Orlando breaks tourism record as Universal, Disney fuel Central Florida boom

Orlando has cemented its position as a global tourism powerhouse, drawing more than 75 million visitors in 2024—a record haul that underscores Central Florida's magnetic pull on travelers worldwide. Visit Orlando announced the milestone Thursday, crediting major investments from Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld for the surge that has rebuilt the region's tourism economy beyond pre-pandemic levels. Universal's May opening of Epic Universe, a $7 billion investment that doubles the resort's Central Florida footprint, has fundamentally reshaped how guests experience the destination. The new park is driving tangible results: Universal's theme park revenue jumped 24% year-over-year in the first quarter, reaching $2.3 billion, while adjusted EBITDA surged over 33%. More striking than raw numbers is the behavioral shift—guests are staying longer and spending more per visit. Hotel and vacation home bookings climbed as much as 14% in the Orlando area around Epic's opening, a sign that Universal is no longer just a multi-day destination but a full-week vacation hub. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is undertaking its own historic expansion following a 2023 announcement of a $60 billion investment in its experiences segment. Universal Parks CEO Mark Woodbury has openly acknowledged the competition, noting that Epic Universe is capturing market share from Disney—a shift already evident over the past decade. Yet industry observers cite the "rising tides lift all ships" principle: both expansions are expanding Orlando's overall appeal, drawing visitors who might otherwise choose competing destinations. Universal's ambitions extend beyond Epic Universe. The company is expanding its hotel footprint to 11,000 rooms and has signaled plans to return to an annual cadence of major new attractions across all three Universal Orlando parks. Executives say Orlando is "performing extremely well," with expansions planned at all three parks and a commitment to sustained product delivery that will continue driving attendance. As Central Florida positions itself for sustained growth, the competition between Disney and Universal is reshaping not just the parks themselves, but the entire visitor experience. For Orlando and the state economy, the result is clear: record tourism, lengthening stays, and a destination increasingly seen as a week-long vacation rather than a quick weekend getaway.