Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, is booming and many new attractions have been added in the last year! Here are 10 epic and exciting reasons why you should create new memories in 2022 while staying in one of our amazing Casiola vacation homes. Discover new theme parks thrills, urban adventures, world-class water parks, outdoor events, and more. 2022 will be a big year for Florida’s theme parks.
1. Walt Disney World® is launching a series of new events, experiences, and attractions this year.
Walt Disney World® has made Orlando a can’t-miss destination for families around the world. As we celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, new adventures await at all four theme parks and beyond.
One of the projects opening this year at Walt Disney World® is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, one of EPCOT‘s biggest attractions. It’s one of the world’s largest indoor roller coasters that rotates 360 degrees and is the first roller coaster in Disney history to go backward. Cosmic Rewind is scheduled to open in the summer of 2022.
In addition, Disney’s Festival of Fantasy will return early this year to Magic Kingdom in 2022, with a spectacular parade! Disney characters will march down Main Street once more and the ‘Fantasmic’ show will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The nighttime show will once again feature live performers, stunt performers, special effects, and more!
We’re welcoming Finding Nemo: The Big Blue! … and Beyond in Animal Kingdom. This is the sequel to the former musical Finding Nemo.
2. WORLD’s FIRST Peppa Pig™ Theme Park
An amusement park featuring the popular cartoon character Peppa Pig™ will open this February. Located next to LEGOLAND® Florida, this family park offers roller coasters, interactive rides such as the Papa Piggy slide, Piggy Blimp plane, and Grandpa Dog pirate ship, live shows, a themed playground, and water areas. There will also be a themed play area for the little ones and a water park. The first Peppa Pig™ theme park will open on 24 February.
3. Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND®
This family-friendly treasure hunt takes you into the gardens of the legendary Cypress Gardens and lets you discover the secrets protecting its canals, where brick by brick reveals a new story. No opening date has yet been announced.
4. SeaWorld® is Ready to Break the Ice
“SeaWorld® plans to break the ice and put its first launch coaster into operation in 2022.” The Ice Breaker was originally scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed because of the pandemic. The Ice Breaker, set to open in February, will have four slides, both forward and backward, culminating in a reverse launch. There will be “the steepest vertical drop in Florida” with a 93-foot-high peak at a 100-degree angle.
5. The New Reef Plunge Water Slide at Aquatica
The new Reef Plunge attraction at Aquatica Orlando is scheduled to open in the spring of 2022. Visitors will be able to see a variety of marine animals, such as dolphins, leopard sharks, and much other cold-water fish.
6. Iron Gwazi at Bush Gardens Tampa Bay
Iron Gwazi is a converted wooden roller coaster that opens in March at Bush Gardens Tampa Bay. It is the world’s steepest and fastest hybrid slide with a height of 206-foot and a speed of 76 mph.
7. New attractions outside the theme parks
In December 2021, two world-record-breaking roller coasters opened at ICON Park: Orlando Slingshot™ and Orlando Free Fall™.
“Orlando Slingshot” is the world’s tallest slingshot at 300 feet and consists of two towers that send two riders 450 feet in the air out of an ‘exploding volcano’ at speeds of up to 100 mph.
The Orlando Free Fall™ is the world’s tallest free-standing tower drop at 430 feet and is located in ICON Park. Riders can experience a free fall at speeds of up to 75 mph.
8. Cirque du Soleil® – Drawn to Life
This new show premiered in November 2021 at Disney Springs®. Cirque du Soleil® – Drawn to Life will take you into the world of Disney’s animation and spectacular Cirque du Soleil-style performances.
9. Universal Orlando™
2022 will be another big year for Universal Orlando™, with many planned events and attraction improvements.
Florida’s largest Christian rock festival returns in late January with nearly a dozen bands. The event runs from 6 pm to 1 am and will feature several of Universal Orlando™ Florida’s attractions.
Universal’s celebration of all things carnival takes place in February through April with treats, concerts, parades, and more. The popular food festival returns with a whole new Tribute Store. Universal’s Mardi Gras runs every day from February 5 to April 24. Concerts are also held on select weekends.
10. Kennedy Space Center
Don’t miss Gateway: the Kennedy Space Center’s Deep Space Launch Complex, opening in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in March 2022. Learn about current innovations in space exploration and get a closer look at real spacecraft and future solutions that will help humanity reach into space.
After exploring Orlando’s newest attractions, relax in one of Casiola’s vacation homes. Even if you think you won’t need it, plan a day (or least an afternoon) at the pool. Each rental has a cozy living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and all the comforts of home. All of our properties enjoy prime locations, many just minutes from Disney and Orlando’s other great attractions.
