For the first time ever, EDC Orlando expanded to three days other than its usual two, and that meant a lot new records and statistics for the festival. However, even just one additional day doesn’t account for the huge increase in attendance this year.
Compared to last year’s 110,000 ravers, this year held an astonishing 225,000. This was in large part due to the increase in the size the festival, as well, expanding from around 29.5 acres to approximately 40. Across the four stages, 77 lasers, 74 flame units, and more than 1,600 lighting fixtures and 5,000 video tiles created a mesmerizing visual experience throughout the entire festival.
“It has been thrilling to watch Electric Daisy Carnival not only grow through the years, but to thrive as a dance festival attracting people from all around the country and the globe,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told the Orlando Sentinel. “While the event is always colorful, fun and welcoming to everyone, the economic impact continues to benefit our community long after the music stops.”
The city Orlando will also benefit from the increased attendance, as the festival is projected to have a $50 million positive economic impact on the city, up from $35 million in 2018. Through, their charitable giving arm, Insomniac Cares, Insomniac will also be donating $60,000 to the non-prit group Strengthen Orlando.
However, not all that glitters is gold. Five people were arrested: two on charges trespass after warning and battery on an ficer, one on charges possession cocaine and a firearm, and one accused possessing 34 stolen cell phones. An additional suspect was arrested on a grand theft charge, accused stealing over $20,000 worth media passes from an Insomniac production fice and attempting to sell them online. All the stolen property was recovered, police said.
The festival also created a fair bit noise, garnering 91 noise complaints received by Orlando police during the festival’s three-day run, according to an OPD spokeswoman. One complaint was even allegedly felt over 6 miles from the festival site.
EDC Orlando will return in 2020 for its 10th anniversary, November 13-15.
Photo Calder Wilson for Insomniac Events