The launch of the epic universe lost the Orange County tourist tax collection, which reached its highest level ever in May.
The month brought about about $30 million, about $1.6 million more than the previous best in May set last year. The 5.7% year-on-year revenue growth came despite the spectacular new theme park opening on May 22, just 10 days after the end of the month.
“We’re looking forward to what the June figures are,” said the office, which tracks revenue generated at a 6% extra charge on hotel rooms and other short-term rental accommodation costs. “It’s going to be an epic first month,” he said.
Tourism numbers tend to slip in May of a month sandwiched between spring break and peak summer travel periods.
The monthly TDT report is about five weeks behind the hotel tax collection. The June figures will be released in early August.
An epic universe opens, and Harry Potter vehicles immediately draw crowds (and 300 minutes waiting)
Diamond says the new theme park has historically boosted the TDT collection.
When Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened in 1998, TDT rose by about 8%.
The following year, Universal’s Adventure Island lifted its TDT figure by about 2%.
Universal’s opening of Harry Potter attraction at Universal helped to source about 4% TDT collection in 2010.
Diamond said it could move up and down many factors, including both the strength of both the US and the global economy and international conflict, but “but Orlando has a very strong tourist base and overall I think it’s very well located for long-term success.”
The hotel occupancy rate in May 2025 rose 0.6% year-on-year to 69.2%, while demand for hotels rose 2.6%, according to data cited by Diamond and recognized as visiting Orlando, a regional TDT-funded marketing agency.
Average daily room rates in May rose to $198.20 from $189.30 in May 2024.
Three large gatherings at the Orange County Convention Center in May also helped boost TDT numbers.
The convention center held a cover for approximately 27,000 people, the largest ceramic tile and natural stone conference and exhibition in the United States and North America. There were 17,500 participants in the mega tournament performed by US Chess. 15,000 at the technology show.
Visit Orlando president and CEO Casandra Matej said bookings for the Advance Hotel were slightly ahead of the figures last summer. However, bookings in the short-term rental market are 15% ahead of this period last year.
For the first eight months of the current fiscal year, which began on October 1st, the TDT collection is around $13.1 million from last year until the same period. The company finished with a record total of $359.4 million in fiscal year 2024, and it won approximately $140,000 in fiscal year 2023.
TDT pays to build, expand, operate and maintain convention centers. Visit Orlando and Tourist Promotions. Building and upgrading public venues such as Camping World Stadium and Kia Center. Supports community art, cultural programs and museums.
shudak@orlandosentinel.com
