Kellie Abrahamson
There’s nothing more road trip-worthy than Florida’s theme parks, and this summer is a great time to brave the crowds and the heat. This year all of the major theme parks in the state have either already unveiled new attractions or will have something new to share in the coming months. Here’s a look at the five new additions we’re most excited about:
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For over 40 years the Star Wars franchise has been a global phenomenon, keeping generations of fans transfixed on amazing adventures that happened “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” For the first time, those same fans will have a chance to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes in person at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a highly immersive new area opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29th. Guests are transported to the remote planet of Batuu where they can explore the Black Spire Outpost, home to fascinating restaurants, merchant shops and inhabitants from all walks of life–humanoid, alien and droid. In addition to samping alien eats and picking up a galactic souvenir or two, guests can take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy on the new ride Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This land is a must-see for Star Wars fans and an epic way to end the summer.
The Lego Movie World at Legoland Florida Resort
This past Spring Legoland Florida unveiled its biggest expansion to date: The Lego Movie World. This new themed area lets guests go from the theater to the theme park with three new rides and numerous attractions inspired by The Lego Movie and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. In addition to exploring this new world, visitors who come to the park on weekends from July 13th to August 4th will get to celebrate The Lego Movie Days, a new event which includes out-of-this-world character experiences with the stars of the films, interactive photo opportunities, exclusive building activities and specially-themed dining offerings.
Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando
In March, childhood’s most iconic neighborhood was brought to life at SeaWorld Orlando. Sesame Street is a six-acre attraction that lets you rub elbows with your favorite furry friends, explore Hooper’s Store, ring Bert and Ernie’s doorbell, peek in Elmo’s window, and take a ride in Big Bird’s nest. This new addition will be a hit with anyone who grew up watching Sesame Street, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year.
Tigris at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay upped the coaster ante with their newest coaster, Tigris. With more than 1,800 feet of steel track and a 150-foot rush, Tigris features an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, all at more than 60 miles per hour. This beast is Florida’s tallest launch coaster and should be high on any adrenaline junkie’s to-do list.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort
And now for something completely different. Thrill rides and immersive lands are super fun, but it sure is nice to get away from the bustling crowds and catch some z’s in a comfy room after a day in the parks. Enter Universal’s newest value hotels, the Endless Summer Resort. Comprised of two hotels, the Surfside Inn & Suites opened on June 27th and the Dockside Inn & Suites opening next year, the Endless Summer Resort perfectly embodies a laid-back beachy lifestyle from the moment you enter the lobby.
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