26 New Orlando Adventures to Experience in 2026

Orlando is always evolving, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet. From brand-new attractions and headline-making events to fresh dining spots and major theme park updates, there’s something new around every corner. If you’re staying at Vista Cay Resort, you’ll be right in the heart of it all. You’ll be minutes from International Drive, theme parks, shopping, and entertainment. Here’s a look at what’s new and upcoming in Orlando in 2026.

 

Sports, Music & Major Events

 

 
Photo courtesy of the UFL

 

There are exciting new sporting events and festivals to look forward to:

  • Orlando’s sports scene is expanding with The Orlando Storm, the city’s first UFL team, kicking off its inaugural season in spring 2026. Football fans will have even more reason to visit during the game season.
  • Music lovers will want to mark their calendars as Rolling Loud 2026 officially moves from Miami to Orlando, bringing one of the world’s biggest hip-hop festivals to Central Florida.
  • Downtown visitors can also enjoy free two-hour parking thanks to Park DTO, when guests enter a code in the ParkMobile app - making it easier than ever to explore local dining, arts, and nightlife.

 

New Dining & Nightlife Hotspots

 

 
Photo courtesy of Eola Food Hall


Orlando’s food scene continues to shine with exciting new openings:

  • Eola Food Hall brings a curated collection of local eats to downtown.
  • Cowboy Curry, from the acclaimed Sorekara team, introduces Japanese beef curry to the city.
  • CityArts Café has opened inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building, blending art, coffee, and culture.
  • Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar is bringing a popular Chicago chain to Orlando with made-from-scratch tacos and burritos. 
  • Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a stylish two-story lounge, offers elevated dining and cocktails.
  • Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop, now open at Live! at Pointe Orlando, delivers an upscale nightlife experience blending West Coast swagger with Southern soul.

 

Entertainment & Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss

 

 
Photo courtesy of Museum of Ice Cream


Families and thrill-seekers have plenty to look forward to:

  • Blue Man Group returns to Orlando on May 1 with a custom-built theater at ICON Park.
  • Museum of Ice Cream Orlando debuts at Pointe Orlando with colorful exhibits and its famous sprinkle pool.
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop will open its largest-ever, multi-level flagship store at ICON Park.
  • Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex on International Drive, will feature padel courts, pickleball, dining, and spa amenities.
  • Sloth World, the world’s first Slotharium, opens in February with immersive rainforest experiences.

 

Theme Park News & Updates

 

 
Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida

 

Theme park fans are in for a big year:

 

Shopping Updates Near Vista Cay

 

Shopping gets even better in 2026:

  • The Mall at Millenia welcomes luxury updates from Christian Louboutin, Versace, Gucci, and more, plus new dining options like DalMoros Fresh Pasta to Go.
  • The Florida Mall adds 11 new retail brands and will debut Round1 Bowling & Arcade in early 2026.

 

Conventions & Special Events


Orlando continues to be a global destination for major conventions:

 

Make Vista Cay Your Home Base in 2026


With so much new and exciting happening across Orlando, there’s never been a better time to visit. Staying at Vista Cay Resort puts you close to International Drive, ICON Park, major theme parks, dining, shopping, and the Orange County Convention Center - making it easy to experience everything 2026 has to offer.
Whether you’re here for family fun, nightlife, shopping, or special events, Orlando’s newest adventures are waiting just beyond your door.