Florida theme parks 2023: What’s new at attractions this summer

It took some time, but Florida’s 10 major theme parks are moving out of their post-pandemic blues and once again offering new rides and attractions to see this summer.

In 2019, Florida’s theme parks spent a record $10 billion on new attractions, hotels and dining areas in Central Florida, with the common theory being that it was good business to lure return visitors by offering something new to see or do.

The pandemic brought things to a halt. But this summer the turnstiles are back to pre-pandemic levels as we yearn for a vacation again. Visitors will find new attractions at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and fun new exhibits at Tampa Bay attractions, such as the 66 million-year-old dinosaur at the Glazer Children’s Museum.

We have an overview of what’s ahead. Enjoy the ride.

Tampa Bay attractions

Here’s what’s coming this summer at Tampa Bay’s attractions, zoo, aquariums and children’s museums. (And here are seven attractions where kids under 3 get in free.)

Busch Gardens

Tampa’s biggest theme park will have festivals this summer and a new record-setting swing ride, Serengeti Flyer, that just opened.

Walt Disney World

The “happiest place on Earth” isn’t the easiest place to visit if you aren’t aware of some of the new systems in place to manage your day. But there are new attractions and restaurants at all four Disney parks to check out this summer. (Bringing kids? Here’s how to make the most of your trip.)

Universal Orlando

Coming soon is the newly declared Minion Land, with the new Villain-Con Minion Blast, a walk-through shooting attraction. Also, there are new escape rooms and vegan Butterbeer.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is close to opening a one-of-a-kind surf coaster called Pipeline.