What's new at Orlando's parks, plus the holiday events and festivals worth planning around this fall and winter.
Updated Oct 15, 2026Updated Oct 15, 2026. Dates come from each park's official site or reputable news, linked on every story. Parks change schedules often, so always confirm on the official page before you book. Orlando Unlocked isn't affiliated with any park.
Openings, closures and new experiences.
📅 Closed Nov 2 – about Dec 17, 2026
The log flume and its exit shop close for their first big refurbishment. Disney's operating calendar shows the ride back on Dec 18, but Disney's ride page only says "expected to reopen in December."
Reopening date is from Disney's operating calendar, not an announcement, and could change.
Source: Walt Disney World ↗
📅 Hurly-Burly open since Oct 1, 2026
Walt Disney World marked its 55th anniversary on Oct 1. The same day, Hurly-Burly opened at Disney's BoardWalk in the old Jellyrolls space: family games in the afternoon, 21+ live music from 9 PM.
Source: The DIS (WDWInfo) ↗
📅 New for 2026
LEGOLAND Florida's new attraction for 2026 is Galacticoaster, an indoor space coaster where families build their own LEGO spacecraft before riding through the galaxy.
Source: LEGOLAND Florida ↗📅 Opening date not announced
SeaWorld's new suspended family dark ride, with submarine-style vehicles that swing and spin, was announced for 2026. SeaWorld hasn't announced an opening date, and its ride page now just says "coming soon."
Unconfirmed: no opening date yet; a 2026 opening is not guaranteed.
Source: SeaWorld Orlando ↗
📅 Remaining 2026 nights: Oct 17, Oct 24, Nov 6, Nov 20
A separately ticketed after-hours event with shorter waits plus included snacks and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks. Early entry starts at 7 PM; the event runs 9 PM to midnight.
Source: Universal Orlando blog ↗Halloween is wrapping up and the holidays are coming. Most party nights need a separate ticket.
📅 Select nights through Nov 1, 2026 (left: Oct 15–18, 21–25, 28–31, Nov 1)
The 35th year of HHN features 10 all-new haunted houses, including Stranger Things. It's a separately ticketed night event, and the last Premium Scream Night is Oct 19.
Source: Universal Orlando Resort newsroom ↗
📅 Through Nov 21, 2026
All Global Marketplaces are now open (the last four arrived Oct 2). Included with EPCOT admission. Heads up: The Wedge closes early, on Nov 8.
Source: Walt Disney World ↗
📅 Nov 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 29; Dec 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22
Separate-ticket holiday party, 7 PM to midnight, with holiday parades, fireworks and treats. Tickets run about $189–$229 per person depending on the night.
Source: Walt Disney World ↗
📅 Nov 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28; Dec 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 23; Jan 3 and 5, 2027
Hollywood Studios' after-hours holiday event. Entry from 5:30 PM, festivities 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM.
Source: Walt Disney World ↗
📅 Nov 27 – Dec 30, 2026
Holiday Kitchens, storytellers around World Showcase, and the Candlelight Processional with a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra and choir (4:45, 6:30 and 8:00 PM). Narrators include Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Josh Groban, Jodi Benson and Eva Longoria.
Opening-weekend narrator (Nov 27–28) is still to be announced; lineup is subject to change.
Source: Walt Disney World ↗
📅 Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Grinchmas, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's return. New this year: holiday décor in Super Nintendo World and Isle of Berk at Epic Universe.
Source: Universal Orlando Resort newsroom ↗
📅 Select dates Nov 7, 2026 – Jan 5, 2027
Sea of Trees light displays, Winter Wonderland on Ice, holiday treats and the Holiday Reflections fireworks finale, all included with park admission.
SeaWorld's page lists both Nov 6–Jan 4 and Nov 7–Jan 5; check the park calendar for exact days.
Source: SeaWorld Orlando ↗
📅 Select dates Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
New this year: a LEGO Santa drone show and an interactive light trail, plus the park's first Rap Battle Show. Included with admission.
Source: LEGOLAND Florida ↗Space, holiday lights and festivals around Central Florida.
📅 MAX POWER Nov 6–8; Fall Bites Oct 16 – Nov 8, 2026
A weekend of interactive exhibits, meet-and-greets and storytelling about America's space journey. Taste of Space: Fall Bites runs at the same time, and astronaut appearances happen most days. About an hour east of Orlando.
Rocket launches are scheduled separately and often move; check the visitor complex's launch page.
Source: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ↗
📅 Nightly Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 18, 2027
Millions of white lights cover the historic downtown every night. It kicks off with Light-Up! Night on Nov 21. It's about 1 hr 45 min from Orlando, so it's best as a day trip with an overnight stay.
Source: Visit St. Augustine ↗📅 Nov 14–15, 2026, 9 AM – 5 PM
A juried fine-art show in Central Park along Park Avenue, about 20–30 min from downtown Orlando. Admission is free.
Source: Winter Park Chamber of Commerce ↗Big shows and home games over the next couple of months.
📅 Nov 1, 2, 13, 18, 24; Dec 14, 16, 21, 23, 26, 27
NBA basketball downtown at Kia Center. NBA Cup games vs. Milwaukee (Nov 13) and Detroit (Nov 24). Most tip-offs are at 7 PM.
Source: Orlando Magic (NBA.com) ↗📅 Nov 14 & Nov 20, 2026
Big 12 football on UCF's campus: Arizona State on Sat Nov 14 (time TBA), then Senior Knight vs. Iowa State on Fri Nov 20 at 6 PM.
Source: UCF Athletics ↗📅 Nov 21 · Dec 29 · Jan 2, 2027
FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman (Nov 21, 3:30 PM), the Pop-Tarts Bowl, ACC vs. Big 12 (Dec 29, 5:30 PM), and the Citrus Bowl, SEC vs. Big Ten (Jan 2, noon). Seating is reduced this season during the stadium's renovation.
Bowl teams are picked Dec 6; single-game bowl tickets go on sale after that.
Source: Florida Citrus Sports ↗📅 Nov 15 & 16, 2026, 7 PM
Two nights at Kia Center with special guest Devon Again.
Source: Kia Center ↗📅 Sat Nov 14, 2026, 7:30 PM
Doja Cat's Orlando arena show, with Latto opening.
Source: Kia Center ↗📅 Sat Dec 19, 2026, 2:30 & 7:30 PM
TSO's 30th-anniversary holiday rock show, with lasers and pyrotechnics. Two shows in one day.
Source: Kia Center ↗📅 Many nights, Nov – Dec 2026
ECHL pro hockey downtown at Kia Center, with home games regularly through November and December against teams like Jacksonville, Atlanta and Greenville.
Check the Kia Center calendar for the full list and puck-drop times.
Source: Kia Center events ↗