The Vacation Home Capital of the World is welcoming a host of new openings and expansions including Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe for 2025. There are new shows at Walt Disney World Resort, a new SEA LIFE Florida Resort dubbed the ‘Theme Park Under The Sea’, new Orlando Ballet productions. Here’s a round-up of what’s new in Kissimmee for 2025:   Epic Universe to open at Universal Orlando Resort on 22 May 2025 Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, will open on 22 May 2025, unlocking the portals to five imaginative lands. Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal has ever created. It will eventually  boast a total of more than 50 experiences, themed dining and shopping, The five themed worlds: are 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.   Walt Disney World Resort new attractions and shows A fully reimagined theatrical production, inspired by “The Little Mermaid” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2025. A new parade will waltz down Main Street in summer 2025. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an all-new live production starring Disney Villains will debut in summer 2025. It will feature finds and foes like Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent.   SEA LIFE ‘Theme Park Under The Sea’ opens in Spring 2025 SEA LIFE Florida is LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort’s first-ever aquarium. SEA LIFE Florida is designed to introduce kids ages two to 12 to the wonders of the ocean. Opening in spring 2025, this new aquarium blends the thrills of a theme park with sea life, all with a focus on conservation and education. It’s the world’s first aquarium with a “Theme Park Under the Sea” experience.   SeaWorld to launch Arctic Flying Theater SeaWorld Orlando unveiled plans for its latest attraction planned to open in Spring 2025: the World’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theatre. This new experience invites families to soar over icy landscapes and dive beneath frozen waters. It’s also all indoors, so rain or shine, this attraction guarantees a cool, thrilling escape. Crush Yard comes to Kissimmee featuring 10 state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts Crush Yard is coming to Kissimmee in 2025, following a successful debut in Charleston, South Carolina. Crush Yard offers a 50,000 sq ft facility with a sports ping pong, cornhole, darts, arcade games, board games, and more. The main facility features 10 indoor pickleball courts. The Kissimmee location will provide everything from court rentals, classes, private lessons, and leagues.   Orlando Ballet new productions for 2025 Orlando Ballet announced an inspiring lineup for 2025, showcasing performances that promise to captivate audiences of all ages. In February the classic story of Peter Pan is presented like never before. With cirque-style flying scenes and choreography, this production combines humor and heart in an unforgettable journey.   Two new rides come to Fun Spot Adding to the fun in Kissimmee, Florida will be an exciting new SBF-Visa Group Swing Around ride in the Kids Spot section. Designed for younger guests, this classic swing will remind people of a beautiful sunny day. In addition, Kissimmee will feature a massive 60’ towering new ride, Up and Overboard, a SBF-Visa Group manufactured Inverted Pendulum ride featuring twin gondolas. Riders go up  and over 360-degrees experiencing a feeling of complete weightlessness.   Medieval Times announces new show is coming to Kissimmee Kingdoms come together to celebrate a new era of peace. But the celebration may be short lived when rumours of a betrayal are afoot. Witness intense sword fights and jousting like never before as six knights compete to become defender of the realm, all while enjoying a royal four-course feast.   Everest Place scheduled to open in 2026 Construction is underway at Everest Place, where Teramir Group is building a mixed-use resort district at the US 192 interchange with SR 429. Everest Place will debut North America's first Mysk Hotel and bring a Nickelodeon Resort Hotel back to the Central Florida market. Get inspired at experiencekissimmee.com.

Experience Kissimmee is celebrating its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of achievements. Over the past decade, the organization has been committed to promoting Osceola County as a premier destination. It has grown to having more than 1,000 partners. "I could not be prouder of the incredible milestones we've reached while staying steadfast to our mission. Our growth has been extraordinary," said DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee. "From doubling our impact in tourism to expanding our global reach, we've helped Osceola County evolve into a world-class destination." Since 2014, visitation has grown by 70%, with over 10.4 million visitors in 2024 alone. Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections have doubled, reaching $81.6 million in 2023. International representation has expanded significantly, from just three countries in 2014 to 17 in 2024, furthering global reach. The Kissimmee Sports Commission has played a vital role in driving economic growth, with room nights in the sports segment increasing from 90,000 in 2015 to over 450,000 in 2024. The overall economic impact from sports events has exceeded $1 billion over the last ten years. Over the years, Experience Kissimmee has continued to expand strategic partnerships to increase brand awareness, such as Brand USA, Brightline, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., Jacksonville Jaguars, Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL) in the UK, Osceola Magic, Rangers FC and Visit Florida. The Meetings Team has nearly doubled lead volume from 2015 to 2024, with contracted room nights increasing from 162,229 in 2015 to 370,709 in 2024. Since May 1, 2023, the partnership with Trees4Travel has planted 60,102 trees to offset carbon emissions from travel. In 2018, Experience Kissimmee trademarked Kissimmee as the Vacation Home Capital of the World, and this year, Osceola County celebrated its first Michelin Key for the ette hotel. Looking ahead to the next decade, there is a continued focus on innovation, strategic partnerships and service.

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Experience Kissimmee has introduced ‘The Kissimmee Experience’ a 10-part video series highlighting the area’s attractions. It launches in two parts on 18 July and then 14 August 2023. Videos take viewers on a journey through Kissimmee's attractions, presented by a local host alongside various celebrities and personalities. Hosted by Jen Bonner, ‘The Kissimmee Experience’ features a diverse lineup lineup including award-winning photographers, actors, a retired pro soccer player, stunt performers, and even ventriloquists. They uncover the area’s hidden sights and experiences. They showcase outstanding outdoor adventures and cultural encounters,. It includes accessible attractions and family-friendly activities, with an insider's view through engaging storytelling. "We invite viewers to join us on this incredible journey," said Nathanael Saldaña, Director of Brand & Content Studio. "Through this series, we aim to highlight the magic and variety of Kissimmee, while also providing entertaining and engaging content for travel enthusiasts." The series covers the following: Jeff Musial: Animal Adventures in Kissimmee - From monster truck rides through classic Central Florida attractions to an immersive drive-through safari. Kyla Kenedy: Top Luxury Experiences Around Kissimmee - Kyla Kenedy takes viewers on a journey of indulgence, exploring the luxurious experiences that Kissimmee and Central Florida offer, from shopping to dining and relaxing in a luxury vacation home. Lolo Spencer: An Accessible Journey Through Kissimmee - Lolo Spencer shares her story as she explores the accessible side of Kissimmee, proving that the destination has something for everyone. Luke Boden: A Tour of Kissimmee Sports Venues - Soccer coach Luke Boden takes viewers on a tour of Kissimmee's sports venues, highlighting the wide array of spectator sports and participation opportunities. Audra Miller: Performance Venues Around Kissimmee - Musician Audra Miller delves into the vibrant performance scene of Kissimmee, highlighting theater, outdoor stages at popular entertainment districts and regional venues. Carla Rhodes: Conservation, Photography, and Birding in Kissimmee - Conservation photographer Carla Rhodes captures the wild side of Florida, from observing birds in their natural habitat to exploring the Everglades on an airboat ride. Anisa Benitez: Reconnect with Yourself in Kissimmee - Anisa Benitez guides viewers on a journey of wellness, meditation, and self-connection in and around Kissimmee. Ming Chen: Pop Culture in Kissimmee - Ming Chen uncovers the vibrant pop culture scene in Kissimmee, featuring specialty stores, themed restaurants, and all-inclusive entertainment venues. Caitlin Dechelle: Adrenaline and Thrills in Kissimmee - Stunt actor Caitlin Dechelle goes on a heart-pumping adventure, exploring the adrenaline-inducing side of Kissimmee through theme park rides, extreme skills challenges, and zip lining. Ami Vitale: Inspiration, Adventure, and Photography in Kissimmee - National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale concludes the series by sharing her experiences capturing the essence of Kissimmee through breathtaking photography. Tune in at thekissimmeeexperience.com

  Vacation Home Capital of the World®   Regularly listed as one of Airbnb's top destinations for travel in the U.S., Kissimmee has the largest collection of vacation homes rentals in the world, with more than 50,000 options.

Experience Kissimmee announced it is cancelling its sponsorship of West Ham United Football Club. "Due to recent events, Experience Kissimmee has made the decision to part ways with West Ham United Football Club and end our sponsorship of the team," said DT Minich, Experience Kissimmee President/CEO. It follows a major backlash against player Kurt Zouma who was filmed kicking his pet cat. "As an organisation and community, we welcome visitors and locals alike to join us in celebrating wildlife and nature, now and always. We are proud to work with partners who are accredited, certified and regulated to the highest standards of animal care," Minich added.

  TravelMole talks to D T Minich of Experience Kissimmee, following news the US will reopen its borders to foreign vaccinated travellers. UK visitors make up its largest contingent of international visitors.