Please check individual websites for complete details as information may change.
NORTHERN REGION
East Garden District - Pensacola - 2023: With openings slated for throughout 2023, the vision for the East Garden District in Historic Downtown Pensacola will feature all-new restaurants, retail and residences, a brewery, hotel and rooftop bar, and a beautifully landscaped urban plaza. In 1764, shortly after the British took control of West Florida from the Spanish, Elias Dunford – a British military officer and civil engineer – was appointed Commanding Engineer and Surveyor-General of the new British West Florida. Dunford’s charge was to survey Pensacola and lay out a new plan for the city, featuring a traditional street grid and large public square. In 2023, more than 250 years later, Dunford’s original vision for the district is being realized as the East Garden District.
Friendship Fountain - Jacksonville - Summer 2023: St. Johns River Park, located on the Southbank waterfront and home to Friendship Fountain, is underway with a $6 million transformation expected to finish in July 2023. Plans include a botanical garden, themed play park, splash pad, concessions and fountain upgrades. Central to the park will be an upgraded fountain with fully functional dancing jets choreographed to music and lights, boasting “water cinema”.
The Igloo - Jacksonville - 2023: The City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Icemen have begun renovations on the Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex. The revitalized center, to be renamed the Icemen Igloo, will be one of the Southeast’s premier ice skating and facilities. The current one-rink building will soon feature two NHL/ECHL regulation size rinks, a sports themed restaurant and lounge, new locker rooms, conference rooms, snack bar, Icemen team and pro shop, an Icemen training facility, Icemen headquarters and home to the new Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame. It is expected to be completed in 2023.
Jacksonville Beach Town Center - Jacksonville - 2023: With sand, surf and shopping all within feet of each other, the Jacksonville Beach Town Center will be the perfect location to grab delicious meals with friends, hunt for the picture-perfect outfit or sip some locally brewed beverages with an oceanfront view. The first-of-its-kind regional Mexican restaurant with rooftop dining Oaxaca Club will be located on the top of the building with stores on the bottom. Estimated to finish construction in 2023, this shopping center will be located on Jacksonville Beach, one piece of the city’s 22 miles of coastline.
Point South Marina - Port St. Joe - NOW OPEN: Opened in January 2023, Point South Marina at Port St. Joe is located in the heart of Florida's Forgotten Coast, on the eastern shore of St. Joseph Bay between Panama City and Apalachicola, Florida. The original marina was destroyed in 2018’s Hurricane Michael, requiring a complete rebuild, but is back better than ever with an up-scale Outfitters Shop, 63,000 square foot boat barn with space for 252 dry boat slips, plus 48 wet boat slips and a 300 foot lay a long transient boat dock. The walkable location in historic Port St. Joe offers shopping, dining and entertainment just blocks away from the marina.
St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve - Hastings - October 2023: The St. Johns Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve is all about conservation of rare and endangered species of plants from around the world, as well as natural resources and native plants and animals. This beautiful preserve located along Deep Creek in the rural Hastings, Florida will be open to the public in October 2023 providing guided tours and programs, as well as classes on plant identification, xeriscaping, landscaping, native plants, water conservation, and so much more.
CENTRAL REGION
Chat with an Astronaut - Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral - NOW OPEN: Launched in 2022, engage with the Astronaut of the Day as they sit down in a casual, small-group setting to answer your most pressing questions. Enjoy a sampling of food and beverages while having a group conversation about what it is really like to live and work in space. With plenty of time for an engaging Q & A session, you are sure to leave feeling truly acquainted with a space pioneer and equipped with incredible stories to share for years to come.
Etched Feathers: A History of the Printed Bird - Tampa - March - October 2023: Birds have mesmerized and inspired artists for centuries. Etched Feathers examines the works, and artistic processes, of John Costin and other bird artists and devotees, whose creations capture the essence of winged beauty. See this incredible exhibit from March 4 to Oct. 15 in the Wayne Thomas Gallery at the Tampa Bay History Center.
Minion Land on Illumination Ave. - Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando - NOW OPEN: Universal Orlando Resort has announced an immersive new area created in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination. Opening this summer at Universal Studios Florida, the new land expands upon the wildly popular Despicable Me Minion Mayhem attraction and will debut a new collection of experiences for guests of all ages inspired by the beloved Minions franchise. As soon as guests enter the land, they’ll be greeted by a fun, photo-worthy “Minion Land” marquee featuring 22 Minions before embarking on the mischief that awaits along Illumination Ave. From blasting their way to supervillain stardom in Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast to savoring tasty dishes at the Minion Cafe to snacking on banana-flavored popcorn at Pop-a-Nana and meeting fan-favorite characters along the way.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast - Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando - Summer 2023: Universal Orlando Resort announced its newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, which will debut at the theme park in Summer 2023. Visitors encounter immersive environments, nefarious villains and mischievous Minions from Illumination’s films, all while determining if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a group of supervillains from the film, “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana - EPCOT- Walt Disney World - Orlando - Late 2023: Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, will open at EPCOT in late 2023. Guests will take a self-guided stroll along an outdoor trail where they can play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. Along the way, learn about the importance of water and discover its playful personality - just as Moana did on her heroic voyage. Journey of Water will open within World Nature, the EPCOT neighborhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty and balance of the natural world.
Judson’s at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Orlando - Fall 2023: Set to debut in fall 2023, Judson’s will be the fourth indoor performance space at downtown Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, joining Steinmetz Hall (which opened in 2022), the Walt Disney Theater, and the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. The dynamic music room will host live performances with intimate, cabaret-style seating for up to 150 guests.
Max Action Arena - ICON Park - Orlando - NOW OPEN: ICON Park is taking family fun to the max with a new attraction now opened – Max Action Arena! Max Action Arena is the place for high-intensity, engaging fun. The 8,000-square-foot entertainment center features a variety of experiences including: Zero Latency VR, adventure rooms, axe throwing, and an escape room.
PerfectSwell Edgewater Surf Simulation Hub - New Smyrna Beach - Late 2023: Construction planning has begun on surf simulator "PerfectSwell Edgewater", which is set to open in 2023. Surrounded by natural resources and wildlife corridors, PerfectSwell Edgewater will unite exciting high performance surf technology with the serene natural environment of Edgewater, featuring a world-class PerfectSwell Surf Pool, surf-inspired food and beverage, surf shop, surf training facility, clubhouse, meeting rooms, and cabana and day lounge areas. The development will include a 125-room hotel next to PerfectSwell Edgewater.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster - SeaWorld - Orlando - NOW OPEN: SeaWorld Orlando is excited to announce the opening of the theme park’s newest roller coaster, "Pipeline: The Surf Coaster," in May of 2023. This attraction is the world’s first “Surf Coaster”. Riders will feel the power of the ocean in a whole new way, making “Pipeline” every thrill-seeker’s newest obsession. “Pipeline” will take them on an unparalleled journey and will keep them coming back for more. Each rider will get the rush of cutting through waves as they race up to heights of 110-feet in the air and feel like they are about to wipe out when they go upside down on a wave curl along the 2,950-feet of track. “Pipeline” will send riders on a journey reaching max speeds of 60-miles-per-hour, with five different airtime moments and lasting a total of 1 minute and 50 seconds, leaving nothing but amazement in its wake. Are you ready to get on board?
Pirate River Quest - LEGOLAND Florida Resort - Winter Haven - NOW OPEN: Opened in January 2023, A brand-new, swashbuckling quest awaits families visiting LEGOLAND® Florida Resort with the Pirate River Quest. Board a family-friendly boat ride to search for Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure through an all-new hilarious adventure. The quest to uncover the lost treasure unfolds brick by brick as families face a variety of exciting sequences built within lush gardens telling the tales of the rowdy LEGO® pirate crew. Riders will sail through the natural waterways while following the all-new story featuring the newest LEGO pirate friend, Calico Jade, and other exotic LEGO creatures, including a flamboyance of bright flamingos, a troop of mischievous monkeys and even a fearsome kraken.
Serengeti Flyer - Busch Gardens - Tampa Bay - NOW OPEN: Serengeti Flyer, opened at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. With each swing, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher reaching speeds of 68 mph and a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak. Guests are seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas, allowing for 40 guests to experience the ride at once.
Tampa Bay History Center: Mapping the History of the Conch Republic - Tampa - April - October 2023: Key West and the Florida Keys have played an outsized role in Florida's history. First appearing on a Spanish map in 1511, the Keys had been home to the Tequesta and Calusa for thousands of years. In more modern times, Key West was at one point the largest city in Florida, home to wreckers, cigar makers, fisherfolk, and other colorful characters. Historical and modern maps and charts chronicle that past–see them at the Tampa Bay History Center's latest exhibit, Key West and the Florida Keys, from April 15 to Oct. 15 in the Saunders Foundation Gallery in the Touchton Map Library.
"Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature" at Selby Gardens - Sarasota - February - June 2023: Opening February 12, the 2023 installment of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition will showcase the creativity and innovation of the American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany’s celebrated stained-glass windows and lamps will inspire stunning horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and throughout the Gardens' 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus, while nearly 40 outstanding examples of Tiffany's work in various media will be on display in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The immersive indoor/outdoor show will run through June 25, 2023.
TRON Lightcycle / Run - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World - Orlando - NOW OPEN: Lean forward into the ultimate race of survival at Walt Disney World! Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in an epic quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. Here, there’s no limit to the excitement. Climb aboard your very own Lightcycle and take off on a high-speed adventure, racing against the Grid’s most menacing Programs. Surge past your fierce opponents as you attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates and secure your team’s victory—so you can survive to race another day. Opened in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, TRON Lightcycle / Run is one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.
Universal's Great Movie Escape - Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando - NOW OPEN: New to Universal CityWalk in December of 2022, Universal’s Great Movie Escape features epic escape adventures inspired by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s iconic Jurassic World and Back to the Future films. Universal’s entertainment team partnered closely with filmmakers and escape room industry experts around the country to create innovative experiences that go beyond the typical escape room — blending state-of-the-art challenges, detailed sets and original storylines to immerse you in story-driven adventures that invite you to escape into the movies like never before.
Zubrick Magic Theatre - St. Petersburg - NOW OPEN: Chris and Ryan Zubrick, award-winning illusionists who have wowed crowds in more than 7,000 performances across the globe, have made a permanent stage for their act in downtown St. Petersburg. The pair opened the doors of a new state-of-the-art Zubrick Magic Theatre. The illusionists have a wide variety of tricks up their sleeves, and they blend the old with the new, mixing magic and technology to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience! But what really makes these shows unique is the memories families create when they go together. The theater is intimate, seating no more than 90 people, and families have an up-close experience with the action.
SOUTHERN REGION
All-New Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center - Key West - NOW OPEN: Opened in November 2022, Key West’s Truman Waterfront Park is home to the all-new Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. The state-of-the-art, family-friendly attraction features contemporary new exhibits including one that introduces visitors to Keys mangrove habitats and allows interaction with life-size mangrove branches. Exhibits include a colorful light-filled aquarium showcasing coral restoration, an interactive paddleboard experience and shipwrecks of the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail.
Bounce Sporting Club - Delray Beach - Summer/Fall 2023: Bounce Sporting Club, New York, and Chicago’s leading luxury sports lounge will open its first Florida location in the heart of downtown Delray Beach at Delray Beach Market. This addition will expand on the company’s commitment to providing first-in-market experiences, with unique food offerings, entertainment, and a premiere event space. Bounce Sporting Club Delray is poised to forever change the definition of a “sports bar” with the delivery of an unmatched entertainment experience. The luxury sports lounge will take up residence on the north side of Delray Beach Market located at 33 SE Third Avenue half a block south of Atlantic Avenue.
Marina Village by Bahia Mar - Fort Lauderdale - Late 2023: Slated to open in late 2023, Marina Village by Bahia Mar will be a waterfront food, beverage, and entertainment venue accessible by foot, car, and even boat with dock access. The one-of-a-kind village will be located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.
Mega Mayhem: Dueling Water Coaster -Rapids Waterpark - Riviera Beach - 2023: Rapids Waterpark, South Florida's largest water park, announced the new ride coming in 2023 – MEGA MAYHEM, Dueling Water Coaster. The new attraction is designed and manufactured by ProSlide Technology Inc. and is its Dueling PIPELine Blast/Flying SAUCER20 model. Mega Mayhem will be the first dueling water coaster ride in the state of Florida and is one of six installed in the world. Thrill seekers will compete to reach the finishing plunge first while experiencing drop and dive sensations along the way.
New Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary App - Florida Keys - NOW OPEN: Launched in Fall 2022, A new Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary app is now available, providing information about enjoying the sanctuary’s 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Keys. The Marine Sanctuary Explorer app describes the sanctuary’s more than 50 marine zones with easy-to-read guidelines about allowed activities. GPS-enabled technology alerts users when approaching the sanctuary’s no-wake and other managed zones and delivers real-time information about rules and regulations.
New Middle Keys Boating Excursions - Marathon - NOW OPEN: Opened in Fall 2022, Marathon Mermaid Charters offers new Middle Keys boating excursions on the Marathon Mermaid, a 53-foot custom-designed vessel that offers sunset cruises around the Seven Mile Bridge. Other tours offered include a sandbar experience and reef snorkel tours in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary at the famous Sombrero Reef. The boat also can be booked for private charters. It's located at 1688 Overseas Highway.
Sunset Lounge Re-opening After Renovation - West Palm Beach - 2023: This legendary West Palm Beach nightclub and jazz landmark, dating back to 1925, is ready for its second act with a multimillion-dollar revival. The renovation of this iconic 12,308-square-foot venue that once hosted notable artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, is the cornerstone of the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s work to restore the Historic Northwest District. The space will pay tribute to the musical roots and notable beginnings of the site as the premier African American entertainment venue in the south during the Jim Crow law period that enforced racial segregation.