Experience Kissimmee hosted media during an event at Toronto’s 1 King West Hotel on Tuesday, where they had a chance to mingle with 7 local partners from the destination. Known as the vacation home capital of the world, the two most interesting destination announcements at the event came during Kissimmee Account Manager Denise Graham’s presentation - the opening of Margaritaville Resort Orlando and the breaking ground of Virgin Trains USA.

In January of this year, Margaritaville Resort Orlando made its debut with two styles of accommodation: 184 traditional guestrooms with upscale amenities and balconies, and Margaritaville Cottages that offer a private resident experience and a home-away-from-home comforts that the destination is known for doing so well.

“All of the [cottages] backyards are open concept with no fences because they want to create a sort of backyard party atmosphere. The resort is great for all ages and should definitely be considered when coming to the area, especially since you are also less then 5 minutes from the main gate at Disney,” said Graham.

In addition to these two accommodation styles, Margaritaville Resort Orlando features expansive lagoon-style pools; a 14-acre waterpark with thrilling water attractions; dozen of dining, retail, and entertainment options including a dine-in movie theatre; a Signature St. Somewhere Spa; and a kids club all located within walking distance from the resort’s residences. Further complimentary transportation is available for all registered guests to the surrounding theme parks making it even easier to enjoy all the destination has to offer.

The second big announcement that turned heads during yesterday’s event was the highly anticipated Virgin Trains USA, formerly Brightline, which finally broke ground in May. The 170 miles of new track is set to connect West Palm Beach to the new South Terminal C at Orlando International Airport which means more inbound traffic from the coast and easier access to theme parks for those arriving to Florida via cruise ships.

“It will be a direct, high-speed train to get you from point A to point B. So again, for clients who are looking for two centre stays or are interested in doing a cruise, this would be a great option for them. We will continue to give you an update year after year but they have finally broken ground and it should take about three years to complete,” advised Graham.

Other new and noteworthy announcements from yesterday’s presentation included Orlando surpassing Miami as the busiest airport in all of Florida and the addition of inbound flights to the destination from Edmonton, Alberta and Hamilton, Ontario thanks to Fly Swoop Airlines.

“We are very pleased to have Swoop this year. For anyone looking for a low-cost carrier, Fly Swoop flies out of Hamilton airport three days a week directly into Orlando. They also fly from Edmonton, Alberta,” shared Graham.