10 New Florida Theme Park Attractions to Look for in 2016

Florida's theme parks raise the bar in creative and high-tech attractions. Here's a look at some of the hottest theme park attractions you don't want to miss visiting this year.

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Star Wars Launch Bay

Star Wars Launch Bay

Step into the world of Star Wars in the walkthrough attraction Star Wars Launch Bay at Walt Disney World.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

From elaborately themed magical lands to exuberating roller coasters that dive lightning fast, theme parks are raising the bar in creative and high-tech attractions. So, if you’re a first-time theme park visitor or a returning adventure seeker, you will find something for everyone in the family with the unveiling of new Florida attractions in 2016.
 

Star Wars Experiences

Jedi Training Academy

Jedi Training Academy

The Force will be with you when you enroll in Jedi Training Academy at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Photo by: David Roark / Walt Disney World® Resort

David Roark / Walt Disney World® Resort

The Force is strong at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where there is new Star Wars-themed special entertainment, food and a weekend fireworks display to the Star Wars score. While no opening date has been set for Star Wars Land yet, some new elements opened in late 2015. Star Wars Bay gives fans a chance to meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader, while Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the inspiration for new scenes added to Star Tours - The Adventures Continue. Young ‘padawans’ can take part in Jedi Training and take on Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After Ride

Frozen Ever After Ride

On this boat ride, you'll enter into a wintry wonderland and meet all of your favorite Frozen friends.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

In Epcot, Norway is being expanded to include the new Frozen Ever After boat ride, in which Queen Elsa will transform Arendelle for the Winter in Summer Celebration. Guests will be able to meet Anna and Elsa at the Royal Summerhus, a cabin that will take its inspiration from Norwegian culture.


Toy Story Mania Expansion

Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is a midway-style, 4-D game starring favorite characters from the Toy Story movies.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

The most popular attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is adding additional track so even more visitors can enjoy this 4D shoot-em-up set inside Andy’s room. It’s the first addition of the upcoming 11-acre Toy Story Land (date unknown), offering a Buzz-sized perspective on Andy's backyard. Look for oversized building blocks and game board pieces, plus a brand new family coaster aboard the Slinky Dog and alien saucer spin based on the little green men.

Soarin' Around the World

Soarin' Around the World Attraction

Soarin' Around the World Attraction

In the Soarin' Around the World attraction at several Disney parks, guests feel like they're flying by many of the world's most breathtaking landmarks.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

A much-needed additional 3rd theater will be added to Soarin' at Epcot, along with a new 4K projection system. This will be exciting as Disney will be debuting Soarin' Around the World. The updated ride will take guests to some of the world's most unique locations, such as the Great Wall of China and Monument Valley in the western U.S.

Rivers of Light

Rivers of Light Experience

Rivers of Light Experience

This water and light show is a magical nighttime treat at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

Disney's Animal Kingdom will see the addition of the Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular! The ride will combine live performers with floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. This is the first of several changes that will make the park an after-dark destination.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Explore the kingdom of the great King Kong in the Skull Island: Reign of Kong ride at Universal Orlando.

Photo by: Universal Orlando® Resort

Universal Orlando® Resort

Over at Universal Orlando, Skull Island: Reign of Kong is headed to Universal's Islands of Adventure. This multisensory, multidimensional experience will take guests on a 1930s expedition into the jungle, where they will encounter prehistoric predators and a ferocious beast who may be a friend or an enemy!

Mako

Mako Roller Coaster, SeaWorld

Mako Roller Coaster, SeaWorld

The Mako Roller Coaster is a steel hypercoaster in Orlando, Florida's SeaWorld.

Photo by: SeaWorld Orlando®

SeaWorld Orlando®

Taking inspiration from the world’s fastest shark, SeaWorld Orlando is adding a 73-miles-per-hour hyper coaster that will be Orlando’s tallest, fastest and longest in the summer. Mako will boast nine hills and one 200-feet drop!

Incredible Hulk Coaster

Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster

At Islands of Adventure in Universal Orlando Resort, experience the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster where riders zoom at up to 67 miles per hour.

Photo by: Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando® Resort

Kevin Kolczynski / Universal Orlando® Resort

While it’s not a new attraction, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, Islands of Adventure’s headlining coaster is being resuscitated after a long refurbishment with an enhanced storyline, new ride vehicles and other additions.

Cobra's Curse

Cobra's Curse Roller Coaster

Cobra's Curse Roller Coaster

The cars spin, the drops are steep with Busch Garden's Cobra's Curse roller coaster in Florida.

Photo by: Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

A family roller coaster, Cobra’s Curse will be debuting at Busch Gardens Tampa. The spin ride will feature a vertical lift, a trek over the park's Serengeti Plain and an 80-foot cobra that looks like it is ready to attack.

The Edison

The Edison Restaurant, Disney World

The Edison Restaurant, Disney World

The Edison, an Industrial-Gothic style restaurant and bar is now open in the Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Photo by: Walt Disney World® Resort

Walt Disney World® Resort

The newly opened Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney) will be welcoming new experiences to enjoy. The Landing, the first section of Disney Springs, will bring on the Edison, a unique expansive dining and nightlife experience with themed areas that include cabaret-style performances, palm readers and DJ entertainment.

When planning to visit these new ventures, keep in mind a few helpful theme park tips: Arrive at the parks prior to their daily opening for the shortest waits, take breaks in the afternoon when parks are busiest, and check out our Orlando wait time/planning app and Crowd Calendar. Both of these tools will help you with planning and navigating Disney World and other theme parks. It’s never too early to start planning your trip!

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