By Jim Carchidi
May 8, 2026
It was a banner day for Orlando tourism. May 7, 2026, began with major attractions updates from Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, accompanied a record-breaking visitation report that places the region firmly at the top of all U.S. travel destinations. The news came as Orlando was also named one of four cities to host the 2028 Olympic Q-Series, as reported by The Orlando Real.
Big numbers
Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej (left) and Board Chair Barb Bowden (right) join Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings for the visitation announcement at Orange County Convention Center. Image courtesy of Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando confirmed another year of outstanding tourism statistics during the annual National Travel & Tourism Week event at Orange County Convention Center. Orlando retained its title as the most visited U.S. destination, welcoming a record-breaking 76.7 million visitors in 2025 – a 1.8% increase over 2024.
The number includes 2.2% year-over-year growth in domestic visitation: approximately 70.3 million visitors. Of which, 70% were overnight stays. Visitation from within the state increased by 3.4%, but international visitation was down 2.4%, with 6.3 million visitors in 2025. The decline was largely due to fewer travelers from Canada, despite its standing as Orlando’s top international market.
The top 5 international origin markets for 2025 are as follows:
- Canada: 1,119,300 (down 13.3%)
- United Kingdom: 933,500 (up 2.8%)
- Brazil: 736,300 (up 5.6%)
- Mexico: 458,500 (up 4.6%)
- Colombia: 360,000 (up 5.0%)
“While the total number of visitors reflects Orlando’s continued growth, it only tells part of the story,” said Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej. “Beyond the numbers are the experiences that motivate travel, the memories created and the emotional connections that continue to draw travelers to Orlando year after year for the economic benefit of our community.”
Additionally, 2025 visitation numbers represent 81% domestic leisure visitors, 10% domestic business travelers, and 8% international visitors. Group meetings numbers increased 3.1% from 2024 with 5.8 million visitors.
Updates: Universal
Image courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
As anticipation builds for next year's opening of the Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster, Universal Orlando Resort began hyping all new experiences that include the confirmation of a long-awaited redesign and the addition of a celebrity-owned eatery.
The Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios will temporarily close for updates, beginning May 12. The show will return later this year with classic and modern horror properties, and new experiences that will retain the comedic spirit of the original show.
Islands of Adventure will lose Lost Continent but gain a new themed area. Image courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
Lost Continent at Universal Islands of Adventure began losing ground when the first phase of Wizarding World of Harry Potter took over part of its original footprint. The resort confirmed pending construction and site planning in September. And on May 7, announced a phased closing of its remaining venues and experiences, including the 2027 closure of Mythos Restaurant. The changes will make way for a new, yet-to-be-named themed area.
Thunder Falls Terrace will close this summer to make way for a new dining concept, which will open in 2027 as the signature full-service restaurant of Islands of Adventure.
Image courtesy of Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice social media
Hot Dog Hall of Fame will close at Universal CityWalk in July with Fat One’s Hot Dogs & Italian Ice taking over the location. *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and his manager, Joe Mulvihill, launched the concept as a Florida Mall kiosk 2016, offering a variety of signature foot-long hot dogs, Italian ices and drinks.
Updates on each project will be posted in the coming months.
Updates: Disney
Construction walls at Level 99 will be removed and the doors will open in a few months. Photo by Jim Carchidi
A next-level social gaming attraction will officially open at Disney Springs this summer. Level99 is occupying the buildout of the former NBA Experience, closed since 2021. The new tenant has been teasing scenes of its interactive gaming and plated menu items on a giant video screen over the entrance.
Images courtesy of Level 99
The 45,000 square-foot location will be the brand’s fourth, after venues in Providence, Rhode Island; Natick, Massachusetts; and Tysons, Virginia. Adults and teens can test their skills with more than 60 physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments. And guests can pregame or rejuvenate at a two-story bar with craft food and beverages.
Job seekers are also welcome as management is looking to fill 150 entertainment and food and beverage roles. Applications are available at level99.com/careers.
Additional grand opening information will be announced soon.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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