Orlando, the most-visited destination in the US, is set to welcome more than two dozen all-new experiences in 2026.  From the world's first-ever Slotharium and a new space-themed indoor coaster to Orlando's newest professional sports team, there is always a surpise in store in Central Florida. “Orlando's continuous growth is what sets us apart year after year, with new and diverse experiences across theme parks, dining, entertainment and shopping that cater to every kind of traveler,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. Here’s what’s new in the Theme Park Capital of the World:   THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS Walt Disney World Resort At EPCOT, Frozen Ever After will welcome newly updated audio-animatronics figures of Anna, Elsa and Kristoff in February. This summer, guests can take flight on a new immersive journey with Soarin' Across America, a refreshed experience featured in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. In summer, Disney's Hollywood Studios will unveil two new experiences in the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, including “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!”, a high-energy show with tunes and dancing, and “The Magic of Disney Animation”, inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Emmy-winning short film, “Once Upon a Studio.” On May 22, a new mission will touch down in the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge with an all-new adventure centered around “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Later in the summer, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will take guests inside a recording studio where the Electric Mayhem is laying down new tracks. The arrival of Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park this summer marks a significant addition to the park's offerings, inviting guests of all ages to play, dance and enjoy meet-and-greets and favorite games. At Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin will reopen in spring following upgrades. The galactic space battle attraction will feature redesigned ride vehicles with Star Command-inspired styling and onboard video monitors for real-time scoring,  while Big Thunder Mountain will reopen. Level 99 will debut at Disney Springs, replacing the former NBA Experience, transforming the two-story space venue into an interactive adult obstacle course featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges.   Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort will mark the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film with special limited-time offerings throughout the year in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Highlights include Butterbeer Season, running March 1 through May 31, featuring limited-edition treats, new themed merchandise and other surprises. Visitors can continue to enjoy Universal Epic Universe, Orlando's newest theme park, featuring over 50 attractions across 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.   SeaWorld Orlando SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, a first-of-its-kind suspended family dark ride, will debut at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests can embark on a dark submersible adventure through different underwater ecosystems.   LEGOLAND Florida Resort  Galacticoaster will blast off at LEGOLAND Florida on Feb. 27 at the park's newest space-themed land. The indoor coaster invites families to embark on a LEGO galaxy adventure with a customizable spacecraft .   Beyond the parks 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. Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, opens on International Drive in April. Dubbed a “Gen Z country club,” it will feature nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children's courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, a spa and two restaurants. Build-A-Bear Workshop will debut a multi-level flagship store — the largest in the world— at ICON Park, offering classic "make-your-own" experiences along interactive and personalized elements. Museum of Ice Cream Orlando, known for its colorful exhibitions, unique sweet treats and world-famous sprinkle pool, will make its debut at International Drive's Pointe Orlando this year. Fraggle Rock: A Space-y Adventure, an original live show starring the beloved, Emmy Award-winning Fraggles characters and NASA's real-life space explorers, is now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The Florida Mall welcomed 11 new-to-market retail brands, including Glow or Go, an immersive team challenge with high-energy game zones; Pop Mart, the Beijing-based collectible brand; plus Lindt, Steve Madden and more. In early 2026, Round1 Bowling and Arcade, a Japanese-style, multi-entertainment facility featuring bowling, and exclusive arcade games from Japan will open. The Mall at Millenia is welcoming a wave of updates, including an expanded Christian Louboutin space, a new Versace store, a refreshed Gucci gallery and openings from Lids, PacSun, Suitsupply and Vuori.   Events And Entertainment The United Football League introduced Orlando Storm, the city's newest professional sports team. The new UFL franchise will play its inaugural season at Inter&Co Stadium, home to the two professional men and women's soccer teams. 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. Capone's Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline. Orlando Ballet will present new performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Steinmetz Hall, including Carmen, an interpretation of the hyper-dramatic production by the same creator of Casanova, Feb. 12-15. There is also Balanchine, Godden, Gill, featuring a special pre-performance “Meet the Artist” event before select performances, March 26-29; and The Great Gatsby, an interpretation of the great American novel, telling F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved tragic love story. April 30 – May 3.   New places to stay EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual-branded EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, is scheduled to open this year near Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center. The property will feature 288 guest rooms, 4,000 square feet of meeting space and amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness studio and healthy dining options.   New dining and nightlife The Reverie, an American brasserie by James Beard-recognized Chef Brandon McGlamery, will open in Winter Park's Hannibal Square later this year. The restaurant will offer refined cuisine alongside a curated beverage program featuring classic cocktails with seasonal twists and a thoughtfully selected New and Old World wine list. CityArts Café opened inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building, home to CityArts Orlando in downtown. The café is part of the Downtown Arts District's mission to cultivate the arts in Orlando by creating a new space to highlight local artistry. 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, along MICHELIN Guide-recognized booths Bánh Mì Boy, Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings and UniGirl. 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. Kappo Tsan, specializing in kappo-style dining offering sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and à 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. 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. 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. 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.

  Visit Orlando, the Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, announced that the destination welcomed 75,333,800 visitors in 2024—an increase of 1.8% over 2023.   Domestic visitation grew by 1.4%, totaling 68,840,300 visitors in 2024. This increase was driven in part by a rise in day visits and overnight non-hotel stays. International visitation continued to recover at a faster pace, growing 5.9% from the previous year. In total, Orlando welcomed 6.5 million visitors from international markets in 2024.   “We’ve seen a strong rebound in U.K. visitation, now reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels,” said Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando. “With strong air connectivity and a deep affinity for our destination, U.K. travelers are drawn to our world-famous attractions and diverse experiences. We continue to actively invest in the market through strategic marketing, PR and travel trade initiatives to help travelers discover all that Orlando has to offer.”   Canada remains the top international market to Orlando with 1.29 million visitors, representing a 2.7% increase over 2023 and setting a new record for the second consecutive year. The U.K., Brazil, Mexico and Colombia rounded out the list of the top 5 origin markets. Canada, Mexico and Colombia remained well above pre-pandemic levels during 2024, while visitation from the U.K. continued a slower but steady recovery (up 3.5%), reaching 907,900. Trips from Brazil remained consistent, showing a slight 0.2% growth in 2024.   2024 International Results – Top 5 Origin Markets:

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

  Overall, the 2024 visitor mix continued to skew toward leisure, representing 81% domestic leisure, 10% domestic business and 9% international visitation. The group meetings segment also recorded a solid year-over-year gain, increasing by 3.9% to reach 5,616,000 visitors.   This summer, the Theme Park Capital of the World is evolving with exciting new experiences—including the first new theme park in 25 years opening in May—alongside a wave of fresh attractions and major sporting events. These developments continue to give travelers new reasons to visit Orlando.   From world-class attractions and accommodations to diverse dining options and entertainment for every budget, Orlando offers something new to help create the perfect vacation. Visitors can explore exclusive savings at VisitOrlando.com/offers or access free vacation planning services from local experts at VisitOrlando.com/plan.

Orlando is ready to for the holiday season with two action-packed months of festive celebrations. Visitors to Orlando theme parks can expect exclusive holiday parties, millions of sparkling lights, star-studded performances and much more This year’s festivities promise unforgettable experiences for all ages at Orlando them parks from Disney World to LEGOLAND. “Orlando is a unique destination over the holidays an extensive range of festive offerings – from breathtaking fireworks to grand lighting displays – all with the backdrop of warm sunny skies,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. More on Orlando’s theme park holiday events can be found here and on VisitOrlando.com.   Walt Disney World Resort Nov. 8 – Dec. 31 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a separate-ticketed event at Magic Kingdom Park, runs select nights (Nov. 8 – Dec. 20) with a storybook holiday atmosphere, including “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade,” “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show,” complimentary cookies, festive beverages, snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. and more. Disney Jollywood Nights (select nights, Nov. 9 – Dec. 21), another separate-ticketed evening party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, combines Hollywood and holiday glamour with dapper décor, merry mashups, unique tastes and sips, special appearances from classic characters and live entertainment. EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth (Nov. 29 – Dec. 30), invites guests to a global celebration with a candlelight processional featuring celebrity narrators, holiday storytellers, performances, and several Holiday Kitchens. Disney's Animal Kingdom (Nov.12 – Dec. 31) offers a holiday twist on the magic of nature with a variety of seasonal delights, including artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals like penguins, reindeer, polar bears, and more. In the evenings, a holiday edition of the Tree of Life Awakening will begin. Universal Orlando Resort Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the holidays with Grinchmas at Universal's Islands of Adventure and The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of the classic tale starring the Grinch; Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring seasonal holiday shows and festive decor; and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s,with larger-than-life balloons, dozens of holiday floats, hundreds of festive performers and Santa at Universal Studios Florida. SeaWorld Orlando Select dates, Nov. 8 – Jan. 2 SeaWorld Orlando transforms into a winter wonderland with its Christmas Celebration featuring millions of lights, live performances, character dining add-on options and the Holiday Reflections: Fireworks Finale. LEGOLAND Florida Select dates, Nov. 29 – Dec. 31 LEGOLAND Florida Resort will deck the halls with dazzling lights and Lego sculptures, featuring a giant LEGO Christmas tree, seasonal shows, holiday characters, LEGO activities and an early kid’s New Year’s Eve with a fireworks display on select dates and more.

Orlando comes alive this autumn with a colorful array of top seasonal festivals at the theme parks and beyond. The destination is brimming with events that extend beyond the realm of Halloween festivities, offering a diverse lineup of entertainment, culture and seasonal charm. It comprises galaxy themed beverages and nontraditional vegan eats to vibrant cultural celebrations – including an all-new LGBTQ+ festival. Orlando's fall lineup offers something for everyone. Go to VisitOrlando.com for a full schedule of this year's festivities.   FOODIE EVENTS Fall in Orlando is packed with delicious festivities for every palate, from gourmet dining and craft beer fests to international and vegan cuisine celebrations. Visit Orlando's Magical Dining presented by Orlando Health (through Sept. 30) celebrates its 19th year with a record 151 restaurants, including 25 newcomers and nine MICHELIN-recognized spots, offering three-course prix-fixe menus for $40 or $60, with up to $2 from each meal benefiting The Mustard Seed of Central Florida. The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE (through Nov. 23) offers global flavors from over 25 Marketplaces at the World Showcase, featuring new tastes, live entertainment and family activities. At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Taste of Space Fall Bites (Sept. 30–Nov. 3) returns with new savory bites and sweet treats, while the after-hours Taste of Space: Marstini Shake-Off (Oct. 4) offers a ticketed experience featuring seasonal flavors, "Marstinis" crafted by local bars and restaurants, diverse food stations, and the chance to mingle with astronauts. Jake's Beer Festival (Oct. 4) at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort offers beer lovers a unique evening with over 50 craft beers, hard seltzers, all-you-can-eat food, and live entertainment. International Vegan Food Festival (Oct. 12) at Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando celebrates plant-based cuisine from around the world, offering visitors the chance to discover new flavors and learn about sustainable food practices. Winter Park Wine & Dine: Fall Edition (Oct. 16) is a sophisticated evening of unlimited tastings from over 40 food, wine and dessert vendors, plus live music and full-service bar access, with an optional VIP package including unlimited Veuve Clicquot and extra perks. The 19th annual Central Florida Veg Fest (Oct. 26) at Orlando Festival Park is one of the longest-running vegan festivals in the world celebrating vegan lifestyles with educational exhibits, food demos, and a variety of vegan cuisines and products from over 200 vendors and 100 contributors. Orlando Beer Festival (Nov. 2) invites beer enthusiasts to sip on craft and premium brews from local favorites and nationwide breweries at Orlando Festival Park. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings, indulge in delicious food, listen to live music and enjoy interactive games. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic (Nov. 15-16) celebrates its 15th year with a street party festival offering unlimited food and beverage tastings from the hotel's award-winning restaurants and international wine selection. EVENTS AND FESTIVALS Orlando's fall festivities are in full swing from LGBTQ+ celebrations and iconic music festivals to community traditions and family friendly fun. Orlando Fringe's inaugural Orlando Out Fest (Sept. 20-22) celebrates LGBTQ+ stories and artists with highlights including the "Truth-or-Dare" game show, Billy Mick's "Just B" and "The Odd Ball!" featuring drag, cabaret and camp humor, along with various other performances and events supporting The Center Orlando. Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival (select days, Sept. 28- Nov. 17) invites families to enjoy its iconic pumpkin patch, a five-acre corn maze, live music, seasonal treats and a Kids Zone featuring bungee trampolines, a petting zoo, and a carousel. Come Out with Pride Orlando (Oct. 19) at Lake Eola Park is a celebration fostering LGBTQ+ community pride that features diverse live entertainment, local artists, celebrity headliners, The Most Colorful Parade and a Fireworks Grand Finale over Lake Eola. Fiesta Calle Orange (Oct. 27) celebrates Hispanic and Latin Heritage with live performances on four stages, authentic Latin cuisine, and a full bar with cocktails, beers and sangria. Fall Fiesta in the Park (Nov. 2-3) celebrates 53 years with hundreds of unique artists and craft booths, food vendors, a beer garden and a Kids Zone with live entertainment on the amphitheater stage. The Electric Daisy Carnival (Nov. 8-10) showcases an eclectic mix of more than 120 dance music acts at historic Tinker Field, adjacent to Camping World Stadium. This iconic music festival celebrates more than 25 years of love, community and dance “Under the Electric Sky.” Florida Blue Florida Classic (Nov. 23) features the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats and Florida A&M University Rattlesnakes battling it out at Camping World Stadium for bragging rights in their long-running annual rivalry. FusionFest (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1) brings over 110 global cultures to downtown Orlando with a two-day celebration featuring international cuisine, music, dance, visual arts, contests and interactive activities at the Dr. Phillips Center's Seneff Arts Plaza.

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This week at IPW 2024, Orlando showcased its achievements in the past year and upcoming new attractions set to make waves in 2024. Presenting to global media representatives and travel trade partners at IPW 2024 in Los Angeles, Visit Orlando revealed it welcomes over six million international visitors in 2023. In 2024 and beyond, the Theme Park Capital continues to reinvent itself with an ever evolving lineup of new experiences. These range from movie-inspired attractions, a new launch coaster with snowmobile-style cars an eight-acre crystal lagoon. Here’s what’s new for 2024:   THEME PARKS Several new attractions will open this summer at Disney's Magic Kingdom Park. Tiana's Bayou will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by "The Princess and the Frog." Guests will be goin' down the bayou with Princess Tiana during Mardi Gras season as she prepares to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree, a whole new show, will feature renditions of classic Disney tunes, reimagined across country music genres. These new attractions follow the recently opened TRON Lightcycle / Run coaster. Located in Tomorrowland, it's one of the fastest coaster attractions in a Disney theme park. SeaWorld Orlando, celebrating its 60^th Anniversary, will debut Penguin Trek, an indoor/outdoor launch coaster families can ride together. Guests will ride snowmobile-inspired cars going at a maximum speed of 43mph, ending up in the park's penguin habitat. The park also debuted an all-new look and feel to their Orca Stadium this year. Universal Orlando Resort's new Dreamworks Land will open June 14 at Universal Studios Florida. The new family-friendly area, inspired by DreamWorks Animation's characters including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, will feature a family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Trollercoaster; multiple interactive play areas, including Shrek's Swamp for Little Ogres, Poppy's Playground and Po's Kung Fu Training Camp; character meet and greet zones; and live entertainment. The park will also debut additional experiences this summer, including CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular – a new nighttime lagoon show debuting June 14 at Universal Studios Florida; Hogwarts Always – an all-new castle projection show debuting June 14 in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and Universal's largest daytime parade to date, Universal Mega Movie Parade, debuting July 3. LEGOLAND Florida Resort opened LEGO Ferrari Build & Race in March, offering guests the experience of viewing a life-sized LEGO Ferrari car, and building and testing it in one of three test tracks. Younger drivers can enjoy the LEGO DUPLO Build Zone to design their own custom creations with larger bricks.   What's Next In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will unveil its most ambitious theme park yet: Universal Epic Universe. It will transport guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences.   NEW ACCOMMODATIONS Evermore Orlando Resort opened Jan. 1 as Orlando's first beach-like property, with an 8-acre Crystal Lagoon and a 20-acre sandy beach with hammocks, cabanas and recreational activities. Guests can enjoy family paddleboarding, mixology classes, sandcastle-building lessons and more. Evermore, which has the world's first touchless sunscreen application system, is thoughtfully built for large groups and families, offering a range of 2- to 11-bedroom vacation homes. Conrad Orlando, the destination's first Hilton luxury brand, opened Jan. 9 with 433 rooms, a spa, numerous dining options – including its signature rooftop experience – and 40,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. Located at Evermore Orlando Resort, the property overlooks a golf course, a two-story boathouse and Evermore Bay's Crystal Lagoon and sandy beaches. Villatel Orlando Resort, situated within the International Drive area, began a phased opening in late 2023, offering private villa rentals with hotel-style amenities. The property will eventually include an adventure waterpark with multi-story slides and a lazy river, a fully equipped fitness center, full-service restaurant and children's playgrounds. Upon full completion in 2025, the entire resort will have 526 units with apartment-style suites and single-family homes. Universal Orlando Resort will add 1,500 guest rooms to the destination's hotel portfolio, with Universal Stella Nova Resort opening January 21, 2025 and Universal Terra Luna Resort opening February 25, 2025. The new property rates will start at $147 (per night, plus tax), based on a stay of four nights or more, featuring 750 double-queen guest rooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools and fitness centers.   DINING AT MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANTS Orlando's evolving dining scene has been recognized with one of the world's highest culinary honors. In the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa, inspectors announced four new Michelin starred restaurants for 2024. The MICHELIN Guide also recognized Orlando's commitment to service and sustainability with three special awards: Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award for Justin Levaughn of Otto's High Dive; Michelin Service Award to Israel Perez, maître d'hôtel and sommelier of Victoria & Albert's; and Michelin Green Star, which recognizes exceptional sustainable dining, to Kaya, led by Chef Lordfer Lalicon. Michelin's recognition of 48 Orlando restaurants includes seven MICHELIN starred venues, 11 Bib Gourmands and 30 Recommended eateries. Learn more at VisitOrlando.com 

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Theme park capital Orlando welcomed 6.13 million international visitors in 2023, an increase of 25% over the previous year. Visit Orlando says Canada remains the top international source market, with more than 1.2 million visitors in 2023, the highest number from this market ever. "We saw strong gains from all of our core international markets, including the UK," said Casandra Matej, President and CEO for Visit Orlando. "Orlando's international growth is a testament to the support from our travel trade partners and our emphasis on strategic marketing initiatives." The UK inbound market grew 8% year-on-year to 877,000. Brazil and Mexico also had double-digit growth. Overall, 2023 international visitation numbers represent 94% of the pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Visit Orlando expanded on its ‘Unbelievably Real’ marketing campaign, including a ‘Winter Doesn't Exist’ campaign in key international markets during the winter months. Visit Orlando shared 2023 international visitation data this week at U.S. Travel Association's IPW 2024 in Los Angeles.   

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Visit Orlando has rolled out a new Student and Youth Travel specialist module within its Orlando Travel Academy. The online training resource platform provides travel advisors with an additional tool to boost their knowledge of Orlando. The module will now offer travel advisors resources tailored to student and youth group travel. "Orlando is ranked one of the top student travel destinations," said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. Key highlights of the student and youth travel module include: Comprehensive destination information tailored to the interests and preferences of student and youth travellers. Insights into Orlando's top attractions, accommodations, transportation and entertainment offerings suitable for educational or performance groups. Guidance on planning educational trips, youth sports events, performance tours and other specialised group travel experiences. Tips for managing group logistics and maximising value for student and youth group travel clients. Interactive quizzes and assessments to reinforce learning and earn certification as an Orlando Expert. The Orlando Travel Academy offers travel advisors on-demand sales planning resources available on any device, including interactive modules, webinars and training videos. Orlando Travel Academy graduates also gain access to exclusive offers upon completion of the program. Designated ‘Certified Orlando Experts’ can take advantage of up to 20 offers ranging from complimentary attractions tickets to airline perks.

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Pride celebrations, theme parks and food and wine events make autumn a must-experience season in Orlando

  From Pride celebrations to Halloween thrills and culinary experiences, travellers to Orlando will find a host of special events all season long.   This October, Central Florida will continue its tradition of gathering around National Coming Out With Pride Day in alignment with October’s National Gay and Lesbian History Month by hosting the 19^th annual Come Out With Pride Festival on Saturday, Oct. 21^st.  Widely known as the biggest LGBTQ+ celebration in the Southeast, this year’s Come Out With Pride Festival will feature two stages of live entertainment, The Most Colourful Parade, a Pride marketplace, V.I.P. experiences, three food courts with over 40 vendors, family and youth zones, an all-new trans-pride march and a fireworks finale that will light up the night sky.   Dozens of additional partnering events will begin as early as Oct. 10 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community throughout Orlando neighbourhoods, like Thornton Park, Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village. To learn more about these events and the Come Out With Pride Festival, visit www.VisitOrlando.com/LGBTQ or the Visit Orlando calendar of events.   Come Out With Pride Celebrations in Orlando   From live entertainment and performances to mingling mixers and pride-worthy brunches, here are some of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ events coming to Orlando during Come Out With Pride.  

• Todrick Hall's Velvet Rage Tour (Oct. 10) – This Pre-Pride Celebration will present Todrick Hall at the House of Blues Orlando in Disney Springs. The event is 18+.
• Zebra Youth Strikes for Stripes Fundraiser (Oct. 15) – Zebra Youth presents their inaugural Strikes For Stripes bowling fundraiser at Aloma Bowl in Winter Park. Family and friends can bring their A-game and compete for fabulous prizes while supporting the future of LGBTQ+ youth.
• Baga Chipz at Hamburger Mary's (Oct. 17 – 18) – RuPaul’s Drag Race Season One fan favorite, Baga Chipz, will be performing at Hamburger Mary’s in Downtown Orlando on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
• 2023 Stronger Together Concert (Oct. 18) – Visitors and residents can celebrate the legacy of queer southern trailblazers with the Stronger Together Concert, a collaborative community effort in partnership with LGBTQ+ organizations across the city. Free to attend, this event will be held at First United Methodist Church of Orlando in Downtown Orlando at 6:30 p.m.
• Watermark's Movies Out Loud (Oct. 19) – Join Real Radio 104.1’s Sabrina Ambra and drag entertainer Trixie Deluxxe at Savoy in Ivanhoe Village Mainstreet District as they critique “Death Becomes Her,” the classic movie starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis.
• Final Stop: Florida – Familia en el Sur  (Oct. 20) – The Trans Queer Liberation Movement is closing its “Familia en el Sur” tour at the historical LGBTQ+ center in the Mills 50 District. This movement spurs an initiative to connect with Queer and Trans Latine/Latinx folks with a night of family, fun, entertainment, games and food.
• "Please Say Gay" Pride Kick-off Party (Oct. 20) – Prepare for a community mini-block party in Thorton Park filled with bites, drinks and performances by local LGBTQ+ talents.
• Ready, Set, Pride Mixer (Oct. 20) – Mix and mingle, embrace love and celebrate Orlando Pride with Artisan’s Table from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Orlando Pride After Party (Oct. 21) – After the festival's fireworks finale, attendees can keep the celebration going in Downtown at The Abbey Orlando or dance with friends at the Iron Cow.
• Come Out With Pride: Sand Volleyball Tournament (Oct. 22) – The inaugural charity fundraising sand volleyball tournament will take place at Festival Park, featuring two skill divisions. All proceeds will benefit the Come Out With Pride and the Central Florida Softball League organizations.
• AC Sky Bar Drag Brunch (Oct. 22) – Enjoy views of Orlando at the AC Marriott in Downtown Orlando at the post-Come Out With Pride Drag Brunch. The meal includes a choice of one entre from our prix fix brunch menu, continental breakfast buffet and unlimited mimosas or Bloody Mary’s.
• Hers Brunch Orlando Pride Takeover (Oct. 22) – Join Artisan’s Table for the biggest all-girls pride brunch to touchdown in Orlando from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees must be 21+ to enter.

  Support LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses This Month and All Year Long   While in Orlando, visitors can support local LGBTQ+ businesses throughout the destination.  

• Popular (and delicious) eateries include The Glass Knife – known for their beautiful, handcrafted pastries and scratch-made savory dishes; Se7en Bites – a MICHELIN Recommended restaurant serving Southern comfort dishes; and Hungry Pants – a “plant curious” restaurant serving up comfort food made with clean, high-quality ingredients.
• Meanwhile, Out Of The Closet thrift store in Winter Park, Maffrey’s gift store in Ivanhoe Village and Lacastro men’s clothing store on Mills 50 are just some of the LGBTQ+ owned stores in Orlando.

  October Events   Travellers have many more activities to choose from during their visit, including live nightlife entertainment, haunting Halloween adventures, theme park events and so much more.  

• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE , where guests can savor exciting and unexpected flavours from around the globe as they circle the iconic World Showcase now through Nov. 18. This delicious celebration features over 25 global Marketplaces, including a menu of new flavours and sips, live entertainment, family activities and more. The festival welcomes back two booths from the 2022 season: “Hawaii,” featuring the tropical flavors of the Pacific paradise; and “The Noodle Exchange,” offering savory ramen and noodles bowl. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets and make park reservations in advance.
• Universal Orlando Resort's Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (now through Nov. 4) returns with 10 new, movie-quality haunted houses featuring everything from cinematic greats to original abominations, including the all-new Stranger Things 4 and The Last of Us houses; five scare zones filled with creatures lunging from the shadows; and two live shows.
• Howl-O-Scream (select nights, through Oct. 31) will return after its “inaugural fear” to terrorise guests at SeaWorld Orlando with fright-inducing haunted houses and scare zones, thrilling nighttime coaster rides and experiences, an interactive bar and an electrifying live show.
• Central Florida Veg Fest ​​Presented by Vegetarians of Central Florida (Oct. 28), the family- and dog-friendly vegan event held at Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando, returns for its 18th year. The event will feature a day of educational exhibits and activities from a diverse cross-section of vegan cuisines and lifestyles, including new products and ideas from over 200 vendors and 100 contributors to a wide variety of food preparation demos.

Visit Orlando has appointed AVIAREPS as its global representative across Latin America and Europe. The local tourism expert teams will be responsible for Visit Orlando's tourism trade sales representation in key markets the UK, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Germany and Ireland. It will do project work in Canada, as well as in secondary markets Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Finland. With owned offices in all key countries , AVIAREPS will implement a trade sales concept which can be adapted locally to each market. Duties include supporting Orlando tourism sales strategies and activities, in-market training and ensuring the trade is kept up to date. This will complement Visit Orlando's efforts to drive international visitors to Orlando. AVIAREPS will provide Visit Orlando with research and market intelligence, as well as MICE services. Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando said: "AVIAREPS can adapt concepts to each individual market to promote Orlando with the ultimate goal of increasing visitor numbers.” “The teams specifically provide the travel industry with personalised service and education." Visit Orlando is the official destination organisation for Orlando, Florida. It is the third-largest city in Florida and one of the most-visited cities in the world.

Orlando maintained its ranking as the country’s top tourist destination. Visit Orlando announced 74 million annual visitors in 2022, up 25% on 2021. It puts Orlando tourism at 98% of pre-pandemic levels. "This past year proved to be a key recovery timeframe for Orlando's tourism industry, with a lot of pent-up demand," said Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando. "Our new international brand launch and marketing initiatives helped Orlando maintain its leadership position." The uptick comes off the back of the new Unbelievably Real brand launch, first introduced in May 2022 to domestic visitors. It was then rolled out in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru. In 2022, domestic leisure visitation completely recovered with a new record of 61 million visit. International visitation is now at 75% of pre-pandemic levels, reaching 4.9 million in 2022. Canada, UK and Brazil were the top three international markets. The new high speed rail service connecting Orlando and Miami is expected to boost visitation further.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival is back. Orlando’s largest theme park food festival runs from February 3 – May 7, with more than 200 global food and drink offerings. Marketplaces showcase foods from Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Germany, Asia and beyond. New food items on the menu for 2023 include parmesan truffle fries, pork belly and black bean Brazilian stew, and Italian Beef Arancini. There will be an all new full-service menu at Sharks Underwater Grill. Guests can also try the all-new Caribbean Moonshine Tasting booth located next to Seafire Grill. SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival also features a concert series of Rock, Country, Latin, Hip Hop, and R&B artists. Concerts are included with park admission. Headliners include En Vogue, The Commodores, Don McLean and REO Speedwagon. Reserved Seating can be purchased here.