In 2013, Orlando welcomed 59 million visitors, setting a new record for the most visitors to a US destination ever. This was a 3% increase from 2012. Orlando is experiencing significant expansion, including new areas at Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, as well as a new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster at Disney World. George Aguel, President of Visit Orlando, announced the new record numbers and attributed Orlando's continued success to the marketing efforts of Visit Orlando and support from local tourism leaders.

1. Holiday Time with The Bible in Stained Glass
Disney Springs, Snow in Celebration
And Ice at Gaylord Palms

2. Orlando Sets Record for Most Visitors Ever to a
U.S. Destination
• Orlando Sets Record for Most Visitors Ever to a U.S. Destination
• By Matt Alderton
April 11, 2014
• In 2013, Orlando welcomed 59 million visitors, up 3 percent from 2012 and more than any other
U.S. destination — ever, according to Visit Orlando President and CEO George Aguel, who
announced the record-breaking visitor total this week at the U.S. Travel Association’s annual
International Pow Wow (IPW) event in Chicago.
According to Visit Orlando, Orlando is experiencing “one of the most significant expansion periods”
in its history thanks to Universal Orlando Resort, which will open an expansion of The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter this summer; SeaWorld Orlando, which recently opened “Antarctica: Empire
of the Penguin,” the biggest expansion in SeaWorld’s history; and Walt Disney World Resort, which
will debut the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster this summer, doubling the size of Fantasyland.
“We are so pleased to announce this incredibly exciting news,” Aguel said in a statement. “Thanks
to the strong global marketing and sales efforts of our team at Visit Orlando and the leadership of
our tourism members and community leaders who share a common vision for our destination,
Orlando continues to lead the nation as its most visited destination.”
•

3. Mary Queen of the Universe

4. The Bible Scenes in Stained Glass

5. Receiving the 10 Commandments!

6. Old and New Testaments!

7. Meditative Gardens

8. More from the Garden

9. Disney Topiary

10. Lake Buena Vista Village section of
Downtown Disney!

11. The Decorated Tree at Disney Village
Downtown Disney

12. Lake Buena Vista Village at
Downtown Disney

13. Raglan Road

14. 101 and having fun at Raglan Road!

16. The incredible Atrium at the Gaylord
Palms creating the effect of being
outdoors while you’re inside!

17. The Florida Keys section at the Gaylord
Palms Resort

18. The Everglades section at the Gaylord
Palms Resort

19. The Everglades section also includes
sounds of the wildlife!

21. Dolphin Statue at the Gaylord Palms

22. The Christmas Tree in the Atrium
section of the Gaylord Palms

23. Christmas Carolers at Gaylord Palms

24. Gaylord Palms Pool Resort Area

25. Gingerbread House Displays at Gaylord
Palms

26. One of Several Decorated Trees at
Gaylord Palms

28. Bonnie with Parka furnished by Ice
Exhibit at Gaylord Palms

31. The Slide at Ice! An 89 year old man
with our group went on it twice!

41. Back to the Future Delorean

43. Market Street

44. Celebration Hotel from Town Centre

47. Superbowl Celebration Hotel

48. Superbowl Celebration

52. Celebration Hotel

55. Southern Living Idea House

56. Town Centre

58. Orange Cana Lily and Buck Rogers Era
Art Deco Movie Theater!

59. Walking Trail past Homes starts at the hotel