Biggest Changes to Orlando, Florida in the Last 10 years
Orlando, Florida, has undergone significant changes over the past decade, including urban development, infrastructure improvements, and cultural expansions. Here are some of the most notable changes:
Theme Park Expansions: Disney has continued to invest heavily in its Orlando parks, most notably with the opening of new attractions like "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" at Disney's Hollywood Studios and the upcoming "TRON Lightcycle Run" at Magic Kingdom. Universal Orlando Resort has also expanded, with the opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" attractions and the new "VelociCoaster" at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
COVID-19 Impact and Recovery: The pandemic significantly affected Orlando, particularly its tourism-based economy. However, the city has worked toward recovery, with the gradual reopening of attractions and a renewed focus on health and safety measures.
Lake Nona and Medical City Development: The Lake Nona area has seen rapid growth, especially with the establishment of the USTC (Medical City), which includes facilities like the Nemours Children's Hospital and the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This area has become a hub for health innovation and technology.
Downtown Revitalization: Downtown Orlando has seen an influx of new residential buildings, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The construction of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has also enhanced the cultural landscape, attracting large-scale performances and events.
Transportation Improvements: There have been significant efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of the SunRail commuter rail system and upgrades to the Orlando International Airport, which has seen continued growth in traffic and new flight routes.
Affordable Housing Initiatives: As the city has grown, so have concerns about housing affordability. Various initiatives have been launched to increase the availability of affordable housing in response to rising housing costs.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives: Orlando has placed a greater emphasis on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing the city's carbon footprint and enhancing green spaces, including improvements to public parks and the addition of bike lanes.
Diverse Cultural and Culinary Scene: The city has become increasingly recognized for its diverse culinary offerings and cultural events, including the Orlando Museum of Art and various festivals celebrating different cultures.
These changes reflect Orlando's evolution as a major tourism destination, a growing urban center, and a place of significant economic development.