From galloping aboard horseback under hundred-year-old cypress tree canopies to snorkeling in freshwater lagoons to blasting off into a galaxy far, far away, a Kissimmee getaway can be an adventurous vacation experience. New features in Kissimmee are an open invitation for visitors to pack their bags and soak up the fun within minutes of world-class theme parks, unique attractions, festivals and satisfying culinary experiences.
ATTRACTIONS
Mosey along at the Lazy H Ranch as you ride across the scenic trails of the Kissimmee Valley and along the shores of beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga. Experience what is was like to ride through acres of pristine land like the early pioneers and hear tales of Florida's cattlemen, Kissimmee's cow town heritage and what it means to be a Florida Cracker. Novice and experienced horse riders are welcomed.
Become a cowboy for a day at Forever Florida's Crescent J Ranch. This real life adventure lets anyone who has ever dreamed of life on a ranch take part in the daily chores of a real cow hunter, learning the basics of herding cattle and tending a real Florida ranch. Start the day with a lesson in riding a Florida cow pony, tend to an injured animal or ear tag a newborn calf-this is a wildly exciting and unique experience.
The countdown is on for the Runaway Country Music Festival on March 18-20. Held in Kissimmee's Osceola Heritage Park, the annual music festival's chart-topping lineup of performers includes: Jake Owen, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church. Fans from 39 states, 10 countries and just about every zip code in Florida are expected to enjoy the performances, complemented by a host of festival attractions, bars and taverns.
The Frozen Ever After ride at Walt Disney World's EPCOT replaces the 27-year-old Maelstrom ride. Located in the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase, fantastic Disney storytelling combined with new technology and favorite characters and music from the film will make guests feel like they stepped into the kingdom of Arendelle. Additionally, the pavilion's exterior will be expanded with unique Norwegian architectural features and the interior design of the "Royal Sommerhus" will reflect the cultural arts and crafts of Norway, providing a charming setting for guests to meet Elsa and Anna.
New Star Wars offerings have landed at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Star Wars Launch Bay offers guests the chance to interact with characters from the film franchise. The adventure continues on Star Tours, which has been enhanced to feature new characters and journeys from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple which allows young guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training.
Universal Orlando Resort announced a new groundbreaking attraction opening in summer 2016 at Universal's Islands of Adventure. "Skull Island: Reign of Kong" will honor one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests will board large vehicles and explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors.
Mako, a brand new 200-foot-tall coaster opening at SeaWorld Orlando summer 2016. Named after one of the ocean's fastest-known sharks, it will be Central Florida's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 73 mph, racing along 4,760 feet of steel track. The new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed two-acre plaza. The surrounding realm will be fully shark themed, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about the impact humans have on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment.
Located just a short drive from Kissimmee, Busch Gardens Tampa announced plans for a new family thrill ride called Cobra's Curse, opening 2016. This spin coaster will be the only one of its kind, featuring a vertical lift and taking riders on a whirlwind adventure of exciting explorations. Key features of the ride will include an 80-foot snake icon, a trek over the park's Serengeti Plain and the mysteries of an Egyptian archaeological excavation.
"The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure" premieres Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, reuniting Emmet, Wyldstyle and the rest of the gang for another epic adventure. The 12-and-a-half minute film will include special 4D effects such as wind, water, fog and more.
Future generations of space explorers will be engaged and inspired like never before as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex introduces a new, interactive, live-action game experience - Cosmic Quest - in February 2016. Cosmic Quest promises to immerse young guests, known as "trainees," in a variety of STEM-based space adventures while educating them about NASA's current and future space science and exploration endeavors. Cosmic Quest will be offered for $24.95, in addition to the daily admission.
Simon, a global leader in retail real estate, is pleased to announce that Orlando Vineland Premium Outletsrecently welcomed Bottega Veneta, an expanded Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Accessories, an expanded Michael Kors and Robert Graham to their diverse tenant mix. The outlet center will also add three dynamic fashion brands, including Bass Factory Outlet, Ted Baker London and Theory. Orlando International Premium Outlets has welcomed The Limited, Calvin Klein Accessories, Calvin Klein Underwear, Gant Outlet and A|X Armani Exchange and will be welcoming a remodeled Disney Store in the upcoming weeks.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Set to break ground in mid-2016 and open in 2017, the $750 million vacation resort MargaritaVillage, promises something for everyone, from families and couples to business travelers. The property will be home to a 175-room Margaritaville-branded hotel, 500 vacation homes, 300 timeshare units and approximately 550 condominiums. And Central Florida visitors will no longer have to travel to the coast to get their snorkeling fix. The resort will feature three acres of swimmable freshwater lagoons and water-based activities will include paddle-boarding, snorkeling and children's play areas.
Magic Development is excited to present Magic Village Resort: a unique, luxury, concierge-style community with 180 houses featuring four different floor plans, exclusive services, privacy and comfort. The houses are beautifully designed by experienced and refined architects and are fully equipped with modern decoration. The Club House features amenities that include a restaurant, a pool, a Jacuzzi, a kid's room and an office with internet access.
The first Red Lion-branded franchise location in Florida has opened in Kissimmee-the Red Lion[LW2] Hotel Orlando - Kissimmee Maingate. It has 516 guest rooms, complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, and Angel's Rock n' Roll Café-Bar. Set on 23 sprawling acres with lush landscaping, stunning fountains, mesmerizing water views and community fire pits, the property has become a popular meeting space for engagement parties, bridal showers, weddings and receptions.
A second hotel bearing the Red Lion flag is planned to open in November. The Red Lion Hotel Orlando - Lake Buena Vista South is currently undergoing extensive renovations and will feature 416 guest rooms and suites, a lazy river, poolside sports bar and more.
A new and final phase of townhouse construction begins in January at CLC Regal Oaks. The latest phase will be built by the resort's second lake and completion is scheduled for July 2016. The resort's spacious townhouses are arranged to provide a family with a modern, comfortable ‘home away from home', somewhere to relax and recharge the batteries after a ‘full-on' Florida day.
Located on the tourism corridor and minutes from the attractions, a new 150-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is expected to open in Kissimmee summer 2016.
EATERIES
Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens is expected to open in the summer of 2016. The winery will feature wine demonstrations, a micro-brewery, a French pastry shop and over 3,000 sq. feet of meeting space for corporate meetings, weddings and festivals. A 5-acre botanical garden will grow organic fruits and vegetables, while maintaining sustainable agricultural practices that include biodynamic practices, permaculture and hydroponics.
Come fall in love at Mango's Tropical Café, a 55,000-square-foot upscale café, bar and nightclub offering a family-friendly dinner show every night, featuring: Michael Jackson tribute artists, a live band with singers and the famous Mango's dancers performing the conga, the Brazilian Samba, bachata and more. Enjoy a delicious menu of Latin and Caribbean dishes and a refreshing array of handmade cocktails.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at I-Drive 360's Sugar Factory. Upscale dining classics are served all day long from brunch to late-night ranging from decadent crepes to flavorful desserts. Don't forget to grab one of their signature smoking Goblet Drinks, candy-infused cocktails or the King Kong Sundae with 24 scoops of ice cream, toppings and sparklers!
With the re-imagining and official name change of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs come new dining options:
- Opening later this year and featuring a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse, a sleek lounge, a DJ and the only rooftop dining experience in Disney Springs, STK Orlando will be one of the largest STK locations.
- The Edison, scheduled to open in Disney Springs in 2016, will be a lavish restaurant, bar and nighttime destination, themed to a 1920s power plant featuring classic American food, craft cocktails and live entertainment including palm readings.
- Grab a margarita at Chef Rick Bayless' Frontera Fresco restaurant opening later this year. Known for his authentic Mexican cuisine, his menu will feature specialties such as hand-crafted tortas, tacos and classic Mexican braised meat entrees.
- Feeding off of the old Florida charm at Disney Springs, Chef Art Smith is bringing Florida fare with Disney's first farm-to-fork restaurant, Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine. This rustic-chic restaurant will feature classics like homemade pimento cheese, deviled eggs, low-country shrimp and grits and variations of moonshine.
Get the most out of your vacation this year by staying and playing in Kissimmee. With more than 50,000 total accommodations ranging from high-end resorts, popular hotel chains, vacation home rentals and villas, campgrounds and more, Kissimmee has something to suit any style, any party size and budget. Kissimmee provides easy access to all of Central Florida's world famous theme parks, amusement parks, natural attractions, great shopping options, and unique experiences. Start planning a Kissimmee vacation today by visitingwww.ExperienceKissimmee.com.
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