It’s a long, hot summer, so it’s a good thing that there are fresh offerings at Orlando’s theme parks and attractions to help us sweat it out. Among the options are revived laser light shows, a slew of barbecue and a new nighttime spectacular.
Read more Florida mother sues group home after son loses fingers to flesh-eating bacteria
Cue the ‘cue
SeaWorld Orlando is breaking out barbecue inspired by multiple American styles, including Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, Louisiana (think Cajun) and North Carolina (coleslaw alert). The park’s Red, White & BBQ Weekends celebration, which continues on weekends through Aug. 23, also features non-barbecued foods and beverages at its 18 kiosks. Among the menu items: fish and grits; roasted jalapeno white mac and cheese; a crispy chicken BBQ sundae cup and blueberry cobbler.
The park’s Electric Ocean programming continues with animal shows such as “Sea Lions Tonite” and “Light Up the Night,” a drone show and the “Ignite” fireworks. These are staged on select nights through Sept. 7.
SeaWorld also is amid its free beer promotion, which translates into one 7-ounce sample per guest per day (but two rounds for annual passholders) at Waterway Grill Patio. The end date of the giveaway has not been announced.
Details and more information: seaworldorlando.com
Hello, ‘Goodnight’
Epic Universe has launched “Universal Celestial Goodnight,” an elaborate, nightly nighttime spectacular set in the year-old theme park’s Celestial Park section. Universal Orlando touts 7 million LEDs, 350 fountains and 600 synchronized lights, as well as fireworks and “high-energy musical score” for the end-of-night production. The show draws inspiration from its four other lands, Dark Universe, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Super Nintendo World.
Other continuing summer events at Universal Orlando parks include the “Hogwarts Always” castle projection show at Islands of Adventure as well as the “CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular” lagoon show, the Universal Mega Movie Parade, the “Spielberg Summer Blockbusters” exhibit plus a sprinkling of “Jaws” tributes at Universal Studios.
Universal’s Florida resident deal currently includes a buy one park-to-park day, get a second day free for visits to Islands and Universal Studios parks (Translation: But not at Epic). It must be purchased online and must be used up by Sept. 30.
More details: universalorlando.com.
Pokemon plus pit stop
Legoland Florida is again participating in the global Lego Festival, and this year the Winter Haven theme park incorporates a Lego Pokemon Play Zone (with the new Smart Play sets) and a F1 Thrill Zone and its “ultimate pit stop.” The event, which includes other themed zones, runs July 20-Aug. 16.
Legoland also has the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience underway, featuring physical soccer-centric activities, character interactions, a photo op with the Lego FIFA World Cup trophy and more. The promotion ends along with the real-life tournament July 19.
The park currently has a ticket deal starting at $69 as well as a $100 discount on annual passes.
More details: legoland.com/florida
Disney, kids
Walt Disney World’s Cool Kids’ Summer offerings continue. Among the new activities are Bluey’s Wild World at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, an updated “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live” show at Hollywood Studios and the revised Soarin’ Across America at Epcot. Magic Kingdom visitors can check out Jessie’s Roundup, a “Toy Story”-driven hoedown inside Diamond Horseshoe.
Read more Standout TFA cornerback Kamauri ‘Bam’ Whitfield commits to Gators
Florida residents now can purchase a four-day Disney World ticket for $259. These passes must be used by Oct. 3, and they require advance park reservations.
More information: disneyworld.com
Let there be laser lights
Orlando Science Center is bringing back its laser-light shows thanks to the recent renovation of its Dome theater. They’ll be included with the museum’s Stellar Nights events on Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 1.
Up first are productions featuring Taylor Swift this Friday and Queen on Saturday. Other upcoming shows are 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 Rocket Man (Aug. 1).
Festivities also include live planetarium shows in the Dome and use of the telescope in the observatory. Stellar Nights, which conclude at 10 p.m., are included in regular science center admission.
Tickets and more info: osc.org
Zoo time
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 the Sanford attraction, which will feature live music, cultural experiences, food trucks, local vendors, artisans and interactive activities for all ages plus giraffe feedings.
The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with final admission at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 ($6 for advance online purchases).
More details: centralfloridazoo.org
Atlantis alert
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will mark the 15th anniversary of the final mission of space shuttle Atlantis with a reunion/chat beneath the actual space vessel on July 11. Crew members Chris Ferguson, Sandy Magnus, Rex Walheim and Doug Hurley will participate, with launch director Mike Leinbach acting as moderator.
The panel is set for a 2 p.m. start, followed by meet-and-greets as well as a book signing by Leinbach, who wrote “Bringing Columbia Home: The Untold Story of a Lost Space Shuttle and Her Crew.” A patriotic drone show is scheduled for 8:50 p.m.
The Atlantis activities are included with regular visitor complex admission.
Tickets and more information: kennedyspacecenter.com
Email me at [email protected]. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Read more DeSantis allies break away, endorse Byron Donalds for Florida governor