Record Tourist Tax Boosts Orange County as Epic Universe Opens!

Orange County, Florida - In an impressive turn of events, Orange County, Florida has set a record for its Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections, which hit nearly $30 million for May 2025. That’s a remarkable 5.7% increase compared to the same month last year. The debut of Universal’s Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, has undoubtedly contributed to this surge in tourism, marking it as the first major theme park to open in Central Florida in 26 years, as reported by Click Orlando.

The TDT, a 6% tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals, plays a vital role in promoting tourism and funding related facilities. With hotel occupancy in Orlando climbing to 69.2%—a modest increase of 0.6% from last year—plus an additional 2,500 hotel rooms coming online, tourism seems to be in fine shape. The average daily hotel rate also saw a rise, hitting $198.20, a 4.7% increase. This positive trend hints at a busy season ahead.

The Impact of Major Events

Major events at the Orange County Convention Center have also fueled the tourist influx, with gatherings such as Coverings, which boasted 26,800 attendees, and the U.S. Chess Championship with 17,500 participants. Even the SAP & ASUG Annual Conference brought in 15,000 eager attendees, all adding to the lively atmosphere of summer in Orlando.

The demand for short-term rentals in Metro Orlando also saw a noteworthy boost, with a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a growing preference among travelers for unique and personalized accommodations.

Plans for Future Growth

Part of the increased funds from the TDT will go towards various promising projects, including the Convention Center expansion and renovations at Camping World Stadium. Additionally, the UCF football stadium tower project is set to benefit from the county’s Renewal & Replacement Reserves, which increased by $4 million in May, bringing the total to $140.5 million.

Universal Destinations and Experiences is not just resting on its laurels with Epic Universe. According to Blooloop, the company has major expansions planned across several markets, including Las Vegas and Frisco, Texas. In Orlando, Epic Universe is unique, featuring five themed worlds and over 50 attractions, promising a feast for the senses as well as extended visitor stays.

The Broader Theme Park Landscape

The global theme park tourism industry is shaping up for robust growth. A report from Future Market Insights suggests projections of the industry expanding from USD 72.3 billion in 2025 to USD 215.6 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%. Innovations in attractions and the ongoing demand for immersive experiences will only bolster this upward momentum.

As the United States maintains its status as the leading market for theme parks, attractions like Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Universal’s Super Nintendo World continue to draw families eager for adventurous experiences. The future seems bright, and as Universal continues to innovate and expand, both the local economy and the tourism landscape in Orange County will only benefit.

With the June TDT collections report on the horizon in early August, it will be interesting to see how the trends evolve further. What’s clear is that the thrill of new attractions, combined with strategic investments, can do wonders for the local economy and tourism dynamics in the Sunshine State.