New Rides, Upcoming Attractions, and 2019 Teasers Want to know what the new attractions are that Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and Aquatica have in store for park goers this year? Keep reading to take a tour through the most anticipated rides, shows, and attractions coming to Orlando theme parks in 2018. New 2018 Theme Park attractions Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios photo credit: Walt Disney World Resort Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore Andy's room from the perspective of his toy? The highly anticipated 11-acre Toy Story land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is designed to give parents and kids the experience of being a toy for the day. Woody's Lunch Box, a theme restaurant that Disney World recently revealed plans for, will continue this illusion as guests dine. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the toys' owner Andy has “used his lunch box and thermos to create a walk-up quick-service window that will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats.” Upcoming attractions include Alien Swinging Saucers, which was inspired by one of the first movie's most popular scenes. The ride is designed to be a play set that Andy brought home from Pizza Planet. You will zip around in your rocket toy vehicle as aliens fly around in toy saucers, trying to capture you with “The Claw.” Toy Story land will also feature Slinky Dog Dash, a family rollercoaster that is, according to the Disney Park's blog, “themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some of his other favorite toys.” When: Summer 2018Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios Fast and the Furious: Supercharged at Universal Studios Orlando Fast & The Furious: Supercharged at Universal Orlando immerses thrill seeking guests into Dom Toretto's world of underground racing. Parkgoers will explore the Fast family headquarters and set off on a high-speed chase with some of the popular film franchise's stars. This immersive ride will be similar to the one that is currently open at Universal Hollywood Studios. After you get your fill of adrenaline, you will be able to see and take pictures with 15 supercharged Fast & Furious cars, including Dom's Dodge Charger and Letty's Turbo Truck. When: Spring 2018Where: Universal Studios Orlando Plan ahead: The ride will use the virtual line system, which allows guests to select a time to ride the attraction by using either the Universal Orlando Resort Mobile App or at kiosks located near the entrance. Ray Rush at Aquatica by Sea World Splash and soar like never before! Ray Rush at Aquatica is a new raft ride that stands nearly 60 feet tall. The ride is designed to give riders the experience of rushing through the ocean and onto the wings of a giant manta ray. When: May 2018Where: Aquatica, SeaWorld's Water Park Photo credit: Aquatica Orlando Infinity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando The design for Infinity Falls, Sea World Orlando's upcoming river rapids raft ride, was inspired by the rainforests and flowing rivers of South America. Florida Today shares details of the experience: “This new ride will take you through the remains of an ancient civilization, past fountains, and waterfalls. World class rapids will spin and soak you, but that's nothing compared to the end. Your raft will enter a lift and be elevated to the top of Infinity Falls. From there, you'll plunge down the tallest drop of its kind into the churning water below. The journey ends at Harmony Village, where you'll be informed and inspired to spread the message of conservation.” When: Summer 2018Where: SeaWorld Orlando Plan ahead: For a limited time, Florida parents can register their little ones for SeaWorld's Preschool Card which gives kids who are 5 years of age and under free admission to the park. If you are interested in purchasing one of these cards for your next trip, visit SeaWorld's website to register in advance. Harry Potter nighttime light show at Universal Studios Where did the sorting hat place you? If you ever wondered what it would feel like to experience house spirits soaring through the air of Hogwarts, then The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle show at Universal Orlando Resort is a must-see! This new projection experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transforms the castle into a visually dazzling celebration of its four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff. Theme Park Insider caught a preview of the show. Watch the video below to see the action! When: After its debut on Wednesday, January 31st, the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle will run on February 5th, and February 7 to 12. Additional dates for 2018 will be announced later in the year. Where: Universal Studios Islands of Adventure “UP” Live Show at Disney's Animal Kingdom Gather ‘round, Wilderness Explorers! A new live show at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be inspired by one of Pixar's most beloved films, “Up.” As a guest, Russell and his furry friend Dug will help you discover species of birds from around the world. When: 2018Where: at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur Village On the horizon for 2019 and beyond New Cirque de Soleil Show at Disney Springs (to replace La Nouba) Cirque de Soleil is developing a new show that will focus on Disney animation to replace the wildly popular La Nouba, which gave its last performance at the end of 2017. “We are incredibly inspired by Disney's immense creative universe. We are convinced that bringing Disney's magic to life on stage will touch audiences and bring them back to their childhood,” shared Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. When: TBDWhere: Disney Springs Star Wars – Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios At 14 acres, Star Wars – Galaxy's Edge will be Disney World's largest land. Parkgoers will be transported into a never-before-seen planet which will have two new attractions. Details are scarce, but we do know a few things about the attractions that this land will feature. One ride will take guests on an adventure aboard the Millennium falcon. Another will bring guests into the throws of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance. When: 2019Where: Disney's Hollywood Studios A new Wizarding World of Harry Potter thrill ride For Harry Potter enthusiasts who mourn the loss of the Dragon Challenge roller coaster, there is a mysterious, new ride in development at Universal Studios Orlando that theme park loyalists have been buzzing about. The company shares on Universal Orlando's official blog that “The new attraction will be one of the most highly-themed coaster experiences we've created. It will combine a new level of storytelling with an action-packed adventure…and a few surprises along the way” When: TBAWhere: Universal Studios Islands of Adventure – – What are you looking forward to experiencing and seeing? Tell us in the comments! If you are planning a trip out to the theme parks in Orlando and need accommodation, take a look at our Summer Bay Orlando resort. In addition to a Disney shuttle, 6 pools, and plenty of on-property activities to keep everyone in the family active and entertained, our concierge team at Summer Bay Orlando can set you up with discounts on tickets to the parks. See activities and book your reservation here.
