Orlando Shatters Tourism Records with 76.7 Million Visitors in 2025
Setting a new tourism record, Orlando welcomed more visitors in 2025 than ever before, according to Visit Orlando data released on May 7, 2026. The region hosted 76.7 million guests last year, a 1.8% increase over 2024 and the highest volume ever documented.
Related – Disney Profits Surge in Q2 2025 Driven by Theme Parks and Cruise Line
Domestic travel fueled this record-breaking growth, with visitation rising 2.2% to reach an unprecedented 70.3 million guests. While in-state travel from Floridians saw a notable 3.4% boost, the majority of the domestic market remained out-of-state travelers. Crucially, overnight stays remained a powerhouse, representing 70% of domestic visits (49.2 million people). For local theme parks, this 1.8% year-over-year increase in overnight guests is vital, as these travelers typically stay longer, spend more, and purchase multi-day park passes.
While domestic travel soared, international visitation experienced a slight softening, dipping 2.4% to 6.3 million visitors. This decrease of roughly 156,000 travelers was primarily driven by a 13.3% slump in Canadian arrivals. Despite this double-digit drop, Canada maintained its status as Orlando’s leading international market with 1.1 million visitors.
The decline was partially mitigated by record-breaking performances from Mexico, Colombia, and Japan. The top international markets for 2025 included:
- Canada: 1,119,300 (↓ 13.3%)
- United Kingdom: 933,500 (↑ 2.8%)
- Brazil: 736,300 (↑ 5.6%)
- Mexico: 458,500 (↑ 4.6%)
- Colombia: 360,000 (↑ 5.0%)
Looking ahead, the Asia-Pacific market shows promise. At the start of 2026, Orlando International Airport launched Florida’s first-ever direct service to the region via nonstop charter flights to Tokyo, a move expected to bolster future growth.
The dip in international travel reflected in Visit Orlando’s data mirrors recent commentary from Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston. During the company’s Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings call, Johnston confirmed that lagging international attendance contributed to a 1% decline in Disney World visitation compared to the previous year. Notably, Johnston pointed out that domestic attendance would have shown growth if not for the international shortfall.
Looking forward, Disney remains optimistic. Johnston noted that the company expects headwinds from international travel—and the competitive impact of the upcoming Epic Universe—to ease in the near future. Forward booking trends for Disney World are currently “pacing up strongly,” suggesting that the second-quarter slump may be temporary as attendance stabilizes heading into Q3.
In addition to leisure success, Orlando’s group meetings segment surged in 2025, growing 3.1% to reach 5.8 million attendees. This performance solidifies the city’s status as the premier meetings destination in the U.S., providing vital midweek demand for local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The year’s overall visitor profile consisted of 81% domestic leisure, 10% domestic business, and 8% international travelers.
“While these totals reflect Orlando’s continued expansion, the numbers only tell part of the story,” noted Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. She emphasized that the true value lies in the “experiences that motivate travel and the emotional connections that draw visitors back year after year.”
Between record-breaking total visitation, robust domestic overnight stays, and Disney’s own optimistic booking data, the outlook for Walt Disney World remains largely positive heading into late 2025—even after a potentially quiet summer season.
The primary wildcard remains the international market, specifically Canada. As Orlando’s largest source of international travelers and a cited “headwind” for Disney, a Canadian recovery would provide a significant boost to park attendance. Ultimately, a headline figure of 76.7 million visitors serves as a definitive signal: Orlando’s status as a global powerhouse is as secure as ever.
