The debut of dozens of new attractions and experiences made 2016 a big year for Florida’s largest theme parks.

Here's a look back at the major updates and announcements from the theme park world.

Disney World

Kicking things off with its Awaken Summer event, Disney World announced several new things to do and see at its theme parks.

In June, an updated Soarin’ reopened as Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot. The attraction included a brand-new, high definition video featuring new scenes from places like Sydney, China and Paris.  Frozen Ever after also opened that month in the Norway Pavilion, taking the place of Maelstrom. On opening day, wait times were up to five hours.

New experiences also debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The park came alive at night with the addition of Nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris, Tree of Life Awakens and the short-timer “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic.” However, one of Disney’s most anticipated new shows, Rivers of Light, failed to debut. Heavily teased during the first half of the year, the nighttime spectacular has been delayed multiple times.

For those who love the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, it will being in August next year, Disney announced in November.

The top announcements from Disney this year were about Star Wars. New themed lands are being constructed at both Disney World and Disneyland in California.

Although the lands were announced in 2015, Disney released plenty of updates and details this year.

Executives shared new concept art for the Millennium Falcon ride and “Star Wars” themed dining options and shops.

A nightly fireworks show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” and a daily stage show, “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” debuted this year.

During a special Disney Parks Blog meet-up event in December, Disney revealed that guests would soon see Rogue One-related additions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Tours will also be getting an update. A new destination from the upcoming Episode VIII is expected to be added in the “coming year.”

One of the biggest updates to come to Disney World was the expansion of Disney Springs. Dozens of new retailers opened this summer in the entertainment district's Town Center. In addition to the shops, several new restaurants opened in the section including, D-Luxe Burger and Amorette's Patisserie. Several more restaurants are slated to open at Disney Springs in the coming months.  

Universal Orlando

Not to be outdone, Universal Orlando unleased a few surprises of its own. Two major thrill rides opened this summer—Skull Island: Reign of Kong and the Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster, which are located at Islands of Adventure.

Kong returned to the park in a brand-new attraction. The 3D ride takes guests on an “expedition” through Skull Island in search of Kong. Along the way, you encounter terrifying creatures.

The revamped Hulk Coaster also made a triumphant return to Universal. After closing in 2015, Universal dismantled the ride and started rebuilding it from the ground up. A new queue was designed.  A new track and new ride vehicles were brought in, offering a smoother ride experience.

In addition to new rides, Universal opened a new restaurant at CityWalk. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is a full-service dining experience with a 19th century steampunk theme. The menu features items like steak, burgers, seafood, and of course, plenty of desserts.

In November, Universal released more details about its upcoming Volcano Bay water park, which is set to open summer 2017.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando joined the theme park wars with its newest coaster Mako. In June, Mako became the tallest and fastest coaster in Orlando, with a 200 foot drop and speeds of up to 73 miles an hour.

The company also unveiled plans for its theme parks in 2017. The announcement included the Kraken rollercoaster becoming a virtual reality experience and a new nighttime event, Electric Ocean.  A new ocra presentation will also debut at the park in 2018. In March, SeaWorld announced it was ending it orca breeding program after facing criticism in recent years for its treatment of whales.

Cobra’s Curse opened in June at SeaWorld’s sister park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The roller coaster was the park’s newest ride since Falcon Fury opened in 2014.

Legoland Florida

Rounding out the theme park announcements in 2016 was Legoland Florida. Although the Winter Haven park didn’t have major new attractions this year, it did reveal new experiences coming in 2017. In addition to a new resort, a new ride, Ninjago, is expected to open early next year.

So here’s to 2017, which is expected to bring Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Universal’s Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and more.