Get ready for a big 2014

Great new things are coming to Orlando in 2014. Theme parks are expanding, restaurants are coming, and the arts are getting bigger and bigger. 

Parks:

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom will complete their Fantasyland expansion in 2014. The new addition to the park is already experiencing record visitors, including a months-long wait for a table at Be Our Guest. New for 2014 will be the Dwarfs' Mine Train Coaster, a family-friendly ride that will take guests on a musical journey to the mine where "a million diamonds shine. Also expect a brand new daytime parade: The Festival of Fantasy. This new event will showcase classic characters and music from best-loved Disney films.

Walt Disney World accommodations are going to reach a new level of luxury in 2014 when the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World opens. This gorgeous property will be located mere minutes from EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom. It will offer 376 standard guest rooms (if anything at the Four Seasons could ever be considered "standard"), 68 suites, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a full-service luxury spa, three restaurants, and -- of course -- a spectacular pool area. 

Universal Orlando certainly isn't going to be outdone by the Mouse House. They will be expanding their INCREDIBLY successful World of Harry Potter. London locations from the adored book and film series are being added, including the shops, restaurants, and even famous "bank" of Diagon Alley -- the wizard high street. But the even bigger news is how guests will travel from "London" to "Hogsmeade" -- via The Hogwart's Express. So get your owls and trunks ready. The run for Platform 9 and 3/4 is coming soon.

Universal is also opening their fourth park hotel: the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It will be the largest on-property hotel, with 1800 rooms including moderately-priced family sites and value-priced smaller rooms. The resort will be retro-chic a'la the 1950s and 1960s, and will include a bowling alley and two huge pools complete with water slides sandy beaches, and a lazy river. 

Aquatica at Sea World is looking to break some records of their own with a new water slide that will be the tallest and steepest in the Orlando area. The Ihu Breakaway Falls will be a multi-slide attraction that is entirely unique to the area. 

LEGOLAND Florida is adding more toddler attractions based on DUPLO toys. The attractions will be farm-themed and will include a train, mini tractor rides, and a water play area geared toward kids from two to five years old.


Arts:

The Doctor Phillips area of Orlando will have an all-news arts center: the Doctor Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The center will feature two performance theatres for Broadway productions and Orlando ballet (among many other things), a 300-seat community theatre, an outdoor area, and a banquet hall.