It is that time of year again; time to plan our visit to the sunshine state of Florida. With theme parks, beaches, and shopping it is no wonder Florida is a family favourite. Now there’s even more fun to be had with some of the new attractions coming to the state this year. Here are 11 that caught our eye.
Angry Bird Experience
If these flying birds have hooked you’ll want to trek over to the Kennedy Space Center for the new Angry Birds Experience . Get into the shooting action with the Eggsteroid Slingshot or create a customized Angry Bird on the computer screen. There’s even mirror maze, laser challenge and green screen photo opportunities. Plus the exhibit is part of your regular admission cost.(NASA/Kim Shiflett, photographer)
You can read about our experience when we visited the Angry Bird Experience.
Cheetah Hunt
Busch Gardens Tampa loves to incorporate animal within their park, through animal viewings and rides inspired by these beautiful creatures. Cheetah Hunt invites you to race across the Serengeti in this launch coaster that climbs high and races down low.
Springfield
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, now you can enter their hometown of Springfield in Universal Orlando Resort. Grab a Krusty Burger, meet Sideshow Bob, enjoy a Duff Beer (brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando) and ride Kang and Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.
You can read about our experience when we visited the town of Springfield.
Barbie Dreamhouse Experience
Barbie has pulled up roots from Malibu and is heading to Florida, Fort Lauderdale to be exact. As part of the Barbie Dreamhouse Experience , guests can walk through a life-sized home, try on Barbie’s clothes, and interact with other elements throughout the home.
Re-Engineered Test Track
Although the re-engineered Test Track ride at Disney World isn’t new this summer (having opened the end of last year), this is one ride all of my family enjoys and we’re looking forward to the new experience. (Ali Nasser, photographer)
You can read about our experience when we visited Disney World’s updated Test Track.
LEGOLAND The World of Chima
LEGOLAND Florida is the largest of its kind in the world and now they’re expanding to add The World of Chima . Guests will enter a world full of highly-advanced animals that live in the magical land of Chima, including an interactive family water ride that includes water cannons, build opportunities, a 4D ride experience as well as character meet and greets.
Antarctica Empire of the Penguin
The new Antarctica Empire of the Penguin ride at SeaWorld Orlando takes you from just seeing penguins to visiting and experiencing Antarctica. The attraction is all around you, hoping to immerse you into the experience.
Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
Although the 30-year Space Shuttle Program has come to an end, interest in space will never die. The new $100 million Atlantis Exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gives you an up close experience of the Atlantis shuttle as well as more than 60 interactive exhibits.
Transformers
Last year we loved Universal Orlando Resort’s take on Despicable Me as a ride . This year they are bringing the Transformers experience to life in a 3D Interactive car-based ride . The whole family is looking forward to this.
Disney World’s Treasures of the Seaven Seas
Pirates are always a fascination with my kids and now they can play the pirate role by following a map and participating in raids as part of the Disney World’s new Treasures of the Seven Seas new interactive experience. (Gene Duncan photograher)
Toasted
Not all new family attractions in Florida have to be ride-based. The casual Winter Park dining spot Toasted offers craft grilled cheese sandwiches as their specialty. With locally sourced ingredients and artesian bread, Toast grilled cheese will please more than just the kids in the family.
Will you be heading to Florida this summer? What are you most excited about?