More than 62 million people visited Orlando in 2014. It marks a new all-time record for the U.S. travel industry, solidifying Orlando’s position as the most visited destination in the US. Visitation grew five percent from 2013 as visitors from around the world came to experience all that is new across the ever-expanding destination. A record 32 million room nights were sold in Orlando in 2014, resulting in bed tax collections topping $200 million for the first time in Orange County, Fla., home to the Central Florida tourism district. “This historic milestone is the latest testament to Orlando’s leadership in tourism,” said Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel. “It’s a tribute to the steadfast commitment and continued investment by our tourism community, the special brand of serv
Read MoreTag: Walt Disney World Resort
Attractions The I-Drive Four Pass is a new offer allowing guests to visit four of Orlando's most popular I-Drive attractions for one price. The pass includes entrance to CSI: The Experience; Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition; Ripley’s Orlando Odditorium and WonderWorks. An adult ticket costs $74.99 (plus tax). Walt Disney World Resort will expand two of its most popular attractions, Soarin’ in Epcot and Toy Story Mania! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to better accommodate guests. The expansion includes another theater at Soarin’ and more midway tracks at Toy Story Mania!. These expansions are expected to be complete by late 2016. Shopping The Florida Mall is adding two new stores to the available retail options. Desigual, a Barcelona based clothing retailer, will open in the spr
Read MoreOrlando celebrates the most magical time of year with warm weather, new special events and spirited live entertainment in the theme parks and beyond, creating an unforgettable and festive setting for a winter getaway. Along with the nearly 150 holiday-themed events at the theme parks and throughout the destination, visitors can find the perfect gift at Orlando’s well known outlet centers, malls and specialty boutiques. Visit Orlando will be sharing tips to help visitors make the most of their holiday vacation. Visit Orlando is also an official seller of Orlando attraction tickets, including a wide variety of Orlando’s Christmas celebrations. Holidays at the Theme Parks Walt Disney World Resort Select nights Nov. 7
Read MoreHold on for the most twisty, turny, rollicking summer ever for Walt Disney World Resort. From the crowning jewel that completes the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history, a breathtaking new parade that winds its way down Main Street U.S.A., to elevating the guest experience with MyMagic+, guests are rocking their Disney Side in 2014. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: The lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life in a rollicking, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine.” Inspired by the Disney animated film classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the family-style coaster will feature first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the twists and turns of t...
Read MoreDuring one of the largest expansion periods in Orlando’s history, summer vacationers will be among the first to experience the nation’s most anticipated attraction openings. From climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express or exploring the mine where “a million diamonds shine,” to plummeting down one of the steepest waterslides in America, Orlando’s newest offerings are sure to make 2014 a blockbuster summer. Theme Park Expansions The new DUPLO Valley, opening May 23 at LEGOLAND Florida, features new farm-themed attractions geared towards preschoolers, including a train, mini tractor ride and water play area. A new night time Shamu show debuts at SeaWorld Orlando on June 21 in celebration of SeaWorld’s 50th anniversary. Universal Orlando Resort expands The Wizarding World of Harry ...
Read MoreKermit the Frog will find it is easy being green when his artfully-crafted character topiary debuts during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 5 to May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. With flamboyance to spare, a floral Miss Piggy will join Kermit and his blooming banjo in the World Showcase topiary display. Urban Farm Eats will be the new Outdoor Kitchen on the promenade with a sustainable garden featuring tilapia, eggplant and other farm-raised treats. Guests can try new menu items including the Land-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce, Ghost Pepper Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Salad and Mango Chutney, plus red and white vegan wines and gluten-free beer. The festival’s nearly 100 whimsical topiaries and i...
Read MoreLooking for unique Valentine's Day ideas that will make your sweetheart swoon? Orlando has countless opportunities for romance with your valentine from relaxing indulges, to intimate dining or thrilling attractions - it's all here waiting for you. Visit Orlando encourages tourists to enjoy the Valentine’s Day festivities taking place across the city. Here is an unexpected list of heart-fluttering experiences that your romantic partner is sure to enjoy. Unique Valentine's Day Tips in Orlando- Bob's Balloon Flights What could be more romantic than a hot air balloon ride at dawn over beautiful Central Florida? Take your special someone on a dream date in the clouds, with a champagne toast and buffet breakfast included! No one will forget a Valentine's Day that starts like this. Tick
Read MoreOrlando continues to reinvent itself with enticing additions opening in 2014. New offerings found inside its world-famous theme parks and throughout the destination give families even more reason to visit Orlando in the New Year. From hopping aboard the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort to catching a Broadway show at the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando delivers unrivaled experiences to satisfy all ages and interests. Here are 10 reasons to visit Orlando in 2014: THEME PARKS 1) DUPLO Valley at LEGOLAND Florida will bring the LEGO DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life for Orlando’s youngest visitors. The new farm-themed attractions, including a train, mini tractor ride and water play area, are geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5. 2) B
Read MoreHome to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando celebrates the holiday season like nowhere else. From spectacular fireworks displays to festive live entertainment, Orlando’s theme parks offer something for every member of the family. Orlando is offering visitors the gift that keeps on giving with 59 days of unique winter holiday celebrations throughout the entire destination. From Nov. 8 to Jan. 5, tourists can experience all the joy of the season while basking in Orlando’s year-round sunshine. Holidays at the Theme Parks Walt Disney World Resort offers some of the most elaborate of seasonal festivities, with more than 1,300 decorated trees and 8.5 million lights strung throughout the property. For several weeks around the holidays, guests celebrate the season with Micke...
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