Tripadvisor's inaugural video series premieres with an exploration of Orlando by famous locals; consumer sweepstakes offers viewers an 8-night Orlando vacation package
ORLANDO, Fla., (Sept. 1, 2026) -- Visit Orlando and Tripadvisor today announced a new content series showcasing how travelers can experience Orlando like a famous local. Available to stream now on YouTube, Common Ground brings together notable figures from different worlds for unscripted conversations, using travel as the connective thread that turns food, music, sport and culture into shared experiences.
Stars with roots in Orlando, including Brazilian soccer legend Ricardo Kaká and Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle Souza, recording artist Joey Fatone and celebrity chef Richard Blais, and Broadway and TV performer Michael James Scott alongside viral social media stars the Valentine Brothers, share some of their favorite Orlando experiences while showcasing the connections, culture and memorable moments that inspire visitation to the destination.
“The best travel experiences are built on authentic connections, and Orlando creates those moments every day,” said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. “By bringing together celebrities from different backgrounds to share their experiences through food, sports, arts and culture, Common Ground highlights the power of human connection and local exploration, inspiring visitors to create meaningful memories of their own.”
Common Ground is presented in partnership with Visit Orlando, Tripadvisor’s first-ever destination partner and the only organization dedicated to telling the holistic story of Orlando. Available now to stream on Tripadvisor and on Visit Orlando’s website, the series premieres with three episodes that each center on a different theme:
Episode 1 – Sports: Brazilian soccer legend and former Orlando City SC (MLS) star Ricardo Kaká joins current Orlando Pride (NWSL) defender and Brazil women’s national team standout Rafaelle Souza at the club’s shared home stadium to share how sports has the power to bring people together on a global scale.
Episode 2 – Food: Orlando-raised pop icon and former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone and celebrity chef Richard Blais embark on a culinary and entertainment tour of the city, where they explore Joey’s favorites from Universal Orlando Resort to Richard Blais’s kitchen at Four Flamingos, discuss the value of skills such as improv and hustle culture in the kitchen and on the stage.
Episode 3 – Inclusivity: Broadway actor and Orlando native Michael James Scott is joined by viral social media stars, the Valentine Brothers, on a magical journey through the city’s vibrant performing arts scene, where they discuss how we are all capable of creating a more inclusive and accessible world.
“Common Ground is built on the simple but profound idea that conversation can connect us, no matter how far we are from home,” said Adam Ochman, Global Head of Tripadvisor’s creative studio, Wanderlab. “We’re excited to partner with Visit Orlando – a pioneering organization in experience-based travel – to spotlight the people, places and moments in Orlando that make travel meaningful today.”
According to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Trendcast Report, connection, experience, and humanized hospitality are the driving forces powering travel today, and Orlando plays a fundamental role in exemplifying these trends in practice. From child-led travel where kids are the masters of the itinerary to community crowdsourcing for local recommendations, Orlando’s combination of kid-friendly experiences, culinary prowess and intrinsic authenticity make the city a leading destination for today’s traveler.
Enter to win a trip to Orlando
Visit Orlando and Tripadvisor invite travelers inspired by the series to enter for a chance to create their own memories and explore Orlando with a free 8-night trip for two to the destination (valued at $15,000). Full contest details, eligibility, and official rules can be found here.
How to watch Common Ground
Episodes are available to stream now on Tripadvisor and on Visit Orlando’s website. Viewers can subscribe to the channel and follow @Tripadvisor and @VisitOrlando on social media for updates, episode clips and contest announcements.
About Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor (Nasdaq: TRIP) is the world’s largest travel platform, helping hundreds of millions of travelers each month plan and book the perfect trip. With billions of reviews and opinions, Tripadvisor connects travelers with experiences, restaurants and places that inspire discovery. Learn more at www.tripadvisor.com.
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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