DC superheroes have landed at Orlando attractions

[Disney4me]

If the arrival of a new “Superman” movie has you all “up, up and away” for superheroic — but local — adventures, there are multiple options in Central Florida these days. DC Comics has established a bit of a stronghold at a couple of unexpected locations. But be aware that some of these are in the Orlando area for limited runs.

And while these activities may not take place in the same universe or against the same supervillains, it might be a good time to get your cape out of the dry cleaners.

Look! Up in the sky!

Gaylord Palms is running a multipronged event called DC Summer, a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences. Hotel guests and other visitors may interact with characters in shows, at meals and randomly inside the supersized Kissimmee resort.

“We wanted you to have this feeling that you could come in and you could see your favorite superheroes and really be part of that legend, you know, the lore of them,” said Niko Nickolau, entertainment director of Gaylord Hotels.

The “DC Super Hero Academy” live show has “choose your own adventure”/Mad Lib styling.

“The superhero story changes based on the audience,” Nickolau said. “And then there’s a different hero that comes out depending on the day.”

The DC Super Hero Craft Zone, which features a "diamond art" mosaic piece to take home, is part of Gaylord's DC Summer. (Courtesy Gaylord Palms Resort)

The resort offers DC Super Hero Craft Zone, featuring a take-home “diamond art” mosaic piece; Revenge of the Riddler Scavenger Hunt, which has puzzles scattered across the sprawling resort; and Hall of Justice Character Dining, which features three major superheroes in person.

The meal is a favorite “because you get such unique and close proximity photos of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman,” Nickolau said. Visitors may also spot heroes randomly patrolling the grounds.

“They’re just monitoring, making sure no villains are around and there’s no problems that are occurring,” Nickolau said.

The resort also features DC-themed poolside activities as well as films that are shown from the main pool area on select nights. There are themed foods, including Icee drinks called Amazonian Freeze and Metropolis Chill (Mention the word “superhero” for a secret menu), and there are merchandise locations.

The day builds to the “Battle for Justice Light Show” in the Gaylord Palms atrium, featuring LED curtains hanging from the ceiling. The presentation has a 10-minute soundtrack and a slew of heroes and villains, from the Cheetah to Green Lantern.

“It’s a digital comic book up in the sky,” Nickolau said. “We think it’s a great medium to bring everybody together towards the end of the night.”

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to participate, although there are fees for several of the activities.  Gaylord also offers a room package that includes a DC Super Hero Supply Pack with an autograph book, a projector pen, a superhero cape and more.

“DC Summer” runs through Sept. 1. For prices, rates and other information, go to gaylordhotels.com/dcsummer.

"DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers" exhibit is at Orlando Science Center through Sept. 7. (Jennifer Dummett/The Children's Museum)

Superpowers and science

Orlando Science Center currently is home to “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers,” an exhibit that examines the qualities that lead to success and real-life, downright heroic acts. Think teamwork, powers of deduction, self-awareness, a sense of justice and problem solving.

Participants face challenges tied to Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Aquaman and others. You can run with the Flash. Bad guys such as Cheetah and Joker (who have messed with the Bat-Signal) are also in the mix.

Even without superspeed, you can be a hero by volunteering or being a friend, the exhibit teaches.

The exhibit, created by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, remains in Orlando through Sept. 7. It’s included with regular admission to Orlando Science Center.

Tickets or more information: OSC.org.

Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel

Stage lighting illuminates Wonder Woman, one of the superheroes in the "Justice League: A Call for Heroes" gallery at Madame Tussauds Orlando on International Drive. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Justice for all

Superheroes have been standing guard at Madame Tussauds Orlando since 2018.  In the Icon Park attraction’s Justice League: A Call for Heroes zone, there are life-size photo ops with Wonder Woman, Flash, Cyborg and Aquaman figures. Lighting and other special effects make the scenes a bit interactive.

At Tussauds, you’re in control of the Bat-Signal as the Caped Crusader strikes a striking, cape-furled pose nearby. Perhaps the most fun is preventing a certain crash of the Daily Planet helicopter alongside Superman.

Among the other big names represented by wax figures daily in the attraction include Beyonce, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Serena Williams, Shaquille O’Neal (in old school Orlando Magic uniform), Zendaya, Ryan Gosling and Walt Disney.

For tickets or more information, go to madametussauds.com/orlando.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

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