ORLANDO, Fla. – With 2020 coming to an end, now’s a good time to look ahead at what’s in store for Florida theme parks in 2021.


What You Need To Know

  • New attractions set to debut in 2021

  • Many of the attractions were originally slated for 2020

  • Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld plan to open new attractions

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the theme parks to temporarily close earlier in the year, which led many to delay or postpone their 2020 attractions until 2021.

Here's a look at some of the most-anticipated new attractions slated to open in 2021.

Iron Gwazi (Busch Gardens Tampa Bay)

Busch Gardens’ Iron Gwazi hybrid coaster was originally scheduled to open in 2020 before being pushed back. The new coaster, which was built using part of the former Gwazi coaster, will be the fastest and steepest coaster of its kind. Riders will plunge from a 206 foot tall peak into a 91-degree drop. Reaching speeds of up to 76 mph, riders will also encounter a dozen airtime moments. The new coaster is currently set to debut in the spring.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Universal Orlando)

Universal plans to unleash its new VelociCoaster in the summer. The new coaster will reach speeds of up to 70 mph, sending riders along more 4,700 feet of track. The VelociCoaster will also feature a “top hat” that will propel riders 155 feet into the air before they plunge into an 80-degree drop. Universal is giving the ride an original story based on the popular Jurassic World franchise and characters from the films will be featured.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (Disney World)

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Disney’s cruise-like hotel experience, is slated to debut in 2021. Guests will be able to live their “own epic Star Wars story.” The hotel, or Halcyon starcruiser, will feature cabins with views of space as well as Star Wars-themed activities like lightsaber training.

Ice Breaker (SeaWorld Orlando)

SeaWorld’s Ice Breaker coaster was also scheduled to open in 2020 before the pandemic hit. The theme park has now slated the Arctic-themed ride to open in the spring. Ice Breaker will feature four launches and a 93-foot-tall beyond-vertical 100-degree spike.  

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Disney World)

The France pavilion at Epcot will is getting a new attraction based on the Disney-Pixar film Ratatouille. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was originally scheduled to open summer 2020 but was delayed. Now, Disney plans to open the ride in 2021. On this family-friendly attraction, visitors will shrink down to the size of a rat as they race across Gusteau’s kitchen.