2012 Preview: 10 Most Anticipated Event and Meeting Venues in Orlando

December 29, 2011

As we look ahead to the coming year, these are some of the most important new event and meeting venues slated to open, bringing options for everything from cocktail parties and conferences, to business dinners and teambuilding activities. Here's a preview of the attractions, activity venues, hotels, restaurants, bars, and other spaces the event industry will be talking about in 2012.

Rendering: Courtesy of Splitsville

1. Walt Disney World

Disney World’s newest hotel will open in late 2012. The Art of Animation Resort will have 1,120 suites and 864 traditional rooms, each with decor inspired by classic Disney animated movies such as Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and Little Mermaid. Meanwhile, as construction continues inside Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, some of the new attractions will open early in 2012, including a reinvented Dumbo the Flying Elephant Ride, the Barnstormer Ride, and Fantasyland Station.

Photo: Courtesy of Disney World

2. SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove

SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove will open two new attractions in the spring. At SeaWorld, TurtleTrek will include two naturalistic habitats, one filled with freshwater fish and manatees, the other with saltwater fish and sea turtles. There will also be a dome theater that will show a 3D movie chronicling a sea turtle’s journey. At Discovery Cove, Freshwater Oasis will have a rainforest canopy above and clear springs below. Guests can swim and wade in water-filled trails and have face-to-face encounters with otters and marmosets.

Image: Courtesy of Discovery Cove

3. Universal Orlando Resort

Several new attractions will open at Universal Orlando Resort this year. A ride based on the movie Despicable Me will replace the Jimmy Neutron attraction at Universal Studios Florida. At Universal Islands of Adventure, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is getting new high-definition digital animation and set enhancements. And at CityWalk, the new Hollywood Drive-In Golf will have two 18-hole miniature golf courses with designs inspired by vintage horror movies and science fiction films of the 1950s.

Image: Courtesy of Universal Studios

4. Fogo de Chao

Located on International Drive just blocks from the Orange County Convention Center, Fogo de Chão will open in March. The 12,000-square-foot Brazilian steakhouse will seat 400 guests and will include five private dining rooms to accommodate parties of up to 150. The patio lounge can be combined with one of the private dining rooms for an indoor/outdoor function space.

Rendering: Courtesy of Fogo de Chao

5. The Pub Orlando

Also on International Drive, Tavern Restaurant Group will open The Pub Orlando at Pointe Orlando in February. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will serve pub fare and have a bar where guests can pour their own draughts and pay by the ounce. The venue will have patio seating and several semiprivate areas.

Rendering: Courtesy of Pub Orlando

6. Exotic Driving Experience

Petty Holdings will open a new attraction at Walt Disney World Speedway January 16 suitable for teambuilding and convention outings. The Exotic Driving Experience will allow drivers to get behind the wheel of vehicles by Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi, and Porsche on a new track at the motorsports complex. Group options will be available.

Image: Courtesy of Exotic Driving Experience

7. Splitsville

Downtown Disney will get a new upscale bowling and entertainment complex in August. Splitsville takes over the former Virgin Records space. It will combine bowling, billiards, dining, music, and nightlife in a 45,000-square-foot, two-story complex. The venue will have sushi bars, outdoor seating, and multiple cocktail bars. Sections will be available for buyout.

Rendering: Courtesy of Splitsville

8. Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar

South Florida’s Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar will open its first central Florida location in the former Samba Room space on Sand Lake Road in the spring. The 8,200-square-foot restaurant will have a 2,000-square-foot patio and bar overlooking West Sand Lake. There will also be several large private banquet rooms. The drink menu will include more than 225 varieties of tequila.

Photo: Courtesy of Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar

9. Mad Cow Theatre

Mad Cow Theatre will move into a new building on Church Street in downtown Orlando in September. The 170-seat Harriett Theatre will be the largest performance space. The smaller Black Box Theatre will have flexible seating options for up to 70 people.

Rendering: Courtesy of Mad Cow Theatre

10. Aura Bar and Restaurant

Dining and nightlife options in downtown’s Eola Square will continue to grow with the opening of Aura Bar and Restaurant in February. Aura will serve modern American cuisine until 2 a.m. nightly, along with cocktails prepared with fresh fruit-infused vodka, rum, and tequila. The venue will have seating for 190 inside and 210 on a patio.

Photo: Courtesy of Aura Bar & Restaurant