019.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance– Guests are taken hostage with a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Opening Late Fall 2019.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway– This will take guests on a wacky adventure of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short. Opening 2019.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy– This new show will feature animatronic cars of your favorite characters. Opening Early 2019.
Epcot
Epcot Forever– Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is ending in 2019 and this show highlighting Epcot’s past and present will replace it in 2020.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure– Guests will shrink to Remy’s size and scurry to safety while inside Gusteau’s legendary Parisian restaurant with this new 4D ride.
Universal Studios
New Wizarding World Thrill Ride– This will be a new thrill ride in the spot where the Dragon’s Challenge was located. This new attraction located in Hogsmeade will more fully immerse guests into the Wizarding World. Opening 2019.
Legoland Florida Resort
The Lego Movie World– A new Lego Movie boat ride will replace the quest for Chi and join two brand new attractions in the new world. There will also be character meet-and-greets and fun new playscapes. Opening Spring 2019.
The Lego Movie: Masters of Flight– Take a ride on a double-decker flying couch on a virtual adventure through Bricksburg. Opening Spring 2019.
Unikitty’s Disco Drop– The children’s tower rider will lift riders up to the top of Cloud Cuckoo Land and then back down. Opening Spring 2019.
Battle of Bricksburg– Stop aliens from stealing Legos in this interactive water ride. Opening Spring 2019.
Sea World Orlando
Sesame Street– The iconic street will come alive with all your neighborhood favorites. A new parade and character meet and greets, and plenty of new rides will give guests plenty to enjoy. Opening 2019.
Abby’s Flower Tower– Spin around high above the ground in your own flower pot while you get a beautiful view of Sesame Street. Opening 2019.
Big Bird’s Twirl n’ Whirl– This tea cup style ride will have you spinning in your very own nest. Opening 2019.
Cookie Drop– This vertical drop ride is fun for the whole family. Opening 2019.
Elmo’s Choo Choo Train– Help Elmo find some of his favorite things in nature on this fun train ride. Opening 2019.
Slimey’s Slider– Take a trip through Oscar the Grouch’s treasured compost collection on this fun ride. Opening 2019.
Super Grover’s Box Car Derby– A family friendly coaster that will feel like an action packed box car race. Opening 2019.
These theme park openings are only a fraction of what there is to look forward to in Orlando in the coming years. There are tons of new restaurants, entertainment, and shopping options slated to open in 2019 and 2020 too. With all the investment being poured into the Orlando tourist area, next year might be the perfect time to make an investment yourself.
If you are ready to make 2019 the year you invest in Orlando vacation real estate, we want to help you make that goal a reality. Contact Milena@vivaorlando.com to get started today. We’re here to help your investment grow!