The Newest Hotels Opening in Orlando in 2026 (Complete Guide)
Everything open now, what's coming in 2026, and how to pick the right one for your trip
Orlando's hotel scene just had its biggest buildout in decades. Three brand-new Universal resorts opened around Epic Universe in 2025. Disney added a new tower at the Polynesian. Luxury names that never had a real presence near the parks are finally here — the Waldorf Astoria Orlando reopened after a top-to-bottom 2025 refresh. And the openings haven't slowed: the dual-brand EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd opened its doors in July 2026, making it the single newest hotel in the market as of this update.
This guide covers every notable new opening from 2024 through today, plus the big resorts still under development heading into 2026 and beyond. If you'd rather compare current rates across every new Orlando hotel in one place, the full new hotels in Orlando guide has live booking links updated daily — and Orlando is only one piece of a statewide surge you can browse in our roundup of new hotels across Florida.
New Orlando Hotels Already Open & Taking Bookings
These properties are fully open right now. No estimated dates, no asterisks — live, bookable, and every one opened or fully refreshed within the last two years.
Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Orlando · Epic Universe · Prime Value
The first of Universal's three new Epic Universe hotels to open — a cosmic space-themed resort with 750 rooms featuring spaceship-style windows, a 10,000 sq ft resort pool, fire pit, splash pad, and the Cosmos Café (widely praised for its food quality). A walking path connects directly to Epic Universe's entrance. All guests receive Early Park Admission to Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure. One of the best-value new hotel openings near a major Orlando theme park in years. Marriott Bonvoy eligible. Summer dates are filling — compare current rates in Orlando before Epic Universe's peak season pushes them higher.
Universal Terra Luna Resort
Universal Orlando · Epic Universe · Prime Value
Stella Nova's sister resort — a nature-and-earth-themed hotel with 750 rooms in earthy greens and golds. Same Early Park Admission benefits, same pool complex, same free Universal shuttle. Terra Luna often runs $20–$40 cheaper per night than Stella Nova and is a strong pick for budget-conscious Epic Universe visitors who still want full on-site perks. The Moonrise Grill poolside restaurant is a guest favorite. Marriott Bonvoy eligible.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
Universal Orlando · Inside Epic Universe · Signature Collection
The crown jewel — a 500-room Signature Collection hotel physically located inside Epic Universe with its own dedicated entrance into Celestial Park. The rooftop Bar Helios overlooks the park with 360-degree panoramic views. How to Train Your Dragon Kids' Suites, the full-service Flora Taverna restaurant, and the most exclusive on-site benefits in the Universal resort. This is the splurge option — if you're doing Epic Universe once and want the full experience, Helios Grand is it. Inventory is tight for peak dates, so compare Helios Grand rates in Orlando early.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Bonnet Creek · Near Disney World · Hilton Luxury
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando reopened in 2025 after a full-property refresh — modernized rooms and public spaces, high-end finishes throughout, and a spa expanded to roughly twice its previous size. Bull & Bear serves some of the best steak in the area and Peacock Alley remains a destination cocktail bar. Set inside the gated Bonnet Creek enclave, it's steps from Disney yet quiet enough to feel like a true resort escape. One of the most significant luxury refreshes in the Orlando market — compare Waldorf Astoria rates in Orlando to see current availability. Hilton Honors eligible.
Villatel Orlando Resort, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
Near Universal Orlando · Group & Family Resort
A genuinely different kind of new opening — Villatel Orlando Resort flips the high-rise hotel model for spacious private homes and apartments with full kitchens, media rooms, and themed kids' bedrooms, all inside a resort community with a clubhouse, water-play area, and pools. About two miles from Universal Studios and its Islands of Adventure, it's built for family reunions, multi-generational trips, and groups who want private space plus resort services. As one of the newest Marriott Bonvoy properties in Orlando, it earns and redeems Bonvoy points — compare Villatel rates in Orlando for your travel dates.
The Fold Hotels Orlando
Near Disney Springs · Four-Star Resort
Opened May 2025, The Fold Hotels Orlando is a fresh four-star resort a short drive from Disney Springs and Discovery Cove, with an outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis court, barbecue facilities, and a business center. Air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and free private parking make it an easy mid-scale base for park-hopping without paying on-property luxury rates. A solid new pick for travelers who want resort touches close to Disney — compare The Fold rates in Orlando to lock in your dates.
Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Walt Disney World · Monorail Loop · Magic Kingdom Area
The newest hotel on Walt Disney World property — a Disney Vacation Club tower connecting directly to the Monorail loop with access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Full access to the Polynesian's legendary amenities: the Great Ceremonial House, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, and a white-sand beach on Seven Seas Lagoon. Early theme park entry included as with all Disney resorts. One of the best new hotel options near Disney World for guests who want genuine Disney immersion and Monorail convenience.
Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter & Riverside
Walt Disney World · Near Disney Springs · Boat Launch
French Quarter completed its full renovation in May 2025 — all 1,008 rooms refreshed with new hard flooring, walk-in showers, Tiana-inspired artwork, and updated USB outlets. It's genuinely new and one of the best moderate-tier values at Disney World right now. Riverside is mid-renovation with Magnolia Bend buildings the freshest option there. Both resorts offer boat launch access to Disney Springs. Early theme park entry included.
The Luxury Openings Just Outside Our Window
We only card hotels that opened or fully reopened within the last two years. Two Orlando properties get talked about constantly as "new" and no longer meet that bar — so here they are, dated plainly, because they're still worth knowing about.
Conrad Orlando at Evermore opened in January 2024, which puts it just past our window — but it remains the Orlando area's newest AAA Five Diamond hotel and it is genuinely unlike anything else near the parks. It sits inside the 1,100-acre Evermore Resort, and Conrad guests get access to Evermore Bay: an eight-acre Crystal Lagoon with white sand beaches, paddleboarding, kayaking and hammocks. If you want a luxury resort experience that isn't about theme park logistics — sun, sand and actual relaxation twenty minutes from Disney — nothing else in the market competes. Hilton Honors eligible, and worth comparing Conrad Orlando rates against the Waldorf Astoria for the same dates, because they're very different holidays at a similar price.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Ocoee Orlando opened in June 2024 in west Orlando, so it too has aged out. It's still a clean, current budget option with free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool and free parking, well away from the tourist corridor pricing — useful if you have a car and don't need to be near a park gate.
Ready to book one of these hotels?
Every property above is listed on our Orlando page with live rates across booking platforms — find the best available price without searching 10 tabs.
See All New Orlando Hotels & Lock In Your Rate →New Value Hotels Near Universal & Disney
Not everyone needs to stay on-site. These newly opened mid-scale and extended-stay hotels near Universal and Disney have fresh rooms, major loyalty points, and rates that typically leave money in your budget for park tickets and food.
EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd
See the Lowest Rate → Opened Jun 2026 North Orlando · Winter Park FLHoliday Inn + Candlewood Suites Orlando North – Winter Park
See the Lowest Rate → Opened Jun 2025 Near Universal · Orlando FLSpark by Hilton Orlando Near Universal
See the Lowest Rate → Opened Dec 2024 International Drive · Orlando FLHyatt House Orlando International Drive
See the Lowest Rate → Opened Jul 2025 MCO Airport · Orlando FLEVEN Hotel Orlando Airport by IHG
See the Lowest Rate → Refreshed Jan 2026 Near Universal · Orlando FLCourtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando
See the Lowest Rate → Opened Feb 2026 East Orlando · UCF Area FLWoodSpring Suites Orlando East UCF
See the Lowest Rate →New Orlando Resorts Opening in 2026 & Beyond
These properties have announced opening timelines but are not yet open. Dates are subject to change.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando
Kissimmee, FL · Everest Place Development
The most anticipated family hotel opening on the 2026 calendar — Nickelodeon's return to the Orlando market inside the 220-acre Everest Place development in Kissimmee. The resort will feature 400+ rooms, character-themed suites with SpongeBob, PAW Patrol, and TMNT, a full water park, and the return of iconic sliming experiences. Targeting late 2026.
Get alerts when this opens →W Orlando
Near Universal's Epic Universe · Universal Boulevard
A 22-story luxury hotel with 400 rooms, a 2,000-seat concert venue, rooftop pool and dayclub, and five dining concepts. The W brand has been notably absent from Orlando — this property is designed to serve both park visitors and a broader entertainment audience. One of the most ambitious new hotel openings in Orlando's history.
Get alerts when this opens →Disney's Lakeshore Lodge Resort
Walt Disney World · Near Magic Kingdom · Bay Lake
Disney's next major DVC project — a lakeside resort near Magic Kingdom with approximately 900 rooms across standard rooms, A-frame cabins, and treehouse-style suites. The rustic-modern Pacific Northwest lodge design is a distinct new direction for Disney. DVC pre-sales will open well before the first guests check in.
Get alerts when this opens →Nickelodeon and the W Both Land This Year
Orlando opens more hotels than anywhere in Florida, and the two biggest of 2026 haven't arrived yet. We email the week a hotel actually opens its doors — while launch rates are still soft and opening inventory is still there. Free, and you can leave any time.
How to Choose the Right New Orlando Hotel
If Epic Universe is your main focus: Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand all include Early Park Admission and are on-site. Helios Grand is the premium pick inside the park itself. Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer the same EPA benefits at significantly lower rates. The Courtyard Across Universal partner hotel gets you EPA at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure — but not Epic Universe. The brand-new EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites on Universal Boulevard is the newest value option in the area.
If Walt Disney World is your focus: Island Tower at the Polynesian is the newest Disney hotel with Monorail access to Magic Kingdom. Port Orleans French Quarter is fully renovated and one of the best moderate-tier values on property right now.
If you want luxury without the park logistics: the freshly refreshed Waldorf Astoria Orlando brings modernized Hilton-luxury rooms and an expanded spa to gated Bonnet Creek, and Conrad Orlando at Evermore — open since January 2024 — has the eight-acre Crystal Lagoon that nothing else in the market can match. Compare rates in Orlando for both to see which fits your dates.
If you're traveling as a group or family: Villatel Orlando Resort offers private homes and apartments with full kitchens and themed kids' rooms near Universal — built for multi-generational trips that need space and resort services under one roof.
If you're watching the budget: the Spark by Hilton Near Universal opened June 2025 at under $90/night with free breakfast, free parking, and free shuttle to Universal. WoodSpring Suites Orlando East UCF opened February 2026 with the lowest extended-stay rates in the market from ~$65/night.
Questions About New Orlando Hotels
As of July 2026, the most recently opened hotels in Orlando are the dual-brand EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Blvd (July 2026), the Holiday Inn + Candlewood Suites Orlando North – Winter Park (June 2026), WoodSpring Suites Orlando East UCF (February 2026), and the Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal (refreshed January 2026). The three Universal Epic Universe resorts — Helios Grand (April 2025), Terra Luna (March 2025), and Stella Nova (January 2025) — remain the marquee new openings near the parks. For the full list with booking links visit the Stay In The New Orlando guide.
Yes. Several have already opened in 2026, including the EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites on Universal Boulevard (July 2026) and the Holiday Inn + Candlewood Suites in north Orlando (June 2026). Still to come: the W Orlando, a 22-story luxury hotel near Epic Universe with 400 rooms and a 2,000-seat concert venue, and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando in Kissimmee — with a full water park and 400+ rooms — both targeting late 2026. Disney's Lakeshore Lodge Resort near Magic Kingdom is planned for 2027.
Yes — all three new Universal on-site hotels (Stella Nova, Terra Luna, Helios Grand) include Early Park Admission to Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, and Islands of Adventure. EPA is exclusively for on-site Universal hotel guests — off-site and partner hotels do not qualify for Epic Universe EPA.
The best new value hotels near Universal Orlando are the Spark by Hilton Orlando Near Universal (opened June 2025, from ~$89/night) with free breakfast, free parking, and free shuttle, and the new EVEN Hotel + Staybridge Suites on Universal Boulevard (opened July 2026). Hyatt House International Drive (opened December 2024) offers kitchen suites with free breakfast from ~$120/night, and WoodSpring Suites Orlando East UCF (opened February 2026) has the lowest extended-stay rates from ~$65/night.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the most luxurious genuinely new hotel near Universal — physically inside Epic Universe with its own park entrance, rooftop Bar Helios, and rates from $700–800/night peak season. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando reopened in 2025 after a full refresh with modernized rooms and an expanded spa. Conrad Orlando at Evermore is the area's newest AAA Five Diamond hotel with an eight-acre Crystal Lagoon and white sand beaches, though it opened in January 2024 and so falls outside the two-year window we use for our main listings.
French Quarter is an excellent pick — renovation completed May 2025 with new hard flooring, walk-in showers, Tiana-inspired artwork, and updated USB outlets throughout all 1,008 rooms. Riverside is mid-renovation — book a Magnolia Bend building for the freshest rooms. French Quarter is the safer call if you want the fully updated experience right now.
Ready to book your new Orlando hotel?
Every property in this guide is listed on our Orlando page with live rates across booking platforms — luxury, resort, and value all in one place. No outdated listings. No 2018 hotels pretending to be new.
See All New Orlando Hotels & Lock In Your Rate →
