The Mystery of Orlando Sun Resort: A Once Vibrant Getaway Left in Abandonment
Urban explorers will be thrilled to uncover the abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida through a self-guided 360-degree virtual tour that allows you to investigate every shadowy corner from the comfort of your own home. This unique experience offers a safe way to immerse yourself in the vast remains of a once-bustling destination and observe its eerie corridors, decaying structures, and unexpected finds without ever stepping foot on the property.
Below, you’ll find twenty-one panoramic images capturing different parts of the enormous hotel complex from 2023, each revealing its own haunting atmosphere. Take your time moving through each scene and let your curiosity lead you deeper into this fascinating relic of Florida’s past. In the second virtual tour, you can find 14 panoramic images taken in Jan. 2025. Want to see exclusive content from this massive abandoned hotel? You can find exclusive content such as videos, extra photos, and more on this page.
Click here to view it in fullscreen.
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For urban explorers with a penchant for uncovering the hidden histories of abandoned places, Florida offers a plethora of intriguing sites. Among these, the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee stands out as a monumental testament to the rise and fall of a once-thriving vacation destination. This expansive property, now lying in decay, invites exploration and reflection on its storied past.
A Grand Beginning: The Birth of the Orlando Sun Resort
The story of the Orlando Sun Resort begins in the early 1970s, a period marked by the burgeoning development of Central Florida as a premier tourist hub. Originally conceived by the Carolando Corporation, a group of North Carolina investors, the resort was strategically positioned just outside the newly opened Walt Disney World Resort. The ambitious plan included thousands of hotel rooms, restaurants, a convention center, and an observation tower that, if completed, would have been the tallest in Florida.
However, financial difficulties plagued the project early on, leading to its acquisition by the Hyatt Corporation. Hyatt completed the construction, resulting in the opening of the Hyatt Orlando Resort in 1972. At its inception, the resort boasted over 900 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the vicinity of Disney World at that time. Its modern design and proximity to major attractions positioned it as a premier destination for tourists flocking to the Sunshine State.
Decades of Operation and Subsequent Decline
For several decades, the Hyatt Orlando Resort thrived, benefiting from the steady influx of visitors to nearby theme parks. Its expansive facilities and prime location made it a favored choice among travelers. However, the early 2000s brought challenges that the resort struggled to overcome. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001 led to a significant downturn in tourism nationwide, and the Hyatt Orlando Resort was not immune to these effects.
In September 2003, the resort abruptly closed its doors, leaving employees without jobs and guests without accommodations. The sudden closure marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the property. In 2004, the Moinian Group, a New York-based real estate firm, purchased the resort at auction. After a period of dormancy, the group reopened it in 2007 as the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center, aiming to recapture its former glory.
The Final Closure and Abandonment
Despite efforts to revitalize the resort, it faced numerous challenges, including reports of mismanagement and deteriorating conditions. Guests complained of issues such as mold in rooms and lackluster amenities. These problems culminated in the resort’s permanent closure in 2012. Since then, the 77-acre property has remained abandoned, with its once-bustling halls now silent and its structures succumbing to the ravages of time and neglect.
A Site of Interest for Urban Explorers
Today, the abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center stands as a haunting relic of Central Florida’s hospitality history. For urban explorers, it offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era. The resort’s design, featuring octagon-shaped buildings arranged in a pod-like structure, was considered futuristic in the 1970s. This architectural style, combined with the sheer scale of the complex, makes it a fascinating subject for exploration and photography.
However, it’s important to note that the property is private, fenced off, and monitored by security. “No Trespassing” signs are prominently displayed, and local authorities actively discourage unauthorized entry due to safety concerns. Urban explorers interested in this site should respect these restrictions and consider alternative ways to appreciate its history, such as viewing from a distance or exploring virtual tours available online.
The Future of the Orlando Sun Resort
In recent years, there have been discussions about redeveloping the abandoned resort. In 2021, a New York-based company purchased the property with plans to revitalize it, supported by a grant from Osceola County. Despite these intentions, as of late 2024, no significant progress has been made, and the resort remains in a state of disrepair.
The site’s future remains uncertain, but its past continues to captivate those interested in the stories behind abandoned places in Florida. Whether it eventually undergoes redevelopment or continues to stand as a monument to a bygone era, the Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center holds a unique place in the annals of Florida’s tourism history.
Conclusion
The Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of the hospitality industry. From its ambitious beginnings in the 1970s to its abandonment in the 2010s, the resort’s history reflects broader trends in tourism, economic shifts, and the challenges of maintaining large-scale properties. For urban explorers and history enthusiasts, it offers a compelling case study of a once-celebrated destination now reclaimed by time.
Safety and Legal Considerations
While the allure of exploring abandoned sites is strong, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and legality. Trespassing on private property is illegal and can result in legal consequences. Moreover, abandoned structures may pose physical hazards due to structural deterioration. Enthusiasts are encouraged to seek out legal avenues for exploration, such as guided tours.

An equirectangular projection of a 360-degree panoramic image inside the abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
Other abandoned locations you might be interested in viewing are, Frying Pan Fire Tower in North Carolina, the South Beach Orlando Luxury Suites in Kissimmee, or the Ormond Beach Mansion.
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Equipment used to capture the 360-degree panoramic images:
- Canon DSLR camera
- Canon 8-15mm fisheye
- Manfrotto tripod
- Custom rotating tripod head
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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