New Orlando attractions opening in 2025 at Universal, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld
Orlando will be home to many new attractions in 2025 as Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando open an assortment of rides, shows, and a highly anticipated brand-new theme park.
Artwork courtesy of Universal
New attractions opening at Universal Orlando in 2025
Universal Orlando will open its new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on May 22, 2025. As such, the resort’s 2025 focus is on opening the attractions at this new park rather than at the existing parks, Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.
At Epic Universe, guests will step into immersive worlds themed to their favorite franchises, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
The portals that allow guests to be transported to these worlds will be found in Celestial Park, the heart of Epic Universe.
Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers is a dual-launch coaster in Celestial Park that will have guests racing at speeds up to 62 mph. This roller coaster reaches a maximum height of 133 feet and features an inversion Universal named the “Celestial Spin.” At night, the coaster trains will be illuminated to resemble shooting comets in the night sky.
Constellation Carousel
Constellation Carousel takes riders on a much calmer ride through the stars than its neighbor, Stardust Racers, by allowing them to ride the constellations themselves. Lions, dragons, and peacocks (oh my!) are all different carriages on this carousel that will lift guests six feet in the air, all while rotating 360 degrees.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World will put you up against Team Bowser on a race through iconic locations throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. This interactive dark ride makes use of augmented reality goggles to allow guests to utilize power-ups and win first place. (Note: A version of this new-to-Orlando attraction is already open in other Universal parks.)
Mine-Cart Madness
Mine-Cart Madness is Super Nintendo World’s thrilling family coaster through the Golden Temple. In this attraction, guests will help Donkey Kong protect the Golden Banana before it ends up in the wrong hands. Riders will appear to jump over gaps in the track, just like the memorable levels from the “Donkey Kong Country” video games. (Note: A version of this new-to-Orlando attraction is already open at Universal Studios Japan.)
Yoshi’s Adventure
On Yoshi’s Adventure, you’ll assist Yoshi and friends on their search for glowing eggs in the Mushroom Kingdom. This is a slow moving, family-friendly attraction on an elevated track above Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe. (Note: A version of this new-to-Orlando attraction is already open at Universal Studios Japan.)
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
The signature attraction of Epic Universe’s Dark Universe is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a thrilling dark ride within the Frankenstein manor. Continuing the work of her ancestors, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein showcases a new experiment to control monsters. This does not go as to plan, as Dracula and other classic Universal Classic Monsters break loose.
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf will be a spinning coaster in Dark Universe, on which riders try to escape from a pack of hungry werewolves. Before your journey, you’ll meet Maleva, leader of the Guild of Mystics. She will warn you of these dangerous creatures, but by the time you ride, it’s already too late.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
When Epic Universe opens on May 22, 2025, visitors can visit Universal Orlando’s third “Harry Potter” area. Upon visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will take the Metro-Floo from 1920s Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s. As riders enter, they’ll see it’s the day Dolores Umbridge is to stand trial. Harry, Ron, and Hermione will join riders as they board a magical lift going through the departments of the Ministry.
‘Le Cirque Arcanus’
“Le Cirque Arcanus” is a live show taking place within the “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” movies. The ringmaster, Skenner, has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase filled with Fantastic Beasts, in an effort to restore the attraction’s former glory. The audience will watch as Gwenlyn, a circus employee, tries to rescue the creatures. This stage show will feature an assortment of live performers, special effects, and puppets.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a roller coaster in Epic Universe’s How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Young Viking Hiccup has invented a flying machine for aspiring dragon riders to experience what it’s like to fly on the back of a dragon. This family-friendly launch coaster will take guests through the Isle of Berk, encountering Hiccup, Toothless, and some surprises along the way.
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Onboard the Dragon Racer’s Rally flat ride, aspiring vikings will train for flying dragons by riding and spinning around on a dragon-riding trainer made by the Vikings on Berk. Riders will twist and turn in the air at all angles, preparing them for whatever their dragon might put them through.
‘The Untrainable Dragon’
“The Untrainable Dragon” is a live stage show with characters from DreamWorks’ “How To Train Your Dragon” films. Toothless, with a 27-foot wingpsan, will soar above the audience in this heartwarming production featuring puppets and live performers.
Fyre Drill
Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut have turned the old “Berk’s Fyre Skööl” into an interactive boat battle! The Isle of Berk is home to fire breathing dragons, so what better way to prepare for putting out fires than soaking targets (and other guests)?
New at Walt Disney World in 2025
‘Zootopia: Better Zoogether!’
Opening in winter 2025 is “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” a new 3D show inside the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This new show will highlight the different biomes in Zootopia. Although Disney has not announced a closure for “It’s Tough to be a Bug” yet, this new show will be open by the end of the year.
Test Track reimagining
Test Track will reopen in late summer 2025 at Epcot; the popular Orlando thrill ride has been closed since summer 2024. While not much is known about the changes to the attraction just yet, Imagineers are using the World of Motion, the attraction’s predecessor, as inspiration for the new version of Test Track.
‘The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure’
Debuting summer 2025 is a reimagining of “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” a long-running show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is a live stage show that tells the story of Ariel. Originally set to open in fall 2024, the show will now open this summer.
‘Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After’
Opening summer 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” Disney has stated the show will take place within “mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror,” showcasing a variety of Villains from different Disney films.
‘Disney Starlight’ nighttime parade
A new nighttime parade is set to debut in summer 2025 at Magic Kingdom, the Orlando park’s first such production in nearly a decade. “Disney Starlight” will feature characters from “Pinocchio,“ “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Encanto,” and more.
Pirates-themed lounge
A new lounge will open in late 2025 near the exit of Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom.
New SeaWorld Orlando attraction for 2025
In 2025, SeaWorld Orlando will open a new attraction described as an “Arctic flying theater.” This new attraction does not have a name or opening date yet, but SeaWorld has stated the ride will take guests over rarely seen habitats.
2025 will be an eventful year for new attractions in Orlando, Fla. Which new experiences are you most looking forward to this year?
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