What's New at Orlando Theme Parks This Winter

Winter has arrived. With it, new adventures for vacationers looking for a warmer, thrill-filled oasis.

Stilt performers in Mardi Gras parade at Universal Studios Florida

Orlando’s world-famous theme parks are calling your name. Warm temperatures and clear skies set the stage for action-packed days under the toasty touch of sun rays. So get ready! Park goers of all ages can create new memories with the ones they love.

If you’re wondering what’s new at Orlando theme parks this winter, here are some exciting extravaganzas to prepare for.

Universal Orlando Resort

What’s the best way to follow up adrenaline rushes on Universal Orlando Resort’s The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic World VelociCoaster? The answer – the culinary delights and smooth vibes of New Orleans.

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando 2026 comes to the streets of Universal Studios Florida on select nights from February 7 to April 4. Delicious food and drinks from across the globe inspired by the “International Flavors of Carnaval” recharge you after the day’s attractions with a roller coaster for your taste buds.

The streets of the park are filled with colorful and creative floats and dazzling performances along the Mardi Gras parades as the night sky blooms with the energy of the Big Easy.

Show off your dance moves to the beats of groovy performances of headliner concerts. Your Mardi Gras souvenir collection will have everyone back at home wondering if you stopped by New Orleans during your winter break.

Performer dressed in Mardi Gras costume at Universal Studios Florida

SeaWorld Orlando

When you’re not soaring through the air aboard SeaWorld’s roller coasters and exploring the world’s fascinating aquatic life, treat family and friends to some warm winter fun that will fuel the gang up for the next thrill.

While specific dates for the park’s events have yet to be announced, SeaWorld has exciting occasions planned for fans starting in January.

Just for Kids Weekend is all about family-friendly entertainment with hands-on activities, dance parties, and photo opportunities with Sesame Street characters. Celebrate Elmo’s birthday with a savory buffet with Elmo and the gang during the Birthday Breakfast Bash.

Big Bird and his friends keep the party going through the streets of SeaWorld along the Sesame Street Party Parade. Parents can also take their kids to Shark Plaza for a bubble-filled dance-off at the Bubble-bration Dance Party. Kids can show off their creativity at the Family Craft Station and bring home amazing works of art.

SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival returns in January with monthly rotating food huts and marketplaces offering flavorful dishes from around the world all the way through May. Toast to the day’s adventures with local craft beers and cocktails while jamming to the park’s live musical performances.

In case you couldn’t get enough of the Mardi Gras bashes at Universal, the festivities continue at SeaWorld as part of the food festival with New Orleans’s finest cuisine, groovy tunes, and Big Easy entertainment.

Characters dancing at the Sesame Street Party Parade at SeaWorld Orlando

Walt Disney World Resort

Cultural explorations continue at Walt Disney World® Resort’s EPCOT for the annual International Festival of the Arts from January 16 to February 23, 2026.

Check out last year’s festivities to see what magical exhilaration EPCOT has in store for you.

The festival is an artist’s paradise, starting with journeys through World Showcase with marvelous Disney chalk art displayed around every corner. The kids can also choose a spot to show off their own creative chalk skills.

Leave your own artistic stamp at EPCOT’s Paint by Numbers Mural or make yourself part of beautiful artwork at the Artful Photo Ops. There is no shortage of works of art to shop around for and add to your personal collection.

Aspiring artists can take a break from the park’s thrills at the Art in Performance events and watch painters bring iconic Disney characters to life in just minutes. Professional animators at Animation Academy offer fun lessons on how to draw. Schedule time with the artists to meet them and to learn more about how you can share your talents with the world.

The culinary arts take over the streets of EPCOT with food studios stationed throughout the park offering art-inspired dishes that grant a taste of the world’s finest delights. Turn your grub break at the park into a savory journey during The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine and fuel up for the rest of the day’s itinerary.

Heartwarming tunes fill the air throughout EPCOT, including the melodies of daily musical performances at CommuniCore Plaza. The cheerful beats continue at the America Gardens Theater during the Disney on Broadway concert series. Stars from award-winning Broadway shows such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen hit the stage for one larger-than-life sing-along after the next.

A Warm Winter Vacation in Orlando

Winter fun takes a sunny detour to Orlando for special celebrations on top of the daily adrenaline rushes.

Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or both, there’s fun for the whole gang.

Book your next winter vacation with Rosen Inn International today and discover new ways to enjoy Orlando’s iconic theme parks.