(TALLAHASSEE, FL.) - According to Visit Florida, a new state record for tourism was set in 2025, with over 143 million visitors for the year. 2024 was the previous record-breaking year, showing strong recovery post-pandemic.
Currently, 90% of Florida’s tourism comes from American travelers, with 60% opting to drive to their destination instead of flying. Tourist aversion to flying is not limited to a fear of illnesses, as seen by a large population of Canadian travelers.
In an effort to be more economical, many Canadians have reported driving into the U.S. and flying to a second destination. Utilizing both forms of transportation is often more affordable.
Before COVID-19, tourism accounted for approximately 10% of Florida’s GDP. In 2024, large tourist companies provided nearly two million jobs and $17 billion in state revenue.
Essentially, Disney and other tourist destinations provide the funds that allow Floridians to avoid annual state taxes. Florida was one of the first states to lift pandemic travel restrictions, allowing theme parks to open in the summer of 2020 with safety protocols.
Photo Credit: The Daily Beast
Both the state of Florida and theme park owners were invested into regaining commercial success. Florida immediately campaigned to neighboring states to regain their business. Florida advertisements had gained over 200 million digital impressions on devices within 700 miles of the state.
Theme parks were just as active, not only advertising but also implementing changes to encourage traveling. Many of the changes are still in effect five years later, and have led to an increase in revenue.
Most theme parks now utilize apps, which display maps and estimated wait times for rides.
Tickets are now online, and cash purchases are largely unaccepted.
FastPasses, which used to be free, are now expensive ticket add-ons to reduce wait times at theme parks. The rise of digital amenities has changed how tourists have to plan for vacations.
Buying tickets to DisneyWorld the day before your trip could be over $40 (per day) more expensive than buying tickets a month in advance.
Photo Credit: DisneyWorld Magic Kingdom Tickets
Although DisneyWorld will also significantly increase ticket prices over a month away, dynamic pricing can significantly alter your vacation.
A family of four buying two-day tickets to Magic Kingdom for August 3 and 4 could save $200 by planning for August 23 and 24. Hotel and plane tickets follow similar logic, necessitating advance planning.
Advanced planning options are encouraging better overnight options as well. Instead of hotels, some vacationers are choosing ‘condo-hotels’ and Airbnbs. The upgrade over standard hotels and resorts gives guests a full kitchen and personal laundry units, accommodating longer stays.
Although there may be limited room service, the extra amenities make extended trips more enjoyable.
Theme parks are now just as populated as they were prior to the pandemic, but are much more technical throughout.
If you want an enjoyable theme park experience, expect to buy your tickets between two and three weeks in advance, and plan ahead for overnight reservations, which can make food and travel arrangements more convenient.
If you have any questions or concerns, please comment and email me at jason.f@lead4earth.org.
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