Orlando has big news for planners—new theme park experiences, celebrity-chef dining and fresh teambuilding options, while major expansions at the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando International Airport enhance the meeting and travel experience.
“Because of the demand, we’re investing in our infrastructure, including the airport, whose passenger rates continue to rise,” says Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer for Visit Orlando. “And we’ve had so much community growth… no group is too small or large for us.”
Upgraded Meeting Venues
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.
“This expansion will give us more and diverse types of customers… and increases our options, such as allowing multiple large groups to meet at the same time,” says Mark Tester, Executive Director of the OCCC. “We’ll be hosting amateur athletics and big-name concerts as well.”
Set to begin construction in early 2026 and conclude in 2029, the expansion will add 44,000 sf of meeting space and a 100,000-sf ballroom, designed to accommodate the growing demand for flexible, high-capacity event venues.
Transportation Upgrades
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has unveiled a new vision for Orlando International Airport, anchored by a $5.9 billion investment to expand capacity, modernize facilities, and enhance the traveler experience.
- The $253 million Gate Link Replacement Project will add four new Gate Link vehicles connecting Terminals A and B to Airsides 2 and 4, with construction running through fall 2027.
- Infrastructure upgrades include a new baggage system for Terminals A and B and enhanced passenger conveyance in Terminal C.
- 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 will deliver a new 8,000-sf FBO terminal replacing the 1980s facility.
- GOAA is also investing $84.2 million in capital improvements at Orlando Executive Airport.
New Teambuilding Experiences
- Blue Man Group returns to Orlando on May 1 with a new custom-built home at ICON Park.
- Sloth World, the world’s first and only Slotharium, will open in February on International Drive.
- Society Park, a 2.4-acre sports and entertainment complex, opens on International Drive in April.
- 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.
Capone’s added a new location. - Capone’s Dinner & Show opened a new location at Dezerland Park Orlando on International Drive, featuring a larger stage, expanded restaurant and updated storyline.
- Level 99 will debut at Disney Springs, replacing the former NBA Experience and transforming the two-story venue into an interactive adult obstacle course.
New and Upgraded Hotels
- In summer 2026, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will complete a $275 million renovation and expansion project, unveiling a 120,000-sf expansion of the Dolphin’s event space.
- EVEN Hotel by IHG, a dual-branded hotel combining EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites, is scheduled to open in 2026 near the Orange County Convention Center and Universal Epic Universe.
Dining & Nightlife Experiences
- Still Lounge by Dre and Snoop has opened at Live! at the Pointe Orlando, merging west coast swagger with southern soul.
- Kappo Tsan, specializing in kappo-style dining offering sushi and cooked dishes in both multicourse and a la carte formats, just opened in O-Town West.
- Japanese beef curry house, Cowboy Curry, 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.
- Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar, a two-story restaurant lounge with a first-floor lounge and upstairs dining room with a veranda terrace, is opening in Winter Garden later this year.
New Meeting Options & Attractions at the Theme Parks
- Universal Epic Universe, Orlando’s first major theme park in 25 years, has introduced Dine & Ride programs for groups up to 500.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Convention Center at Walt Disney World Resort has reopened following a months-long refurbishment.
- The convention center at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort will be transformed to incorporate key innovative design elements, with the help of the Walt Disney Imagineering team.
- “Toy Story–Out of the Box” is a brand-new, team-building activity inspired by the beloved series of Disney Pixar animated films.
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