Photo Courtesy of MEGACON Orlando
Each spring, thousands of fans descend on the Orange County Convention Center for one of the largest pop culture gatherings in North America (including some of the Orlando magazine team). This year, MEGACON Orlando, running March 19–22, is putting a major spotlight on anime with an expanded slate of voice talent, immersive fan experiences and late-night programming designed to celebrate Japanese animation culture.
For anime fans, the convention offers something rarely available outside of Japan or major industry events: the chance to meet the voices behind some of their favorite characters. Throughout the weekend, attendees can attend live Q&A sessions, hear stories from recording booths and animation studios, and line up for autographs and photos with some of the industry’s most recognizable performers.
Among the featured guests is Justin Briner, best known for voicing Deku in My Hero Academia. The lineup also includes VTuber CyYu, also known as Alejandro Saab; Mallorie Rodak from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End; and Johnny Yong Bosch, whose voice work includes the long-running anime series Bleach.
Fans of Demon Slayer will have the chance to see several of the series’ voice actors, including Zach Aguilar, Aleks Le and Erika Harlacher. Representatives from the enduring pirate adventure One Piece are also scheduled to appear, including Colleen Clinkenbeard and Eric Vale.
This year’s convention also features several special international guests. Japanese voice acting veterans Hisao Egawa, known for roles in Naruto Shippuden and Slam Dunk, and Katsuji Mori, whose career includes the classic anime series Mach Gogogo and Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, will make their first appearances at MEGACON Orlando.
Another highlight of the weekend will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the influential anime thriller Death Note. Several members of the English-language cast will reunite at the event, including Alessandro Juliani, Brad Swaile, Brian Drummond and Shannon Chan-Kent.
While celebrity appearances remain a major draw, MEGACON organizers are also leaning into interactive fan experiences that extend beyond the traditional panel rooms.
One of the most distinctive attractions is the Dreamland Maid Café, an immersive dining experience inspired by the pop culture district of Akihabara in Tokyo. Guests can enjoy themed food and drinks while performers stage musical numbers and idol-style showcases known as DreamLIVE!.
Anime-inspired music and performance culture will also be on display during IdolFest, which features energetic stage performances by groups such as Pengy, GINGA, Kyume Dulcenube, Milk Soda and Nocturna. Fans will have opportunities for photos and autographs following the performances.
Photo Courtesy of MEGACON Orlando
Cosplay remains another cornerstone of the anime community, and the convention will host multiple cosplay meetups and community gatherings where fans can showcase their handmade costumes and take group photos with others portraying characters from the same series.
Car culture also finds its place in the anime world through the convention’s Itasha Showcase. The display features vehicles wrapped in elaborate anime artwork, a growing subculture that blends automotive customization with fandom.
For those looking to keep the celebration going after the exhibit hall closes, Anime After Dark returns for two nights of programming on Friday and Saturday. The after-hours events, included with most badges, transform the West Concourse of the convention center into an all-ages celebration featuring DJs, gaming stations, cosplay and appearances by voice actors.
Photo Courtesy of MEGACON Orlando
With panels, performances and immersive fan zones spread across the convention center, MEGACON Orlando continues to expand its anime programming as the genre’s popularity grows worldwide. The convention remains one of the largest fan events in North America, bringing together comics, science fiction, fantasy, horror, gaming and anime under one roof.
Single-day tickets and limited four-day passes are currently available. Will we see you next week at MEGACON?