What's New in 2023?

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A new year means more exciting adventures are coming to Kissimmee and Central Florida. Kissimmee is ready to welcome returning and first-time visitors to the destination in 2023. From exhilarating expansions to new delicious restaurants to try, here’s what visitors can expect in Kissimmee next year.

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Orlando International Airport (MCO) opens new Terminal C to the most visited destination in the country

Terminal C, MCO’s newest international terminal, encompasses 300 acres and adds 15 gates capable of accommodating up to 20 aircraft and includes informational video displays in the ticket halls, concession hub and gate areas plus interactive, immersive multimedia features that will provide high-definition visual entertainment. Designed for certification as one of the first LEED v4 airport campuses, Terminal C reflects Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) longstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

NeoCity Now Growing as High-Tech Hub in Osceola County

NeoCity is poised to become the most significant and comprehensive global center for smart sensor, photonics, and nano-technology research and development. The 482.5 acres of site area will become the center point for technology development in the state of Florida. NeoCity will catalyze job creation and talent development in Osceola County that will have regional, national, and international implications. Lead flagship companies include BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in digital, RF, and photonics silicon interposer technology development coupled with advanced packaging capabilities, and imec, the leading research hub for advanced CMOS scaling.

Orlando Magic Unveil Latest Iteration of Nike NBA City Edition Uniform Representing a Kingdom on the Rise

To recognize and honor the Orlando Magic and the City of Orlando as a unique kingdom on the rise, the latest iteration of the Magic's Nike NBA City Edition uniform has been unveiled for the 2022-23 season. The all-black uniform features a subtle metallic gray accent evoking a suit of armor to display strength and fortitude. The armor is representative of the Magic players battling on the court, fighting to protect its kingdom along with the pride and resiliency of the City of Orlando and its fans.

Attractions

Universal Orlando’s First-ever Escape Room Experience – Universal’s Great Movie Escape - is now open at Universal CityWalk

Created by the same masterminds behind some of the destination’s most exciting and innovative entertainment, Universal’s Great Movie Escape is comprised of two distinct, cinematic escape adventures inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic Jurassic World and Back to the Future films – each boasting eight immersive environments that feature state-of-the-art challenges, detailed sets and captivating storylines that allow guests to step into blockbuster films like never before.

SeaWorld Orlando Announces First-Of-Its-Kind Roller Coaster, “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster”, to Open in 2023

SeaWorld Orlando is excited to announce the opening of the theme park’s NEWEST roller coaster, “Pipeline: The Surf Coaster”, in the Spring of 2023. This attraction is the world’s first “Surf Coaster”. Riders will feel the power of the ocean in a whole new way, making “Pipeline” every thrill-seeker’s newest obsession.

Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to dance and get loud with new street show “¡Vamos! – Báilalo”

Guests can now enjoy a brand-new street show at Universal Studios Florida. A high-energy Latin dance experience with a classic look and modern musical flair, “¡Vamos! – Báilalo” transforms the New York area of the theme park into a vibrant atmosphere filled with Latin flavor as a dozen dancers take to the streets for an energetic 12-minute performance – inviting guests to let loose, get loud and dance along to the irresistible beats of the music.

Flurries of Frozen Fun Await Guests at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Reopening

It’s a ski-riffic time at Walt Disney World Resort as Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park where new Frozen features will be part of the kid-sized thrills of Tike’s Peak. Young guests will delight in the statuettes of Olaf and his “Snowgie” pals in the warm wading pool, as well as Anna and Elsa’s igloo castle.

Legoland® Florida Pirate River Quest to Open January 12

On this all-new attraction, captain-driven boats navigate the natural passageways of Lake Eloise and the historic Cypress Gardens. The quest to uncover the lost treasure of Captain Redbeard of this familyfriendly boat ride unfolds brick by brick with a variety of exciting sequences that tell the tale of a rowdy LEGO® pirate crew, a troop of mischievous monkeys and even a fearsome kraken.

ICON Park to launch new experience on The Orlando Eye: The Great Florida Road Trip

An exciting family gaming attraction is coming to The Orlando Eye at ICON Park. Set to launch in January 2023, “The Great Florida Road Trip, A Classic Vacation and Photo Travelogue with the Flamingo Family” will take visitors on a nostalgic holiday through midcentury Florida – before the era of sprawling theme parks and resorts. Part game, part educational opportunity, this experience will put the spotlight on Florida’s legacy as an entertainment and tourist destination. Guests will be taken on a journey that highlights the historic locations that have beckoned visitors for decades.

Orlando’s Beer Spa, the first beer spa on the East Coast, is NOW OPEN!

The only traditional European Beer Spa in the entire U.S. is open for business! For those unfamiliar with our concept, we are a fun, unconventional spa, centered around beer. We offer private rooms with soaking thermal tubs featuring our signature Beer Soaking Treatment; a foamy, moisturizing hop infusion made with beer ingredients. Most importantly, our rooms also include a self-serve beer tower with complimentary LOCAL beers from Central Florida.

Max Action Arena now open at ICON Park

Max Action Arena is the place for high-intensity, engaging fun. The 8,000-square-foot entertainment center features a variety of experiences including Zero Latency Extreme Virtual Reality, Adventure Rooms, Axe Throwing and an Escape Room.

Food and Beverage Offerings

Dezerland Action Park Orlando introduces new food hall concept

The expansive food hall at Dezerland Action Park is bringing in a full menu of new concepts to delight visitors. At Pizza Pie, each pizza is created fresh with the guest’s choice of toppings. Amigo Burrito draws in adventurous eaters with the option to create their own burrito or bowl and enjoy Latin favorites like yucca fries, empanadas and churros. Guests can stop by French Café for fresh baguette sandwiches, hand-crafted coffee drinks and delicate pastries.

Discovery Cove® Expands All-Inclusive Dining Options with New Hibiscus Hideaway and Blue Bamboo Bar

Discovery Cove® will be expanding its all-inclusive dining options with the addition of the Blue Bamboo Bar and Hibiscus Hideaway, two new food and beverage venues now open at the one-of-a-kind day resort in Orlando. In addition to buffet-style breakfast and gourmet lunch at the resort’s Laguna Grill, and endless snacks and drinks throughout the park, guests can now stop by the Blue Bamboo Bar and Hibiscus Hideaway to feed the fun with flatbread pizza, as well as multiple tasty snack and dessert options – all included with each admission.

Portillo’s is coming to Kissimmee

Portillo’s is bun-believably excited to expand in the Orlando area later this year with a new restaurant opening in Kissimmee. Located on US 192, the garage-theme restaurant is just a short drive from Walt Disney World Resort. We can’t wait celebrate with fans in and around Kissimmee!

Celebration Brewery opening Winter 2022

Celebration Brewing is a family-owned brewery, taproom, and brewpub located in beautiful Celebration, Florida. They focus on using only the best ingredients and delivering the utmost quality to their customers. They’re driven by their core values: delivering quality flavors, honoring their customers and celebrating the culture of beer.

Donut Experiment opening soon!

The Donut Experiment is a family-owned local donut shop that specializes in fresh made to order donuts as well as some other great compliments such as fresh coffee, espresso, and ice cream! Watch the process as they make your donuts fresh. Choose to add your icing of choice, fresh toppings, or even a drizzle of sauce.

Cowboy Chicken firing up soon at Promenade at Sunset Walk!

Cowboy Chicken, the fast-casual brand known for its wood-fired rotisserie chicken and handmade side dishes, debuts in the Sunshine State with the first location at Promenade at Sunset Walk. Their menu features bold, simple, and natural food including all-natural chicken cooked over an open flame and a variety of homestyle sides. Since 1981, Cowboy Chicken has excelled in serving fresh ingredients while treating guests like family and employees like partners. The welcoming, authentic experience, with food as honest as a handshake, has kept guests coming back for more.

It’s Almost Time to Get the Party Started at Fat Tuesday at Old Town Kissimmee!

Fat Tuesday traces back to Bourbon Street, New Orleans in 1984 —an all-time party street in one of the world-famous towns synonymous with good times, and it is coming to Old Town Kissimmee. Their recipe has remained the same over the years: serving up the best drinks and starting the best party in town.

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About Experience Kissimmee:

Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. Located 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee offers a perfectly balanced vacation experience with world-famous theme parks and attractions, outdoor activities, and plenty of Florida sunshine. Kissimmee is the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, with options ranging from two-bedroom condos to 15-bedroom mansions. Get inspired at experiencekissimmee.com.

Media Contact:

Experience Kissimmee Communications Department

[email protected]