Visit Orlando says the UK market to the Florida destination has picked up momentum for next year again, after a “short-lived pause [in bookings]” earlier this year, with forward bookings for 2026 up 11%.
Speaking to TTG at WTM London last week, Lisa Messina, chief sales officer, at Visit Orlando said Orlando played to its strengths, which included the multi-generational draw of the destination, and the fact it had something to offer all budgets. “I have every faith we will rebound and grow in 2026,” she said.
“Universal Epic Universe [Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, which opened in May] was the headline for sure, but Orlando always has a story to tell.”
Messina also encouraged travel agents to pitch Orlando as the ideal Fifa World Cup hub, using the Brightline rail service to access matches in Miami [where seven games will be played] and another host city Atlanta only being a short flight away. “We’re already hearing of customers packaging Orlando as the base camp, because it offers a robust stay for all the family, as well as being a jumping off point to the matches.”
She also confirmed Orlando will be giving its Unbelievably Real campaign another push from now until the year end, with messaging appearing on the London Underground, on taxis, out of home and in TV commercials and on the radio.
“We’re taking it to the next level,” she said. “Talking about the moments in between, the family jokes, the smiles, the splashing in the pool.”
Attraction news
Walt Disney World’s has two new shows at Hollywood Studios. These include “The Little Mermaid – a Musical Adventure”, a reimagined production inspired by the classic film, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”, with appearances by dozens of infamous evildoers including Cruella de Vil and Captain Hook. At Magic Kingdom Park, a new night time parade “Disney Starlight” features characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen and more. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, meanwhile, has a new 4D production “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” offering a new story featuring Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and the rest of the cast.
Legoland Florida will gain a new coaster early in 2026, its first in more than two decades. Galacticoaster will be a space-themed indoor coaster that will immerse riders in a LEGO galaxy, with customisable spacecraft and cosmic scenes.
The world’s largest Build-A-Bear workshop is due to open in a multi-level flagship store at open-air entertainment complex, ICON Park, in the first half of 2026. Build-A-Bear chief executive Sharon Price John says the collectible market of teens and adults makes up 40% of sales for this popular teddy bear retail concept.
Pickleball and padel tennis are taking over the world, and Orlando is not immune to the trend. A country club coming to International Drive in 2026, Society Park, will feature nine padel courts and three pickleball courts, two children’s courts, a pro shop, spa and restaurant. The destination is being billed as a “Gen Z country club”.
Hotel news
Earlier this year Villatel Orlando Resort unveiled 270 four-to-nine-bedroom villas with immersive themed rooms, along with Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy Resort, a collection of two-to-three-bedroom units, creating a property portfolio that has something for everyone. Next door to Universal and minutes from Disney, this sprawling resort has an Aqua Bay water park at its centre, plus on-site dining, a gym, basketball and pickleball courts.
On the horizon in 2026 will be the Even Hotel and Staybridge Suites Orlando Universal Boulevard, with 288 rooms and wellness-focused amenities near Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center.
Renovations have been taking place – Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has completed a $275 million glow-up, delivering refreshed guest rooms and upgraded meeting spaces.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World Resort now has 365 newly renovated cabins; the Residence Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista has upgraded suites, a new arcade, fitness centre and refreshed breakfast area; and Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Orlando Resort & Suites has renovated all the guest rooms in its South Tower this year.
Dining
In the 2025 Michelin Guide Florida, inspectors added 11 new Orlando restaurants to the line-up. Leading the pack is the destination’s first-ever two Michelin star award winner, Sorekara, an artful Japanese restaurant. There are now a total of 59 restaurants in Orlando, recognised by Michelin, including nine Michelin starred venues, 15 Bib Gourmands and 35 Recommended eateries.
