In the city of Orlando — the mecca of Disney fans — the crowd erupted at the first sight of Jodi Benson on stage at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Benson was no longer the Disney princess heroine. The voice behind the original Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” was cast as the villain, although a funny one, in the ongoing production of “Into the Woods.”
Shows like Benson’s are helping drive crowds into the marquee arts center in downtown Orlando and lifting the community’s economy, Dr. Phillips leaders said.
Dr Phillips Center generated $227.6 million last year and drove $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, the organization said in a news release this week.
“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center in a statement. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”
The event center draws about 910,000 visitors annually with shows between 82% and 97% at capacity, the organization said.
Since opening in 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center plays a major role in the region’s tourism industry which is thriving post-pandemic. Tourism Economics also studied the greater Orlando’s region and said the tourism industry generated a $98.6 billion impact last year from direct and indirect visitor spending in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
“Orlando remains the No. 1 travel destination in the country, and with that honor comes great reward,” Visit Orlando CEO Casandra Matej said during Thursday’s news conference.
Dr. Phillips Center’s packed shows will likely continue. Into the Woods runs through Aug. 2. Dr. Phillips Center announced its upcoming 2026-27 lineup featuring “Wicked” and “Hamilton” returning to the stage.
