By Kate Cohen
Orlando is a pop culture hub, thanks in part to its world class theme parks and attractions.
But beyond Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando, the city also hosts a variety of special events and gatherings celebrating arts and culture from around the world.
One such event is Anime Festival Orlando (AFO), held at Rosen Plaza from June 20 – 22, 2025.
This celebration of anime and Japanese culture-themed entertainment is now in its 25th year of festivities.
Here’s a preview of what you can expect from the 2025 AFO.
What is Anime Festival Orlando?
AFO is an event for anime, video game, and Japanese culture enthusiasts from Orlando and beyond.
Since 2000, they’ve been giving fans a place to gather, learn, play, collect, and socialize with other anime lovers.
Through classic convention events and innovative new experiences, attendees of AFO can expect a weekend full of anime-centered gaming, cosplay, contests, panels, and more.
Things to Do at AFO
The weekend is full of exciting and entertaining events and activities for attendees.
Have a handmade cosplay costume you want to show off? Enter the Happy Happy Cosplay Go Go Go Craftsmanship contest and show off your work.
Adult guests can attend the 18+ Cosplay Show with steamy categories and a skit-based competition.
Game Show Theatre is the perfect place to showcase your anime knowledge. A full schedule of games will be released shortly before the event.
The video gaming room is a great gathering spot for hardcore and casual gamers looking to share their favorite games and show off their skills.
In the tabletop gaming room, you can join games like Dungeons and Dragons and Cards Against Humanity, while making friends and engaging in friendly competition.
There are even longer games and tournaments for participants who are in it for the long haul.
Catch dancers and performers throughout the weekend showcasing their anime-inspired dance, music, and comedy talents.
Tales of Orlandia
Ready for an epic adventure?
Tales of Orlandia is a Live Action Convention Experience (LACE) totally unique to AFO.
Take part in this interactive show and game, where you can directly affect the outcome of this year’s original storyline.
Begin by watching a scripted stage show that lays out the major storyline of the game for the year.
Then, through card games, quests, and other forms of gameplay, you take part in the biggest event of the weekend.
The Tales of Orlandia experience is designed to be enjoyed alongside other conference events and is free to any AFO attendees.
Special Events
Throughout the conference, you’ll have the option to attend special events to take your AFO experience to the next level.
While details are still being finalized for the 2025 conference, 2024’s event included several returning 21+ parties held at Rosen Plaza’s onsite club space, 3NINE.
Last year also featured several events in partnership with Sweet Tooth Maid Café, a Florida-based maid café with charming butlers and adorable maids.
You can look forward to similar entertainment at the 2025 AFO. Details will be released shortly before the festival begins.
Stay Close to the Action at Rosen Plaza
The best way to experience everything AFO has to offer is by staying where the action is – Rosen Plaza.
You won’t miss a moment of the excitement when your room is just an elevator ride away from every AFO event, panel, and activity.
Plus, as a guest of our beautiful hotel, you can enjoy amenities like our sparkling blue pool and ’39 Poolside Bar & Grille, a full fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Book dinner reservations at Jack’s Place, our onsite award-winning steakhouse decorated with dozens of unique vintage caricatures of famous faces.
Dine with us on a Saturday evening and have your own caricature drawn!
Plus, at Rosen Plaza, you’ll never pay a resort fee.
As an attendee of AFO, you’ll receive special room and parking rates for an even more affordable stay.
