INSIDER
The 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.
Just 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.
Businesses 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.
A 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.
On Monday, Sen. Carlos Guillermo-Smith D-Orlando, revealed his tourism tax reform bill is now part of the state senate tax package.
Since 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.
Florida 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.
In 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.
Universal Orlando guests were welcomed home to a new planet on Tuesday as the destination adds another lodging option to its growing hotel portfolio
People 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.
If 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.
The universe is getting real. Check out newly-released photos of the completed worlds inside Epic Universe.
As Orange County continues to see record tourism tax revenues, Orlando lawmakers are looking to change how this money can be spent.
Universal 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.
With 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.
If 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.
It’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.
We 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.
The 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.
Noisy visitors and the big parties they bring with them are the target of a proposed ordinance on vacation rentals in Melbourne Beach.
New 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.
Orlando International Airport’s older terminals are getting a refresh, and that includes new shops and restaurants.
If 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.
From 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.
The Great Wolf Lodge had its grand opening on Thursday and a special guest was on hand, someone who has experience with grand celebrations.
Universal Orlando revealed new images of some of the animated figures that make up Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Greenwood 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.
Universal 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.
New 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.
A 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.
Tourist tax collections fell in Orange County in July compared to June, according to the latest numbers released by the county comptroller’s office.
Margaritaville Orlando's first-ever Jimmy Buffet Day will feature live music, family activities, raffles, and giveaways including a 2-night resort stay.
The 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.
Orange 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.
Tired 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 Airlines is still dealing with cancellations and delays as a result of a computer outage that impacted systems worldwide last week.
About 200 electric scooters and bicycles are now available thanks to a pilot program from Orange County Public Works.
Orange 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.
Orange County commissioners will decide whether to spend $3 million in Tourist Development Tax dollars to bring the NFL Pro Bowl back to Orlando in 2025.
Universal Orlando Resort shared details of its first IP haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 2024. Paramount Pictures’ critically acclaimed film series “A Quiet Place” will come to life starting Aug. 30
A new one-night experience for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights promises smaller crowds and shorter wait times.
Florida law dictates how tourist tax dollars can be used, and lawmakers have been reticent to make changes.
Brevard County's tourism office isn't worried about another setback to the first crewed launch of Boeing's Starliner capsule to the International Space Station.
This Memorial Day holiday will be the second most traveled Memorial Day on record, according to AAA, and the number one destination in the United States is Orlando.
Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections climbed to a record setting $40,550,000 in March, marking another increase in revenue compared to the previous month according to the Orange County Comptroller.
The Disney International Airport Destination Parkway Express will be known as Link 3-11 and will take passengers from Orlando International Airport with six stops along the way and back.
The Sports Business Journal unveiled its list of best U.S. sports cities, and Orlando ranks No. 1. The announcement was made Monday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, one of more than 35 sports venues in the greater Orlando area.
Spring Break crowds, bad weather and crowded skies all combined this past weekend to produce a major travel mess at the Orlando International Airport.
Whether it’s a regular weeknight, you’re enjoying a special occasion, or maybe you’re even enjoying a staycation or vacation, mealtimes are almost always a daily topic of discussion.
With Orlando attracting millions of visitors each year, there are plenty of hotel and resort options – nearly 500 – to choose from, but one is offering something the others can’t: the beach.
What’s your nickname for Orlando International Airport? Some people say OIA. Some people say MCO, which is the airport’s official code.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to approve the use of tourism development tax funding for other projects it hopes will bring more tourism to the area.
The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association and CareerSource Central Florida will host its first State of The Hospitality and Tourist Summit, providing an update on the industry in Central Florida.
Members of Orlando's Municipal Planning Board unanimously signed off on the long-awaited Orlando sports and entertainment district.
Tourist development tax collections for Orange County fell again in November year-over-year, marking the seventh decrease in revenue in the last eight months, according to the Orange County comptroller and Visit Orlando.
If you’ve been to The Villages, you probably know there’s a lot to do, and you likely know it’s a great area for anyone.
People who magically dined in Orlando in August and September helped raise big money for charities in Orange County, Visit Orlando announced Friday.
