ORLANDO, Fla., May 6, 2025 — Orlando has been named the No. 1 travel destination for 2025 by AAA, reaffirming its status as the ultimate summer vacation spot. With a new theme park, immersive dining options, themed accommodations, and a variety of high-profile sporting events, Orlando is ready to offer travelers unforgettable experiences throughout the season.
Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, emphasized the excitement surrounding this summer, stating, “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 travelers new reasons to choose Orlando. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular to our destination, Orlando is delivering new, unbelievably real vacation opportunities for all types of travelers.”
For those planning a trip, Visit Orlando offers exclusive savings and vacation planning services, available at VisitOrlando.com.
New Attractions and Experiences
Orlando’s theme parks are introducing thrilling new attractions that promise to captivate guests of all ages:
Universal Orlando Resort: On May 22, Universal’s Epic Universe will open its doors, featuring 50 attractions across five immersive worlds. Visitors will journey through Celestial Park, experience a magical blend of 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, enter the colorful realms of Mario in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, embark on dragon-filled adventures in Isle of Berk, and explore a world of monsters and mad science in Dark Universe.
Walt Disney World Resort: Starting May 27, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut two new shows: “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After.” EPCOT’s Test Track presented by Chevrolet will unveil new scenes showcasing technological advances, while Magic Kingdom Park introduces Disney Starlight, its first nighttime parade since 2016.
SeaWorld Orlando: The world’s first Arctic-themed flying theater, Expedition Odyssey, promises to deliver an immersive experience.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort: A new aquarium attraction, SEA LIFE Florida, opens on May 23, and the LEGO Festival runs each weekend in May, culminating in World Play Day on June 11.
Major Sporting Events
Orlando will also play host to some of the world’s most celebrated soccer events:
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held at Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium with matches scheduled on June 17, 20, 24, 26, 30, and July 4, bringing global soccer stars to the city.
Orlando City Soccer Club will compete against teams including FC Cincinnati (June 28), CF Montreal (July 12), New York City FC (July 16), Inter Miami CF (Aug. 10), Sporting KC (Aug. 16), and Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Aug. 30).
Orlando Pride, the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League champions, will take on teams like Houston Dash (June 7), Utah Royals FC (Aug. 3), Racing Louisville FC (Aug. 9), and NJ/NY Gotham FC (Aug. 29) at Inter&Co Stadium.
Michelin-Recognized Dining
Orlando’s culinary scene continues to shine, with several restaurants earning recognition in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Florida. The city now boasts 59 Michelin-recognized dining spots, including two Michelin-starred restaurants, one of which is the first Two Michelin Star establishment in the area, Sorekara. Other new dining highlights include Bourbon Steak by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, Corazón by Baires, a Latin American speakeasy, and the Michelin Recommended Gyukatsu Rose.
New Accommodations
Orlando’s accommodations are also growing to meet the demand for unique and luxurious stays:
Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers 500 rooms, 35 suites, and direct access to Universal Epic Universe.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World has renovated 365 cabins, while Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has introduced spacious villas and penthouses with Magic Kingdom views.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort unveils 20 reimagined rooms, including themes like DUPLO, LEGO Friends, and LEGO NINJAGO.
Villatel Orlando Resort introduces 270 themed villas accommodating up to 26 guests, alongside a waterpark and 256 Marriott Bonvoy apartments.
Additionally, Ramada Plaza Resort & Suites International Drive Orlando is undergoing a $7 million renovation to modernize its guestrooms.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States and the Theme Park Capital of the World®. A non-profit trade association, Visit Orlando represents over 1,600 member companies from every segment of Central Florida’s tourism industry, including theme parks, dining, accommodations, and entertainment. The city remains a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers, offering a diverse range of activities, attractions, and accommodations.
