#IPW2025

 ORLANDO UNVEILS WHAT'S NEW FOR 2025 AT IPW

Visit Orlando, The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, announced exciting new updates from The Theme Park Capital of the World at IPW in Chicago. From 2024 visitation numbers to the first new theme park to open in 25 years and other major attractions, hotel and shopping options, Orlando continues to lead the way as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in the world.

Orlando Announces 75.3 million Visitors in 2024

Orlando welcomed more than 75.3 million visitors in 2024, a 5.9% increase over the previous year, maintaining its position as America's most visited destination. International visitation reached 6.5 million, reflecting growth in key markets with Canada remaining the top international market, followed by UK, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. The destination's growth is a testament to the uniqueness of Orlando; the city's increasing global connectivity, with new and expanded airlift in nearly all of Orlando's top international markets; and the efforts of travel trade partners, including Visit Orlando's network of international representation in 12 markets, with recent additions in Spain, France, Chile, Peru, Argentina and India.

2024 International Results – Top 5 Origin Markets:

• Canada: 1,290,300 (up 2.7%)
• K.: 907,900 (up 3.5%)
• Brazil: 697,200 (up 0.2%)
• Mexico: 438,000 (up 1.5%)
• Colombia: 343,000 (up 13.6%)

What's New in Orlando for 2025

Orlando continues to raise the bar with major expansions and guest experiences for every type of traveler.

At Universal Orlando Resort, the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe opened on May 22, the first theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years. The all-new park features five fully immersive worlds including Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

SeaWorld Orlando debuted Expedition Odyssey, a groundbreaking flying theater ride that transports guests across the Arctic using real-world footage. Summer Spectacular returns through Sept. 1, with new entertainment including a high-energy drone show and nightly fireworks.

At Walt Disney World Resort, two new shows debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” On July 20, Magic Kingdom Park unveils “Disney Starlight, Dream the Night Away,” Disney World's first new nighttime parade in nearly 10 years, featuring characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios films “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen” and more.

Shopping remains a top draw for international visitors, and Orlando continues to lead the way with a growing lineup of first-to-market luxury brands at its premier retail destinations. Notable additions include Moncler, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets; Hollister and Greg Norman at Orlando International Premium Outlets; and Balenciaga, Tecovas and Alo Yoga debuting at The Mall at Millenia in 2025.

Orlando was ranked by WalletHub as one of the best U.S. cities for soccer fans and "Best Sports Business City for Attracting Events" by Sports Business Journal, solidifying the destination's status as a top tourism destination as a premier sports hot spot. Orlando will host several high-profile FIFA Club World Cup games including LAFC vs CR Flamengo on June 24 and Juventus FC vs. Manchester City on June 26. The Orlando Magic bring world-class basketball action to downtown Orlando, giving international fans a chance to experience the excitement of the NBA live.

Orlando's Booming Hotel Growth

Orlando, home to nearly 500 hotels and more than 132,000 rooms, continues to expand its impressive portfolio of accommodations. Within the past year, Orlando added 2,600 new hotel rooms. Universal Orlando Resort introduced several new properties, including Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Additionally, Universal Helios Grand Hotel opened with 500 rooms and a dedicated entrance into Universal Epic Universe. Designed for families and large groups, the new Villatel Orlando Resort on International Drive features spacious villas that sleep up to 26 guests and include immersive themed rooms that extend the magic beyond the parks. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin unveiled a sleek, modern redesign of all 756 rooms and suites in the Swan hotel as part of a $275 million renovation, while Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Orlando Resort & Suites completed a top-to-bottom refresh with a nearly $7 million investment.

MICHELIN Dining, Including Orlando's First-Ever MICHELIN 2-Star Restaurant

Orlando's evolving dining scene has been recognized with one of the world's highest culinary honors. In the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida, inspectors added 11 new Orlando restaurants to the lineup, starting with the destination's first-ever Two-MICHELIN-Star honoree, Sorekara, which also received a MICHELIN Service Award for General Manager Austin Joseph, and the One-MICHELIN-Star Ômo by Jônt. Orlando now boasts 59 restaurants recognized by Michelin, including 9 MICHELIN Starred venues, 15 Bib Gourmands and 35 Recommended eateries. 

Orlando Travel Academy and Trade Tools

The Orlando Travel Academy continues to grow as a leading resource for travel advisors, offering perks, up-to-date modules and tools to help agents sell the destination. New content and certification programs are available at OrlandoTravelAcademy.com.