Summer vacation in Orlando: what’s new and things to do (2026)
Planning a summer vacation in Orlando is an easy choice, especially when this magical city shines with extended park hours and new attractions. Here’s what to know about summer 2026 in Orlando, including new experiences and under-the-radar options to plug into your plans.
Summer is the hottest, busiest time in Orlando. For travelers and guests like yourself, that means more to do and more strategy is required. This handy summer guide covers each of the main theme parks, highlighting what’s in store this summer. Then we’ll cover the small, less crowded attractions to weave into your visit.
Summer in Orlando: the basics
Why is summer the busiest time to visit Orlando? School’s out! Chances are, you’re visiting Orlando in the summer because your family is free from school, and that means everyone else has the same idea.
Summer weather also means extreme heat and thunderstorms. From June to August, average highs range from 90°F to 95°F (32°C to 35°C) with high humidity.
But fear not, it can still be worth it. So many new attractions arrive in the summer alongside special events and offerings.
Orlando has three major theme park destinations: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort (which includes Epic Universe), and SeaWorld Orlando. On top of that, there are multiple water parks and endless smaller attractions, as well as shopping and dining.
Walt Disney World this summer
Walt Disney World enters summer with a mix of seasonal programming and newly debuted experiences from late spring. And during May and June, Walt Disney World offers an after 2 p.m. ticket.
Cool Kids’ Summer programming returns
“Cool Kids’ Summer” brings a family-focused layer to the parks with extra entertainment, character moments, and interactive activities geared toward younger guests. Expect added energy in each of the Walt Disney World theme parks, especially during daytime hours.
New for 2026: Jessie’s Roundup
The latest addition to the lineup of Toy Story experiences at Walt Disney World is Jessie’s Roundup. This rootin’ tootin’ party arrives in Frontierland, just for Cool Kid’s Summer.
New attractions at Disney
Several May openings and updates are expected to shape the summer experience, helping distribute crowds across parks and giving repeat visitors something new to prioritize.
May 22
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run update at Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduces a new storyline featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, adding fresh replay value to the interactive attraction.
May 26
- Soarin’ Across America debuts for a limited-time run at Epcot, bringing a new experience celebrating America 250 (the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A.)
- New Mickey Mouse live show debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, adding another family-friendly entertainment option during peak summer hours
- New animation-inspired attraction opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an interactive, family-focused experience called ‘Magic of Disney Animation‘
- Bluey arrives at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, joining the list of Disney Bluey experiences
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen sometime in May 2026 with new effects and a reimagined opening scene.
Universal Orlando summertime
While Walt Disney World delivers a variety of new experiences this summer, things are simple at Universal Orlando. The main focus is Volcano Bay Nights, an after-hours event on select nights.
There are also some changes happening at CityWalk, including the closure of Burger King Whopper Bar to make way for Five Guys.
Universal’s Volcano Bay Nights
Slip into Universal’s immersive water park after hours to enjoy nighttime entertainment, cool character moments, and complimentary snacks. Each ticket holder receives a Complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle® souvenir cup.
Volcano Bay Nights officially runs from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. But you can enter the park as early as 4:00 p.m. During the start of the evening, you may experience regular wait times, but as the evening progresses, you may feel like you’ve got the whole park to yourself!
Photo by Jackie and Matt Roseboom
Don’t forget to snap some pics with DreamWorks characters during meet and greets on the beach.
2026 dates for Volcano Bay Nights
- May 3, 10, 17, 22 and 31
- June 5, 12, 18 and 25
- July 10 and 17
- August 7, 14 and 21
We attended during the fall version of the event; read our Volcano Bay Nights review.
SeaWorld Orlando’s summer lineup expands
SeaWorld Orlando continues building its hybrid identity: part marine park, part ride-focused destination, part seasonal event venue.
Summer events and returning entertainment
From May 22 to Aug. 30 SeaWorld offers a nighttime experience called ‘Electric Ocean’ plus a few summer time festivals, starting with Viva La Música on May 9-10 and May 16-17, then a BBQ fest in July and August.
- Fireworks on select nights
- Drone show on select nights
- Bands, Brew & BBQ food and drink festival on weekends July 4 to Aug. 23
SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep
SeaWorld’s upcoming ‘SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep’ signals continued investment in experiences that blend education with attraction-style engagement. This new ride will be family-friendly and appeal to a variety of ages. We are awaiting an opening date.
Riders onboard SeaQuest will follow along with the fictional SEA Collective Adventure Team through scenes depicting “extraordinary lifeforms, breathtaking environments, and inspiring stories of the sea,” SeaWorld Orlando said in its announcement of the new ride.
Aquatica Orlando summer events
Aquatica Orlando leans into a full-day-to-night strategy this summer, with offerings designed for both younger kids and older guests looking for something more energetic after sunset.
The Ultimate Playdate (Select dates, June 1 – Aug. 10) invites families with younger children to start their day early with access to Turi’s Kid Cove before the park officially opens. This creates a calmer, more manageable environment for little ones to explore, play, and ease into the day before crowds build and temperatures peak.
AquaGlow (Select nights, May 15 – Sept. 26) transforms the park into a neon-lit nighttime celebration, complete with music, glowing décor, and a high-energy atmosphere.
Photo by Dani Meyering
Paradise Nights returns this summer
Discovery Cove has announced the return of Paradise Nights for the first time in eight years. The separately ticketed after-hours event will run on select nights from June 5 through Aug. 8 and includes cocktails at Serenity Bay, dinner at Laguna Grill, live entertainment, and a new limited-capacity sloth encounter.
Legoland Florida summer event
Legoland Florida Resort continues to position itself as one of the most accessible parks for families with younger children. And during the summer, the Legoland Water Park is open and an easy add-on to cool off, all while inside the main theme park.
Combined with recent additions like the indoor Galacticoaster, Legoland offers a full-day experience for everyone, especially families with elementary-age kids.
LEGO Festival
The LEGO Festival adds seasonal energy with special build zones, live entertainment, and summertime treats. Last year marked the debut of LEGO Festival, which debuted at Legoland theme parks around the country. The 2026 dates should be announced soon.
International Drive and other small attractions
Areas like International Drive and Kissimmee are seeing continued growth, with a mix of returning favorites and new concepts. Places like ICON Park, Pointe Orlando, Promenade at Sunset Walk, and Old Town are free to walk around and provide a variety of dining and entertainment options.
The newest additions to International Drive include Great Big Game Show for competitive fun and Ripley’s Crazy Golf for indoor, glowing golf.
Also at ICON Park, the world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop will open this summer, and Blue Man Group will begin performing on May 1, 2026.
These experiences are especially valuable for:
- Arrival or departure days
- Weather backup plans
- Lower-cost itinerary balancing
For summer travelers, there’s something new in nearly every destination. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and plan for crowds. And most of all, take time to enjoy how exciting Orlando is, any time of year.
Want more? View our picks for the seven best summer vacation spots near theme parks.
Let’s end with a throwback. Summer has always been an important season at Walt Disney World. Check out our YouTube video below from 2010 featuring announcements for summer at Walt Disney World.
No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
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