Orlando Pop Culture Guide
Anime, Gaming & Film: Theme Parks, Mega Cons & Otaku Vibes.
About Creative Pop Culture
Orlando and its metro area (including Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, Winter Haven, and surrounding spots) serve as Florida's undisputed global IP tourism capital.
This region combines the world's most iconic theme parks with strong anime retail scenes, gaming cafés, VR/AR pop-ups, and massive conventions like MegaCon. Fans flock here for Disney/Universal immersion, exclusive merch hunts, cosplay events, and local otaku community spots—perfect for multi-day trips blending family thrills and fandom deep dives.
Top 5 Must-See Landmarks & Attractions
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista
Why visit: The pinnacle of Disney IP—Magic Kingdom classics, EPCOT festivals, Hollywood Studios' Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge & Toy Story Land, Animal Kingdom thrills, plus Marvel areas and upcoming expansions.
Universal Orlando Resort
Orlando
Why visit: Epic lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Diagon Alley + Hogsmeade), Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Minions Mayhem, DreamWorks Land, and ongoing Super Nintendo World growth.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Winter Haven (~45 min drive)
Why visit: LEGO-themed park with rides (e.g., new Galacticoaster indoor coaster opening Feb 2026), interactive Miniland, DUPLO Valley, and builds based on LEGO IPs + Peppa Pig.
Anime World / Kpoppin USA
International Drive Area
Why visit: Florida's largest anime retail hubs (multiple locations on I-Drive)—massive figures, manga, apparel, Funko, K-pop crossover, and Demon Slayer/One Piece exclusives.
VR/AR & Interactive Gaming
Orlando Malls / Disney Springs
Why visit: Pop-ups and venues like Sandbox VR or The VOID for immersive IP adventures (e.g., anime-inspired quests, multiplayer VR).
Annual Events & Conventions
MegaCon Orlando
Animate! Orlando
Top Anime & Gaming Shops
Anime World
Why visit: Claimed as Orlando's largest—extensive figures (Dragon Ball, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen), manga, plushies, apparel, and events.
Multiple I-Drive locations
Kpoppin USA
Pop Cult Orlando
Why visit: Anime, Funko Pops, video games, DC/Marvel, Hello Kitty, K-pop—great for broad pop culture hauls.
Florida Mall
Theme Park Gift Shops
Why visit: Exclusive pins, apparel, figures, LEGO sets, and park-only IP merch.
Disney / Universal / LEGOLAND
Suggested Fan Itineraries
One-Day Ultimate Park Run
- AMWalt Disney World (focus Star Wars/Marvel).
- PMUniversal Orlando (Harry Potter priority).
- EveI-Drive anime shop run for merch.
Weekend Convention Combo
- Days 1–2: MegaCon Orlando or Animate! Orlando.
- Day 3: LEGOLAND Florida for LEGO builds/rides.
Visitor Tips
- Tickets: Book park reservations/badges early.
- Transport: Rent a car; parks are spread out.
- Apps: Use Disney/Universal apps for wait times.