2016 Is The Year For Adventure in Kissimmee!

Are you looking for some new ideas or adventures when you go on adventure this year?  Why not consider Kissimmee for that next vacation?  2016 is going to be a very, very big year!

Kissimmee, Fla. —From galloping aboard horseback under hundred-year-old cypress tree canopies to snorkeling in freshwater lagoons to blasting off into a galaxy far, far away, a Kissimmee getaway can be an adventurous vacation experience. New features in Kissimmee are an open invitation for visitors to pack their bags and soak up the fun within minutes of world-class theme parks, unique attractions, festivals and satisfying culinary experiences.

ATTRACTIONS

Mosey along at the Lazy H Ranch as you ride across the scenic trails of the Kissimmee Valley and along the shores of beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga. Experience what is was like to ride through acres of pristine land like the early pioneers and hear tales of Florida’s cattlemen, Kissimmee’s cow town heritage and what it means to be a Florida Cracker. Novice and experienced horse riders are welcomed.

Become a cowboy for a day at Forever Florida’s Crescent J Ranch. This real life adventure lets anyone who has ever dreamed of life on a ranch take part in the daily chores of a real cow hunter, learning the basics of herding cattle and tending a real Florida ranch. Start the day with a lesson in riding a Florida cow pony, tend to an injured animal or ear tag a newborn calf—this is a wildly exciting and unique experience.

The countdown is on for the Runaway Country Music Festival on March 18-20. Held in Kissimmee’s Osceola Heritage Park, the annual music festival’s chart-topping lineup of performers includes: Jake Owen, Kenny Chesney and Eric Church. Fans from 39 states, 10 countries and just about every zip code in Florida are expected to enjoy the performances, complemented by a host of festival attractions, bars and taverns.

The Frozen Ever After ride at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT replaces the 27-year-old Maelstrom ride. Located in the Norway pavilion of the World Showcase, fantastic Disney storytelling combined with new technology and favorite characters and music from the film will make guests feel like they stepped into the kingdom of Arendelle. Additionally, the pavilion’s exterior will be expanded with unique Norwegian architectural features and the interior design of the “Royal Sommerhus” will reflect the cultural arts and crafts of Norway, providing a charming setting for guests to meet Elsa and Anna.

New Star Wars offerings have landed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Star Wars Launch Bay offers guests the chance to interact with characters from the film franchise. The adventure continues on Star Tours, which has been enhanced to feature new characters and journeys from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple which allows young guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training.

Universal Orlando Resort announced a new groundbreaking attraction opening in summer 2016 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” will honor one of the most monumental figures in movie history, King Kong. Guests will board large vehicles and explore ancient temple structures while encountering hostile natives and fending off unspeakable terrors.

Mako, a brand new 200-foot-tall coaster opening at SeaWorld Orlando summer 2016. Named after one of the ocean’s fastest-known sharks, it will be Central Florida’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 73 mph, racing along 4,760 feet of steel track. The new hypercoaster will be the centerpiece of the newly themed two-acre plaza. The surrounding realm will be fully shark themed, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about the impact humans have on sharks and why these animals are critical to the environment.

Located just a short drive from Kissimmee, Busch Gardens Tampa announced plans for a new family thrill ride called Cobra’s Curse, opening 2016. This spin coaster will be the only one of its kind, featuring a vertical lift and taking riders on a whirlwind adventure of exciting explorations. Key features of the ride will include an 80-foot snake icon, a trek over the park’s Serengeti Plain and the mysteries of an Egyptian archaeological excavation.

“The LEGO Movie 4D A New Adventure” premieres Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, reuniting Emmet, Wyldstyle and the rest of the gang for another epic adventure. The 12-and-a-half minute film will include special 4D effects such as wind, water, fog and more.

Future generations of space explorers will be engaged and inspired like never before as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex introduces a new, interactive, live-action game experience – Cosmic Quest – in February 2016. Cosmic Quest promises to immerse young guests, known as “trainees,” in a variety of STEM-based space adventures while educating them about NASA’s current and future space science and exploration endeavors. Cosmic Quest will be offered for $24.95, in addition to the daily admission.

Simon, a global leader in retail real estate, is pleased to announce that Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets recently welcomed Bottega Veneta, an expanded Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Accessories, an expanded Michael Kors and Robert Graham to their diverse tenant mix. The outlet center will also add three dynamic fashion brands, including Bass Factory Outlet, Ted Baker London and Theory. Orlando International Premium Outlets has welcomed The Limited, Calvin Klein Accessories, Calvin Klein Underwear, Gant Outlet and A|X Armani Exchange and will be welcoming a remodeled Disney Store in the upcoming weeks.

 

This and so much more in store for Kissimmee this year!

Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks!