During an exclusive conversation with Karen E. Schlicht Gabriele, Senior Director of International Sales at Experience Kissimmee, the main updates of the destination were highlighted, reinforcing its position as one of the most dynamic and attractive places in the state of Florida.

Kissimmee continues to expand its entertainment, dining, and accommodation offerings, boosting its positioning as “the heart of Florida fun.”

“Kissimmee keeps growing and diversifying its offerings. We want both international and local visitors to discover new experiences, modern accommodations, and entertainment for all ages,” explained Schlicht Gabriele.

24-Hour Entertainment: New Openings

Among the newest attractions is the opening of Arcade Time Entertainment, the first and only 24-hour arcade and restaurant in Orlando. This new Florida-based venue combines over 300 games—from the latest tech-driven attractions to retro classics—with a full dining experience.
The restaurant offers a modern reinterpretation of comforting favorites and features exclusive dishes that surprise visitors with their culinary quality. It also includes two fully licensed bars and a fun cocktail menu.

“Arcade Time expands Kissimmee and Orlando’s family and nightlife entertainment options. It’s a place to play, dine, or simply enjoy a unique atmosphere at any time of day,” said Schlicht Gabriele.

Another major addition is the Mystery Fun House Arcade, an initiative by Westgate Resorts that pays homage to the iconic original Mystery Fun House of Orlando. Located within Westgate Vacation Villas Resort and Westgate Town Center Resort, the new 9,000-square-foot venue features retro games, modern simulators, mini bowling, and themed restaurants.
The experience also includes interactive zones powered by Chuck E. Cheese, adding to Westgate’s family offerings alongside newly renovated suites and expanded dining options.

Recently Opened Hotels and Upcoming Developments

In terms of accommodations, the new voco® Kissimmee Orlando is now open. Formerly known as Sonder Cirrus, the property has been completely renovated to offer a stylish and family-friendly atmosphere, featuring 150 spacious rooms equipped with refrigerators, coffee makers, HDTVs, Wi-Fi, and multiple charging ports.
Guests can enjoy a resort-style pool, a water play area, outdoor recreation zones, and a cozy ambiance designed for families and couples.

“The new voco Kissimmee Orlando strengthens our hotel offering with a design that combines modern style and warmth. We want every guest to feel at home, with all the comforts of a resort,” highlighted Schlicht Gabriele.

Kissimmee also continues moving forward with significant hotel and mixed-use projects that will mark a turning point in its urban and tourism development.

Downtown Kissimmee is set to make history with the arrival of its first hotels.
The Azure Hotel International leads a USD 180 million project at 201 E. Dakin Street, featuring 300 rooms and a 45,000-square-foot convention center with ballrooms, exhibition areas, and creative “muse rooms” for meetings.
Meanwhile, Skyview Companies is investing USD 31 million in a complex that includes a Sonesta Hotel with 128 rooms and residential condominiums at 92 Pleasant Street. Both projects will strengthen the city’s hotel infrastructure and boost local economic activity.

Another notable announcement is the upcoming Homewood Suites by Hilton in Celebration, representing Hilton’s first extended-stay hotel in the area.
With 128 rooms spread over 98,372 square feet, the four-story building will feature a fitness center, meeting room, laundry facilities, and spacious one- and two-bedroom suites designed for families and business travelers seeking comfort and flexibility.

Additionally, Hyatt Studios has begun construction on a 122-room hotel at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport, the first within the airport grounds. Featuring 3,000 square feet of meeting space, the project will cater to corporate and executive aviation travelers, with an opening scheduled for late 2026.

Major Mixed-Use Developments and Resort Expansions

Among the largest-scale projects are Ovation and Everest Place, two developments that solidify Kissimmee as a premier destination for hospitality, shopping, and entertainment.

Ovation, located across from Celebration, will cover 80 acres and feature over 800,000 square feet of commercial, dining, and recreational space, including a 500-room hotel. It will also host live music venues and cultural attractions, creating a new gathering hub for residents and visitors alike.

Meanwhile, Everest Place will transform the area with a blend of luxury living, hotels, entertainment, and residences. The ambitious project will include The District, a vibrant center with exclusive shops and restaurants; Mysk Hotel & Residences, the first Kempinski brand hotel in the United States; and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, designed especially for families with themed suites, a water park, and an open-air theater.

“These developments reflect Kissimmee’s vision of becoming a complete destination — a place to live, work, and enjoy. The combination of global brands with unique local experiences strengthens our position on the world tourism map,” emphasized Schlicht Gabriele.

Finally, Margaritaville Orlando Resort announced a major expansion planned for 2027, adding 40,000 square feet of new event space, including two ballrooms and a direct connection between the Margaritaville Hotel and Embassy Suites SunsetWalk.
The project will also introduce 300 additional rooms and over 40 vacation homes, raising the resort’s total capacity to 5,000 accommodations.

Kissimmee: A Destination in Full Evolution

With a combination of private investments, infrastructure projects, and a strategy focused on tourism innovation, Kissimmee continues to position itself as a key destination for family, convention, and leisure tourism in Central Florida.

“Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, offer authentic experiences, and remain the perfect starting point to enjoy all the magic of Florida. Kissimmee never stops evolving,” concluded Schlicht Gabriele.