The cooler months bring a fresh wave of magic to Central Florida, and this edition of Enjoy Florida Magazine is your invitation to soak it all in. Feel the rush of new rides and expansions at Walt Disney World, then slow the pace with a stop at St. Cloud’s beloved riverboat, where new family owners are steering a local treasure into an exciting new chapter. When the sun goes down, holiday lights turn the region into a glowing wonderland, from festive theme park nights to twinkling neighborhood displays. Catch the whimsical new show open at Orlando’s ICON Park, gaze skyward as Artemis II: Pathway to the Moon charts humanity’s next giant leap on the Space Coast, or grab a seat at the brand-new Hamburger Mary’s, now serving up smiles at Old Town. From big thrills to hometown charm, there’s a whole season of discovery waiting. So live like a local, explore like a tourist – and let’s dive into everything fall and winter in Central Florida have in store.
Exciting New Rides & Expansions at Walt Disney World
The magic never stops expanding at Disney World, and this year is packed with fresh thrills, beloved characters, and dazzling new shows. Whether you’re planning your first family trip or your tenth, this year brings some seriously exciting reasons to pack your bags. Let’s dive into the biggest updates you won’t want to miss.
Ride with the Muppets at Hollywood Studios
If you love thrills and laughs, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a brand-new must-do. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opened this past May, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish. You’ll step inside G-Force Records, where the Muppets’ legendary house band, The Electric Mayhem, is running very late for their big concert across town.
The solution? A high-speed limo ride through Hollywood, of course! You’ll zoom past famous landmarks and blast through three thrilling inversions, including two rollover loops and a corkscrew. All the while, rock tunes from Dr. Teeth, Animal, and the rest of the crew keep the energy high. Will you make it to the show in time?
Toy Story Fun at Magic Kingdom
Toy Story fans have plenty to celebrate this year. After the release of the Pixar film Toy Story 5 in theaters, there’s never been a better time to visit Woody, Buzz, and friends at the parks. The excitement around the new movie brings fresh attention to all things Toy Story.
At Magic Kingdom, the classic Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin remains a family favorite. You’ll hop into your own space cruiser, aim your laser blaster at targets, and help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. It’s a friendly competition that gets everyone in the family trying to beat each other’s scores. Little ones and grown-ups alike will want to ride again and again.
Monsters Coming to Hollywood Studios
Get ready to enter a world of laughter and scares at a brand-new Monsters, Inc. themed area in development, bringing the beloved Pixar franchise to life like never before. Fans of Mike, Sulley, and Boo have been hoping for an expanded experience for years.
While details are still rolling out, this upcoming park area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios promises to immerse you in the colorful, comedic universe of Monstropolis. It’s a fantastic addition that’s sure to delight both longtime fans and brand-new visitors.
Dream Under the Stars at Magic Kingdom
End your day with something truly magical. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is a stunning new nighttime parade lighting up Magic Kingdom. Inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, it celebrates dreamy moments from favorite Disney and Pixar stories.
Watch as glowing floats bring Moana, Frozen, Encanto, Peter Pan, and more to life along the route. The parade travels through Main Street U.S.A., Liberty Square, and Frontierland. Arrive early to grab a great viewing spot, especially along Main Street.
New Family Owners Bring Fresh Life to St. Cloud’s Beloved Riverboat
A cherished piece of St. Cloud history is sailing into a bright new chapter. Since April 2025, the Old Florida Riverboat Company has been under the stewardship of the Weaver family, and their passion for the water shows in every detail.
Husband-and-wife team John and Terry Weaver, along with their son Jake and Grandpa Ron, took over the business and completely renovated the 75-foot sternwheel paddleboat. Now named The Lillie, she’s docked at St. Cloud Lakefront Park on the serene waters of East Lake Tohopekaliga. With Captain John Weaver holding a USCG license, every voyage is safe and welcoming.
Guests can drift through 90-minute sunset cruises with live music, book private charters, celebrate weddings, or join festive themed and holiday sailings. Onboard, you’ll find a full-service bar, climate-controlled areas, and wheelchair accessibility, blending vintage charm with modern comfort.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor, The Lillie invites you aboard for memories that last a lifetime.
Holiday Magic Lights Up Central Florida
From spooky nights and Halloween thrills to sparkling lights, falling snow and Christmas celebrations, Central Florida comes alive during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for family fun, festive entertainment, spectacular light displays or a little holiday magic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy from October through New Year’s Day. Explore some of Central Florida’s most popular holiday experiences and discover new traditions to share with family and friends.
Halloween Fun for Every Age
Fall in Central Florida means plenty of ways to celebrate, whether your crew loves gentle giggles or genuine scares.
Universal Orlando brings the frights with its famous Halloween Horror Nights, running select nights from August 28 to November 1. Think elaborate haunted houses, creepy scare zones, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. A word of caution for parents: this event is intense and isn’t recommended for kids under 13. Save it for your teens and grown-ups.
For younger goblins, Gatorland is the place to be. Its kid-friendly Gators, Ghosts & Goblins event lands on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, and it’s included with regular admission. Expect trick-or-treating, playful frights, live shows, and animal meet-and-greets, all surrounded by the park’s famous alligators.
Want something wilder? Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience Florida’s wetlands. While specific Halloween programming for 2026 wasn’t confirmed at the time of writing, this beloved outfitter often runs seasonal rides and special outings. Check their calendar for spooky sunset or nighttime airboat tours – a memorable twist on the usual haunted house.
Over at LEGOLAND Florida, families with little builders should watch for the park’s signature Brick or Treat event. LEGOLAND has a strong reputation for kid-focused Halloween events, typically featuring trick-or-treating, brick-built decorations, and costume-wearing themed fun. Dates have not been set, so confirm the 2026 schedule before you go.
Christmas Magic and Holiday Cheer
Once the calendar turns, Central Florida transforms into a glowing wonderland.
Walt Disney World goes all-in for the holidays, with festive fun running November 13 through January 6. Don’t miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (November 8–December 22), the food-filled EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays (November 27–December 30), and the glamorous Disney Jollywood Nights (November 7–January 5). Between dazzling decorations and beloved characters, there’s magic in every corner.
Universal Orlando also gets into the holiday spirit with Holidays at Universal, running November 14, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and included with park admission.
Highlights include Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular in Seuss Landing, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. Seasonal food, exclusive merchandise, and decorated hotels round out a festive resort-wide experience the whole family will enjoy.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration sparkles from November 6 to January 3. This one’s a great value, since it’s included with park admission. Highlights include a shimmering sea of trees, nightly fireworks, real ice skating, and the heartwarming show O Wondrous Night. It’s a full day of festive family fun.
Back at Gatorland, the Holiday Ho, Ho, Ho-Down brings Florida-style Christmas cheer on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20 – also included with admission. Snap a photo with Gator Claus in his swamp sleigh, meet the mischievous Krampus Croc, and enjoy holiday music the whole family will love.
For a cozier evening, head to Celebration Town Center. Its beloved Now Snowing Nightly event kicks off November 28 and happens every night at 6 PM. Kids can watch snow drift over the charming streets, meet Santa, ice skate, make crafts, and sample seasonal treats. Best of all, it’s free and easy to reach.
Ring in the New Year
Wrap up your trip with a bang! Central Florida certainly knows how to deliver on New Year’s Eve.
Walt Disney World makes December 31, 2026 a night to remember across the entire resort. Expect dance parties in multiple parks, uniquely themed dining experiences, special live entertainment, and a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza that lights up the sky. Reservations for dining and experiences are strongly encouraged, so plan ahead and book as early as possible to secure your preferred spots.
Over at SeaWorld Orlando, the Holiday Reflections fireworks show continues nightly through December 31, giving guests a stunning lakeside view as they ring in the new year. It’s a great choice for families looking for a more relaxed but equally beautiful send-off to 2026.
Universal Orlando Resort also throws an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration across its theme parks and Universal CityWalk. With the holiday season still in full swing through January 3, the resort buzzes with energy as guests ring in 2027 surrounded by festive lights, lively crowds, and celebration-ready entertainment. It’s a vibrant, high-energy option for families who want to count down in style.
Plan Your Perfect Holiday Getaway
Central Florida packs an incredible range of celebrations into one season. Whatever you choose, double-check event dates before you travel – then get ready to make memories the whole family will treasure.
Spheres Bubble Show Pops Up at Orlando’s ICON Park
Get set for the most amazing thing to hit Orlando. Witness giant bubbles floating over the audience along with jaw dropping magical bubble sculptures created right in front of your eyes! Spheres Bubble Show has arrived at ICON Park!
Spheres is the artistic creation of four time Guinness World Record holder Blaise Ryndes, an artist so amazing that he charmed the judges on Season 13 of America’s Got Talent. Blaise describes the show as “a comedic fusion of art, science and magic.”
Blaise developed an interest in magic in his early teens, and added bubble tricks as an enhancement to his routine. “I started to notice that audiences responded with greater excitement to the bubble effects as oppos-ed to the more traditional magic tricks, so I started to practice with them more and more.” That practice paid off, as Blaise, now 25, has performed this unique show all over the world. He was an approved entertainer for Super Bowl LV and the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2019. In 2025, Blaise was hired by Universal Studios to develop a bubble character for their new EPIC Universe theme park.
In 2021, Blaise assembled a troupe of performers and created a theatrical show called “The Expand the Universe Tour.” It was so successful that in 2024, he developed an entirely different production simply called “ORBS.” The show at ICON Park is a greatest hits performance inspired by those two productions.
The theater provides an intimate setting with only 50 seats, which guarantees that everyone will get an up-close and personal experience with the bubbles. Lucky audience members will get the opportunity to be brought up on stage and put inside a bubble, like Tyra Banks when Blaise was on AGT! Show duration is about 35 minutes.
Step Into the Next Mission at “Artemis II: Pathway to the Moon”
A remarkable experience awaits beneath one of the most iconic spacecraft ever built. Tucked into the bottom floor of the Space Shuttle Atlantis building at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, “Artemis II: Pathway to the Moon” invites you to walk straight into the mission to return to the moon.
Created by NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, this immersive exhibition follows the story, scale, and ambition of the Artemis II mission. As you follow the flight path through the space, you’ll come face-to-face with authentic NASA Artemis hardware and mission elements. A crew showcase shares personal items and inspirational stories from the astronauts themselves, giving you a real sense of the people behind the journey.
Stand beside a stunning 14-foot-in-diameter Moon model, then reach out and touch specimens from both the Moon and Mars at the same time – a truly rare opportunity. Interactive demonstrations let you feel what it takes to be part of the mission.
Want to dig deeper? Head to the Journey to Mars presentations, where teams from Orion, the Space Launch System, and other NASA programs share their expertise. Before the next stage of the Artemis mission takes place, come experience the mission, meet the crew, and touch the future.
Hamburger Mary’s Opens at Old Town!
Eat, drink, and be… Mary! Old Town proudly welcomes their newest restaurant Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille, and the party is in full swing. This open-air bar and grille brings big, juicy gourmet burgers, tasty apps, fresh salads, and an impressive lineup of craft beers and cocktails. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or in for a night out, there’s something delicious and fun for everyone. Of course, Hamburger Mary’s is famous for more than just great food!
The fun keeps flowing with signature entertainment like the legendary Broadway Brunch, weekend Dining with the Divas drag shows, Drag Queen Bingo, trivia nights, and classic bingo. It’s a flamboyant, but very welcoming experience made for open-minded people who love to have fun. If you love good food, great drinks, and even better company, Hamburger Mary’s fits right in with the vibrant, nostalgic charm of Old Town. For the menu and more info, visit orlando.hamburgermarys.com.
Find Out More in Our Guide
From the thrill of new rides at Disney World to the gentle sway of St. Cloud’s riverboat under new ownership, this season proves Central Florida always has something new to share. Wander beneath twinkling holiday lights, chase whimsical bubbles at ICON Park, look to the stars with Artemis II: Pathway to the Moon, and pull up a chair at the new Hamburger Mary’s in Old Town. These are the moments that turn an ordinary trip into memories you’ll talk about for years. So gather the family, live like a local, and explore like a tourist. There’s even more exciting details waiting in our flipbook version of the magazine, just click below.
