Florida is shining bright for 2022 with a multitude of new attractions, hotels/resorts and special anniversaries and celebrations. Whether it’s taking in the magic of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, hiking or biking along 100 km of picturesque nature trails in Daytona Beach or getting the ultimate thrill on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, there are so many new and exciting vacation experiences in the Sunshine State.
Here’s a sampling of what’s new and upcoming:
See the Sunshine State from Above, with Central Florida Skydiving!
OPEN | Central Florida Skydiving | Ocala/Marion County
See Florida from a new perspective at the Sunshine’s States most highly anticipated new drop zone. Tick one of the most popular activities off your bucket lists as you enjoy an accelerated freefall with Central Florida Skydiving. Thrill seekers can enjoy the atmosphere as they experience beautiful views of Florida for miles from up in the sky.
The Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide
LAUNCHED | Daytona Grande | Daytona Beach
Visitors can go off the beaten path, explore the rich history and experience some of the most iconic (an Instagram-worthy) points of interest in Daytona Beach with the new Cars, Craft and Culture – The Ultimate Daytona Beach Trail Guide. Interactive maps for each themed trail are available on DaytonaBeach.com including the new Share The Heritage Trail, Monuments & Statues Trail, an Iconic Trail and a Motorsports Trail to add to our already popular Hiking & Biking Trails and the Ale Trail.
Enjoy an Oinktastic Experience as Peppa Pig World Comes to Florida
February 2022 | Peppa Pig Theme Park | Winter Haven
Opening in February 2022, families will squeal with delight as they jump into the playful world of Peppa Pig for an unforgettable day of adventure at the World’s First Peppa Pig™ Theme Park, only at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Combining interactive rides and themed playgrounds with character shows and an indoor cinema for quieter moments, every corner of the charming new park is crafted with pre-schoolers in mind. From their first roller coaster rides with their parents and free fair games for the whole family, to an all-terrain course where they will pedal tricycles through a sensory-rich trail and a colourful splash pad that celebrates “muddy puddles” jumping fun.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Jurassic World Velocicoaster
OPEN | Universal’s Islands of Adventure | Orlando
In June 2021, Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park opened Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Florida’s fastest and tallest launch coaster, and the world’s first coaster based on the Jurassic World blockbuster franchise. The new species of roller coaster raises the bar in extreme roller coaster design and is the ultimate experience for coaster enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, with a series of intense manoeuvres that will send guests catapulting up to 70 mph and more than 150 feet in the air with the swiftest of prehistoric predators.
Celebrations & Anniversaries:
Walt Disney Resort Announces 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Walt Disney World Resort | Orlando
To celebrate Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th Anniversary, the resort is welcoming guests to ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration.’ The 18-month event, began October 1, 2021, ushering in a spectacular array of new attractions, EARidescent décor, night-time spectaculars and much more. Guests will step into a celebratory scene with dazzling decorations, new looks for Mickey, Minnie and Friends and magical touches at all four theme parks and beyond, with visitors guaranteed to create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
Everglades National Park Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary
December 2021 | Everglades National Park
In 2022, the Everglades National Park will celebrate its 75th anniversary, with celebrations slated to kick off December 6, 2021. While many Canadians think of the air boating experience in the Everglades, beyond this lies a lesser-known area – Flamingo – which is part of the Florida Keys. A new four-building, 24-unit Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant and Flamingo Visitor Centre are scheduled to open by January 2022, whilst Concessionaire Flamingo Everglades Adventures, is to unveil the lodge with one- and two-bedroom units available.
Hotels and Resorts:
Disney’s Star Wars Hotel to Open in 2022
March 2022 | Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The inaugural voyage of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World Resort will depart March 1, 2022. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is an experience going beyond anything Disney has created before, inviting guests to become the heroes of their own stories during a two-night adventure where they see, feel and live Star Wars. They will travel the galaxy in style aboard the glamorous Halcyon starcruiser, known for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. They will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience exquisite dining and out-of-this-world entertainment, visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and much more.
Escape to the Ultimate Tropical Retreat with the New Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach
OPEN | Hilton Garden Inn | St Pete Beach
Providing the ultimate tropical retreat, Hilton Garden Inn, recently opened its doors in St Pete Beach, complete with 144 spacious and airy rooms, including six suites. The whimsical touches throughout the exterior showcase the work of local artists Alyssa Marie and Braden Everly of the Alyssa Marie Gallery.
The Daytona Grande Resort brings a new level of seaside elegance to Daytona Beach
OPEN | Daytona Grande | Daytona Beach
Opened in summer 2021, Daytona Grande, member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection, is a new oceanfront luxury resort in Daytona Beach. With direct access to the beach, the hotel towers 27-stories above the waves and offers 456 refined accommodations, exceptional service, and a wide variety of dining options.
New Upscale Beachfront Resort Opens in Hillsboro Beach
OPEN | Hillsboro Beach Resort | Broward County
Hillsboro Beach Resort, a luxe, coastal-inspired oasis on Millionaire’s Mile, welcomed its first guests on October 1 in sunny South Florida. Featuring breath-taking views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, this all-new luxury upscale beachfront resort offers in-demand amenities including an oceanfront pool, a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, and a globally inspired restaurant, Roí – the latter of which will open later this fall. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, guests can enjoy a day of water sports from the resort’s Intracoastal mooring or head out on one of the resort’s beach cruiser bicycles to explore the surrounding areas.
NEW Luxe Wagons and Glamping Tents at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
OPEN | West Gate River Ranch | Central Florida
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo this year officially introduced its newest luxury glamping accommodations – 10 Luxe Conestoga Wagons and 10 Luxury Glamping Tents. These premium offerings are the latest addition to the unique lodging experiences available at this secluded luxury glamping resort, located one-hour south of Orlando and two-hours north of Palm Beach County, Florida.
Florida’s Paradise Coast Welcomes its First Four Seasons
2022 | Four Seasons Naples Beach Club | Naples
The Athens Group and MSD Partners, L.P. have acquired the legendary former Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, set on 1,000 feet of white-sand beach in iconic Old Naples. The site will be redeveloped into the Naples Beach Club, a 125-acre resort and residential beachfront development offering a one-of-a-kind, luxury lifestyle destination to residents, members, and guests. This special coastal community will include a 216-room hotel managed by leading luxury hospitality company, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, up to 185 luxury residences and unparalleled club amenities curated by Discovery Land Company, the developer and operator of world-renowned private residential club communities.
Iconic Hotel Receives $150 million makeover ahead of 100th Anniversary
OPEN | The Boca Raton | Boca Raton
The 356-acre-resort complex, previously known as the Boca Raton Resort and Club (opened in 1926) is ushering in a “New Golden Era,” starting with its new-again name: The Boca Raton, and a $175 million makeover ahead of its 100th anniversary. Phase One of the project touts upgrades to its accommodations, new culinary experiences in partnership with Major Food Group and new exclusive experiences for resort guests and club members, including a four-acre lakefront oasis complete with four pools, including an adults-only option, a 450-foot lazy river, two slides, a splash park, luxury cabanas and more.
