If you think you know Orlando, you may want to think again. The theme park capital of the world is opening a host of new attractions and hotels in 2024.
There’s a plethora of fresh theme park fun to be had including The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a fully reimagined theatrical production set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theatre in the autumn of 2024.
Adding to the enchantment is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park. This musical adventure, also set to premiere in late 2024.
We’re particularly excited for DreamWorks Land, opening late 2024, in Universal Studios Florida. The attraction features themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring characters from popular movies like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda to life. It’s an immersive experience that’s certain to delight fans of all ages.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, Aquatica Orlando introduces Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a waterslide taking guests on a journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando debuts Penguin Trek, an indoor/outdoor launch coaster that whisks families through snowmobile-inspired cars, culminating in a visit to the park’s penguin habitat.
We’re particularly excited for DreamWorks Land, opening late 2024, in Universal Studios Florida…
As Orlando continues to redefine the tourism landscape, the city is also introducing luxurious accommodations to elevate the visitor experience. The Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel in the historic Winter Park district, recently completed a lavish renovation, adding 71 guestrooms, a chic café, and a spa.
Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando’s first beach-like property, opened on January 1, boasting an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon and a 20-acre sandy beach with hammocks, cabanas, and recreational activities. With the world’s first touchless sunscreen application system, Evermore is designed for large groups and families, offering a range of 2- to 11-bedroom vacation homes.
Conrad Orlando, the city’s first Hilton luxury brand, is another January opening, featuring 433 rooms, a spa, diverse dining options, and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space.
Nestled within Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, a two-story boathouse, and Evermore Bay’s crystal lagoon and sandy beaches.
Aloft Orlando Lake Nona, also opening this month, positions itself as the closest hotel to the world-class USTA National Campus and Drive Shack golf range. With 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports-themed restaurant, and a 10,000 sq. ft. event centre, the vibrant hotel promises a unique and eclectic experience.
Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, offers private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities. The phased opening began in late 2023, featuring an adventure waterpark, fully equipped fitness centre, full-service restaurant, and children’s playgrounds.
Upon completion in 2025, the resort will comprise 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando is also ushering in a new era of sophistication with a multi-phase floor-to-ceiling transformation. The redesign emphasises the resort’s unique position within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve, providing guests with a perfect sanctuary for nature and tranquillity.
And remember, Orlando’s culinary and nightlife scene is undergoing a renaissance, with new concepts from Michelin-recognized chefs and celebrity chefs from Food Network and Top Chef.
From champagne bars to sober speakeasies and omakases to arcade bars, the city’s offerings continue to diversify, providing an all new feast for the senses.
Landscape Artist of the Year returns to Sky for its 11th series on January 14. Hosted once again by Stephen Mangan, Sky Arts’ long-running competition, mixes artistic endeavour with leisurely location-hopping, as a fresh cohort of painters attempt to capture some of Britain’s most recognisable vistas. This year also brings a new face to the…
Numarine has released fresh details of its new 40MXP, a 40-metre superyacht designed to bring a little Mediterranean luxury to the long-range explorer category. Multiple builds are underway, with two deliveries scheduled for 2026. The name says a lot: MXP stands for Mediterranean Explorer, signalling a shift toward open-air living and sociable deck spaces, while…
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a new partnership with Knightsbridge Circle, the invitation-only concierge service known for unlocking rarefied experiences for a global, high-net-worth clientele. The collaboration will give guests staying in the line’s most exclusive suites complimentary access to a Personal Manager from Knightsbridge Circle, smoothing out the parts of a journey that…
The Luxe Review 
If you think you know Orlando, you may want to think again. The theme park capital of the world is opening a host of new attractions and hotels in 2024.
There’s a plethora of fresh theme park fun to be had including The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, a fully reimagined theatrical production set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theatre in the autumn of 2024.
Adding to the enchantment is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park. This musical adventure, also set to premiere in late 2024.
We’re particularly excited for DreamWorks Land, opening late 2024, in Universal Studios Florida. The attraction features themed, interactive play spaces and attractions that bring characters from popular movies like Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda to life. It’s an immersive experience that’s certain to delight fans of all ages.
For those seeking aquatic thrills, Aquatica Orlando introduces Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a waterslide taking guests on a journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando debuts Penguin Trek, an indoor/outdoor launch coaster that whisks families through snowmobile-inspired cars, culminating in a visit to the park’s penguin habitat.
As Orlando continues to redefine the tourism landscape, the city is also introducing luxurious accommodations to elevate the visitor experience. The Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel in the historic Winter Park district, recently completed a lavish renovation, adding 71 guestrooms, a chic café, and a spa.
Evermore Orlando Resort, Orlando’s first beach-like property, opened on January 1, boasting an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon and a 20-acre sandy beach with hammocks, cabanas, and recreational activities. With the world’s first touchless sunscreen application system, Evermore is designed for large groups and families, offering a range of 2- to 11-bedroom vacation homes.
Conrad Orlando, the city’s first Hilton luxury brand, is another January opening, featuring 433 rooms, a spa, diverse dining options, and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space.
Nestled within Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, a two-story boathouse, and Evermore Bay’s crystal lagoon and sandy beaches.
Aloft Orlando Lake Nona, also opening this month, positions itself as the closest hotel to the world-class USTA National Campus and Drive Shack golf range. With 205 loft-style guestrooms, 15 suites, wellness facilities, a sports-themed restaurant, and a 10,000 sq. ft. event centre, the vibrant hotel promises a unique and eclectic experience.
Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, offers private villa rentals with hotel-style standards and amenities. The phased opening began in late 2023, featuring an adventure waterpark, fully equipped fitness centre, full-service restaurant, and children’s playgrounds.
Upon completion in 2025, the resort will comprise 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando is also ushering in a new era of sophistication with a multi-phase floor-to-ceiling transformation. The redesign emphasises the resort’s unique position within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve, providing guests with a perfect sanctuary for nature and tranquillity.
And remember, Orlando’s culinary and nightlife scene is undergoing a renaissance, with new concepts from Michelin-recognized chefs and celebrity chefs from Food Network and Top Chef.
From champagne bars to sober speakeasies and omakases to arcade bars, the city’s offerings continue to diversify, providing an all new feast for the senses.
Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2026: scenic Season 11 locations revealed
Landscape Artist of the Year returns to Sky for its 11th series on January 14. Hosted once again by Stephen Mangan, Sky Arts’ long-running competition, mixes artistic endeavour with leisurely location-hopping, as a fresh cohort of painters attempt to capture some of Britain’s most recognisable vistas. This year also brings a new face to the…
First look: Numarine 40MXP superyacht gives Explorer series a Mediterranean makeover
Numarine has released fresh details of its new 40MXP, a 40-metre superyacht designed to bring a little Mediterranean luxury to the long-range explorer category. Multiple builds are underway, with two deliveries scheduled for 2026. The name says a lot: MXP stands for Mediterranean Explorer, signalling a shift toward open-air living and sociable deck spaces, while…
Elevated cruising on the menu as Regent Seven Seas partners with Knightsbridge Circle
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced a new partnership with Knightsbridge Circle, the invitation-only concierge service known for unlocking rarefied experiences for a global, high-net-worth clientele. The collaboration will give guests staying in the line’s most exclusive suites complimentary access to a Personal Manager from Knightsbridge Circle, smoothing out the parts of a journey that…
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