Visit Orlando Destination Update : Reopenings, What’s New, Events And Safety
August 18, 2020
What’s New?
Summer in Orlando typically means new openings and additions, and you may be surprised to know that it holds true this summer also:
- SeaWorld Orlando’s new nighttime event, Electric Ocean Remix, is the only current theme park fireworks show.
- On the doorstep of Disney World, the new JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa opened July 1 with a focus on well-being and relaxation, including a 10,000-square-foot luxury Spa by JW, plus family-friendly suites and a kids’ conservatory.
- The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- The Bourne Stuntacular, based on the popular films, opened at Universal Studios Florida.
- New restaurants throughout the region range from a new pour house for “beer geeks” at Disney Springs, to Blake Shelton’s new restaurant on International Drive, to a high-end steakhouse in the quaint tree-lined Winter Park area.
Drive-in Fun
Social distancing has taken on an extra layer of fun at several Central Florida attractions, where you can take it all in from the comfort of your own vehicle:
- SeaWorld Orlando’s Flicks and Fireworks runs Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept 6. For $50 per vehicle, guests can enjoy a park-and-view drive-in movie with locally sourced food trucks and a fireworks finale.
- Outdoor lovers can experience the thrill of a safari right in Central Florida at Wild Florida‘s Drive-thru Safari Park, with more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely across 85 acres of untouched scenic landscape.
- The free Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive open Fridays – Sundays with an audio tour option that highlights 11 points of interest. Spot alligators, bobcats, otters, bears, coyotes and one of the most abundant bird populations in Florida.
Orlando Bands Together For Safety Compliance
Home to some of the most trusted tourism brands in the world, Orlando takes safety extremely seriously. The community has united with a multi-county, regional campaign, “Safer, Stronger,Together,” for local businesses, residents and visitors to all do their part with masks and social distancing. Everyone over the age of 2 must wear a mask while in a public space, and supportive messaging has been donated across all local TV stations, radio, outdoor billboards, digital highway signs, the airport, and even a 60-foot decorated public bus that travels from downtown to International Drive. Additionally, free masks and hand sanitizer have been given to local businesses and strike teams regularly go into the community to ensure compliance.
Foodie Festivals
No one does food festivals like Orlando, and our famous theme parks have stepped up to the plate by offering new events and fan favorites – taking into account new social distancing guidelines to ensure visitors have fun while staying safe.
- Walt Disney World Resort’s Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival blends elements from the park’s flower and garden events with the food and wine festival and is the longest festival in Walt Disney World history. This event runs now through the fall. New safety features include a digital Festival Guidebook listing the more than 20 festivalexclusive marketplaces and fun family activities.
- SeaWorld’s Craft Beer Festival features samples of more than 100 crafts brews, including a mix of domestic, international and local Florida favorites alongside more than 20 food items expertly paired to match your preferred brew. Enhanced safety procedures include food and beverage locations spaced throughout the park, modified food and beverage serving procedures, expanded areas of seating and touchless transactions.