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Orlando Joins Anaheim, Los Angeles, New York City, Pigeon Forge, and Others to Attract Visitors with Iconic New Developments to Boost US Tourism in 2026: Everything You Need To Know
Published on
January 1, 2026
Orlando joins Anaheim, Los Angeles, New York City, Pigeon Forge, and others in attracting visitors with iconic new developments in 2026. These attractions are set to boost U.S. tourism, offering fresh, exciting experiences across major cities. From Orlando’s Universal Epic Universe, which promises cutting-edge, immersive worlds, to Anaheim’s OCVIBE urban village and Disneyland’s Bluey attraction, these cities are redefining the tourism experience. Los Angeles is bringing the West Harbor Waterfront, while New York City unveils the cultural marvel CANYON. Pigeon Forge is set to thrill with the NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood. These developments are part of a larger trend where cities are investing in unique, world-class experiences, ensuring that U.S. tourism remains vibrant and ever-evolving in 2026. This article takes a closer look at how these iconic new attractions will shape the future of travel in the U.S. and what travelers can expect from these exciting destinations.
Orlando, Florida: Universal Epic Universe
Orlando’s Universal Epic Universe, set to fully integrate into the Universal Orlando Resort by early 2026, is a groundbreaking addition to the city’s tourism scene. With its state-of-the-art technologies, the park introduces visitors to five distinct worlds, each offering immersive, cutting-edge attractions. From the thrilling Super Nintendo World with Mario Kart, to the intense monster-themed Dark Universe, and the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter set in the Ministry of Magic, Epic Universe provides a dynamic, multi-sensory experience. In addition to the existing attractions, guests can now access multi-day Park-to-Park tickets, making it easier to explore both Epic Universe and Universal’s original parks. This new development solidifies Orlando’s position as a global leader in theme park tourism.
FeatureDescriptionPark NameUniversal Epic UniverseStatusFully Operational (Grand Opening May 22, 2025)Worlds IncludedSuper Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Celestial ParkNew Features (2026 Update)Multi-day Park-to-Park tickets allowing guests to visit both Epic Universe and the original Universal parks on the same dayKey AttractionMario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Donkey Kong Country, Starfall Racers coaster
Anaheim, California: OCVIBE & Disney’s “Bluey” Debut
Anaheim, California, is undergoing a major transformation with the development of OCVIBE, a 92-acre urban village centered around the Honda Center and Disneyland. Slated for phased openings throughout 2026, the district promises to bring a fresh, vibrant atmosphere to the city. Phase I will feature a large amphitheater, Market Hall with a variety of culinary offerings, and Urban Parks. Meanwhile, Disneyland is expanding with the Bluey attraction, a first-of-its-kind, permanent Bluey experience in North America. This interactive, live-play experience will be a highlight for families, making Anaheim a hub for both entertainment and cultural innovation in 2026.
FeatureDescriptionProject NameOCVIBE (Urban Village Development)LocationHonda Center and Disneyland, Anaheim, CAPhase I OpeningMid-2026Key Features5,700-person amphitheater, Market Hall with 20+ culinary concepts, Urban ParksNew AttractionBluey’s Best Day Ever (Disneyland) – Interactive Bluey live-play experience
Los Angeles, California: West Harbor Waterfront
Los Angeles is set to unveil the West Harbor Waterfront in Spring 2026, a transformative 42-acre district at the Port of Los Angeles. The development aims to rival other iconic waterfront areas like San Francisco’s Pier 39. The district will feature a state-of-the-art 6,200-seat amphitheater, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, and the longest courtesy dock in Southern California. Additionally, the world-renowned San Pedro Fish Market will make its home here, along with a variety of over-water dining experiences. A mile-long promenade will showcase public art and events, offering both locals and tourists a new way to experience L.A.’s iconic coastal landscape.
FeatureDescriptionProject NameWest Harbor WaterfrontStatusGrand Opening Spring 2026LocationSan Pedro, Port of Los Angeles, CAKey Features6,200-seat amphitheater, 60-foot Ferris wheel, longest courtesy dock in SoCalDining & RetailSan Pedro Fish Market, over-water dining decks, mile-long promenade with public art
New York City, New York: CANYON (Cultural Venue)
New York City’s Lower East Side will soon be home to CANYON, a cutting-edge cultural venue opening in Spring 2026. This 40,000-square-foot space blends a museum and social gathering space, designed to engage visitors with “art that resists the quick glance.” Featuring a towering 60-foot skylit piazza and expansive galleries focused on video, sound, and digital art, CANYON aims to provide a deeper, more immersive cultural experience. The venue will also offer a social atmosphere with high-end dining, multiple bars, and a 300-seat performance hall, making it a prime destination for art lovers and those seeking a unique nightlife experience in the heart of New York City.
FeatureDescriptionProject NameCANYON (Cultural Venue)StatusOpening Spring 2026 (Lower East Side)Size40,000-square-foot hybrid museum and social spaceKey Features60-foot skylit piazza, galleries for video and digital art, 300-seat performance hallAtmosphereEvening hours, social atmosphere with high-end dining and multiple bars
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: NightFlight Expedition
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will see the launch of the NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood in Spring 2026, marking the largest single attraction investment in the park’s history. The $50 million ride combines a hybrid coaster and whitewater raft experience, taking visitors on a thrilling journey through 500,000 gallons of water before climbing a mountain ridge. Using cutting-edge multimedia projections, the ride simulates a nighttime flight through the Smoky Mountains, providing an adrenaline-packed adventure for guests. As Dollywood continues to innovate, the NightFlight Expedition promises to be a must-see attraction, enhancing the park’s reputation as one of the premier destinations in the U.S. for family-friendly entertainment.
FeatureDescriptionProject NameNightFlight ExpeditionStatusOpening Spring 2026 (March 13th Park Reopening)LocationDollywood, Pigeon Forge, TNInvestment$50 millionKey FeaturesHybrid coaster and whitewater raft ride, multimedia projections simulating a nighttime flight through the Smoky Mountains
Orlando joins Anaheim, Los Angeles, New York City, Pigeon Forge, and others in attracting visitors with iconic new developments in 2026. These attractions are set to boost U.S. tourism, offering fresh, exciting experiences across major cities.
In conclusion, Orlando joins Anaheim, Los Angeles, New York City, Pigeon Forge, and other key U.S. destinations in 2026 with iconic new developments that are set to boost tourism. These cities are embracing innovative attractions to enhance the visitor experience, making them even more enticing for travelers. As each city rolls out these exciting projects, they not only aim to increase tourism but also strengthen their positions as global tourism leaders. With these new developments, 2026 promises to be a transformative year for U.S. tourism, drawing visitors to iconic destinations across the country.
