Orlando, Florida is experiencing a significant transformation with a wave of new developments and expansions reshaping its landscape. Universal Orlando Resort is constructing the massive Epic Universe, a multi-billion dollar theme park expected to open in 2025, while Disney World continues its ongoing expansion with new attractions and experiences. Downtown Orlando is witnessing the rise of the Orlando Magic Sports & Entertainment District, a vibrant entertainment hub surrounding the Amway Center, and the Lake Eola Park is undergoing a $30 million expansion to enhance its natural beauty and recreational offerings.
The city is also welcoming new luxury hotels like Mysk by Shaza, a $100 million Arabian-inspired project, and family-friendly resorts like Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, large-scale mixed-use developments like O-Town West and The Packing District are transforming vast areas into vibrant communities with diverse housing options, retail spaces, and entertainment venues. This surge in development demonstrates Orlando's commitment to providing innovative and immersive experiences for residents and visitors alike, solidifying its position as a premier global destination.
1. Epic Universe
Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe is a multi-billion dollar project, estimated to cost around $5 billion. Initially planned to open in 2023, the project's opening has been delayed to the summer of 2025 due to the pandemic. The park will feature multiple themed lands, including Super Nintendo World, a highly anticipated attraction for video game fans.
2. Lake Eola Expansion
Orlando's beloved Lake Eola Park is undergoing a $30 million expansion project, expected to be completed in phases. The first phase, which includes a new playground and interactive fountain, opened in 2023. Future phases will see the addition of a pedestrian bridge, a restaurant, and an event pavilion.
3. Orlando Magic Sports & Entertainment District
The Orlando Magic are investing hundreds of millions of dollars into a new entertainment district surrounding the Amway Center. While a specific budget has not been released, the project is estimated to cost between $200-$500 million. It will include a new hotel, office tower, and entertainment venues, with completion expected in the coming years.
4. The Packing District
This mixed-use development in College Park is estimated to cost $400 million. The project broke ground in 2021 and is expected to be completed in phases, with some residential units already available for lease. The Packing District will feature a variety of housing options, retail spaces, and a central park.
5. Disney World Expansion
Disney World is continuously expanding and investing billions of dollars into new attractions and experiences. Recent projects include the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in 2019, with an estimated cost of $1 billion, and the upcoming additions of the TRON Lightcycle Run roller coaster and the EPCOT transformation project.
6. Mysk by Shaza
The Mysk by Shaza hotel is a $100 million project expected to open in 2024. Located in Orlando's tourism corridor, the hotel will feature 200 rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options, offering a luxurious Arabian-inspired experience.
7. O-Town West
This massive mixed-use development spans over 350 acres and is estimated to cost billions of dollars. The project is being developed in phases, with some residential neighborhoods and retail spaces already open. O-Town West will eventually feature a variety of housing options, entertainment venues, and a new school.
8. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts
While a specific budget has not been released, the first Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts property in Orlando is expected to be a multi-million dollar project. The resort will feature 750 rooms, multiple water parks, and themed experiences, offering families a unique and immersive vacation experience.
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