Orlando is seeing a range of new attractions, exhibits, and dining options this September. Walt Disney World Resort announced several updates at Destination D23 for Magic Kingdom Park. These include an all-new introductory scene for Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress featuring Walt Disney himself through Audio-Animatronics technology. Cinderella Castle will receive a refreshed color palette inspired by its original design, using updated shades to highlight its architecture.
Starting September 15, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise will feature a limited-time overlay in celebration of TRON: Ares. Guests will experience vibrant red and orange light trails set to music from Nine Inch Nails on the ride. In 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering a behind-the-scenes look inside the recording studio with The Electric Mayhem band and changes to the ride’s exterior theme.
The Orlando Museum of Art has two new exhibitions opening in September. On September 5, “Jason Chin: Your Place in the Universe” showcases illustrations highlighting scientific wonders through children’s perspectives. On September 13, “To Catch a Dream,” the 54th annual exhibition of the Florida Watercolor Society, will display works demonstrating watercolor techniques used to capture memories and imagination.
Renovations have begun at Albert Park in College Park after a ceremonial groundbreaking. Updates include replacing the iconic oak tree and gazebo with a pavilion and stage, along with improved lighting, landscaping, seating, and viewing areas. Fifty oak seedlings were distributed to residents as part of efforts to maintain ties to the park’s history; another fifty are planned for distribution during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Lake Eola Park has introduced “Grandmothers Legacy of Love Butterfly Sculpture Garden” as part of Project DTO. The garden features large butterfly sculptures and landscaping designed to attract butterflies while displaying names honoring grandmothers involved in the project.
Madame Tussauds Orlando added a Selena Gomez wax figure dressed in her 2023 MTV Video Music Awards gown. The figure was handcrafted over nine months by twenty artists.
New dining options are also available in Orlando this month. The Secret Slice opened at East End Market in Audubon Park on the second floor behind The Neighbors restaurant. This concept offers square pizzas ordered via QR code and picked up through a dedicated slot once ready.
H Mart is opening its first Florida location on West Colonial Drive on September 25. It is expected to be one of H Mart’s largest stores nationwide (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/06/10/h-mart-opening-date-orlando-west-colonial-drive/). Shoppers can expect specialty groceries alongside Asian-fusion food vendors serving Korean BBQ and other dishes.
On the events calendar, Dazzling Nights returns for its sixth year at Leu Gardens from November 28 through January 4 with new experiences including an interactive Christmas zone and expanded holiday displays (https://dazzlingorlando.com/leugardens/). Canadian pop artist Tate McRae will perform at Kia Center on September 13-14 as part of her Miss Possessive tour.
