What happened to the Peabody Hotel in Orlando?

The Peabody Orlando’s New Chapter: From Iconic Duck March to Hyatt and Beyond

For years, the Peabody Orlando was more than just a hotel—it was a landmark. Famous for its grand atrium, luxurious service, and yes, the beloved daily Duck March, it became a staple for tourists and conventioneers alike. But in 2013, a major shift took place: Hyatt acquired the Peabody Orlando for $717 million, rebranding it as the Hyatt Regency Orlando on October 1 of that year.

The change brought new energy—updated amenities, enhanced meeting spaces, and a modernized identity—while still honoring the property's legacy. Yet the story didn’t end there. In 2024, Hyatt announced a bold new move: the sale of the hotel and 45 adjacent acres to RIDA Development Corporation and Ares Management Real Estate for a staggering $1.07 billion.

This deal isn’t just about a change in ownership—it’s about transformation. The acquisition includes long-term development plans for the expansive land surrounding the hotel, suggesting future expansions in hospitality, retail, and possibly residential spaces. While the iconic Hyatt Regency signage remains, the sale signals a new era of growth in one of Orlando’s busiest tourism corridors.

Fans of the classic Peabody charm may still miss the regal red carpets and the quacking procession of ducks, but the spirit of upscale, memorable guest experiences lives on. As the property evolves under new stewardship, one thing is clear: its central role in Orlando’s hospitality scene isn’t fading—it’s just being reimagined.