Summers are long and hot, so it’s nice to have fresh food to help you work up a sweat at Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Some of the options include a revived laser light show, extensive barbecue and new nighttime spectaculars.
cue cue
SeaWorld Orlando is launching barbecue inspired by a variety of American styles, including Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, Louisiana (think Cajun) and North Carolina (coleslaw alert). The park’s Red, White & BBQ Weekend, which continues every weekend until Aug. 23, will also include non-barbecue food and drinks for sale at 18 kiosks. Menu items include fish and grits. Roasted jalapeno white mac and cheese. Crispy Chicken BBQ Sundae Cup and Blueberry Cobbler.
The park’s Electric Ocean program continues with animal shows such as “Seal Tonite” and “Light Up the Night,” followed by a drone show and “Ignite” fireworks. These will be performed on select nights through September 7th.
SeaWorld is also having a free beer promotion on the Waterway Grill patio. This amounts to one 7-ounce sample per guest per day (but two rounds for annual passholders). An end date for the giveaway has not been announced.
Details and further information: seaworldorlando.com
Hello, “good night”
Epic Universe has launched Universal Celestial Goodnight, an elaborate nighttime spectacle set in the theme park’s Celestial Park section, which was founded a year ago. Universal Orlando is touting an evening production of 7 million LEDs, 350 fountains and 600 synchronized lights, as well as fireworks and “high-energy music.” The show draws inspiration from four other lands: The Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Berk, and Super Nintendo World.
Other ongoing summer events at Universal Orlando Park include the castle projection show “Hogwarts Always” at Islands of Adventure, as well as the lagoon show “SineSational: Symphonic Spectacular,” the Universal Mega Movie Parade, the “Spielberg Summer Blockbusters” exhibit and the “Jaws” tribute at Universal Studios.
Universal’s deal for Florida residents currently includes a 2nd day free visit to the island and Universal Studios parks when you purchase a day between parks (translation: but not at Epic). Must be purchased online and used by September 30th.
For more information, visit universalorlando.com.
pokemon plus pitstop
Legoland Florida is once again participating in the global Lego Festival, and this year’s Winter Haven theme park incorporates the Lego Pokémon Play Zone (with new smart playsets) and the F1 Thrill Zone and its “Ultimate Pit Stop.” The event, which includes other themed zones, will run from July 20th to August 20th. 16.
Legoland is also hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience, which features soccer-focused activities, character interactions, and photo opportunities with the Lego FIFA World Cup trophy. This promotion ends with the real-life tournament on July 19th.
Currently, the park has tickets on sale starting at $69 and annual passes are also $100 off.
Details: legoland.com/florida
disney, kids
Walt Disney World’s Cool Kids Summer merchandise will continue to be available. New activities include Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, an updated “Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live” show at Hollywood Studios, and a revised Soarin’ Across America at Epcot. Magic Kingdom visitors can check out the “Toy Story” themed Jessie’s Roundup located inside the Diamond Horseshoe.
Florida residents can currently purchase a four-day ticket to Disney World for $259. These passes must be used by October 3rd and park reservations must be made in advance.
More information: disneyworld.com
Let’s shine a laser beam on it
The Orlando Science Center is bringing back its laser light show with recent renovations to its Dome Theater. These will be included in the museum’s Stellar Nights event, held on Fridays and Saturdays through August 1st.
First up is a production featuring Taylor Swift this Friday and Queen on Saturday. Other upcoming shows include Laser Beatles (July 17), Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon (July 18), Laser Country (July 24), Grateful Dead (July 25), Laser Tribute (July 31) and Rocketman (August 1).
There will also be a live planetarium show inside the dome and use of the observatory’s telescope. Stella Night, which ends at 10 p.m., is included in regular Science Center admission.
Tickets and more information: osc.org
zoo time
The Central Florida Zoo will spotlight Black and African American heritage at its next “Sunset at the Zoo” event scheduled for July 24.
Visitors will explore Sanford attractions featuring live music, cultural experiences, food trucks, local vendors, artisans, interactive activities for all ages, giraffe feedings, and more.
The event will run from 5pm to 8pm, with last entry at 7:30pm. Tickets are $8 ($6 if purchased online in advance).
More information: centralfloridazoo.org
atlantis alarm
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will commemorate the 15th anniversary of Space Shuttle Atlantis’ final mission with a reunion and chat under the actual spacecraft on July 11. Crew members Chris Ferguson, Sandy Magnus, Rex Wollheim and Doug Hurley will be in attendance, with launch director Mike Lineback hosting the event.
The panel discussion is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., followed by a handshake and book signing by Leinbach, author of “Bringing Columbia Home: The Untold Story of the Lost Space Shuttle and its Crew.” A patriotic drone show is scheduled for 8:50 p.m.
Atlantis activities are included in regular Visitor Complex admission.
Tickets and more information: kennedyspacecenter.com
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