Orlando unveils new meetings offerings throughout the destination as the OCCC and Orlando International Airport embark on major expansions and enhancement projects (Grand Concourse Expansion Rendering pictured).

In 2026, Orlando offers planners new options at the theme parks, more restaurants from celebrity chefs, and additional team-building opportunities while the Orange County Convention Center begins construction on the Grand Concourse Expansion and Orlando International Airport moves forward with major projects to enhance the travel experience.

Read on to discover what you can include in your 2026 agenda and beyond.

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Major Venue and Transportation Enhancements

The Grand Concourse Expansion

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) officially broke ground on its Grand Concourse Expansion — a transformative $560-million project that will enhance the North-South Building with new meeting space, a grand ballroom and improved connectivity between concourses. Set to begin construction in early 2026 and conclude in 2029, the expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom — designed to accommodate the growing demand for flexible, high-capacity event venues.

Orlando International Airport

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has unveiled a new strategic vision to guide the future of Orlando International Airport (MCO) over the next decade. This includes a $5.9 billion investment in projects that will expand capacity, modernize airport facilities and elevate the travel experience. This includes major enhancements to modernize Terminal A and B featuring a new baggage handling system, upgraded tram service, the addition of more than 40 restaurants, increased public parking and more. GOAA is also investing $84.2 million in capital improvements at Orlando Executive Airport.

New to the Convention District

Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop is now open at Live! at the Pointe Orlando and features an elevated nightlife experience that blends west coast swagger and southern soul. Guests can expect a curated rotation of DJs, live performances and playlists inspired by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg themselves, and a cocktail menu inspired by Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop among other ultra-premium spirits.

Also, coming to Pointe Orlando is the Museum of Ice Cream Orlando and will feature colorful exhibitions, unique sweet treats and their world-famous sprinkle pool. For corporate groups, the attraction’s Treat Retreat blends fun, strategic thinking and delightful discovery crafted to deepen team bonds, enhance communication and unleash a new level of collaboration.

Blue Man Group, returns to Orlando on May 1 with a new custom-built home at ICON Park®, featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non-verbal storytelling and audience participation.

Sloth World, the world’s first and only Slotharium, will open in February on International Drive, offering guided, small-group experiences inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths roam freely among lush trees, vines and natural climbing structures.

Capone’s Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando on International Drive, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline.

Near the Convention District

EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual-branded hotel combining EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, is scheduled to open in 2026. Located near the Orange County Convention Center and Universal Epic Universe, the property will feature 288 guest rooms, more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space, and amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness studio and healthy dining options.

Kappo Tsan, specializing in kappo-style dining offering sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and a la carte formats, is now open in O-Town West.

Mamazzita Gastrobar, a Peruvian/Latin restaurant that transforms into a nightclub, is now open near The Florida Mall®.

New to Downtown Orlando and Orlando’s Neighborhoods

Downtown Orlando

CityArts Cafe opened inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building, home to CityArts Orlando in downtown Orlando. The cafe is part of the Downtown Arts District’s mission to cultivate the arts in Orlando by creating a new space to highlight local artistry and will feature a menu inspired by the building’s European heritage, such as Lavazza espresso-roast coffee.

Mills 50

Cowboy Curry, the Japanese beef curry house by Sorekara (Orlando’s only Two-Star MICHELIN restaurant) Chef William Shen, is now open at Mills Market in the Mills 50 District, along with MICHELIN Guide-recognized booths Bánh Mì Boy, Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings, and UniGirl.

Pomelo, a cocktail-focused concept by Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh, is set to open in the Mills 50 District this spring. The restaurant will feature Southeast Asian flavors and a vibrant indoor-outdoor bar experience.

Thorton Park

Osteria Ester, an Italian American concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group founders Jason and Sue Chin, is now open in Thornton Park. It is a true neighborhood gathering place taking on a casual and communal feel.

Winter Park

The Reverie, an American brasserie by James Beard-recognized Chef Brandon McGlamery, will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square later this year.

Winter Garden

Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a two-story restaurant lounge with a dynamic first-floor lounge and upstairs dining room with a veranda terrace, is opening in Winter Garden later this year.

New Meeting Options at the Theme Parks

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Epic Universe, the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years, now offers Dine & Ride programs for groups up to 500 guests that include the opportunity to experience Epic’s five immersive worlds: 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.

• Dine & Ride for 201 – 500 attendees: Groups can host receptions and meal functions at an exclusive event pavilion, which is steps away from Celestial Park and provides easy access to the five worlds. One of worlds will remain open after the park closes to provide exclusive group access.

• Dine & Ride for 20 – 200 attendees: Groups can choose from select dining venues and others in Celestial Park before enjoying Universal Express access to one attraction. Restaurants of choice include Atlantic, Club Jupiter, The Oak & Star Tavern, The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant, and Le Gobelet Noir.

Additional event offerings at Universal Epic Universe will be available in the future.

Opened in 2025 with Universal Epic Universe, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, A Loews Hotel, features the Helios Grand Hall with nearly 5,000 square feet of customizable meeting space and the Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts, located near Universal Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center, collectively feature 1,500 guest rooms making them ideal for rooms-only programs.

Walt Disney World® Resort

New Meeting Services

Disney Meetings & Events continues to elevate the meetings experience with a series of enhancements, including the reopening of a beloved convention center, the redesign of another, introduction of new team-building programs, and more.

• Following a months-long refurbishment, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center at Walt Disney World® Resort has reopened, eagerly welcoming meeting groups, conventions, wedding parties and other social gatherings.
• Beginning in 2026, a dazzling new chapter will begin at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this reimagining, the resort’s convention center will be transformed to incorporate key innovative design elements, leveraging the expertise of the Walt Disney Imagineering team that brought to life the neighboring Gran Destino Tower.
• “Toy Story – Out of the Box” is a brand-new, team-building activity inspired by the beloved series of Disney Pixar animated films.

Upgraded Attractions

In 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® will reopen at Magic Kingdom® Park. Thrill-seeking guests will experience the iconic attraction’s refreshed caverns and peaks along with some new magic.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin® is set to reopen in 2026 at Magic Kingdom® Park with redesigned ride vehicles featuring Star Command-inspired styling and onboard video monitors for real-time scoring, while handheld blasters offer improved aim and interactive feedback.

In 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring The Muppets speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for a high-energy, rockin’ concert.

Upcoming Expansions

Villains Land and Piston Peak, a Pixar Animations’ Cars-themed area, are coming to Magic Kingdom® Park as part of the park’s largest expansion in its history. Villains Land will feature two major attractions, dining and shopping. Piston Peak will feature two exciting Cars-themed attractions including a thrilling rally race through the mountains.

Tropical Americas, a lush and sprawling 11-acre new space coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park in 2027, will feature attractions themed to Indiana Jones and Encanto.

A Pixar Animation Studios Monsters, Inc.-inspired land is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® where guests can stroll the streets of Monstropolis and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park.

Upgraded Accommodations and Meeting Space

In summer 2026, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will complete a $275 million renovation and expansion project when the property unveils a 120,000-square-foot expansion of the Dolphin’s event space. In 2025, the property completed the renovation of all 756 guest rooms and suites in the Swan hotel.

SeaWorld® Orlando

Opening in 2026 at SeaWorld® Orlando, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, the world’s first-of-its-kind suspended dark ride, will take riders on an awe-inspiring voyage into the ocean’s most extraordinary realms. Guests will step aboard a state-of-the-art submersible and discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder.