Get a look at the world-class infrastructure, dining, accommodations and experiences that helped Orlando attract a record-breaking 72 million visitors in 2017.
Visit Orlando has announced a historic milestone in the travel industry, with Orlando becoming the first U.S. destination to surpass 70 million annual visitors. We welcomed a record-shattering 72 million travelers in 2017, once again making us America’s most visited destination and a top pick among attendees.
“Orlando has never been a city that rests on its laurels. Our business leaders are relentlessly innovating and raising the bar with new projects, renovations, facelifts and expansions to help meeting professionals offer the best possible experience to attendees. Just when you think you’ve got us all figured out, we’ve got more surprises up our sleeve.” says George Aguel, president & CEO of Visit Orlando, the region’s tourism board.
The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando™
There’s no doubt as to why Orlando welcomes more visitors than any other destination in the United States. World-renowned attractions, exceptional dining and entertainment, and an abundant supply of hotels and resorts are just the start. As the industry’s leading voices will tell you, we’re also a premier destination for meetings and conventions of all types, no matter the size or focus.
We never stop improving, either. Since 1995, our hotel inventory has jumped by more than 50 percent, with more than 121,000 hotel rooms available at a variety of price points. Traffic at Orlando International Airport, offering nonstop service from more than 130 domestic and international locations, has increased by over 70 percent to more than 44 million annually — yet it remains J.D. Power’s No. 1 mega-airport in terms of customer satisfaction. And Orlando — Theme Park Capital of the World® — is continually welcoming significant openings and expansions at our theme parks and attractions, providing you, new event experiences each time you visit. It’s never the same destination twice.
Looking forward, as part of $1 billion in multi-year investments for developments along International Drive, several new restaurant and entertainment options are in the works in the coming year. In short, there’s never been a better time to meet in Orlando.
Keep reading for a look at how much we’ve grown since 2013, and a peek at what’s still to come.
A Look at Everything New Waiting for Your Group to discover…
In the past five years, Orlando has added more than 100 rides, resorts, restaurants and retailers, and even more are coming soon. If it’s been awhile since your last visit, here’s a rundown of what you’ve missed.
If It's Been a Few Years Since You've Visited Orlando…
You’ll be amazed at how much we’ve grown in such a short time! Here’s a sampling of what you may have missed:
At Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll find the largest expansion in Disney's Animal Kingdom’s history with the opening of Pandora — The World of Avatar. This incredible new land and one-of-a-kind event venue has become a must-see as you marvel at floating mountains and bioluminescent forest.
Also as you enter Orlando’s tourism area, you can’t help but notice the steam from the new 200-foot Krakatau Volcano at the center of Universal’s Volcano Bay water-theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. This unbelievable sight can also be the backdrop to a unique team outing or private beach-theme event for up to 200, which is sure to wow your attendees.
At SeaWorld Orlando, your group can experience the revamped Kraken Unleashed virtual-reality (VR) roller coaster, and dance the night away with an electric event under the stars with its new Electric Ocean evening fireworks spectacular. Other new or updated attractions include Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Topgolf Orlando.
We’ve also gained some tantalizing new dining options with the opening of two new and improved retail, dining and entertainment complexes including ICON Orlando 360 (formerly known as I-Drive 360) and the reimagined Disney Springs.
Orlando’s most popular dining and entertainment complex has been transformed from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs featuring more than 150 dining, retail and entertainment options, including Orlando’s largest collection of celebrity chefs. New restaurants include Morimoto Asia, Art Smiths Homecoming, and The Edison and other inventive eateries at Disney Springs, with more on the way.
If It’s Been Five Years Since You Visited Orlando…
There’s a whole new world for you to discover and we can’t wait for you to experience everything you’ve missed!
Back in 2013, Transformers: The Ride — 3D and Springfield’s Simpsons-themed rides and restaurants arrived at Universal Studios. A year later, Hogwarts Express connected The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley to Hogsmeda at Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure, offering one-of-a-kind events complete with a fire-breathing dragon.
Chances are you’ll be amazed by how much our arts scene has grown too, thanks in large part to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Located in downtown Orlando, this state-of-the-art, multi-theater facility plays host to Broadway productions, ballet and other cultural events. Through it all, we’ve also added scores of hotels and resorts, plus a cornucopia of new dining options.
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