From milestone celebrations and immersive attractions to limited-time festivals, culinary experiences and family-friendly events, here’s the latest from across Kissimmee and Central Florida.
Attractions
Blue Man Group has officially returned to Central Florida with a new resident production now open at ICON Park. Performed inside the new Blue Man Theater, the reimagined show pairs the troupe’s signature moments with fresh, Central Florida–exclusive content, delivering a high-energy, multi-sensory experience packed with music, humour, cutting-edge technology and interactive surprises.
For visitors who love authentic Florida adventure paired with something unexpectedly wholesome, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is spotlighting Mini Moo Land, an up-close Highland cow encounter. Guests can feed, brush, pet, and take photos with the gentle cows, an interactive experience that’s calming, memorable and fun for all ages.
Elsewhere in Central Florida, Gatorland, the ‘Alligator Capital of the World,’ hosts its Seventh Annual Gatorpalooza Weekend on May 30–31, 2026, included with park admission. The event features live music, artisans, vendors, giveaways, family fun, appearances by the Gatorland Vlog Team, and fan-favourite programming like the once-a-year Florida Man Challenge on Saturday.
Walt Disney World Resort will roll out Cool KIDS’ SUMMER from May 26–September 8 across all four theme parks and beyond, featuring magical new shows, newly enhanced attractions, and playful character moments designed to help families dance, play and cool off all summer long.
- At Magic Kingdom® Park, ‘Jessie’s Roundup: A Rip-Roarin’ Revue!’ will invite young deputies to head to the Diamond Horseshoe from May 26–September 8 for a high-energy, Toy Story–inspired hoedown hosted by Jessie.
- At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, multiple new offerings will debut for summer, including Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets beginning May 26, a new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission beginning May 22 featuring Din Djarin and Grogu, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! beginning May 26 for families ready to sing and dance along with Mickey and Minnie.
- At EPCOT, summer fun will expand with GoofyCore taking over CommuniCore Hall from May 26–September 8 with Goofy-led interactive activities, while Soarin’ introduces a new adventure beginning May 26 with Soarin’ Across America, showcasing the United States from sea to shining sea.
- At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Bluey’s Wild World will begin May 26 at Conservation Station, inviting guests to play and dance with Bluey and Bingo while discovering an experience featuring animals native to Australia.
United Parks & Resorts is heading into summer with fresh entertainment and limited-time experiences across its parks:
- SeaWorld Orlando’s summer season begins May 22, featuring new and reimagined entertainment:
- Electric Ocean: Summer Nights, Reimagined will bring a park-wide nighttime celebration filled with music, energy and immersive after-dark entertainment.
- An all-new drone show will debut, lighting up the sky with glowing sea creatures and dynamic animations before transitioning into the Ignite fireworks finale.
- Expedition Odyssey will transform into Fire & Ice, a story-driven Arctic mission that starts in the queue and continues through a newly themed research outpost and mission control briefing.
- At Aquatica Orlando, AquaGlow returns for the season, transforming the park into a glowing nighttime splash party on select nights from May 15 through September 26 with neon lights, pulsing music, specialty drinks and shorter wait times.
Animal encounters also get a fresh spotlight at Bell Family Farm, where the newest Cow Cuddle addition, Charley’O, has quickly become a must-meet thanks to his rescue story and ‘forever home’ arrival.
Beginning in July, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will roll out programming honouring the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, celebrating the nation’s spirit of exploration at the place where America continues reaching for the stars—and the Moon.
For families planning a summer trip around major moments, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is bringing FIFA World Cup 2026™ excitement to Central Florida with the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ Experience, running June 11 through July 19. Guests can score goals against a LEGO Minifigure, meet LEGO versions of global soccer superstars, build a custom team kit for the ‘Heroes of Play’ wall, pose with the LEGO FIFA World Cup 2026™ Trophy, and shop newly released LEGO sets inspired by the tournament, part of a broader seasonal schedule of family-friendly events.
Festival and events
For a night out with a local twist, Kissimmee Main Street and Downtown Kissimmee hosts the Kowboy Crawl on May 29, 2026, inviting participants to dress in their best ‘Kowtown’ attire and enjoy cocktail/mocktail samplings with local celebrity bartenders at participating stops.
For a classic Kissimmee summer experience on the water, Old Florida Riverboat invites guests aboard the historic Lillie for regular Sunset Cruises and Sunday Afternoon Cruises on Lake Tohopekaliga. The Riverboat also features live music throughout the season, including Afterglow on May 23, Randy Ryals on May 30 and June 13, and the return of Skart on June 6, and culminates with a Star-Spangled 4th of July Cruise on July 4 featuring live music, drink specials, a Red, White & Blue BBQ spread and prime fireworks views over the lake.
The Ice Factory is rolling into summer with a lineup of themed skate nights designed to keep the energy high and the vibes family-friendly.
- Foam Party on Ice returns on May 22, transforming the rink into a foam-filled celebration with music, bubbles and nonstop skating fun.
- Dog Park on Ice comes to the rink on July 11, turning the ice into a dog-friendly ‘cool-down’ park complete with vendors and treats for both pups and people, while supporting Animal Advocates of Florida and K9 Partners for Patriots.
- Back 2 School Glow Party lights up the rink on August 21, featuring a neon-forward atmosphere with glowing lights, music and interactive party energy on the ice.
The following will take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Central Florida:
- Avatar in Concert (June 20, 2026 | Walt Disney Theater) – Dr. Phillips Center will present a cinematic concert experience that brings the world of Pandora to life, featuring the film on screen while the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Orlando perform James Horner’s score live.
- Into the Woods (Starring Jodi Benson) (July 31–August 2, 2026 | Steinmetz Hall) – Dr. Phillips Center will stage the Tony Award-winning musical in a locally produced presentation starring Disney Legend Jodi Benson, weaving together classic fairy tales into a richly layered story brought to life with Orlando talent.
- Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance – Encore (August 7, 2026 | Walt Disney Theater) – Dr. Phillips Center, in association with Live Nation, will present Derek Hough in a high-energy dance experience that blends styles from ballroom to hip-hop with dynamic choreography and big production moments.
- Hamilton (September 29–October 18, 2026 | Walt Disney Theater) – Dr. Phillips Center will welcome the global Broadway phenomenon back to Orlando, bringing its genre-defying mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway to the stage in the story of America’s founding era.
Accommodations
In Kissimmee, Gaylord Palms® Resort and Convention Center keeps the energy high all summer long with Super Hero Summer featuring DC running May 22–Sept. 7, 2026, bringing immersive DC-inspired entertainment, activities, and seasonal programming to resort guests.
The newly opened Kompose Boutique Resort offers a stylish and comfortable retreat just minutes from Central Florida’s top theme parks. Guests can unwind by the pool, float along the lazy river or relax in the sauna and jacuzzi. For active travellers, the resort features pickleball and basketball courts, a mini golf course and well-equipped fitness areas.
Food and beverage
Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille, an open-air bar and grille, will be the newest dining and entertainment experience in Old Town Kissimmee. This popular dining experience, set to open in mid-May, features an extensive food and drink menu alongside exciting shows and games.
From mid-May through August, ette hotel is offering a Summer 2026 package that pairs a Walt Disney World® Resort fireworks viewing party on the vibrant LIPA rooftop (gourmet popcorn service and ambient music; subject to scheduling and weather) with a third complimentary night when guests book three consecutive nights, plus daily breakfast for the whole family.
White Castle is expanding its presence in Central Florida with a new restaurant opening in Kissimmee. Known for its iconic sliders, the new location will feature two drive-thru lanes, giving locals and travellers another convenient stop for craveable classics.
For seasonal cravings, Portillo’s is bringing back its fan favourites, Lemon Cake and Strawberry Lemon Cake Shakes, including the option to make it a Cake Shake by blending in a full slice of Lemon Cake.
Dining deals for families also expand at Delta Hotels by Marriott Orlando Celebration, where a Kids Eat Free promotion runs May 1–Sept. 30, 2026. Up to two kids per room receive two free meals per day when dining with a paying adult at select restaurants.
Rounding out the seasonal sip scene, Susana’s Café is debuting a limited-time drink menu designed for warm weather, featuring a Lavender Latte, Coconut Cloud Matcha, and Hibiscus Berry Lemonade.
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