Visit Orlando has announced 12 notable additions coming to Orlando in 2012. Being the family-friendly destination it is, of course we must share this list with you!
ATTRACTIONS
1. SeaWorld Orlando’s TurtleTrek. This spring, families visiting SeaWorld will be able to visit two new habitats, and this one features 1,500 saltwater fish and more than a dozen sea turtles. The exhibit will also feature a 3D/360-degree dome theater film showing the underwater journey of a sea turtle.
2. SeaWorld Orlando’s Freshwater Oasis. The second new habitat at SeaWorld offers hundreds of freshwater fish and the gentle giants of Florida: manatees. The tropical rainforest environment also debuts this spring.
3. Universal Studios Florida’s Despicable Me. Launching this spring, thrill-seekers can visit Universal Studios for the new attraction that puts riders in the middle of a high-tech 3D digital adventure with characters from the film.
4. Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Already a popular ride for roller coaster enthusiasts, the attraction has been refurbished to include hi-def visuals, animation and other enhancements to transform the ride.
5. Universal Orlando Resort. The CityWalk portion of the resort is opening two 18-hole miniature courses at Hollywood Drive-In Golf. The courses will incorporate Sci-Fi flicks from the 1950s and will debut in early 2012.
6. Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Doubling in size, Phase 1 of Disney’s Fantastyland opens in early 2012 with new attractions like Storybook Circus, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Enchanted Tales with Belle, and Princess Fairytale Hall.
7. Downtown Disney’s Splitsville. This 31-lane retro bowling alley will open in fall, featuring billiards, dining, dancing and an outdoor patio.
8. Walt Disney World Speedway’s Exotic Driving Experience. This month, Downtown Disney welcomes a new experience for drivers: the opportunity to drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or other supercars.
9. Fun Spot Action Park. The Orlando park will open the first section of its 10-acre expansion this year, including family-friendly racetracks, rides and a water park.
10. LEGOLAND Florida’s Water Park As we’ve already reported earlier this month, the new LEGOLAND theme park’s newest addition debuts in 2012. It will include wave pools, a build-a-raft lazy river, waterslides and a toddler splash area.
ACCOMMODATIONS
11. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. The newest in the Walt Disney World Resort family will open its suites in May and standard rooms in late December. Suites will be designed after popular Disney movies.
SPORTS & RECREATION
12. 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend. Orlando hosts the 61st NBA All-Star Game on February 26, and beginning the 23rd, a number of events will bring basketball fans closer to their favorite players.
Before heading to Orlando, find family-friendly hotels we love in our Orlando Family Hotels.
–Lissa Poirot
