(A model showcases golf-inspired fashion during the PGA Show Fashion Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on January 22, 2025. Photo by Scott Halleran/PGA of America.)
From the largest PGA Show since 2009 to groundbreaking theme park attractions and a $3.9 billion convention impact, Orlando solidifies its global prominence
by Exhibit City News Staff
Orlando begins 2025 on a high note with record-breaking conventions, exciting new attractions at theme parks, and significant developments shaping the region’s economic future. From the PGA Show’s largest turnout in 15 years to LEGOLAND’s staffing changes and the highly anticipated opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, the city continues to solidify its position as a global hub for tourism, business, and entertainment.
PGA Show Sees Largest Turnout Since 2009
The 2025 PGA Show was held January 21–24 at the Orange County Convention Center, brought together over 33,000 industry professionals from 94 countries. The event featured more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing new products and innovations in golf equipment, apparel, and technology across 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space.
Notable brands like Titleist, PING, and Bridgestone were joined by nearly 400 first-time exhibitors, offering products such as advanced golf balls, drivers, and eco-friendly tees. The PGA Demo Day and educational sessions provided additional opportunities for learning and networking.
The PGA Show will return to Orlando from Jan. 20–23, 2026.
LEGOLAND Florida Announces Layoffs Impacting Over 230 Employees
Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of LEGOLAND Florida, has announced plans to lay off 234 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The layoffs, set to occur between March 25 and April 7, will primarily impact 174 entertainment performers, as well as over a dozen managers and five team leaders. LEGOLAND Florida employees affected by this decision do not have bumping rights and are not union-represented.
Located in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND Florida spans 145 acres, making it the second-largest LEGOLAND park globally after LEGOLAND Windsor in the United Kingdom.
The Waterfront Temporarily Closes Following Fire
The Waterfront, a popular Orlando restaurant located at 4201 South Orange Avenue, is closed indefinitely following an overnight fire on January 26. Orange County Fire Rescue responded to the blaze at 3:59 a.m., which primarily damaged the roof and dry storage areas.
Co-owner Kevin Little confirmed, “It’s definitely not a total loss, but the damage is pretty substantial.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The restaurant, in operation since 1972 and known for its award-winning al fresco dining, announced plans to establish a GoFundMe to assist staff during the closure.
Exciting New Attractions Coming to Orlando Theme Parks in 2025
Orlando’s theme parks are set to introduce a wave of thrilling experiences in 2025, including the long-awaited opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, the first new theme park in the area in over 20 years. Scheduled to debut on May 22, Epic Universe will feature five immersive lands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe, showcasing iconic Universal monsters. Highlights include groundbreaking rides like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Universal is also expanding its accommodations with the luxurious Helios Grand Hotel and two moderately priced resorts, Stella Nova and Terra Luna, all designed to immerse guests in celestial and fantastical themes.
At Walt Disney World, 2025 will bring a reimagined Test Track 3.0 at EPCOT, the Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern at Magic Kingdom, and the first nighttime parade in nearly a decade, Disney Starlight – Dream the Night Away. Meanwhile, SeaWorld Orlando will debut an immersive Arctic-themed theater experience, and LEGOLAND Florida will launch SEA LIFE, an interactive aquarium highlighting oceanic exploration.
Orange County Convention Center Breaks Records with $3.9 Billion Economic Impact
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is leading Central Florida’s economic recovery, posting record-breaking numbers for the fiscal year ending in September 2024. Hosting 189 events and welcoming 1.75 million attendees, the OCCC generated a $3.9 billion economic impact—the highest in its history.
Convention attendees spent an average of $2,536 on hotels, dining, attractions, and shopping, filling 3.3 million hotel room nights and boosting 1,200 local businesses.
According to Executive Director Mark Tester, the OCCC’s usage now surpasses pre-pandemic levels, thanks in part to robust sporting events like AAU volleyball tournaments and high-profile gatherings like the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, which set an all-time attendance record with 41,400 attendees.
Looking ahead, the OCCC is set to grow even further, with a $560 million first-phase expansion of its north-south building underway, funded by tourist development taxes.
