ORLANDO — Orlando is rolling out the red carpet for visitors this summer with a full lineup of offerings, from new theme park attractions to festivals and star-studded soccer games. 

Plus, with a host of summer deals that include free hotel nights and bonus perks, this summer season is shaping up to be a memorable one.

“Orlando is the ideal summer destination with plenty of deals and new reasons to visit this year,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “And because we know an Orlando vacation can be complex, Visit Orlando offers free vacation planning services through our website to help travellers create unforgettable vacation memories.”

Special Canadian deals can be found at VisitOrlando.com.

Aqua Glow at Aquatica Orlando

SUMMER DEALS

• Canada Jetlines is offering 20% off direct flights from Halifax to Orlando this summer. Use code ORLHFX20 when booking. 
• WestJet Vacations is offering the following promotions:
• At Rosen Shingle Creek, every 5th night is free, and guests enjoy added benefits such as no resort fee and complimentary shuttles and parking when booking by June 30, for travel dates between May 1 to Dec. 24, 2024.
• Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW Celebration Area offers a free 7th night for travel booked by Aug. 31, 2024, with travel dates between May 1 and Dec. 23, 2024.
• Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Suites are providing free nights, waived resort fees and additional perks like free breakfast for trips booked until May 31, 2024, with travel dates between May 1, 2024 to Jan. 7, 2025.
• Comfort Suites Maingate East is offering a free 7th night for trips booked between May 1, 2024 and March 26, 2025, for travel between May 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

NEW THEME PARKS & MORE

• Walt Disney World is introducing new adventures plus four seasonal celebrations:
• Disney Dreams That Soar: A nighttime drone spectacle for all ages with iconic soundtracks and memorable movie quotes.
• Meet Joy from Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Starts June 10 at Pixar Plaza in celebration of the movie release of ‘Inside Out 2.’
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom: Opening June 28, this musical journey inspired by ‘The Princess and the Frog’ invites guests to explore the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
• Star Tours: The Adventures Continue’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Recently updated, this attraction now features new characters and locations from Disney+ series in the Star Wars universe, such as ‘Ahsoka,’ ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian.’
• Universal Orlando Resort is debuting a collection of new experiences, including:
• CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular: This nighttime lagoon show debuts June 14 at Universal Studios Florida
• Hogwarts Always: This castle projection show debuts June 14 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure
• Universal Meva Movie Parade: Universal’s largest daytime parade debuts July 3 at Universal Studios Florida
• Dreamworks Land: This new family-friendly area, opening June 14 at Universal Studios Florida, is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s characters including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, and features a roller coaster, multiple interactive play areas, character meet-and-greet zones and live entertainment.
• Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando: This immersive indoor/outdoor launch coaster features snowmobile-inspired cars. Families can ride together up to 43 mpg, ending up in the park’s penguin habitat.
• Aquatica Orlando: A new waterslide, Tassie’s Underwater Twist is a journey through Australia’s Shark Bay seagrass meadow.
• Orlando Science Center: The newly opened exhibit ‘Life’ features three distinctive habitats – swamp, ocean and tropical rainforest – with 300 animals from around the world.

SPECIAL SUMMER EVENTS

• Orlando Carnival Downtown: A Caribbean-inspired festival with live music and food at Tinker Field May 24-26.
• Aloha to Summer at Aquatica Orlando: Dance parties, culinary delights and live entertainment held weekends through June 2.
• AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando: Experience the water park illuminated at night with DJ dance parties and treats on select nights from May 25 to Aug. 31.
• Viva La Música at SeaWorld Orlando: A Latin festival with music, international foods, shopping and more happening weekends June 1-30.
• Summer BRICK Party at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Features all-new shows, costumed characters and plenty of bricktastic fun on select dates from June 1 to Aug. 11.
• ¡Celebración Encanto! at EPCOT: The summer sing-along runs from June 10 to Sept. 6 at CommuniCore Plaza.
• The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration at Disney’s Animal Kingdon: Celebrate with specialty food, character experiences and more from June 30 to Sept. 6.
• Orlando Fringe: The longest-running fringe theater festival in the US with a wide range of music, dance and comedy from local and international artists happening June 27-30.
• Bands, Brew & BBQ at SeaWorld Orlando: Available weekends from July 6 to Aug. 25

SUMMER OF SOCCER EVENTS

• Camping World Stadium will host Allstate Continental Clásico (June 12), featuring team USA vs. 5-time World Cup champion Brazil.
• Three-time reigning Premier League champions Manchester City faces Barcelona in an FC Series friendly at Camping World Stadium (July 30).
• Orlando is one of 14 U.S. host cities for 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, with matches Chile v. Canada (June 29) and Bolivia v. Panama (July 1) at Camping World Stadium.
• MLS’s Orlando City SC plays in 2024 Leagues Cup vs. CF Montreal (July 26) and Liga MX’s Atlético de San Luis (Aug. 4)
• From April to November, Orlando City SC and NWSL’s Orlando Pride play regular season home matches at INTER&Co Stadium.

For more information go to www.VisitOrlando.com.