Florida
Central Florida theme parks bring wave of new thrills in 2024
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s iconic theme parks are gearing up for an extraordinary year as they prepare to unveil an exciting lineup of new experiences and attractions.
In 2024, visitors to Central Florida will see everything from new roller coasters to family attractions that will entice any thrill seeker’s bucket list.
See the list of attractions at each of the theme parks below:
Starting off at Walt Disney World, the resort is set to debut the all-new “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” at Magic Kingdom in late 2024.
This immersive experience will transport guests into the beloved story of Princess Tiana, offering a unique blend of new technology, storytelling and adventure.
Disney said Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to continue the story following the hit 2009 film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will follow Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and Louis the alligator through the bayou as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration. Walt Disney Imagineering has shared some of the research they have done to make sure the attraction is authentic as possible to the city and people of New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area. From the music guests will hear inside to the small animal critters along the ride track.
Also at Magic Kingdom, a refreshed rendition of the beloved “Country Bears Musical Jamboree” is set to captivate audiences with its timeless tunes and lively animatronic characters sometime this year. Disney said on its blog that the new songs and act will pay homage to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Over at EPCOT, the much-anticipated “CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza” in World Celebration promises a futuristic and interactive experience, redefining the park’s commitment to innovation. The new additions will open alongside World Celebration gardens and Dreamers Point, which opened to the public in early December.
Meanwhile, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is set to make waves at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the fall of 2024, immersing guests in Ariel’s enchanting underwater world. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will also feature new adventures and characters in the iconic “Star Tours” attraction.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando is set to introduce “Dreamworks Land” at Universal Studios Florida, bringing beloved characters from Dreamworks Animation to life in a vibrant and engaging environment. The new children’s area is currently under construction in the former KidZone area of the park.
Fans are also eagerly awaiting potential updates on the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, promising new realms of thrills and wonder.
See a previous story about Epic Universe in the video below.
SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica
SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are making a splash with the introduction of the “Penguin Trek” roller coaster and “Tassie’s Underwater Twist” slide in spring 2024. These exhilarating attractions promise to offer a unique blend of speed and aquatic excitement just in time for the spring break crowds.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is set to rise to new heights with the “Phoenix Rising” roller coaster, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for thrill-seekers in spring 2024.
Legoland Florida Resort
Legoland Florida Resort is set to captivate younger visitors with the “Build and Race” experience, encouraging creativity and exploration in a dynamic and playful environment.
Additionally, the SEA LIFE Florida Resort, opening in fall 2024, will offer guests an all-new underwater adventure for marine enthusiasts.
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Florida on Tuesday announced a criminal probe into whether artificial intelligence played a role in a deadly mass shooting at a university in the US state.
“If ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder,” Uthmeier said.
Florida law allows anyone who assists or counsels someone in the commission of a crime to be treated as an “aider and abettor” bearing the same responsibility as the perpetrator, according to Uthmeier.
In exchanges with ChatGPT, the accused shooter sought advice on what type of gun and ammunition to use, as well as where and when on campus a lot of people would likely be found, the state attorney general said during a press briefing.
“Last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime,” an OpenAI spokesperson said.
A massive wildfire in Putnam County in northern Florida left Amtrak passengers stranded on a train for more than 24 hours.
One train heading to New York City was forced to turn around, arriving back in Miami Monday night, including one passenger who said he had been on that train for about 38 hours.
He says he and other passengers were left uncertain about what was going on.
“Angry, confused, uncertain, in the dark,” said John Reardon.
Reardon, who lives in New York City, says he boarded the train around 7 a.m. Sunday to go back home. He said around 3 p.m. Sunday, the train stopped near Jacksonville.
“Finally, after about 5 hours, they said we’re not going to New York, we’re going back to Miami,” Reardon said. “One stop at a time.”
Amtrak said for the safety of its passengers, the train couldn’t continue going north because of the fire.
“Amtrak sends a notification to the phone saying, ‘Hey, there’s an issue with the wildfire, it’s too close to the railway,’” said passenger Katrinia Wheeler.
Multiple crews are battling multiple fires in two Florida counties, leaving at least 3,000 acres burned.
“I saw that there was a lot of smoke coming from the woods, and then I saw the fire trucks and emergency services,” Wheeler said.
The train that left Miami at 7 a.m. on Sunday returned around 9 p.m. on Monday, leaving passengers frustrated.
Amtrak corporate says they made the decision out of safety for their customers and said customers would receive full refunds and vouchers.
The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.
Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 06-09-19-34-35
Evening: 08-09-12-25-31
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 19 drawing
Morning: 03
Matinee: 08
Afternoon: 04
Evening: 01
Late Night: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 4-0, FB: 3
Evening: 0-6, FB: 6
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 2-9-1, FB: 3
Evening: 3-7-0, FB: 6
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 9-7-8-0, FB: 3
Evening: 3-6-7-8, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
Midday: 3-9-3-5-1, FB: 3
Evening: 1-3-1-8-7, FB: 6
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
- Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
- Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.
You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.
Florida law requires public disclosure of winners
If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:
- Full name
- City of residence
- Game won
- Date won
- Amount won
- Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.
When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
- Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
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