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Universal Orlando

What’s New & Exciting in Orlando in 2025

Posted by: Hotel Landy on January 23, 2025
The excitement level is especially high this year, with a brand new Universal theme park, a calendar of annual events, and new stage shows debuting soon.

What makes Orlando such a magical vacation destination? A huge part is its ever-changing variety of attractions. There’s always something new happening in the City Beautiful, and of course, 2025 will be no different. Orlando is already jam-packed with experiences, from our phenomenal theme parks, to lively events, and a practically endless list of entertainment options

The excitement level is especially high this year, with a brand new Universal theme park, a calendar of annual events, and new stage shows debuting soon. Now is the perfect time to plant your visit and be among the first to witness all the magic firsthand. 

Here are some of the new attractions and events we’re most looking forward to in 2025.

A Whole New Adventure: Universal Epic Universe

The Theme Park Capital of the World is about to get even better, and you can enjoy it all from our incredible location on Universal Blvd. On May 22, 2025, Universal Epic Universe will add five immersive worlds to the already-amazing Universal Orlando. First announced in 2019, this park has been over five years in the making, and we’re sure it will be worth the wait.

Universal Epic Universe adds five spectacular portals to adventure:

  • Celestial Park will let you take a trip around the cosmos on Stardust Racers, a thrill ride that’s bound to be a fan favorite. 
  • You can embark on a “dragon-sized” experience at How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Enjoy live shows, thrill rides, and delightful dining, all inspired by the beloved movie franchise. 
  • Transport yourself to a magical representation of 1920s Paris at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, which is ready to welcome both wizards and Muggles for fantastic fun. 
  • Looking for something a little spookier? Enter the Dark Universe, a world of myth, mystery, and legendary movie monsters. 
  • Finally, immerse yourself in the land of Mario, Luigi, and friends at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Race on a real-life version of Mario Kart and enjoy thrilling rides and interactive fun from classic video games.

While this park is all-new in 2025, it’s sure to be a massive hit for many years to come. As an official Universal Orlando Resort Partner, Hotel Landy is your perfect home base to enjoy it!

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Returning Annual Events

Orlando’s annual events continue to raise the bar every year. Our fantastic weather allows for a wealth of outdoor experiences, from vibrant festivals featuring stunning gardens to pride-filled parades and vendors offering delicious food and drinks. Here are some of the highlights you can look forward to in 2025.

Revel in a Mardi Gras to Remember 

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando isn’t limited to one Tuesday in March. It’s a celebration that lasts two months. From February 1 to March 30, Universal Studios will become home to New Orleans and Carnival traditions, featuring both local and international flavors.

Enjoy the lively Mardi Gras parade with fantastical floats and performers. Savor authentic Cajun specialties and sweet and spicy dishes from around the globe. Get your toes tapping with live performances throughout the festival from a huge variety of musical guests, including T-Pain, Kool & the Gang, and Foster the People. 

Take Some Time to Smell the Flowers

Nothing says springtime quite like blooming flowers and sunny days spent in the garden. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival turns the magic of the season into a celebration and blooms magically from March 5 to June 2. 

Enjoy unforgettable displays and topiary sculptures. Rock out to live music at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Wander outdoor kitchens featuring creative cuisine and flavors fresh from the garden. Witness beautiful butterfly species at Butterfly Landing and embark on family-friendly scavenger hunts featuring decorative eggs resembling adorable bunnies.

Sample Flavors from Around the Globe

Take a culinary adventure spanning six continents — all right here in Orlando. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival promises a globally inspired culinary event combined with live music and interactive fun. Wander among festival-exclusive kiosks offering delectable dishes and specialty sips. Good food combines with great grooves at the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which showcases live music from a diverse range of performers. The festival dates for 2025 will be announced in the spring, so keep an eye out. 

Get Spooky for Halloween

The biggest fright fest of the year is coming back in the fall of 2025. The award-winning Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando always delivers haunted houses, scare zones, spooky food, and outrageous live entertainment. And it’ll all be back on the menu this fall. As Universal Orlando proudly reminds us: “You never feel more alive than when you’re scared to death!” Plus, when you attend Halloween Horror Nights, you’ll have access to all of the theme park’s regular programming and rides. If you’ve been planning a Universal trip, why not combine it with one of the highlights of the season? 

Party with Pride

Get ready to shine at Come Out With Pride Orlando. This massive annual celebration, held every October, is a vibrant gathering of LGBTQIA+ joy and unity. Expect a welcoming parade, a thrilling festival bursting with entertainment, and diverse vendors and community organizations ready to connect. Come Out With Pride Orlando is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the entire Southeast, drawing over 230,000 attendees last year. 

Dance Away at the Electric Daisy Carnival

Get ready to dance into the fall with the return of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). Held from November 7–9 at Tinker Field, dive into pulsating beats and electrifying energy as the night transforms into an electronic dance music (EDM) wonderland. This annual festival is a sensory overload of music, lights, and art, featuring world-class DJs and dazzling visuals. From carnival rides to immersive stages, EDC is a kaleidoscope of sound and color, creating an unforgettable event for music lovers. 

New Live Performances

Blue Man Group Returns to Orlando

Feeling blue? We’ve got just the solution! Renowned comedy performers, The Blue Man Group are returning to Orlando in 2025. After a successful run at Universal Orlando from 2007 to 2020, the world-famous group will perform in a smaller theater at ICON Park, promising classic routines and all-new material. Their more intimate venue in the heart of the city has a seating capacity of 578, which will allow for more audience interaction. Don’t miss your chance to witness these weird and wonderful performers in person.

New Fan-Favorite Disney Character Shows

Get ready for a summer of spectacular debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two exciting new productions are coming to the Animation Courtyard, and they’re sure to be a hit for fans of classic Disney characters.

First up, take a trip “under the sea” for “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”, a live production that reimagines the Disney classic. Expect dazzling sets, jaw-dropping special effects, and a fresh perspective on this beloved fairy tale. For fans of more sinister characters, “Villains: Unfairly Ever After” is set to debut, bringing together top Disney villains for a hilarious and visually stunning performance. Your favorite bad guys and gals will all be there to cheer on (or cheer against).

These two shows are going to be must-sees for any Disney World visitors this summer, so don’t miss your chance to be among the first to enjoy them.

Make 2025 Memorable at Hotel Landy

Ready to enjoy all the excitement Orlando will offer in 2025? Explore our rooms and suites and start planning your getaway. And don’t forget to take a look at our special offers to make your trip even easier.

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