Orlando tourism breaks records with new theme parks and hotels, as the destination welcomed more than 75.3 million visitors in 2024. This 5.9% increase over the previous year reinforces Orlando’s status as America’s most visited destination. International visitation alone hit 6.5 million, with top origin markets including Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
Visit Orlando, the city’s official tourism association, credited the growth to increasing global airlift, targeted international marketing, and major destination investments. Recent additions to Visit Orlando’s network in Spain, France, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and India have helped boost global visibility and accessibility for international travelers.
Record-Breaking Visitor Markets in 2024
Orlando’s 2024 international visitation numbers reflect strong performance in multiple markets:
- Canada: 1,290,300 visitors (up 2.7%)
- United Kingdom: 907,900 visitors (up 3.5%)
- Brazil: 697,200 visitors (up 0.2%)
- Mexico: 438,000 visitors (up 1.5%)
- Colombia: 343,000 visitors (up 13.6%)
The combination of connectivity and dynamic tourism offerings has positioned Orlando as a top global choice for family vacations, events, shopping, and culinary experiences.
Epic Universe and Major Attractions Redefine the Theme Park Landscape
Universal Orlando Resort made headlines with the opening of Universal Epic Universe on May 22—the first new theme park in Orlando in 25 years. The park features five immersive lands: 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 launched Expedition Odyssey, a new flying theater experience that takes guests on a cinematic journey across the Arctic using real-world footage. Its Summer Spectacular runs through September 1 with a high-energy drone show and nightly fireworks.
Walt Disney World Resort also unveiled new entertainment for 2025. Guests can now enjoy “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On July 20, Magic Kingdom debuts “Disney Starlight, Dream the Night Away,” its first new nighttime parade in nearly a decade, featuring characters from “Encanto,” “Frozen,” “Peter Pan,” and more.
Luxury Shopping and Culinary Accolades
Orlando’s retail scene continues to attract global attention with new high-end shopping options. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets welcomed Moncler, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, while Orlando International Premium Outlets added Hollister and Greg Norman. At The Mall at Millenia, 2025 newcomers include Balenciaga, Tecovas, and Alo Yoga.
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.
Sports Tourism and FIFA Club World Cup Matches
Orlando’s reputation as a sports destination also continues to rise. The city was ranked among the best U.S. cities for soccer fans by WalletHub and named “Best Sports Business City for Attracting Events” by Sports Business Journal. In June 2025, Orlando hosts high-profile FIFA Club World Cup matches including LAFC vs. CR Flamengo and Juventus FC vs. Manchester City. The Orlando Magic also provide international visitors with access to thrilling live NBA games.
Hotel Growth and Major Investments
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.
