Orlando, renowned as a vibrant hub of entertainment and culinary delights, is set to elevate its appeal in 2024 with an array of new venues and an enriched nightlife scene.
This year, visitors and locals alike can anticipate an exciting blend of innovative entertainment spaces and diverse dining experiences, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a premier destination for fun and flavor.
Judson’s Live
The city’s landscape of attractions is expanding with several notable openings. Judson’s Live, a unique cabaret-style music venue, is set to debut on February 6 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This intimate space promises an immersive experience with 50-minute performances, specialty cocktails, and a seasonal menu of shareable bites, offering a new way to enjoy live music in Orlando.
Headliners for the grand opening performances include Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Joshua Redman, Michel Camilo and Keb’ Mo’. Judson’s Live is inspired by legendary listening rooms from the world’s most iconic music cities. It promises an elevated atmosphere that brings audiences and international, national, and regional artists together in a table-style seating environment, that accommodates over 150 guests.
The guest experience is 90-minutes, with a 50-minute performance. Guests will enjoy a seasonal driven curated menu that features shareable plates, developed by the arts center’s executive chef, Jason Klingensmith. Additionally, a craft cocktail and extensive brown spirits menu will be presented alongside wine offerings, hand-selected by the in-house sommelier.
AREA15 Orlando
AREA15 Orlando, following the success of its Las Vegas counterpart, is another highly anticipated addition. Nestled in the heart of Orlando’s tourism corridor, AREA15 is not just a venue but an experience, featuring a dynamic mix of concert events, art exhibitions, and boundary-pushing shows. Its impressive indoor/outdoor event space is poised to become a new hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is also set to unveil its newest exhibit, “Life,” this spring. Life will tell the story of conservation through the animals that share our planet. Through direct encounters within immersive environments that simulate various ecosystems and hands-on exhibit experiences, visitors will better understand how their actions affect all living things, both within Central Florida and beyond.
Animals will be the storytellers of Life’s diverse habitats. The exhibit will focus on three distinct world environments: Ocean, Rainforest and Swamp. It’s designed to be both educational and entertaining, highlighting the impact of humans on the environment.
DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Orlando’s culinary scene continues to evolve, offering an array of new dining experiences. EET, the only Indian-inspired restaurant in Disney Springs, has already opened its doors. Created by Food Network’s Maneet Chauhan, known for her role as a judge on Chopped, EET brings traditional Indian flavors with a modern twist to the heart of Orlando.
Summer House on the Lake, another new addition at Disney Springs, offers a lakeside dining experience with California-inspired cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients and features a signature Rosé cart and a dedicated Cookie Bar with 15 varieties of oversized cookies.
For those seeking a unique bar experience, Flûtes Champagne Bar in Winter Park is a must-visit. This French-inspired champagne bar with 40 seats celebrates the art of champagne-making, bringing a touch of France’s elegance and flavors to Orlando.
Arcade Monsters unveiled its fifth location of the video-game bar and restaurant in Orlando’s International Drive area offering a menu of classic bar food. With the purchase of wristbands, visitors of all ages can play unlimited classic arcade games.
Set to open later this month, Stadium Club is a fresh addition to the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort, boasting a sports-themed ambiance. This 500-seat venue is equipped with eight advanced sports simulators, dual bars, and dedicated spaces for private gatherings.
February will see the launch of Bar Kada, a novel venture by Michael Collantes, the celebrated chef and proprietor of the Michelin-starred Soseki. This cozy 30-seat lounge will specialize in sake and wine, emphasizing small plates, traditional sakes, and minimal-intervention wines. Under the guidance of Michelin-recognized “Sommelier of the Year” Benjamin Coutts, Bar Kada will also host educational classes and pairing dinners.
Moso Nori, envisioned by James Beard Award nominee and Michelin-acclaimed chef Henry Moso, is slated for a summer debut in Winter Park. The venue will feature a unique hand-roll bar, offering an assortment of temaki, alongside a selection of sake, beer, wine, and sake-infused cocktails.
In the new year, BANDBOX Orlando, located in the Ivanhoe Village district, is set to expand. This 1920s-themed, alcohol-free speakeasy is partnering with a local coffee brand to provide a range of coffee and tea options during the day, transitioning to a non-alcoholic speakeasy at night. The expansion will also include an enlarged bottle shop and retail area.
Downtown Orlando has recently welcomed Natsu Omakase, an exclusive 10-seat sushi omakase establishment, featuring a creative and seasonal menu.
Chuck Lager America’s Tavern, under the culinary direction of Top Chef veteran Fabio Viviani, is opening its eighth location, marking its fourth in Florida. Renowned for its selection of craft bourbons, the Tavern will also serve timeless favorites such as nachos, burgers, flatbreads, and tacos.
Pointe Orlando is introducing three new indoor/outdoor entertainment venues, catering to both adults and families. These include Sports & Social, a gaming hub with activities like Skee-Ball and Foosball; the PBR Cowboy Bar, complete with a mechanical bull and multiple bars; and Live! Plaza, a versatile space for special events, live music, sports viewings, festivals, and more.
Mid Drive Dive, a new bar and restaurant inspired by mid-century design, is opening in Orlando’s College Park neighborhood. This local establishment will offer a menu of refined American classics.
Disney’s BoardWalk is set to be graced by The Cake Bake Shop Bakery, a creation of Gwendolyn Rogers. This bakery will offer a mix of savory and sweet treats, complemented by afternoon tea service, all set in a whimsical, enchanting atmosphere.
Scheduled to open in Kissimmee in 2024, Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant is an entertainment complex endorsed by NFL celebrities like Rob Gronkowski. The venue will feature several indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, a diverse food menu catering to various dietary needs, and a lively schedule of events, including tournaments, clinics, and lessons.
Orlando’s 2024 offerings are not just about new attractions but also about providing diverse experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences. From immersive entertainment venues to innovative culinary delights, the city is ready to welcome visitors with open arms and endless possibilities.
As Orlando continues to grow and diversify, it remains a top destination for those seeking a blend of entertainment, relaxation, and culinary exploration. With these new additions, the city is poised to offer an even more enriching experience to all who visit, making it a must-see destination in 2024 and beyond.
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