Project Highlights
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• Mattel is planning a roofed indoor water park concept, with Orlando as the first planned location (site/timeline not announced yet).
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• The parks are expected to feature classic water attractions themed around Mattel brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels.
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• Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure debuts at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Dec. 22.
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• The Fraggle show is included with admission, with two daily performances (12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.) at Universe Theater.
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• A Top Gun thrill ride concept is confirmed for Las Vegas (2028), and Orlando is only being considered for a future flagship location.
Three New Entertainment Brands Are Landing in Central Florida (and They’re Wildly Different)
Central Florida doesn’t just do “new.” We do new… but make it weird, wonderful, and totally unforgettable. And right now, three very different entertainment projects are lining up on the radar—one that could make rainy-season water park days a non-issue, one that brings peak nostalgic chaos to the Space Coast (in the cutest way possible), and one that’s not coming to Orlando yet… but Orlando is absolutely being talked about.
Here’s what’s confirmed, what’s planned, and what’s still in the “don’t hold your breath, but don’t ignore it” category.
1) Mattel Is Planning an Indoor Water Park in Orlando… With a Roof
If you’ve lived here longer than a week, you already know the vibe: you plan the perfect water park day, and Florida hits you with a 3:12 p.m. thunderstorm like it’s on payroll.
That’s why this idea is spicy: Mattel, Inc. is developing “Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks,” an indoor water park concept that’s… indoors. With a roof. Meaning: rain-proof, heat-proof, and probably “why didn’t someone do this sooner?” proof.
The concept is being developed with Orlando-based Martin Aquatic, American Resort Management, and immersive experience designer I-dentity Group.
What’s confirmed vs. what’s TBD
Orlando is listed as the first planned location, but the exact site and construction timeline haven’t been announced yet. The concept is expected to blend Mattel’s biggest brands—think Barbie and Hot Wheels—into classic water park staples like lazy rivers, wave pools, and slides.
Local takeaway: If this becomes real in the way it’s being pitched, Orlando could get a year-round water park option that doesn’t care about weather.
2) Fraggle Rock Is Heading to Kennedy Space Center (Yes, This Is Real)
A new live show called “Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure” is set to debut at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Dec. 22. The story follows Gobo, Red, and Uncle Traveling Matt as they explore NASA’s space program—specifically connecting to the Artemis missions—and meet members of the team, including an Exploration Ground Systems crew member and an International Space Station astronaut.
Show details you can actually plan around
It’ll run in the Universe Theater (300 seats), it’s included with admission, and it’s scheduled for two daily shows:
• 12:30 p.m.
• 1:45 p.m.
And this isn’t a low-effort costume situation—production includes walk-around Fraggle characters and puppet Doozers built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Local takeaway: KSC just found a genius way to make space education feel like a party—especially for families (and secretly nostalgic adults).
3) A Top Gun Thrill Ride Is Coming to Vegas… and Orlando Is “On the Radar”
Let’s keep this one clean and un-mixed: Top Gun is not confirmed for Orlando. The confirmed piece is Las Vegas.
Advent Entertainment, LLC is partnering with ride manufacturer Simtec Systems GmbH on a Top Gun–themed thrill ride concept tied to Paramount’s film franchise. The first planned location is Top Gun Las Vegas, expected to open in 2028, as part of a multi-level entertainment complex with a restaurant/bar, interactive zones, and the signature ride.
Simtec’s CEO has described the goal as “realistic flight action” that pushes physical limits—so it’s being pitched as a big-ticket simulator-style attraction, not a casual arcade box.
Where Orlando fits (for now)
Advent says future locations are being evaluated, and a flagship Orlando location is being considered. That’s not a guarantee—just a signal that Orlando is on the shortlist if Vegas proves the concept works.
What This Means for Central Florida
These projects land in three totally different lanes—and that’s what makes them exciting:
• A weather-proof water park concept that could be huge for Orlando.
• A family-friendly, educational live show that strengthens Kennedy Space Center’s lineup.
• A big IP thrill ride concept that could expand toward Orlando if it succeeds elsewhere.
Central Florida stays the entertainment capital because it’s always adding something new… and occasionally something you’d never expect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Mattel indoor water park definitely coming to Orlando?
Orlando is identified as the first planned location for the concept, but the exact address and construction timeline have not been announced yet.
What is “Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterparks” supposed to be?
An indoor, roofed water park concept designed to deliver water-park-style attractions in a weather-proof setting, themed around major Mattel brands.
When does the Fraggle Rock show start at Kennedy Space Center?
Dec. 22 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Is the Fraggle Rock show included with admission?
Yes—it’s included with Visitor Complex admission.
What time are the Fraggle Rock performances?
Two daily showtimes: 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Is the Top Gun ride coming to Orlando?
Not confirmed. The first planned location is Las Vegas, expected in 2028. Orlando is only listed as a potential future flagship location under evaluation.
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