Located just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee, Florida, is a place where you can find excitement for everyone and time to just be together. Whether you relax at nearby outdoor adventures or explore the world-famous theme parks, you and your family will never run out of things to do or see.
Summer in Kissimmee
With world-famous theme parks practically on your doorstep and memorable experiences at every turn, Kissimmee makes it easy to find fun. Go big with thrilling roller coaster rides and wild adventures in Central Florida’s great outdoors. Or kick back and relax with great golf, delicious dining, some of Florida’s best shopping, and lively entertainment day or night.
When I was a teenager and would visit Walt Disney World in the early years of the Magic Kingdom, we always stayed at a hotel in Kissimmee. All those many years ago there were on two hotels on Disney property and only on park! Imagine that!
Now there are so many resorts on property but staying on Disney property also comes with a hefty price tag. Many who visit the area assume that Orlando and Kissimmee are the same place – they are – but they aren’t!
The Orlando area is so much more than a famous mouse, wizardly worlds, and traffic jams. In fact, the area has so more to offer your vacationing family. It is one of the most diverse vacationing spots in Florida.
Summer is upon us, and it is time to plan for cool and exciting experiences. From new roller coasters to family-friendly events, check out all the happenings that can only be found in Kissimmee.
What’s New to Cool Down Your Summer in Kissimmee
Destination Highlights
Brightline Unveils Orlando Passenger Rail Station
Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, unveiled its highly anticipated Brightline Orlando Station at Orlando International Airport (MCO). With Brightline’s signature yellow and spacious lounges, the station is the perfect backdrop for a new era of passenger rail that will connect two of the fastest-growing regions in the state: Central and South Florida. While final preparations are being made for the grand opening, tickets between South Florida (Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach) and Orlando are on sale now for late summer through early 2024.
2023-MICE-Sheet-Jessica-Lamothe-ORLJoin the Kissimmee Birding Club
The Kissimmee Birding Club is an all-new unique and interactive online platform that will guide you around Kissimmee while spotting beautiful native and exotic birds. Explore Kissimmee’s preserves, parks, and outdoor attractions while earning points for every spot you visit through our mobile guide. Whether you are an experienced birder or a beginner, discover the area’s most beautiful birds and redeem your points for exciting prizes.
Accommodations
Delta Hotel Orlando Celebration Reopens
Find fun, relaxation and even a little magic at Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration, formerly the Grand Orlando Resort at Celebration. Located in the quaint town of Celebration, one mile from Walt Disney World®, the hotel offers 20 acres of lush, tropical gardens and a close location near all major theme parks, business hubs and highways of Orlando. The location houses 718 guest rooms and 10,000 sq ft of meeting space.
Summer of Relaxation at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Need time away from the hustle and bustle of the day? Take advantage of summer discounts at Mokara Spa at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Celebrate and pamper yourself with the warmth of their Relaxing & Restorative offering all summer long. In addition, chill by the poolside and grab one of their Summer of Teas options at Croc’s Pool Bar & Grill.
Celebrate the ‘Summer of More’ with Pirates and Princess Fun at Gaylord Palms Resort
Guests are invited to Gaylord Palms Resort with their royal court or band of buccaneers for plenty of pirate and princess fun during the resort’s “Summer of More.” A celebration of spirited seafarers and regal royalty, the festivities take place May 19-Sept. 4, 2023, with activities for the whole family. Guests will find a treasure trove of shows and activities, hands-on experiences, fun-in-the-sun at Cypress Springs Water Park and pirate- and princess-themed décor across the 64-acre resort.
Attractions
Enter the Digital World of TRON at Magic Kingdom Park
The new attraction, located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, is the fastest coaster attraction in a Disney theme park, alongside its sister coaster at Shanghai Disneyland. It masterfully blends coaster thrills with speed, visual effects, music, and a one-of-a-kind ride system to create an experience like no other.
NEW this Summer – Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast at Universal Orlando Resort
This summer, guests will engage in loads of diabolical fun for kids, teens, and adults as part of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. Developed in partnership between Universal’s award-winning creative team and the acclaimed filmmakers from Illumination, this interactive, blaster game experience will invite guests to put their villainous skills to the test as they compete against each other in a bid to join the ranks of the franchise’s most infamous supervillains.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster Launches May 27 at SeaWorld Orlando
Feel the awesome power of the ocean in a whole new way on Pipeline, the first-of-its-kind surf coaster. Experience the rush of launching 110 feet up and feeling every bank and curve as though you are really riding the waves, thanks to innovative dynamic seats that give you unparalleled freedom of movement. Experience the ultimate thrill with the addition of this seventh coaster to the Coaster Capital of Orlando.
All-New Pirate River Quest Ride Opens at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
This is a one-of-a-kind boat ride through the natural canals of historic Cypress Gardens that whisks families away into a world of adventure in search of Captain Redbeard’s lost treasure, stolen by a troop of mischievous monkeys. Buccaneers can embark upon this quest daily – all included with general park admission or an annual pass.
The Newest Dinner Show in Town! Country Nights Live
A good ol’ shindig, where you can expect down home southern country food and drinks, fun with friends, and foot stomping, hand clapping entertainment. It will take you to an amazing and unique country celebration experience where you will be able to dance and hear unforgettable songs with our live Barnyard Boys Trio and enjoy an authentic country night that you will never forget.
Gatorland Welcomes Florida Panther Siblings
Gatorland is excited to welcome five-month-old Florida Panther siblings Yuma and Sakari as the newest additions to its wildlife family. Adopted from a sanctuary in the northeastern U.S., the 20-lb., 1-foot-5-inch-tall brother and sister now reside at Gatorland’s Panther Springs, a sprawling, all-natural habitat complete with waterfall, stream and majestic tree structure featuring platforms and posts for playing and sunbathing.
Train Alongside Your Favorite Athletes at Kissimmee Muscle Gym
Join the World-Famous Kissimmee Muscle 24 Hour Gym as they host competitive athletes and fans of the IFBB Pro League and NPC Orlando Pro/Am Championships on their road to The Mr. Olympia stage, which will also be back in Orlando this November. Train alongside your favorite athletes at Kissimmee Muscle Gym and visit the Kissimmee Muscle Sports booth at the entrance of the USA Fit Games Expo on July 1.
Food and Beverage
Cowboy Chicken at Promenade at Sunset Walk
Cowboy Chicken is legendary for serving distinctive flavors and mouth-watering chicken. The restaurant specializes in cooking all-natural rotisserie chicken over a wood-burning fire, guaranteed to bring out your inner cowboy. The menu consists of choices for everyone in the family: rotisserie breast Ranch Hand sandwiches, Farm Fresh Salads, Chicken Enchiladas, and chef-inspired Bolero Bowls, along with home-style sides including Famous Twice Baked Potaters, spicy Ranchero Beans, homemade peach cobbler and more.
Kavas Tacos + Tequila Brings Big Taco Energy to Pointe Orlando
Kavas Tacos’ menu includes Tex-Mex classics and playful takes on Mexican street fare inspired by the ambulantes (street food vendors) of Mexico City. The restaurant boasts 7,000 square feet, including four event spaces and two patios, perfect for weekend brunch. Culture enthusiasts can look forward to dancing the night away to a vibrant mix of live music while enjoying a lively fire show beginning at sundown daily.
New Delicious Dishes Await Guests at EPCOT’s Space 220 Restaurant
Space 220 Restaurant, the out-of-this-world dining experience at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, has just added some stellar new dishes to its menu, awaiting guests a simulated 220 miles above the Earth. The new offerings include Seafood Cannelloni “Rockets,” Tomahawk Pork Chop, Pan Roasted Swordfish “Cioppino” and a Cosmic Cupcake.
New Glittering Mimosas at Formosa Winery
Keep cool this summer with glittery mimosas at Formosa Winery! Available in strawberry or blue raspberry. Enjoy Fruity Pebbles™ French toast at brunch, which is available every day and hour that they are open.
Restaurants & Dining
- Bahama Buck’s Original Shaved Ice
- Downtown Diner
- Kavas Tacos + Tequila
- Hash House A Go Go
- Hot N Juicy Crawfish
- Salt & the Cellar
- Boga Cafe and Bread LLC
- Finn’s Restaurant
- Madilynns Craft Coffee Shop
- The Wilson Orlando
- Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
- Country Nights Live
- Foxtail Coffee & Kelly’s Ice Cream Hunter’s Creek
- JoJo’s shakeBAR
- Rock & Brews
- XO Coffee Shop
Some Other Things To Do
- Escapology Sunset Walk – Coming Soon
- Butterfly Dans
- Alliance Nationwide Exposition
- Earth Illuminated
- Gray Line of Orlando
- Real Florida Adventures
- Max Action Arena
Places to Stay
- Finest Florida Villas
- Sonder Cirrus
- Adasa Properties
- Roseus Hospitality Group