Orlando’s popularity seems on an ever-upwards spiral, with visitor numbers last year increasing by 1.8% over 2023.
International visitation continued to recover at a faster pace, growing 5.9% from the previous year. In total, Orlando welcomed 6.5 million visitors from international markets in 2024.
Canada remains the top international market to Orlando with 1.29 million visitors, while the U.K. numbers – 907,900 – were up 3.5%.
“We’ve seen a strong rebound in U.K. visitation, now reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels,” said Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando.
“With strong air connectivity and a deep affinity for our destination, U.K. travellers are drawn to our world-famous attractions and diverse experiences. We continue to actively invest in the market through strategic marketing, PR and travel trade initiatives to help travelers discover all that Orlando has to offer.
She added: “This summer marks one of the most exciting seasons in Orlando’s history, with the first new theme park in 25 years opening in May and a wave of new experiences and sporting events that continue to give travellers new reasons to choose Orlando…Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular to our destination, this summer Orlando delivers new vacation opportunities for all types of travellers.”
On May 22, the “Theme Park Capital of the World” will welcome the much-heralded opening of Universal’s Epic. It will feature 50 attractions across five “immersive worlds”: 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.
At Walt Disney World Resort, two new shows will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is hosting its new LEGO Festival each weekend in May, leading up to World Play Day on June 11. The festival includes five immersive zones across the park and over 49 new, big build LEGO models designed to inspire play in different ways.
