New Downtown Disney
Central Florida is known globally as the mecca for amusement parks and thrill rides. Each year, Central Florida outdoes itself with bigger and better attractions, and 2016 will be no exception. From coasters to cobras, check out the new attractions in Orlando 2016.
It should come as no surprise that the top-grossing animated film all time, Frozen will be transformed into a magical experience at Disneyworld. Fans will be transported into the movie first hand! With the success of Frozen and Frozen 2 now in production, the new Frozen ride is expected to be the most anticipated new attraction in Orlando 2016. Frozen Ever After (formerly known as the Maelstrom) will be located at Epcot and situated in the land of Norway.
Frozen Ride Disney Orlando Florida
The four minute boat ride will glide through the waters of the fictional kingdom Arendelle and highlight the movie’s storyline. Guests will travel through Elsa’s ice palace, the North Mountain, and experience Elsa turn winter into a summer day (just like in the movie!). Of course, the ride wouldn’t be complete without Elsa singing the hit single from the movie “Let It Go”. In true Disney fashion, expect plenty of animatronics and projection effects.
Although the opening date has not been confirmed, rumor has it the ride will debut early next year. After navigating the waters of Elsa and Anna’s magical kingdom, fans will be able to meet the royal sisters in their own dedicated area in the land of Norway.
Additionally, Disney will upgrade some of its most popular rides in the hopes of lowering wait times and improving the guest experience. As examples, a third theater will be added to Soarin’ (Disney’s hang gliding experience) at Epcot and a new track will be installed at Toy Story Mania.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the attraction will expand on April 22nd to include a night time spectacular show called Rivers of Light located along the Discovery River. The show will incorporate live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery (disneyparks.com). Guests who have been to Downtown Disney this year may have noticed a lot of construction. Downtown Disney has slowly been expanding into a larger shopping, dining and entertainment area which will be known as Disney Springs when it is completed next year.
Head over to Universal Studios® Orlando’s Islands of Adventure to experience Skull Island: Reign of Kong which is expected to include plenty of projection effects and possibly animatronics. Unlike the previous Kong ride, guests will be on Kong’s turf, Skull Island®, where he is King. Riders will be taken on a 1930’s jungle expedition where they are sure to encounter prehistoric predators and animals as well as the King himself (rumor has it, Kong may even chase the riders’ vehicles). This ride is projected to be Universal’s longest and will take place both indoors and outdoors. The Reign of Kong® is expected to open early next summer and is also one of the more antcipated new attractions in Orlando 2016.
For adrenaline junkies, there will be new rides for you as well. The groundwork for SeaWorld’s latest coaster Mako has already begun along I-Drive with an expected opening in Summer 2016. Mako will be Orlando’s first hypercoaster as well as the TALLEST, FASTEST AND LONGEST in the area. Additionally, the thrill ride will be part of a larger themed shark area which will include dining, educational programs, new shops, and a shipwrecked- themed experience.
Another intense ride known as the Starflyer will open along I-Drive next year near the Orlando Eye. The Starflyer will be the tallest in the world standing at 420 feet. Riders will be spun 400 feet in the air at 40mph for approximately 3-4 minutes. The attraction will cost an affordable $10.
Head south to Busch Gardens Tampa to experience the Cobra’s Curse coaster scheduled to rear its head sometime next year. The coaster will be located in the Egypt area of the Park and will replace Tut’s Tomb. Riders will experience an Egyptian adventure as they zoom through an archeological excavation site. The coaster will lift riders into the air bringing them face to face with a giant cobra before dropping them 70 feet. The coaster is unique as it combines spinning cars and the hills of a traditional rollercoaster. The three and a half minute ride will reach speeds of 40mph and is being dubbed as a family thrill ride.
And if you truly think bigger is better, you’ll love renting a vacation home in Central Florida! With spacious bedrooms, living areas and large family rooms, vacation rentals are the way to stay for your next Orlando vacation.
Check-out the many options that OVH 360 has in its boutique rental inventory. Hand selected condos and villas for reservations range in size from 3 bedrooms to 6 bedrooms in size. To browse Orlando vacation rentals online, first enter your arrival and departure dates, size of desired home, and then click to find a home for availability. You may also call our friendly professional services team at 1-888-826-0551 to inquire about available vacation dates directly.
