Orlando is one of America's top vacation spots, packed with endless events and attractions throughout the year. Summer months bring extra magic to the Central Florida area, and the theme parks and natural sites make it a perfect destination for families and adventure seekers alike. This detailed guide will help you find Orlando's best activities, newest attractions, and hidden gems.
#1 Disney's Latest Ride Openings
Summer 2025 brings exciting additions to Disney's parks. Hollywood Studios will debut two new stage shows on May 27. "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After" lets infamous characters like Cruella de Vil and Maleficent tell their side of the story. "The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure" brings Ariel's story to life with stunning sets and advanced effects. Magic Kingdom will light up later in summer with "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away," the park's first nighttime parade in almost 10 years. Test Track at EPCOT will also return with a new look in late summer 2025.
#2 Cool Off at Orlando's Premier Water Parks
Disney's water parks each have their own unique charm. Typhoon Lagoon, which opens its gates on May 1, 2025, creates a tropical paradise with North America's biggest wave pool, which churns out 6-foot waves. Universal's Volcano Bay has changed the game with its TapuTapu wearable technology. This smart wristband lets you skip the usual waiting lines through a Virtual Line system. You just tap at rides, enjoy the park, and wait for your wristband to buzz. Aquatica blends water slides with amazing sealife experiences. During their adventures, guests slide past Commerson's dolphins, leopard sharks, and other sea creatures. The park lets families swim with Cownose stingrays, where they can touch, feed, and watch these gentle creatures up close. Sandy beaches, heart-pumping rides, and close encounters with marine life distinguish Aquatica from other Orlando water parks.
#3 Discover Orlando's Natural Springs and Outdoor Adventures
Wekiwa Springs State Park sits just 35 minutes north of downtown. The azure waters stay at a cool 72 degrees throughout the year. This natural oasis is Orange County's oldest tourist attraction and has an available ramp and chair lift that makes spring entry easier. Rock Springs Run State Reserve lets you float down a natural lazy river in 68-degree waters at Kelly Park. Florida's Wekiva River is one of only two National Wild and Scenic Rivers. You can see untamed wilderness that looks just as it did centuries ago. Blackwater Creek is a hidden gem with dark water that creates perfect reflections of overhead branches. You might spot otters and deer here, but few other visitors. Silver Springs near Ocala features glass-bottom boat tours with fantastic wildlife viewing—you can see monkeys, manatees, alligators, and various bird species in one trip.
#4 Enjoy Orlando's Indoor Attractions to Beat the Heat
The Orlando Science Center brings science to life with exhibits that range from nature to cutting-edge simulation tech. "Top Secret: License to Spy" lets visitors step into a spy's shoes and learn about espionage science. The "Life" exhibit dives into animals, humans and conservation with real animal encounters. "KidsTown" gives little ones aged 0-7 space to splash, climb, and make new discoveries.
WonderWorks blends education and entertainment inside a unique upside-down building on International Drive. This 28,000-square-foot attraction packs more than 100 hands-on exhibits that test your mind and get you thinking. Right nearby, the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park will mess with your mind through 50+ interactive illusions rooted in math, science, and psychology. The museum's mix of optical, photographic, and interactive illusions creates fantastic experiences.
#5 Explore International Drive's Entertainment District
The Orlando Eye dominates ICON Park as a magnificent 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers stunning 360-degree views of Orlando's skyline. Visitors enjoy 20-minute rides in air-conditioned capsules with exceptional views of downtown Orlando and nearby theme parks. The wheel's 64,000 color-changing LEDs light up the night sky with spectacular shows you can see from across the city.
International Drive's culinary scene matches its diverse attractions. You'll find everything from authentic Mexican at Kavas and Uncle Julio's to Mediterranean flavors at Helena Modern Riviera. Cuba Libre Restaurant brings Old Havana's courtyard atmosphere to life. Steak lovers can head to Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse or Charley's Steakhouse, which ranks among America's top ten.
Just three miles from Universal Studios, Orlando International Premium Outlets features over 180 designer and name-brand stores with daily savings of 25%-65%. This shopping haven has popular brands like H&M, Nike, Adidas, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armor.
