The 81.3% occupancy level, however, is still 4.2% under the 84.9% occupancy level posted by Disney-area attractions in February 2000. Despite lower occupancies, average daily room rates are up in six submarkets but down in the South Orlando hub.

The latest round of hospitality industry numbers come as the American Society of Travel Agents picks Orlando as the top US vacation destination, according to their polled customers (23.6%). Las Vegas is second at 16.9%. New York is third with 7.9%.

The Central Orlando submarket's 72.8% occupancy is up 3.1% over 70.6% notched a year ago. Rooms shot up by 11.4%, to $78.94 from $70.84.

In the other submarkets, North Orlando, at 75.9%, is 0.9% down from 76.6%. Rooms at $76.27 are 0.7% up from $75.78 a year ago. International Drive, the main tourist corridor, is at 75.6% occupancy, down 1.8% from 77%. Average rates are $101.38, up 5.2% from $96.39.

East Kissimmee, also a tourist attraction sector, is at 66.3% occupancy, down 10.5% from 74.1% in February 2000. Rooms are $54.72, up 2.1% from $53.57. South Orlando, at 77.6%, is off by 0.1% from 77.7%. This is the only submarket dropping rates by 2.3%, to an average $78.15 from $79.96. West Kissimmee is at 68.1% occupancy, down 6.7% from 73%. Rooms are up 2.2%, to $71.91 from $70.35.