Star Wars, Sesame Street, Harry Potter: What's new in Orlando?

(dpa) - Orlando, Florida - perhaps the world's biggest metropolis in matters of roller coaster rides and theme park attractions - is getting a whole new range of highlights to keep its 75 million annual visitors entertained.

First, Seaworld Orlando has opened a new theme area entirely dedicated Sesame Street, where kids can meet the show's characters in person.

Meanwhile at the Universal Orlando resort, a Harry Potter roller coaster with a few vertical dips will open on June 13. According to Visit Orlando, it is the longest roller coaster in Florida.

You may have already heard the hype around the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction that opened at the end of May in Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

But that's not the end of Star Wars theme park excitement. On August 29, another Star Wars theme area will open its doors to guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios Park.

The main attraction here is the Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run flight simulator, a tribute to the famous spaceship from the Star Wars movies.

Two more new openings are scheduled for 2020 on the International Drive in Orlando. One is The Orlando Slingshot, a kind of giant catapult that whirls visitors through the air.

Orlando is also set to get the world's largest free-fall tower: The Gyro Drop Tower is to be around 120 metres high. At the so-called I-Drive you'll already find a huge Ferris wheel and a chain carousel at lofty heights.