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Month: January 2025

Orlando hotel occupancy dips in 2024, influenced by inflation, inventory, Epic Universe

Orlando hotel occupancy dips in 2024, influenced by inflation, inventory, Epic Universe

Orlando’s hotel occupancy was down for the bulk of 2024, as it added more hotel rooms and attracted fewer visitors.

But the area’s 130,000 rooms saw a surge in bookings in the final three months of the year, so the annual occupancy rate was down only 1.1% from 2023 and at 71.6 % still considered good.

The factors behind the decreases and the rebound are multifold, hospitality experts say. Among them are the pandemic, “revenge travel,” inflation, strength of the U.S. dollar and basic math.

Also playing a role in last year’s figures is this year’s opening of Epic Universe theme park — which may have would-be travelers waiting until 2025 to visit Orlando, they say.

In early 2024, there were large additions to the hotel-room inventory in Orange County, said Chantal Wu, senior director, hospitality and market analytics at CoStar, which collects real-estate data.

Evermore Orlando, with more than 300 rooms, and Conrad Orlando, with 433 units, opened in January, Wu said.

“It takes some time for the market to absorb all of the new supply,” she said. read more

Best Events in Southwest Florida – February 2025

Best Events in Southwest Florida – February 2025

If you’re looking for the best events in Southwest Florida in February 2025, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re into art festivals, food and music events, car shows, or wildlife celebrations, there’s something happening near you. From Fort Myers and Cape Coral to Naples, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, and Marco Island, this guide highlights the …

The post Best Events in Southwest Florida – February 2025 first appeared on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to become Imagineering offices, Disney confirms

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to become Imagineering offices, Disney confirms

The shuttered Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World will be transformed into office space for Imagineers, a Disney World spokesperson confirmed Thursday.

No further details were provided. The Walt Disney Imagineering move was first reported by The Wrap.

Starcruiser, which opened in March 2022 and closed in 2023, was billed as a two-night immersive experience, although some people referred to it as the “Star Wars hotel.”  Starcruiser guests experienced themed meals, bars, entertainment, games and interactive storylines and stayed in one of 100 cabins with a (virtual) space view.

First look: Disney’s Starcruiser missions mesh with tech, ‘Star Wars’ fans

The experience also included an afternoon outing to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a land within nearby Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, where the storyline continued.

The stays also included lightsaber training and a climactic battle in the bright, white Starcruiser atrium. Only paying customers were allowed into the space, which was announced in 2017. read more

Naples India Fest 2025: Indian of Food, Music, and Culture at Cambier Park

Naples India Fest 2025: Indian of Food, Music, and Culture at Cambier Park

February 15, 2025 —  If you’re searching for exciting Naples events this February, Naples India Fest 2025 is a must-visit. This vibrant cultural festival celebrates the best of India with delicious food, colorful performances, and unique shopping. I’m especially looking forward to enjoying some crispy samosas, flavorful biryanis, and the lively Bollywood dances that make …

The post Naples India Fest 2025: Indian of Food, Music, and Culture at Cambier Park first appeared on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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Cirque Ma’Ceo Brings a Thrilling Equestrian Spectacle to Naples This February

Cirque Ma’Ceo Brings a Thrilling Equestrian Spectacle to Naples This February

February  7 to 9, 2025 —  If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind family event in Naples, Cirque Ma’Ceo is an experience you won’t want to miss. For the first time ever, this world-renowned equestrian cirque will be making its Naples debut, transforming the Florida Sports Park into a mesmerizing showcase of horses, acrobatics, and theatrical …

The post Cirque Ma’Ceo Brings a Thrilling Equestrian Spectacle to Naples This February first appeared on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

The post Cirque Ma’Ceo Brings a Thrilling Equestrian Spectacle to Naples This February appeared first on 365 Things to do in Southwest Florida.

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