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Orlando’s Hotel Industry Experienced A Slump in 2024, Epic Universe Expected to Boost 2025 Bookings
Orlando’s hotel occupancy rate saw a decline for much of 2024, largely due to an increase in available hotel rooms and a slowdown in visitor numbers. According to reporting by the Orlando Sentinel, the area’s 130,000 rooms experienced lower bookings in the early and mid-year months, with occupancy rates dropping as much as 3.7% in September. However, a strong final quarter, with notable increases in October, November, and December, helped offset the earlier declines, leaving the annual occupancy rate down only 1.1% from 2023 at 71.6%.
Related: Jellyrolls Officially Closing at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Several factors contributed to the decline and late-year rebound, including inflation, shifts in post-pandemic travel patterns, and the strength of the U.S. dollar, which led some domestic travelers to choose international destinations. Additionally, the highly anticipated opening of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in May 2025 may have prompted some potential visitors to delay their trips. Throughout 2024, new hotel openings, such as Evermore Orlando Resort and Conrad Orlando, added to the region’s lodging supply, further impacting occupancy rates.
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Looking ahead, Epic Universe is expected to drive a surge in tourism, with Universal Orlando expanding its hotel offerings to meet demand. Three new resorts—Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Grand Helios—will add over 2,000 rooms near the new theme park. While Orlando’s overall hotel occupancy in 2025 may remain steady, Universal’s growing portfolio positions it to capture a larger share of visitors. The long-term impact of Epic Universe on the city’s tourism and hotel industry will become clearer as travel patterns adjust throughout the year.

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