‘Harris Rosen Way’ dedicated on International Drive, honoring Central Florida philanthropist
Read full article: ‘Harris Rosen Way’ dedicated on International Drive, honoring Central Florida philanthropistHarris Rosen Way now marks a section of International Drive, honoring a man whose name is synonymous with Central Florida.
Orlando International Airport to begin replacing trams next month. What that means for travelers
Read full article: Orlando International Airport to begin replacing trams next month. What that means for travelersOrlando International Airport is warning about changes and delays during an upcoming project to replace the trams that move travelers to some of its airline terminals. Work will begin on the airport’s $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project on Dec. 3.
Orlando International Airport is (people) moving on major tram upgrade. What travelers can expect
Read full article: Orlando International Airport is (people) moving on major tram upgrade. What travelers can expectStarting in December, Orlando International Airport will begin replacing the trams that move travelers to some of its airline terminals. That will affect people flying on airlines like Air Canada, Avelo Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, LATAM, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic.
Orlando International Airport OKs plan to explore creating its own police force
Read full article: Orlando International Airport OKs plan to explore creating its own police forceAt Wednesday’s meeting of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, the board voted unanimously to start discussions about transitioning away from using the Orlando Police Department and instead creating an in-house airport police department.
Kings and gods come alive aboard Disney Destiny with Lion King dining, Hercules stage show
Read full article: Kings and gods come alive aboard Disney Destiny with Lion King dining, Hercules stage showOn the Disney Destiny, guests can relive the magic of two cherished 90s Disney animated classics with immersive entertainment experiences inspired by “The Lion King” and “Hercules”.
Discover the magic of Disney Destiny Grand Hall, a hub for heroes and mischief
Read full article: Discover the magic of Disney Destiny Grand Hall, a hub for heroes and mischiefThe ship’s Grand Hall, inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, serves as both a central gathering space and an entertainment hub.
Disney Destiny joins cruise line fleet with spectacular heroes and villains christening ceremony
Read full article: Disney Destiny joins cruise line fleet with spectacular heroes and villains christening ceremonyThe Destiny’s inaugural sailing departs Nov. 20, showcasing a Disney heroes and villains theme on four- and five-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises.
Direct flights open magical gateway between Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort
Read full article: Direct flights open magical gateway between Disney World and Tokyo Disney ResortThe announcement was made at Tokyo’s Hotel New Otani, drawing executives from Disney, government officials, tourism leaders, and media.
Spanish carrier Iberia launches nonstop flights to, from Orlando International Airport
Read full article: Spanish carrier Iberia launches nonstop flights to, from Orlando International AirportOrlando International Airport will welcome Iberia to Terminal C, where it will begin nonstop flights between Orlando and Madrid. The Spanish flag carrier will run nonstop flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Rare haunted tour of historic Orlando Greenwood Cemetery happening this weekend
Read full article: Rare haunted tour of historic Orlando Greenwood Cemetery happening this weekendGreenwood Cemetery is Orlando’s oldest, established in 1880 by eight men with last names folks who have driven around Orlando will recognize, like Boone, Livingston, Delaney and Robinson.
A trail of wings and nature in Volusia County expands with bat wing mural for picture-taking
Read full article: A trail of wings and nature in Volusia County expands with bat wing mural for picture-takingBats are landing on Volusia County’s popular Wings of the West mural trail this weekend, the latest installation for the Instagrammable art trail that started with angel wings in a Downtown DeLand alley.
Orange County Convention Center expansion faces lawsuit over traffic concerns
Read full article: Orange County Convention Center expansion faces lawsuit over traffic concernsA planned $560 million expansion of the Orange County Convention Center, scheduled to begin this month, faces a legal challenge from a developer who claims the county failed to meet a decades-old requirement intended to prevent precisely the kind of traffic congestion residents now decry.
‘Very important industry:’ Experience Kissimmee updates community on tourism numbers, plans
Read full article: ‘Very important industry:’ Experience Kissimmee updates community on tourism numbers, plansKissimmee's tourism industry, the largest employer in Osceola County, continues to play a vital role in supporting local families and businesses.
Names wanted: Showcase of Citrus welcomes birth of capybaras
Read full article: Names wanted: Showcase of Citrus welcomes birth of capybarasThe Clermont citrus ranch is also asking the public to get in on the fun by inviting fans to drop their best name suggestions and guess the genders of the capybaras.
Orange County posts higher tourist tax collections in August
Read full article: Orange County posts higher tourist tax collections in AugustThe county comptroller’s office says the county collected $25,649,100 in August in taxes from hotel rooms and other lodgings. That’s a 10.7% increase in revenue compared to August 2024, the strongest collections for any August on record, according to Comptroller Phil Diamond.
Digital art experience coming to ICON Park Orlando
Read full article: Digital art experience coming to ICON Park OrlandoArte Museum, the internationally acclaimed digital art exhibition created by Korean design firm d’strict, will open its first Florida location in 2027 on the new Universal Boulevard side of ICON Park, joining the Blue Man Group.
Henry Winkler, Brie Larson among 2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional narrators
Read full article: Henry Winkler, Brie Larson among 2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional narratorsWalt Disney World has announced a star-studded list of celebrity narrators for the 2025 season of EPCOT’s “Candlelight Processional.”
Visit Orlando takes to TikTok to catch Gen Z’s trendy travelers
Read full article: Visit Orlando takes to TikTok to catch Gen Z’s trendy travelersThe tourism group announced its “City Break” campaign, set to launch Sept. 15 and run through Nov. 15. The initiative will feature TikTok content creators highlighting attractions, nightlife, and dining options around Orlando.
Selena Gomez wax figure stuns in iconic red VMA gown at Madame Tussauds Orlando
Read full article: Selena Gomez wax figure stuns in iconic red VMA gown at Madame Tussauds OrlandoUnveiled just ahead of the 2025 VMAs, the figure captures Gomez in the very gown that stole the show at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
New mazes, Sesame Street parade highlight SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular
Read full article: New mazes, Sesame Street parade highlight SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween SpooktacularThe daytime event invites kids and families to dress up, explore, and enjoy a variety of festive activities designed especially for children.
Kissimmee tourism workforce hopes for Canadian visitors despite tariff concerns
Read full article: Kissimmee tourism workforce hopes for Canadian visitors despite tariff concernsThe official tourism marketing corporation in Kissimmee is actively working to attract visitors from Canada to the many attractions of Central Florida, amid concerns over international tariffs and border tensions.
Audit reveals Visit Orlando misclassified tourist tax dollars as private funds, spent on non-tourism items
Read full article: Audit reveals Visit Orlando misclassified tourist tax dollars as private funds, spent on non-tourism itemsAn audit conducted by Orange County shows that Visit Orlando spent money on items that did not promote tourism.
Taylor Swift wax figure lands at Orlando’s Madame Tussauds in Eras Tour ‘Reputation’ snake outfit
Read full article: Taylor Swift wax figure lands at Orlando’s Madame Tussauds in Eras Tour ‘Reputation’ snake outfitA piece of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour has landed at the museum’s ICON Park location and, call it what you want, but fans would call it gorgeous.
160 restaurants join Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining for 20th anniversary. See the menus
Read full article: 160 restaurants join Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining for 20th anniversary. See the menusOrlando’s culinary scene is blooming with Michelin accolades, celebrity chefs and trendy tastes. Starting Aug. 15, you can try many of the hottest restaurants in town for one price.
Bob Davis, steward of Volusia County’s tourism industry, dies
Read full article: Bob Davis, steward of Volusia County’s tourism industry, diesBob Davis, a longtime leader of Volusia County’s hotel and tourism industry, died Sunday, according to social media posts by Volusia County leaders and the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Epic impact: Orange County tourist tax collections hit record for month of May
Read full article: Epic impact: Orange County tourist tax collections hit record for month of MayFor the first time since its May grand opening, new numbers are spotlighting the economic surge Universal Epic Universe is fueling in Orange County.
International travel still a cloudy spot in Orlando’s sunny tourism forecast
Read full article: International travel still a cloudy spot in Orlando’s sunny tourism forecastRepresentatives with Visit Orlando provided their assessment of the state of the tourism industry Friday, noting that international travel appears to be lagging behind domestic travel.
Cocoa Beach targets ‘party houses’ for more vacation rental restrictions
Read full article: Cocoa Beach targets ‘party houses’ for more vacation rental restrictionsMore restrictions are now approved for short-term vacation rentals in what's already Florida's most expensive city to register and renew an AirBnb.
Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacations
Read full article: Experience Kissimmee aims to boost visitors through ‘gastro tourism,’ value-focused vacationsKissimmee leaders are working to attract more visitors to the city through new initiatives and research-driven marketing strategies.
All international travelers should get measles vaccinations, CDC says
Read full article: All international travelers should get measles vaccinations, CDC saysU.S. health officials have changed their advice to international travelers about measles, saying Americans should be vaccinated against the disease no matter where they travel in the world.
Collect-A-Con comes to Orlando during big weekend for Central Florida’s tourist district
Read full article: Collect-A-Con comes to Orlando during big weekend for Central Florida’s tourist districtIn addition to the grand opening of Epic Universe, Collect-A-Con was also happening just down the street at the Orange County Convention Center.
Orlando is the No. 1 Memorial Day destination in the US, AAA says. Here’s why
Read full article: Orlando is the No. 1 Memorial Day destination in the US, AAA says. Here’s whyAAA is out with its 2025 Memorial Day weekend forecast, predicting another year with Orlando at the top of its list for domestic travel destinations.
How Epic Universe’s Dark Universe honors Universal’s classic monsters while paving a new path
Read full article: How Epic Universe’s Dark Universe honors Universal’s classic monsters while paving a new pathThe new land inside Universal’s Epic Universe draws heavily from the classic monster films Universal Studios made in the 1930s, particularly “Frankenstein,” “The Wolfman” and “Dracula.” Check out some of the tributes to the classic films inside Dark Universe.
‘It’s Gonna Be May:’ Celebrate 25 years of *NSYNC’s iconic song at Great Wolf Lodge
Read full article: ‘It’s Gonna Be May:’ Celebrate 25 years of *NSYNC’s iconic song at Great Wolf LodgeJust in time for summer family trip planning, Great Wolf Lodge is teaming up with *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone and Lance Bass to launch its annual Summer Camp-In celebration.
Leesburg Bikefest returns this weekend, and businesses are revving up
Read full article: Leesburg Bikefest returns this weekend, and businesses are revving upBusinesses in downtown Leesburg are preparing for a big weekend ahead of Bikefest 2025. The three-day festival kicks off on April 25 and runs through April 27.
Florida House tax plan would let counties use tourist tax dollars for any need
Read full article: Florida House tax plan would let counties use tourist tax dollars for any needA proposed amendment to the House tax package (HB 7033) would override existing statutes, enabling counties to access TDT funds for general use rather than strictly for tourism-related projects.
Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax package
Read full article: Orlando lawmaker’s tourism tax reform now part of Florida Senate tax packageOn Monday, Sen. Carlos Guillermo-Smith D-Orlando, revealed his tourism tax reform bill is now part of the state senate tax package.
Report: CDC lays off cruise ship health inspection team in latest round of cuts
Read full article: Report: CDC lays off cruise ship health inspection team in latest round of cutsSince the start of 2025, there have been 12 outbreaks on cruise ships, mostly caused by norovirus, according to CDC records. In 2024, there were 18 outbreaks, also mostly caused by norovirus.
Orange County tourist tax collections hit record in February
Read full article: Orange County tourist tax collections hit record in FebruaryFlorida allows counties to collect a tax of up to 6% on hotel rooms and other short-term lodgings. The money must be used for tourism promotion and for facilities and programs that benefit the tourism industry.
Will Trump’s tariffs impact Florida’s tourism industry? Here is what we know
Read full article: Will Trump’s tariffs impact Florida’s tourism industry? Here is what we knowIn 2023, over 1.2 million Canadians visited Orlando, according to the tourism group Visit Orlando. There are concerns that impending tariffs could lead to an economic hit for the area.
Terra Luna guests get grand opening welcome to Universal Orlando’s newest hotel
Read full article: Terra Luna guests get grand opening welcome to Universal Orlando’s newest hotelUniversal Orlando guests were welcomed home to a new planet on Tuesday as the destination adds another lodging option to its growing hotel portfolio
5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservation
Read full article: 5 local springs to visit if you can’t get a Wekiwa Springs reservationPeople have mixed feelings on this, but one thing that doesn’t change, you might need a backup if you can’t get a spot into the Wekiwa Springs this summer. Here are five of our favorite, lesser-known springs in the Central Florida area.
Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Here’s what we found out
Read full article: Is Wekiwa Springs State Park really sold out this summer? Here’s what we found outIf you're planning to visit Wekiwa Springs State Park this summer, you may have visited the state's website and seen that regular day passes are fully booked from late May through August. But it turns out, there are open spots available within that window.
Inside Epic Universe: Universal releases first look at completed worlds ahead of May opening
Read full article: Inside Epic Universe: Universal releases first look at completed worlds ahead of May openingThe universe is getting real. Check out newly-released photos of the completed worlds inside Epic Universe.
Orange County sees record tourism tax revenues as lawmakers eye spending changes
Read full article: Orange County sees record tourism tax revenues as lawmakers eye spending changesAs Orange County continues to see record tourism tax revenues, Orlando lawmakers are looking to change how this money can be spent.
Universal commits $2M to SunRail expansion study needed for airport to I-Drive route
Read full article: Universal commits $2M to SunRail expansion study needed for airport to I-Drive routeUniversal Orlando announced this week it would put $2 million toward the cost of a crucial study needed to bring a planned SunRail line from Orlando International Airport to International Drive.
Universal Orlando unveils new ticket, vacation packages for Epic Universe opening
Read full article: Universal Orlando unveils new ticket, vacation packages for Epic Universe openingWith three months until the opening of Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort has announced the launch of new tickets and vacation packages for its eagerly-awaited fourth theme park, including tickets exclusively for Florida residents.
Orlando International Airport prepares to revamp outdated baggage system
Read full article: Orlando International Airport prepares to revamp outdated baggage systemIf you’ve ever found yourself anxiously waiting for your luggage at Orlando International Airport (MCO), you’re not alone. Frequent travelers have sometimes expressed frustration over the lengthy wait times at baggage claim. However, relief is on the horizon as the airport is set to undergo a multi-million dollar renovation aimed at streamlining the process.
FIRST LOOK: Universal Orlando hotel near Epic Universe is a taste of stellar things to come
Read full article: FIRST LOOK: Universal Orlando hotel near Epic Universe is a taste of stellar things to comeIt’s the year of Universal Epic Universe and just a few weeks into 2025, Universal Orlando is showing off its newest hotel that’s loosely tied into the storyline of its upcoming fourth theme park.
Universal Orlando plans to replace Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster in 2025. Here’s what we know
Read full article: Universal Orlando plans to replace Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster in 2025. Here’s what we knowWe may be looking at the final countdown for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at Universal Orlando Resort. Documents filed by Universal with the South Florida Water Management District show the theme park wants to tear down the ride and replace it with something with virtually the same footprint.
What a government shutdown could mean for the Orlando International Airport holiday travel season
Read full article: What a government shutdown could mean for the Orlando International Airport holiday travel seasonThe official travel period at Orlando International Airport started on Friday. Nearly three million people are expected to pass through the gates between now and Jan. 5, a one percent increase from last year’s record numbers.
A Florida beach town wants to crack down on vacation rentals. What leaders are proposing
Read full article: A Florida beach town wants to crack down on vacation rentals. What leaders are proposingNoisy visitors and the big parties they bring with them are the target of a proposed ordinance on vacation rentals in Melbourne Beach.
With Epic Universe on the way, Orange County expects tourist tax revenue jump in 2025
Read full article: With Epic Universe on the way, Orange County expects tourist tax revenue jump in 2025New numbers show tourists staying in Central Florida hotels brought in more than $359 million in taxes last fiscal year. That amount is expected to increase significantly next year.
These local businesses will get space inside Orlando International Airport under new concession contracts
Read full article: These local businesses will get space inside Orlando International Airport under new concession contractsOrlando International Airport’s older terminals are getting a refresh, and that includes new shops and restaurants.
Cell service in Orlando airport’s rideshare waiting lot vastly improves
Read full article: Cell service in Orlando airport’s rideshare waiting lot vastly improvesIf you've found yourself waiting a while to get an Uber or Lyft from Orlando International Airport (MCO), it might've been because of a traffic jam in one of the rideshare waiting parking lots at the airport.

WATCH LIVE: Taking look at what led up to Epic Universe and what comes next
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Taking look at what led up to Epic Universe and what comes nextFrom tourist tax dollars to a hiring spree, Epic Universe is expected to be an economic boon when it opens next year. Here's what Orange County can expect.
Gronk at the Great Wolf Lodge. Indoor water park has grand opening in Florida
Read full article: Gronk at the Great Wolf Lodge. Indoor water park has grand opening in FloridaThe Great Wolf Lodge had its grand opening on Thursday and a special guest was on hand, someone who has experience with grand celebrations.
FIRST LOOK: Frankenstein, Wolfman animated figures revealed at new Epic Universe attraction
Read full article: FIRST LOOK: Frankenstein, Wolfman animated figures revealed at new Epic Universe attractionUniversal Orlando revealed new images of some of the animated figures that make up Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Greenwood Cemetery is the eternal home of Orlando’s history makers. This tour shows you the haunted side
Read full article: Greenwood Cemetery is the eternal home of Orlando’s history makers. This tour shows you the haunted sideGreenwood Cemetery is Orlando’s oldest, established in 1880 by eight men with last names folks who have driven around Orlando will recognize, like Boone, Livingston, Delaney and Robinson.
Passholders face epic wait times for Universal Epic Universe tickets
Read full article: Passholders face epic wait times for Universal Epic Universe ticketsUniversal Orlando Resort annual passholders got the chance Thursday to purchase one-day tickets to the new Epic Universe theme park, due to open in May next year. But what many encountered was an epic wait.
Disney World raises annual pass prices across the board. What you need to know
Read full article: Disney World raises annual pass prices across the board. What you need to knowNew prices for annual passes were unveiled Wednesday on the Walt Disney World website, with costs going up between $30 and $100, depending on the pass.
Plan for glamping at an Osceola County park goes too far, Sierra Club says
Read full article: Plan for glamping at an Osceola County park goes too far, Sierra Club saysA proposal to add $19.5 million in“glamping” amenities like cabins, pools and more to South Park in Osceola County in side of Lake Toho is facing backlash from environmental advocates.
Orange County tourist tax collections fall in July, down 12.9% compared to June
Read full article: Orange County tourist tax collections fall in July, down 12.9% compared to JuneTourist tax collections fell in Orange County in July compared to June, according to the latest numbers released by the county comptroller’s office.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando to celebrate first-ever Jimmy Buffett Day
Read full article: Margaritaville Resort Orlando to celebrate first-ever Jimmy Buffett DayMargaritaville Orlando's first-ever Jimmy Buffet Day will feature live music, family activities, raffles, and giveaways including a 2-night resort stay.
Flagler Beach to set building height requirements after new hotel slips through cracks
Read full article: Flagler Beach to set building height requirements after new hotel slips through cracksThe city commission in Flagler Beach is getting ready to put a height ban on buildings, especially companies wanting to put in rooftop bars, restaurants, and other public spaces on top.
June tourist tax collections in Orange County beat May, June 2023 numbers
Read full article: June tourist tax collections in Orange County beat May, June 2023 numbersOrange County saw more revenue from hotels in June 2024 than in May or in June 2023, according to the latest Tourist Development Tax numbers released by the comptroller’s office.
Tourists, visitors, family, friends: Save money on your next MCO car rental
Read full article: Tourists, visitors, family, friends: Save money on your next MCO car rentalTired of paying your rental car company an extra $5 or even $10 per day just for the privilege of using the company's toll transponder? And that's on top of the cost of the tolls themselves. You do have another option.
Delta offers travel vouchers as airline still grapples with tech outage cancellations
Read full article: Delta offers travel vouchers as airline still grapples with tech outage cancellationsDelta Airlines is still dealing with cancellations and delays as a result of a computer outage that impacted systems worldwide last week.
‘Really convenient:’ Tourists test out e-scooter pilot program on International Drive in Orange County
Read full article: ‘Really convenient:’ Tourists test out e-scooter pilot program on International Drive in Orange CountyAbout 200 electric scooters and bicycles are now available thanks to a pilot program from Orange County Public Works.
Orange County has big May for tourist tax dollars, but still lower than April
Read full article: Orange County has big May for tourist tax dollars, but still lower than AprilOrange County collected fewer tourist tax dollars in May compared to April, according to newly released estimates by the county comptroller’s office, but the county still had a better May than it did in 2023 — by about $2.2 million.
