What’s New for Kissimmee – Spring 2025
Kissimmee continues to blossom as it welcomes epic new attractions and small businesses. From the immersive SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, offering a unique “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience, to the dynamic Crush Yard in Kissimmee, blending sports, dining, and entertainment.
Visitors can also look forward to the recently opened Maw’s Mountain Moonshine in Old Town, Osceola County’s first craft cocktail distillery, and the delightful Scoop Celebration ice cream shop in Celebration, Florida. These additions promise to provide unforgettable experiences and support the local economy, making Kissimmee a must-visit destination.
Attractions
SEA LIFE Florida to Open at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
SEA LIFE Florida, the newest attraction at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, will open in spring 2025, enhancing the resort’s status as a multi-day destination. This immersive aquarium aims to educate visitors about local marine life with a unique “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience, featuring sea animals against the backdrop of attractions like coral-themed castles, Ferris wheels, hotels, carousels and haunted houses. The aquarium will include 25 exhibits, such as an ocean habitat, a freshwater gallery, a seahorse gallery and an invertebrate touch pool, offering diverse ways to explore aquatic life.
Crush Yard Opens in Kissimmee
Crush Yard is now open in Kissimmee, offering a vibrant mix of sports, dining and entertainment. Following its Charleston success, this 50,000 sq. ft. facility features a lively sports bar with handcrafted cocktails, a variety of beers on tap and numerous screens for big games. Enjoy friendly competition with ping pong, cornhole, darts, arcade games and more. With 10 indoor pickleball courts, Crush Yard provides court rentals, lessons, leagues and special events. The chef-driven menu includes shareable bites, hearty bowls, fresh salads, and flavorful mains. Perfect for events like birthdays, corporate outings, and team-building sessions, Crush Yard is Kissimmee’s new social hub where food, fun and community collide.
Universal’s Epic Universe Opening is Right Around the Corner
The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.
Universal Orlando Resort Celebrates 30 Years of Mardi Gras
Universal Orlando Resort invites guests to celebrate 30 years of Mardi Gras through March 30 during Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval, featuring a new menu of international cuisine, a parade with colorful floats and live concerts by top musical artists on select nights. Guests can enjoy all the festivities with regular theme park admission to Universal Studios Florida, with live performances taking place on select nights at the Music Plaza Stage following the Mardi Gras parade.
Accommodation
Unveiling of The Inn at Celebration after Multimillion-Dollar Renovation
Vision Hospitality Group announced the grand unveiling of The Inn at Celebration, which became part of the Autograph Collection Hotel Portfolio following a multimillion-dollar renovation. The Inn, nestled along Lake Rianhard in Celebration, offers a boutique lakeside retreat with 115 rooms, including 23 suites and features stunning lake views, a redesigned lobby, and the newly reimagined Lakeside Kitchen & Bar. The renovation, led by Baskervill, enhances the guest’s experience with modern amenities, sophisticated design and full-service offerings, while preserving the hotel’s classic architectural charm. The Inn at Celebration remains a vibrant community landmark, dedicated to sustainability and giving back through various initiatives.
The Level at Meliã Orlando Celebration
Launching in late February 2025, The Level is an elevated guest experience that offers private check-in, an exclusive all-access lounge, premium amenities and concierge services amongst other services. Guests can also enjoy a wellness-focused experience with in-room fitness equipment.
Island H2O Waterpark Access for Margaritaville Resort Orlando and Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk Guests
At Margaritaville Hotel and Margaritaville Resort Orlando Cottages by Rentyl, any package or rate booked by guests includes unlimited access to the Island H2O waterpark. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk offers unlimited access to the waterpark through a specific promotion package valid March 7 through October 26. This offer is also valid for guests staying at Spectrum Resort Orlando March 7 through March 31.
Star Island Resort & Club Unveils New 1Club Golf Course and Entertainment Space
Star Island is opening a new 1Club Golf Course and Entertainment Space, featuring food and bar trucks. 1Club Golf, an engaging outdoor sport from Japan, blends elements of golf and croquet into a simpler, more enjoyable game. Played on a shorter course with a single ball and mallet, 1Club is accessible to players of all ages and fitness levels, making it fun for the entire family. This amenity is exclusively available to Star Island guests.
Activities
Toho Bikes Electric Bike Tours & Rentals Introduces New Offerings for 2025
Toho Bikes Rentals & Tours now offers both electric and non-electric bikes and trikes, as well as tow-behind child carriers for ages two and up. Pedaling is optional on fully electric bikes and trikes. Cruise 10 miles along the new Kissimmee lakefront multi-use trail and experience Florida nature and wildlife up close. These two-hour self-guided tours are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the Florida outdoors at their own pace, soak in the sunshine and avoid the crowds.
Orlando Museum of Art Announces New Exhibitions
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announces two new exhibitions this month, expanding its offerings to engage a wider audience. “Relationships: A Love for Collecting,” running through May 4, 2025, tells the story of Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett, who have collected art together for over 40 years. Their collection, featuring more than 500 works, includes 314 pieces donated to OMA in 2024 to mark the museum’s centennial year.
“Edouard Prulhière: The Inverted Sound of Painting,” running through May 2, 2025, features the work of French American artist Edouard Prulhière, made possible by the donation of 34 pieces by Cottrell and Lovett. The exhibition highlights a transformative period in Prulhière’s career (1995-2005), where he rethought his practice, blending painting and sculpture.
Spring Fun at The Florida Mall®, a Simon Mall
Hop into spring fun at The Florida Mall! Join us as the Easter Bunny visits from March through April for festive treats, photo ops, and fun for the whole family, including furry friends. Book your photo with the Easter Bunny, enjoy a special sensory-friendly experience on April 6 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and bring your pets for photos on March 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Events and Performances
Blue Man Group to Open New Theater at ICON Park
The world-famous Blue Man Group announced their new Orlando theater and show will open at ICON Park on April 3, 2025, with tickets now available for purchase. ICON Park, a popular 20-acre destination for attractions, dining and nightlife, is located in the rapidly growing Universal Boulevard/International Drive region. The new Blue Man Group theater will be situated beneath the towering 400-foot Orlando Eye, serving as the centerpiece of ICON Park’s entrance facing Universal Boulevard.
Dr. Phillips Center Celebrates Milestones and Upcoming Events
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with special programming, stories and events throughout the year. Additionally, the center recently marked the third anniversary of Steinmetz Hall, known for its perfect acoustics and versatile design. Upcoming spring shows include the world premiere of “Brooklyn’s Bridge,” “Dancing With The Stars: Live!,” Grammy Award winner Samara Joy and MOMIX’s “Alice.” The AdventHealth Broadway in Orlando series will feature “MJ the Musical,” “Mean Girls,” and “Disney’s The Lion King.” Judson’s Live will host the return of Nashville Nights and a masterclass with Master Sommelier George Miliotes.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Unveils New Show
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure announces the first full year of its new show, “In Search of Neptune’s Treasure,” featuring dazzling acrobatics by expert ropes-man Jose the Green Pirate and the Mystical Mermaid. Enhanced lighting and smoke effects provide a thrilling view of the Leviathan Dragon attacking the ship, while updated hand-to-hand combat scenes depict a mutiny against the captain. Guests can explore the new Treasure Artifacts exhibit, showcasing items with Certificates of Authenticity that rotate periodically.
The Magic Show at Grande Lakes Orlando
Experience an unforgettable evening of wonder and amazement as “The Magic Show,” presented by America’s Got Talent finalist Drew Thomas, takes center stage Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Grande Lakes Orlando. This show combines mind-bending magic, large-scale illusions and humor to create an electrifying atmosphere. Astonishing acts like making people vanish, reappear and defy natural laws unfold in an intimate setting, blurring the boundary between reality and illusion. With limited seating, this exclusive experience offers VIP access to the magic.
Food and Beverage
Scoop Ice Cream Celebration to Open in Island Village Neighborhood
Scoop Celebration, a new ice cream shop in Celebration, Florida, has opened in the Island Village Neighborhood. The shop aims to provide a flavorful and unique experience with homemade ice cream made from the freshest ingredients. It offers over 30 flavors, including dairy-free, no-sugar-added and gluten-free options, along with scoop cups, cones, stackers, splits, sundaes, pies, cakes and their famous Scoop on top shakes.
Old Town Entertainment District Welcomes Maw’s Mountain Moonshine
Old Town, an iconic walking district of shops, food, entertainment, and events for more than 34 years, announces the opening of Maw’s Mountain Moonshine, Osceola County’s first craft cocktail distillery. With a popular following for its first location in Mount Dora, Maw’s Mountain Moonshine at Old Town is already drawing crowds. The Maw’s Mountain Moonshine retail location, in the former Great Magic Hall space on Main Street, offers a taste testing counter for exclusive moonshine tastings, a cocktail making counter for custom-made moonshine cocktails, and retail shelves full of 40, 60, 80 and 100 proof Maw’s Mountain Moonshine mason jars. Popular flavors include Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler, and Blueberry Muffin.
Cowboy Chicken Sister Brand, SmackBird Delivery Kitchen, Launches in Kissimmee
SmackBird, a new online delivery kitchen from Cowboy Chicken, is launching after a successful preview. It offers Nashville hot chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, sides and desserts for local delivery and pick-up at Cowboy Chicken.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Introduces New Spring Menu
Lazy Dog Restaurant, known for its handcrafted American food and drinks, is launching a new spring menu starting April 2, 2025. The menu features a variety of new items, including small plates like Cauliflower Ceviche and Spring Pea Hummus, favorites such as Poblano Mushroom Casserole, and the Cowboy Ribeye Burger. New salads include the Summer Market Salad, while the Deviled Egg Salad sandwich and Poblano Mushroom Casserole TV Dinner offer hearty options. The Loco Moco Fried Rice bowl and Cheesy Pizza Sticks for kids round out the food offerings. New cocktails include the Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita, Elderflower Lemonade Spritz, Cowboy Zombie and Limoncello Basil Spritz.
Find out more about visiting Kissimmee here.