Orlando tourism 2025 saw record expo turnout, major attraction openings, major park and airport upgrades and continued international marketing gains. Together these developments position Orlando for an even stronger 2026.
Tradeshow and Event Highlights
IAAPA Expo Sets Attendance Record and Plans Major 2026 Expansion
The IAAPA Expo at the Orange County Convention Center drew 43,840 registered participants in 2025, with 38,520 verified attendees, the largest turnout in the event’s history. More than 1,100 exhibitors filled over 565,000 square feet of space, including 28,598 qualified buyers from more than 20,000 companies across 102 countries. The show sold out its floor and left more than 200 companies on a waitlist, which prompted IAAPA to expand into the West Concourse in 2026, increasing the footprint by nearly 50 percent.
CEO Jakob Wahl said technology, accessibility and IP driven attractions shaped this year’s trends. Strong domestic demand and interest tied to Epic Universe also helped drive attendance. The week brought new ride announcements from SeaWorld Orlando, Dollywood, Six Flags Over Texas, Rocky Mountain Construction and Zamperla, which introduced an accessibility focused ride developed with Morgan’s Wonderland.
The Expo offered more than 170 education sessions and EDUTours at Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND Florida and Port Canaveral. More than 300 journalists covered the show, with national outlets reporting from the floor. IAAPA Foundation events raised more than 376,000 dollars to support scholarships and workforce programs. IAAPA will launch a new Middle East Expo in Abu Dhabi in March 2026 and will return to Orlando next November with a significantly larger show.
Disney’s New Zootopia Show Now Open at Animal Kingdom
Zootopia: Better Zoogether is now open at Animal Kingdom after debuting Nov. 7 inside the Tree of Life Theater. The 4D experience replaces It’s Tough to Be a Bug and features updated film elements, in theater effects and a new Clawhauser animatronic. Early guests praised the animation quality while noting a reduced number of effects. The show adds new indoor capacity ahead of the holiday travel season as Disney continues long term redevelopment at the park.
Epic Universe Expansion Permit Points to Major New Attraction
Universal Orlando filed a permit Nov. 7 for 150,000 square feet of site utilities and foundation work at Epic Universe. The scale aligns with the Wizarding World expansion plot, where contractor trailers are already staged. The project lists Baker Barrios Architects and follows recent notices for Falcons Attractions and other design firms tied to large scale ride development. The footprint resembles a full attraction build, signaling the first post opening expansion for the new park.
Tourism and International Markets
Visit Orlando Concludes Canadian Trade Mission After Stops in Hamilton and Toronto
Visit Orlando completed its annual Canadian trade mission with advisor events held Dec. 3 in Hamilton and Dec. 4 in Toronto. Delegates from major theme parks, hotels, the Kennedy Space Center, Brightline and Orlando International Airport met with advisors to share updates on new attractions, sales strategies and seasonal offerings. The mission supported the Unbelievably Real campaign in Ontario and Quebec and strengthened Orlando’s position in one of its key international visitor markets.
Attractions and Openings
Universal’s Volcano Bay to Close for Five Month Overhaul in 2026 to 2027
Volcano Bay will close Oct. 26, 2026, through March 24, 2027, for one of the longest refurbishments in the park’s history. The timing removes a major warm season draw during a key travel window. Universal paused sales and renewals of its 3 Park Annual Pass ahead of the downtime. While Universal has not released upgrade details, the extended closure signals significant work across major systems. The park is expected to reopen before spring break 2027.
New 24-Hour Arcade Time Flagship Opens on International Drive
Arcade Time Entertainment has opened a 32,000 square foot, round the clock flagship arcade on International Drive near Universal Orlando. The site features more than 300 games ranging from retro cabinets to new releases. It also offers duckpin bowling, darts, a restaurant and two bars. Betson Enterprises supplied and installed the gaming lineup, positioning the new arcade as a competitive all hour entertainment option for the I Drive corridor.
Christmas Celebrations Return to ICON Park
The Santa Workshop Experience has returned to ICON Park for the 2025 holiday season, running Nov. 8 through Dec. 24. Families receive a complimentary Carousel on the Promenade ride for children under 13 and added discounts to Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. ICON Park’s 50-foot Christmas tree also returned. The I Drive District Holiday Tree Lighting took place Nov. 21 and featured live entertainment with remarks from local officials.
Transportation and Infrastructure Updates
MCO Opens Long Delayed Terminal C Pedestrian Bridge
Orlando International Airport has opened the Terminal C pedestrian bridge, reconnecting Terminal C with the Train Station and Terminal Link through new moving walkways. The bridge was removed during pandemic cost reductions but reinstated as travel demand grew. A full walkway extension and a new rental car lobby will open in 2026. Terminal C’s Phase 1 expansion is also in progress, adding four boarding piers and eight aircraft positions as international travel continues to increase.
SunRail Airport Extension Remains Long Term Goal
Officials say the long planned SunRail connection to Orlando International Airport is still years away as FDOT completes a multiyear feasibility and environmental study. The Sunshine Corridor would link the current rail system with the airport and the attractions area. Costs may exceed four billion dollars and will require multiple funding partners. GOAA leaders say regional rail access will be necessary as annual airport traffic rises past 57 million passengers.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport Expansion Moves Forward
Kissimmee Gateway Airport is advancing a major expansion after city commissioners approved a development agreement allowing nearly 120 acres to be leased and developed, including the former Kissimmee Golf Club site. The plan is expected to attract aviation businesses, expand MRO and hangar capacity and support the region’s growing aerospace and training sectors. Officials say the land reuse strategy will help strengthen local economic development.
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