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Orlando’s Unveils New Meetings Offerings Throughout the Destination as the OCCC and MCO Embark on Major Expansions and Enhancement Projects

ORLANDO, Fla. – In 2026, Orlando, Cvent’s No. 1 Top Meeting Destination, offers planners new options at the theme parks, more restaurants from celebrity chefs, and “cool” team building opportunities as the Orange County Convention Center begins construction on the Grand Concourse Expansion and Orlando International Airport moves forward with major projects to enhance the travel experience.

“Orlando’s continuous growth is what sets us apart year after year, with new and diverse group experiences across theme parks, dining, entertainment and shopping that cater to every kind of attendee,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “With the highly anticipated start of construction at the Orange County Convention Center and capital investments at Orlando International Airport, the destination has entered a new era of meetings and service innovation, setting the stage for exciting experiences for years to come.”

UPGRADED MEETING VENUES

ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) officially broke ground on its Grand Concourse Expansion — a transformative $560-million project that will enhance the North-South Building with new meeting space, a grand ballroom, and improved connectivity between concourses.

Set to begin construction in early 2026 and conclude in 2029, the expansion will add 44,000 square feet of meeting space and a 100,000‑square‑foot ballroom — designed to accommodate the growing demand for flexible, high‑capacity event venues.

Once complete, the new space will strengthen the Center’s ability to attract larger and more complex events.

“This groundbreaking is more than the start of a construction project — it is the beginning of a new chapter in our story of growth, innovation and impact,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As construction begins this year, we remain committed to delivering this project on schedule and with the excellence that defines the OCCC. By 2029, when the Grand Concourse is complete, we will have a facility that not only meets the growing needs of today’s events but anticipates the opportunities of tomorrow.”

MAJOR TRANSPORTATION UPGRADES

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has unveiled a new strategic vision to guide the future of Orlando International Airport (MCO) over the next decade. This includes a $5.9 billion investment in projects that will expand capacity, modernize airport facilities, and elevate the travel experience, including:

  • The $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project, which will introduce four brand‑new Gate Link vehicles connecting passengers between Terminals A and B to Gates 70–129 on Airside 2 and Airside 4. Work is scheduled to take place from December 2025 through Fall 2027.
  • Multiple infrastructure improvements including a new baggage handling system for Terminals A and B, additional passenger conveyance in Terminal C, and the addition of 8,000 public parking spaces along with parking guidance system technologies.
  • The addition of more than 40 restaurants for an elevated pre‑flight experience, with Central Florida‑inspired cuisine and shopping opportunities.
  • A $26 million expansion project that includes a new 8,000‑square‑foot, state‑of‑the‑art Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal, replacing the existing facility built in the 1980s, and redefining the arrival experience for corporate and private aviation guests. The project also includes the construction of two new 40,000‑square‑foot aircraft hangars, adding much‑needed hangar capacity to support growing corporate aviation demand.

GOAA is also investing $84.2 million in capital improvements at Orlando Executive Airport.

NEW TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCES

CONVENTION DISTRICT / INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
  • Blue Man Group returns to Orlando on May 1 with a new custom‑built home at ICON Park®, featuring the show’s signature mix of art, live music, comedy, non‑verbal storytelling and audience participation.
  • Sloth World, the world’s first and only Slotharium, will open in February on International Drive, offering guided, small‑group experiences inside a rainforest‑style habitat where sloths roam freely among lush trees, vines and natural climbing structures.
  • Society Park, a 2.4‑acre sports and entertainment complex, opens on International Drive in April. Dubbed a “Gen Z country club,” it will feature nine padel courts, an exhibition court, two children’s courts, three pickleball courts, a pro shop, a spa and two restaurants.
  • Museum of Ice Cream Orlando, known for its colorful exhibitions, unique sweet treats and world‑famous sprinkle pool, will make its debut at International Drive’s Pointe Orlando in 2026. The attraction’s Treat Retreat blends fun, strategic thinking and delightful discovery crafted to deepen team bonds, enhance communication and unleash a new level of collaboration.
  • Capone’s Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando on International Drive, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline.
DISNEY SPRINGS®
  • Level 99 will debut at Disney Springs®, replacing the former NBA Experience, transforming the two‑story venue into an interactive adult obstacle course featuring more than 50 physical and mental challenges, plus a bar and restaurant featuring Detroit‑style pizza and beer.
THE FLORIDA MALL® and THE MALL AT MILLENIA
  • The Florida Mall® welcomed 11 new‑to‑market retail brands, including Glow or Go, an immersive team challenge with high‑energy game zones; Pop Mart, the Beijing‑based collectible brand; plus Lindt, Steve Madden and more. In early 2026, Round1 Bowling and Arcade, a Japanese‑style, multi‑entertainment facility featuring bowling, exclusive arcade games from Japan, claw machines and more, will open.
  • The Mall at Millenia is welcoming a wave of updates, including an expanded Christian Louboutin space, a new Versace store, a refreshed Gucci gallery and openings from Lids, PacSun, Suitsupply, and Vuori, plus an upgraded Tommy Bahama location, alongside food court changes welcoming DalMoros Fresh Pasta to Go and recent additions like Rosetta Bakery.

NEW ARTS & CULTURE OFFERINGS

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
  • CityArts Cafe opened inside the historic Rogers Kiene Building, home to CityArts Orlando in downtown Orlando. The cafe is part of the Downtown Arts District’s mission to cultivate the arts in Orlando by creating a new space to highlight local artistry and will feature a menu inspired by the building’s European heritage, such as Lavazza espresso‑roast coffee.
  • Orlando Ballet will present new performances this season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall, including Carmen, an interpretation of the hyper‑dramatic production by the same creator of Casanova, Feb. 12–15; Balanchine, Godden, Gill, featuring a special pre‑performance “Meet the Artist” event before select performances, March 26–29; and The Great Gatsby, an interpretation of the great American novel, telling F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved tragic love story that takes place in the glamorous, roaring 1920s, April 30 – May 3.

NEW AND UPGRADED HOTELS

WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT
  • In summer 2026, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will complete a $275 million renovation and expansion project when the property unveils a 120,000‑square‑foot expansion of the Dolphin’s event space. In 2025, the property completed the renovation of all 756 guest rooms and suites in the Swan hotel.
NEAR THE CONVENTION DISTRICT
  • EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual‑branded hotel combining EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, is scheduled to open in 2026. Located near the Orange County Convention Center and Universal Epic Universe, the property will feature 288 guest rooms, more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space, and amenities such as an outdoor pool, fitness studio and healthy dining options.

DINING EXPERIENCES

CONVENTION DISTRICT
  • Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop is now open at Live! at the Pointe Orlando and features an elevated nightlife experience that blends west coast swagger and southern soul. Guests can expect a curated rotation of DJs, live performances and playlists inspired by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg themselves, and a cocktail menu inspired by Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop among other ultra‑premium spirits.
O‑TOWN WEST NEAR THE CONVENTION DISTRICT
  • Kappo Tsan, specializing in kappo‑style dining offering sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and à la carte formats, is now open in O‑Town West.
  • Mamazzita Gastrobar, a Peruvian/Latin restaurant that transforms into a nightclub, is now open near The Florida Mall.
DOWNTOWN ORLANDO AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS
  • Cowboy Curry, the Japanese beef curry house by Sorekara (Orlando’s only Two‑Star MICHELIN restaurant) Chef William Shen, is now open at Mills Market, along with MICHELIN Guide‑recognized booths Bánh Mì Boy, Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings, and UniGirl.
  • Pomelo, a cocktail‑focused concept by Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh, is set to open in the Mills 50 District this spring. The restaurant will feature Southeast Asian flavors and a vibrant indoor‑outdoor bar experience.
  • The Reverie, an American brasserie by James Beard‑recognized Chef Brandon McGlamery, will open in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square later this year.
  • Osteria Ester, an Italian American concept from Good Salt Restaurant Group founders Jason and Sue Chin, is now open in Thornton Park. It is a true neighborhood gathering place taking on a casual and communal feel.
WINTER GARDEN
  • Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a two‑story restaurant lounge with a dynamic first‑floor lounge and upstairs dining room with a veranda terrace, is opening in Winter Garden later this year.

NEW MEETING OPTIONS AND ATTRACTIONS AT THE THEME PARKS

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

Universal Epic Universe, the first major theme park to open in Orlando in 25 years, now offers Dine & Ride programs for groups up to 500 guests that include the opportunity to experience Epic’s five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.

  • Dine & Ride for 201–500 attendees: Groups can host receptions and meal functions at an exclusive event pavilion, steps away from Celestial Park and with easy access to the five worlds. One of the worlds will remain open after the park closes to provide exclusive group access.
  • Dine & Ride for 20–200 attendees: Groups can choose from select dining venues in Celestial Park before enjoying Universal Express access to one attraction. Restaurants include Atlantic, Club Jupiter, The Oak & Star Tavern, The Blue Dragon Pan‑Asian Restaurant, and Le Gobelet Noir.

Additional event offerings at Universal Epic Universe will be available in the future.

Opened in 2025 with Universal Epic Universe, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, A Loews Hotel, features the Helios Grand Hall with nearly 5,000 square feet of customizable meeting space; and the Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts, located near Universal Epic Universe and the Orange County Convention Center, collectively feature 1,500 guest rooms, making them ideal for rooms‑only programs.

WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT

Disney Meetings & Events continues to elevate the meetings experience with a series of enhancements, including the reopening of a beloved convention center, the redesign of another, introduction of new team‑building programs, and more.

  • Following a months‑long refurbishment, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center at Walt Disney World® Resort has reopened, eagerly welcoming meeting groups, conventions, wedding parties and other social gatherings.
  • Beginning in 2026, a dazzling new chapter will begin at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this reimagining, the resort’s convention center will be transformed to incorporate key innovative design elements, leveraging the expertise of the Walt Disney Imagineering team that brought to life the neighboring Gran Destino Tower.
  • “Toy Story – Out of the Box” is a brand‑new, team‑building activity inspired by the beloved series of Disney Pixar animated films.
MAGIC KINGDOM® PARK
  • In 2026, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad® will reopen at Magic Kingdom® Park, featuring refreshed caverns and peaks along with some new magic.
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin® is set to reopen in 2026 at Magic Kingdom® Park with redesigned ride vehicles featuring Star Command‑inspired styling and onboard video monitors for real‑time scoring, while handheld blasters offer improved aim and interactive feedback.
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress will debut at Magic Kingdom® Park with an all‑new introductory scene featuring Walt Disney through groundbreaking Audio‑Animatronics technology — honoring the visionary who never stood in the way of progress.
DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®
  • In 2026, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring The Muppets speeds into Disney’s Hollywood Studios® for a high‑energy, rockin’ concert.
SEAWORLD® ORLANDO
  • Opening in 2026 at SeaWorld® Orlando, SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, the world’s first‑of‑its‑kind suspended dark ride, will take riders on an awe‑inspiring voyage into the ocean’s most extraordinary realms. Guests will step aboard a state‑of‑the‑art submersible and discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder.

Click here to discover more attractions recently announced during IMEX America 2025.

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, the organization represents more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to 15 of the world’s top theme parks and water parks — as well as nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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