FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:        
Hannah Mulvey
Hannah@goshpr.co.uk

For immediate release: November 5, 2019

 

What’s New in the Sunshine State?

Florida is getting ready for an exciting 2020, with new additions to much-loved attractions as well as new hotels, exhibitions and much more.

 

LEGOLAND Resort Florida to Open a New Pirate Themed Hotel

Pirate Island Hotel | LEGOLAND Florida | April 2020 

LEGOLAND Florida has just announced its latest themed onsite accommodation, Pirate Island Hotel, which is due to open on April 17th 2020. The new five-story hotel will feature a pirate themed restaurant and a giant pirate ship that’s perfect for photo opportunities. Guests will also have the chance to interact with some of their favourite LEGO characters.

Get Ready to Rumble at Wrestle Mania in Tampa

Wrestle Mania | Tampa | April 2020 

The massive international sports spectacle comes to Tampa Bay when the stars of WWE enter the ring at Raymond James Stadium. Make a week of it with loads of fan activities along the Tampa Riverwalk and Amalie Arena in the run-up to the April 5 event. Tickets go on sale November 15.

Walt Disney World Resort to Introduce Two New Attractions  

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Opening spring 2020 

Originally scheduled for 2019, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway takes guests on a journey through the wonderful world of Disney’s iconic mouse. This family-friendly attraction is set to be the first to include Mikey and all his friends.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure | Epcot | Opening summer 2020

This brand new “trackless” ride takes guests into the heart of Gustav’s kitchen with a 4D experience they won’t soon forget. Become tiny as a mouse and try not to get caught!

Florida’s Steepest Ride to Open at SeaWorld Orlando

Ice Breaker SeaWorld Orlando | Opening spring 2020 

The Ice breaker will be a brand new 93-foot tall vertical drop ride that plunges guests down at a 100-degree angle. The ride is the steepest in Florida and is set to open in Spring 2020.

The USA’s Tallest Rollercoaster to Open at Busch Gardens

Iron Gwazi | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Opening 2020

Busch Gardens is set to welcome the record-breaking Iron Gwazi, which will be America’s tallest rollercoaster. The new ride will be 206 ft tall and feature a 91 degree drop. It’s not for the faint hearted.

New Culinary Tour in Orlando Seminole County

Sanford Food Tours| Downtown Sanford | Open Now

Sanford Food Tours have just launched a brand-new tour that takes in the local history, culture and scenery along Lake Monroe and through Sanford’s National Historic Districts. On the four-hour “Around the World Tour”, guests will sample Mexican, German, Spanish and Irish cuisine.

New Exhibits at the Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex

Apollo/Saturn V Centre | Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex | Open Now

The 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 saw a brand-new exhibit added to the Apollo/Saturn V Centre. Other new additions include the Lunar Module 9 (LM-9) which was supposed to fly with Apollo 11, an enhanced ‘Touch The Moon’ exhibit and six holograms that tell stories about the first lunar mission.

Florida’s Biggest Rock Festival Moves to Daytona Beach

Welcome to Rockville | Daytona International Speedway | May 2020

After welcoming sold-out crowds of 90,000 the past three years, Florida’s biggest rock music festival experience will move to its new home in Daytona Beach at Daytona International Speedway, May 8-10, 2020. The 10th anniversary celebration of Welcome to Rockville will be headlined by Metallica, with the World Center of Racing as the backdrop.

 

Eco-Camping in the Everglades

Eco-tents Flamingo Region, Everglades National Park | Opened October 2019 

Everglades National Park’s Flamingo region, located in the Florida Keys, is to offer 20 new furnished eco-tents for overnight camping for stays beginning on 1 October 2019. The 186-square-foot tents, erected on platforms, have a choice of queen or two double beds. Amenities include bed linens, electricity, a sitting area, a nightstand with lamps and storage bins. Rates range from $60 per night (approximately £48). 

 

A New Mural Project is Underway in Vero Beach

Downtown Vero Beach Mural Project Vero Beach | Ongoing

The Downtown Vero Beach Mural Project is commissioning large-scale murals on exterior walls throughout the downtown region. Four pieces have been completed — out of an initial goal of eight murals. In the last decade, downtown Vero has been infused with considerable artistic energy, and now features a Historic Downtown Arts District and a First Friday Gallery Stroll. The mural project reflects a nationwide trend to add big, bold artworks that add a delightful dimension to the visitor experience.

Florida’s Sport Coast to Open New Sports Complex

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex | Florida’s Sports Coast | July 2020 

On July 2020 the brand-new Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex will open its doors to the public and will feature a range of state-of-the-art sports facilities. These include eight basketball courts, sixteen volleyball courts and a large events space for meetings and events. In 2021 guests will be able to stay at the onsite at the Residence Inn by Marriot, thus providing a 360-degree guest experience.

The USA’s Largest Equestrian Centre to Open in Ocala County

World Equestrian Centre |Ocala County | Opening 2021

2021 welcomes the grand opening of the much-anticipated World Equestrian Centre, the largest venue of its kind in the USA. This state-of-the-art venue will include 700,000 square-foot of indoor spaces, stabling for 2,200 horses and 16 outdoor arenas. The venue will also include a 5-star luxury hotel, spa and retail venues throughout as well as much more.

 

**ENDS**

About VISIT FLORIDA:

As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 127 million visitors in 2018. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors contributed $85.9 billion to Florida's economy and supported 1.5 million Florida jobs in 2017.  According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida, $2.15 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, Hilton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.    

To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, follow us on our industry social media channels: Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism