ORLANDO, Fla. — In 2022, Florida theme parks were busy opening new attractions. SeaWorld Orlando debuted its Ice Breaker coaster, while its sibling park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay opened Iron Gwazi. Disney also opened a new coaster at EPCOT: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
And 2023 promises to be another year filled with new attractions. The year will see the launch of the long-awaited TRON coaster at Magic Kingdom, another coaster from SeaWorld, a large swing ride from Busch Gardens and a family-friendly boat ride from Legoland.
With the year coming to a close, let's take a look at the attractions slated to open at the parks in the new year.
Pirate River Quest
Legoland Florida - Winter Haven, Fla.
Jan. 12, 2023
Originally set to open in the fall of 2022, Pirate River Quest will now open in January. The family-friendly boat ride will take visitors on an adventure through the waters of Cypress Gardens. As they search for lost treasure, visitors will encounter rowdy pirate, mischievous monkeys and more.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster
SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando, Fla.
Spring 2023
SeaWorld’s seventh coaster will have riders standing on a surfboard-like vehicle as they “surf the waves.” Pipeline will reach speeds of 60 mph and feature twists and turns, including a wave curl inversion. The coaster is currently on track to arrive in the spring.
Serengeti Flyer
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa, Fla.
Spring 2023
For its next attraction, Busch Gardens is coming out swinging. Serengeti Flyer, a pendulum-style swing ride, will be the tallest and fastest of its kind. The ride will feature dueling arms that swing riders back and forth, reaching speeds of up to 68 mph and a height of 135 feet.
TRON Lightcycle Run
Magic Kingdom - Bay Lake, Fla.
Spring 2023
At long last, the highly-anticipated TRON Lightcycle Run attraction will open at Magic Kingdom. The coaster, a duplicate of the TRON ride at Shanghai Disney, was first announced for Disney World in 2017. It’s expected to open sometime in spring 2023.
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
Universal Studios Florida - Orlando, Fla.
Summer 2023
For its next attraction, Universal is sticking with minions. Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast will be a blaster game that put visitors in the middle of a super villain convention as they vie to join the ranks of the Vicious 6.
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
EPCOT - Bay Lake, Fla.
Late 2023
A Moana-inspired attraction is coming to EPCOT. It even says so in the name. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana will be an outdoor exploration trail with interactive water features such as fountains and waterfalls. As visitors navigate the trail, they will learn about Earth’s natural water cycle. Journey of Water also will include references to “Moana”, including a 16-foot-all Te Fiti figure.
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