‘Unforgettable new experiences’: Orlando just became your summer 2022 vacation spot

The summer is just months away, and that means it’s time to start planning for that next big vacation. While there are countless U.S. destinations vying for a spot on your calendar, one top travel destination sticks out among the rest — Orlando, Florida. And with 10 new attractions to visit, the Sunshine State’s top vacation spot just got even better.

“Orlando is ready to welcome summer travelers with unforgettable new experiences,” Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando, said in a press release. “Whether you’re a theme park expert or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover in Orlando with a variety of new hotels, unique restaurants and one-of-a-kind attractions to explore and create new vacation memories.”

Here are 10 new Orlando attractions perfect for first-timers and return visitors alike.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

On May 27, EPCOT will open its first ever “other-world” pavilion to the public. The Guardians of the Galaxy themed showcase will include a new storytelling rollercoaster that rotates 360 degrees and will feature the first ever launch on a Disney coaster.

EPCOT is a theme park located at 200 Epcot Center Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Fl. 32830 within the Walk Disney World Resort.

Ice Breaker

SeaWorld is also getting its first launch coaster. The Ice Breaker launches riders backwards and forwards, sending them soaring up a 93-foot-tall climb with the steepest vertical drop in all of Florida.

SeaWorld Orlando is located at 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, Fl. 32821.

Reef Plunge

Aquatica Orlando’s latest waterslide, Reef Plunge, features translucent cutouts across 330 feet of fiberglass, revealing an array of marine life that includes dolphins, sharks and more.

Owned and operated by SeaWorld, this water park is located at 5800 Water Play Way Orlando, Fl. 32821.

PopStroke

Created in partnership with Tiger Woods, PopStroke is a gold entertainment venue that will offer pizzas and a menu full of other items from its indoor-outdoor dining room, which overlooks two different 18-hole miniature golf courses.

Set to open in May, the venue can be found at the Waterford Lakes Town Center in Orlando.

The BANDBOX

The first alcohol-free speakeasy cocktail lounge in central Florida, the Bandbox is nestled in one of Orlando’s local neighborhoods. Part lounge and part vintage shop, the Bandbox is set to open this summer at Ivanhoe Village in downtown Orlando.

Immersion at London House

Chef Rikku Ó'Donnchü's latest boutique restaurant Immersion at London House has a tasting menu-only concept that provides an experience centered around science, climate change, sustainable farming and zero waste.

The sensorial experience can be found at 8000 Via Dellagio Way Orlando, Fl. 32819.

New York Beer Project

Resembling an indoor beer garden, this gastropub and sidewalk bistro has up to 20 craft beers on tap. The New York Beer Project opens this summer in Orlando’s Winter Garden.

Knife Burger

“Top Chef” contestant Chef John Tesar is bringing Knife Burger to Orlando. With an expanded menu, the poolside restaurant will feature burgers, seafood and salads.

The expansion can be found at the JW Marriott in Orlando.

ette Hotel Orlando

A Tuscan-inspired 126-room hotel, ette Orlando is set to open in June. Located nearby, this hotel is a great place for Disney World vacationers to hang their hats at the end of the day. The alcohol free property is great for families and features culinary experiences in partnership with Michelin Star Chef Akira Back.

AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando

If you are looking for somewhere to stay with signature cocktail service, then AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista is the up and coming hotel to visit. Set to open in June 2022, it will feature a state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center and chef-tailored dining.