Epic new worlds, upgraded accommodations and culinary innovations mark an exciting year for Orlando’s meetings and conventions offerings (rendering of Universal Epic Universe pictured).
As Cvent’s top meetings destination in the country, Orlando ushers in a year of meetings innovation and excitement with new experiences and venues for planners to include in their agendas in 2025 and beyond.
Whether exploring the epic imaginative worlds of a brand-new theme park, or deep diving into a literary-themed adults-only speakeasy at one of Orlando’s luxury resorts, the destination’s iconic attractions and venues promise unforgettable meeting experiences.
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Blue Man Group at ICON Park®
Blue Man Group, the global entertainment phenomenon, is making its long-awaited return to Orlando, with a brand-new, 500-seat theater set to open at ICON Park® on International Drive (I-Drive) on April 3, 2025. The custom-built venue will accentuate Blue Man Group’s multisensory performances, including state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and video capabilities to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Group packages and add-ons including VIP Experiences and Meet & Greets will be available.
New Attractions at Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is bringing a mix of fresh adventures and experiences planners can incorporate into private events. At their Orlando location on I-Drive, attendees will be able to spin themselves silly on Tea Cups, while MACH FUN will deliver the thrill of flight with barrel rolls and spiraling dives. And at their Kissimmee location adjacent to Old Town, new additions will include an inverted pendulum ride with twin gondolas called Up and Overboard, and Swing Around in the Kids Spot section, perfect for attendees who are bringing their families.
Villatel Orlando Resort
Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the iconic International Drive area, began a phased opening in late 2023. Upon full completion this year, the private villa rental resort, with group options available, will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes.
Orange County Convention Center Expansion
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is targeting to break ground by 2026 with enhancements to the North-South Building which will include an additional 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot ballroom, along with a new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
Additionally, the OCCC added a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging to its campus with the opening of Orlando Utilities Commission’s (OUC) ReCharge Mobility Hub. Located near its North Concourse, this hub provides seamless, hassle-free charging for visitors and guests in the Convention Center District.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort
Epilogue, a new adult-only speakeasy, opened at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. This stylish lounge features a library-inspired theme and offers a variety of specialty, on-theme cocktails. It is available for private events ranging from 2 to 4 hours for up to 30 guests.
Downtown Orlando
The Downtown Orlando Food & Art Tour, hosted by Wandering Palm Adventures and available for corporate groups, incentive travel, client engagement and team building, offers a guided journey through Orlando’s vibrant art scene and top local eateries.
Oza Izakaya by Tim Liu will open in downtown Orlando in early 2025. The upscale dining experience will showcase a blend of the Japanese izakaya setting and omakase style of dining.
Lorelai Wine Bar opens in the Thornton Park neighborhood district in downtown Orlando, offering European wines by the bottle or by the glass along with shareable plates for snacking. Perfect for smaller group gatherings, Lorelei will house a 10-seat bar, lounging areas and two rooms with tables that will play host to wine storytelling events with winemakers.
Winter Park
Moso Nori, a concept by James Beard Award finalist and MICHELIN-recognized Chef Henry Moso, opened in November 2024 in Winter Park, near downtown Orlando. The new restaurant features a hand-roll bar, serving a variety of temaki, sake, beer, wine and sake-based cocktails. Reservations are not required, allowing a group’s sushi aficionados to walk up and dine.
The Glass Knife will open a second location this spring along Winter Park’s Park Avenue, with its signature array of pastries, cakes, and baked goods. The bakery can cater events or host small groups of 6 to 10 people.
Lake Nona
The Lake Nona Wave Hotel, near Orlando International Airport, introduced Garni Cafe and Nectar Room as the newest offerings to its award-winning food and beverage scene. Garni Cafe is an all-day French bistro serving breakfast, brunch seven days a week, light fare and dinner. The upscale Nectar Room is a cocktail lounge concept offering inventive mixology and creative takes on small plates.
New at the Theme Parks
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will open May 22. This expansive park features over 50 attractions across five immersive worlds, such as 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. Select multi-day tickets and packages are available for attendees to bring their families and turn their meeting into an adventure.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into Universal Epic Universe, will open May 2025. This Loews hotel, already available for booking meetings and events, will offer 4,648 square feet of versatile space, 500 rooms and 35 suites, and feature tablets for guests to digitally control elements of the room from lighting to room service. This regal hotel will also feature a rooftop bar, a three-meal restaurant, a pool bar and a grab-and-go station.
Universal Stella Nova Resort, now open, and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening Feb. 25, will add 1,500 guest rooms to Universal Orlando Resort’s hotel portfolio, raising the total to 11,000 rooms across 11 hotels. The new properties feature 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options, and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms, recreation rooms and more.
SeaWorld® Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando unveils the all-new Immersive Experience, the world’s first fully immersive Arctic flying theater, this spring. Building on the park’s Penguin Trek family coaster, the new attraction will transport guests to the Arctic by soaring over icy landscapes, diving beneath frozen waters and encountering Arctic wildlife.
Walt Disney World® Resort
See everything coming for meeting groups to WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort.
Renovated Accommodations and Meeting Space
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is embarking on the largest renovation and expansion in the property’s history highlighted by the addition of 120,000 square feet of event space to its current meeting and convention floorplan. The hotel’s existing meeting space at the Swan and Dolphin will be enhanced with a modern look and new capabilities in event technology. All guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Swan have undergone remodeling and are available now to book.
New Meeting Services
Disney Meetings & Events is unveiling new meeting products and resources including signature team building and networking sessions, general-session openers and a creative studio at Walt Disney World® Resort where meeting professionals can collaborate with Disney and Disney Meetings & Events experts.
New and Upgraded Attractions
The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, a fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the classic film will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® in the refreshed Animation Courtyard theater this summer.
Debuting at EPCOT® in 2025, the upgraded Test Track will feature new scenes that highlight technological advances, inviting you on a joy ride focused on onboard innovation, customization and personalization.
New Lounges
Two new Walt Disney World lounges will debut in 2025. They include a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom® Park, and one at EPCOT inspired by Spaceship Earth, featuring breathtaking views of the World Showcase and evening fireworks.
New Entertainment
Magic Kingdom will welcome a nighttime parade using state-of-the-art technology, Disney Starlight, in summer 2025. It will be the park’s first nighttime parade since 2016.
With every corner brimming with unique encounters — upscale dining, vibrant nightlife and new luxury accommodations — Orlando continues to be the perfect stage for “Unbelievably Real” meetings and conventions.
