Summer 2023 Things To Do In Orlando

This spring and summer, Central Florida is an incredible destination full of things to do for the whole family. From thrilling new rides like the Pipeline Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando to challenging but fun I-Drive attractions like Ripley’s Mirror Maze, there are plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. Get ready for a wild ride on the new Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens in Tampa or a splashy adventure at Kissimmee’s Island H2O Water Park. Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and make sure you don’t miss out on the weekly Classic Car Show at Old Town or a great dinner at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews. Central Florida is bursting with things to do, so come and explore it all!

Pipeline the Surf Coaster at SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando’s newest exciting addition to the park – Pipeline: The Surf Coaster – is the world’s first surf-themed coaster concept. Riders will feel the power of the ocean in a whole new way, making Pipeline every thrill-seeker’s newest obsession. The innovative design elements that make this a first-of-its-kind roller coaster are the “surfing launch” and “wave jumping” motions that riders will experience. Its unique surfboard-shaped ride vehicle gives riders an immersive experience from the moment it starts. They’ll be secured onto the roller coaster in a surfing position and will be launched at top speeds, feeling as if they’re catching a wave. Riders will then feel like they are hanging loose when their seats rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding on a wave, while sending them through several gnarly twists and turns. Each rider will get the rush of cutting through waves as they race up to heights of 110 feet in the air, and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950 feet of track. Pipeline: The Surf Coaster sends riders on a journey reaching max speeds of 60 mph, with five different air-time moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds. The ride has a projected height requirement of 54”.

Ripley’s Mirror Maze

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium on International Drive is known for its hundreds of fascinating, weird and unbelievable exhibits and interactive displays. And its newest mind-boggling attraction is just as a-maze-ing – Ripley’s Mirror Maze. At this new attraction, you’re invited to find your way out or lose yourself in our enchanting labyrinth. Surrounded by LED lights and never-ending reflections, see if you have what it takes to successfully navigate your way through a challenging plethora of mirror illusions. Embark on a journey full of winding hallways and mirrored rooms that is sure to leave even the most seasoned navigator spiraling. Come see if you have what it takes to find your way through our perplexing puzzle only at Ripley’s Mirror Maze. Tackle adventure around every turn and attempt to find the one true path to victory. You don’t have to go it alone! Grab a friend and make your way through seemingly endless hallways full of LED lights and infinity mirrors. It’s time to challenge your perception and sense of direction – don’t fret, we send search parties every half hour! Do you have the determination to find your way out of this ultimate escape game?

Serengeti Flyer at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, is now open for all guests. The park’s latest attraction, which opened this past February, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, providing riders with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain. Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph, a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak and the pulse-pounding thrill of multiple negative-G moments. The park’s new thrill features the capability to adjust the ride’s intensity level, giving guests the opportunity for a milder or wilder experience. Serengeti Flyer allows 40 guests to experience the ride at once, seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas. “Thrills are in full swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with yet another exciting record-setting ride for our guests to enjoy,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “As the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer joins a world-class portfolio of attractions, offering breathtaking views of the park and a one-of-a-kind experience for all our guests.”

Island H2O Water Park

Island H2O Water Park combines refreshing family fun with cutting-edge technology to provide guests with a unique, immersive and interactive experience. Take a journey on a lazy river, float in a wave pool, splash in an area for kids, play together in an interactive splash zone, challenge body and tube slides, compete on racing slides, take a spin on giant raft rides, and relax in the adult pool or a private cabana. Riders customize their ride experience by selecting music and lighting for a number of attractions using a state-of-the-art wristband system. Selfie stations, video booths and on-ride photos capture images and video to share on social media. Guests earn points each time they ride to redeem for food and merchandise in the park. Because of high demand, we recommend buying your tickets online before you arrive to speed through the entry. Don’t forget to snap a pic and share with everyone what a great day you’re having.

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Since the release of James Cameron’s 2022 film AVATAR: The Way of Water, new and returning fans have been visiting Pandora – The World of Avatar. This area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park immerses guests in a mystical world of massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and breathtaking new experiences. Fun and adventure await in this entirely unique land, where guests explore an awesome alien landscape, encounter a larger-than-life Na’vi shaman and soar over Pandora on the back of a fearsome mountain banshee. The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora carries on the park’s tradition of celebrating the intrinsic value of nature, transformation through adventure and a personal call to action. Based on Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron’s record-breaking box-office hit AVATAR films, the new land welcomes guests to the lush world of Pandora long after the human conflict with the Na’vi has ended. The dramatic daytime beauty of the land transforms to glow by night when bioluminescent flora and intricate nighttime experiences add a dreamlike quality. Pandora – The World of Avatar was a creative collaboration of Walt Disney Imagineering, Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment.

33 Years of Classic Car Shows at Old Town

This past spring, the Saturday Nite Classic Car Show & Cruise celebrated their 33rd year. The show has been recognized as America’s Longest Running Weekly Car Show, and continues to draw crowds every week! Every Saturday since the Kissimmee’s foremost entertainment district opened 34 years ago, Old Town welcomes show-quality classic hot rods and collector’s antiques. Cars are on display during the day followed by a cruise down the brick main street at 8:30pm that night. A destination like no other in the Orlando area, Old Town Entertainment District features unique attractions, free weekly events, classic all-American car shows and—best of all—FREE admission. Escape the ordinary and discover why the real characters come play on our side of town. Old Town Entertainment District is a 18-acre open-air walking entertainment district filled with affordable shopping, unique gifts, attractions and rides for all ages. Come and enjoy the simple pleasures of classic American fun.

Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews

Local burger lovers know that Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews in Kissimmee is a must-see while in Central Florida. The hallmark of their signature cuisine is a mouthwatering, supercharged burger and sandwich menu. Freshly prepared choices range from the traditional Garage Burger to wild and award-winning signature items like the Sickies Burger, Turbocharged Twin Cam, and Glazed Doughnut burgers. Patty choices offered include half-pound American Wagyu beef, ground beef, chicken, or veggie patty for endless combinations. Gluten free buns are also available. Every Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews restaurant offers evolving and rotating selections of 50 local craft, domestic, and import brews with something to please every beer drinker. Beer aficionados – or those who like to keep it simple – are sure to find the right brew. Additional choices include creamy malts and milkshakes, fresh salads, loaded mashed potato bowls, hearty homestyle dinners, and award-winning chicken wings. You might have a hard time deciding among all of the choices! Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews is a North Dakota grown, award-winning restaurant chain offering a wild variety of freshly made extreme burger creations and craft beer pairings. Founded in 2012 in Fargo, ND, Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews has expanded to 9 locations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, and Florida.

As you can see, Florida is the perfect place to visit this summer for anyone looking for sun and fun. There are so many theme parks, thrilling rides, and unique experiences that no one could ever run out of ideas for things to do here in Florida. Whether it’s riding a thrilling coaster at Busch Gardens or sipping a craft beer at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews, each Florida experience is truly different from the last. Collectively, they make Florida an adventurous paradise with something new around every corner and memories that will last a lifetime! So don’t wait any longer – start planning your summer today! For more information about fun activities in Florida this season, be sure to check out Enjoy Florida Magazine below, to read about this spring and summer’s attractions, dining, shopping and more.