2015: A banner year for development
This is the year it all began with the opening of these highly anticipated and landscape-changing projects:I-Drive 360, $200 million entertainment destination and home to the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye opened in the heart of International Drive. The 400-foot, iconic observation wheel is the centerpiece of the themed complex featuring a dynamic blend of attractions, restaurants, nonstop entertainment and shops. USA Today Travel named the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye the second largest observation wheel at 400 feet tall. Read about it here.
Joining the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye as part of I-Drive 360’s unique line-up of attractions, are world-famous Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, SKELETONS: Animals Unveiled! and Arcade City. Twice a day, visitors also enjoy a $1.5 million water show set to music and color-changing lights. The complex offers free parking in its 1,600-space garage. i-drive360.com
Mango's Tropical Cafe & Nightclub Complex opened its $40 million, 55,000-square-foot restaurant and nightclub providing nonstop live entertainment, dancing and dining. The Latin-themed restaurant and club is an expansion of the Mango's brand in South Beach and is the newest nighttime hotspot on I-Drive. mangos.com
In addition to these exciting, new attractions, visitors continue to find endless fun in the I-Drive Resort Area including six of the world's most famous theme parks (SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay Water Park), restaurants, dinner shows, shopping experiences, mega entertainment complexes, smaller family style attractions and spas.
2016: The trend continues
Development in 2016 kept moving forward with new attractions such as SeaWorld's Mako Coaster, Universal's Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster and Skull Island Reign of Kong, Main Event at Pointe Orlando and Breakout Escape Rooms Orlando. New dining venues were also added, including the new McDonald's - World's Largest Play Place, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen and a completely re-designed Tony Roma's. Loews Sapphire Resort and Home 2 Suites by Hilton Orlando both opened their doors to guests and Alexan Crossroads and The Courtney Apartments at Universal Blvd. started leasing, adding more residents to the Resort Area. As well as a new Seabra Foods grocery store.2017: No slowing down
With 33 projects tracked by the District, development definitely did not slow down in 2017. We saw many new attractions such as Volcano Bay Water Park, Topgolf Orlando, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving, Universal's Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Lockbusters Escape Game. SeaWorld Orlando opened a new and improved Dolphin Nursery, the Aquatica Pass Member Pavilion, Flamecraft Bar and Kraken Unleashed. Three new restaurants started serving guests: Pio Pio, Uncle Julio's and Pollo Tropical. Hogan's Beach Shop, CVS Pharmacy and the brand new Visit Orlando's Official Visitors Center all opened their doors.The I-Drive Pedestrian Bridge between the Orange County Convention Center and Hyatt Orlando opened to allow pedestrians to safely cross above International Drive. The I-4 Ultimate project completed the Grand National Drive Overpass & Kirkman Road Interchange which connects the Major Blvd. area to north International Drive.
It was a record year for accommodations as new & existing hotels accounted for ten projects, giving guests even more options for their stay in the I-Drive Resort Area: Cabana Bay Beach Resort Expansion, Calypso's Pool Bar & Grille at Caribe Royale, DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld expansion, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, Homewood Suites Orlando Theme Park, Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations, Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, TownePlace Orlando at SeaWorld, and Westgate Lakes Resorts & Spa.
Finally, five new residential complexes came online: Ancora Apartment Homes, Axis West, Lake View Apartments, Lantower Grande Pines and Westwood Apartments. All helping to make the I-Drive Resort Area a great place to dine, shop, play and live!
2018: A look at things to come
Lexus of Orlando to build a 175,000-square-foot showroom and maintenance facility. Opened January 2018. www.lexusoforlando.comThe International Drive widening project completed its expansion from four to six lanes from South Westwood Blvd. to North Westwood Blvd. in January 2018. For more details, check here.
Solstice Apartments is a new mid-rise luxury apartment community to include 309 units, a zero-entry pool, exercise room with indoor hot and cold plunge pools and a resident game room that will include an indoor golf simulator. Opened February 2018. www.solsticeorlando.com
Under new management, the International Palms Resort & Conference Center, a 653-room property has shut down for a 10-month renovation. It will be rebranded as Avanti Palms Resort & Conference Center. Renovations include lobby, guest rooms, dining areas, pools & 20,000 SF of meeting space. Opening March 2018. avantipalmsresort.com
Air Force Fun Orlando Helicopter Tours at Orlando Crossings Mall is scheduled to 'take off' at Orlando Crossings Mall this March 2018. The 2,400-square-foot facility will include a two-story building with two helicopter pads. airforcefun.com
Solaya Luxury Apartments to include eight four-story buildings with elevators, 322 units, 8,500-square-foot clubhouse. Completion March 2018. www.livesolaya.com
Starflyer-Vue at 360 will open the world's tallest spinning swing ride at 440 feet. The tower ride will reach speeds of 40 mph as riders reach the top and begin spinning. The ride will seat 24 passengers. Expected opening May 11, 2018.
Andy's Frozen Custard quick service frozen dessert restaurant will be serving up sweet treats this spring 2018. www.eatandys.com
Vineland Crossing, a two-tenant retail building is being built at the Regency Village Shopping Center. Starbucks is one confirmed tenant. Expected opening is spring 2018. www.srse.com
Fast and Furious: Supercharged is coming this spring 2018 to Universal Orlando. Buckle your seat belts and read about it here.
The Golden Pod Chocolate Bar, an Australian chocolate bar and cafe, is coming to International Drive this spring 2018. thechocolateroom.com.au
Voodoo Doughnut, known for their exclusive offerings and unique doughnuts, is coming to Universal's CityWalk this spring 2018. blog.universalorlando.com
The Hilton Orlando is renovating their pool-area amenities. In addition to aesthetic updates, they are adding a children's splash pad, expanding the adult-only "quiet" pool and adding a new walk-in cooler to the pool bar area. Plans to expand the Marketplace area in the lobby are also underway. The pool-area is expected to be completed late spring 2018. The Marketplace completion is unknown at this time. www.thehiltonorlando.com
Ray Rush at Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark is a new family raft slide that will offer guests three unique slide elements, allowing them to slide, splash and soar. Expected opening is spring 2018. aquatica.com
Residence Inn Marriott Universal Studios, plans a five-story, 145,000-square-foot, extended-stay hotel with 196 rooms. Opening first quarter 2018. marriott.com
Hyatt House expects to open on I-Drive in June 2018. The $28 million property plans to have 175 rooms. house.hyatt.com
Hyatt House Orlando Universal started construction on their second Orlando location on Caravan Ct. It will be a 9-story hotel with 168 units. Opening July 2018. house.hyatt.com
Home2 Suites by Hilton began construction on a new 6-story hotel with 122 units in June 2017. Anticipated opening is August 2018. home2suites3.com
Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed their sixth hotel, the Aventura Hotel. The hotel will be 16 stories with an all-glass design, including a rooftop bar. The 600-room hotel is scheduled to open August 2018. blog.universalorlando.com
Vineland Pointe, a three-phase retail center along Daryl Carter Parkway, anticipates breaking ground in June 2017. Total of 69.41 acres and 447,500-square-feet of retail space, to include: Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls, Boot Barn, First Watch, Ulta Beauty, Midici: The Neopolitan Pizza Company, amongst others. Phase 1 opens August 2018. oconnorcp.com
7-Eleven is adding a new location on the north end of International Drive at Fun Spot Way. It will include a convenience store and gas station and is expected completion in August 2018. www.7-eleven.com
SeaWorld Orlando is ready to rush the rapids with Infinity Falls, a family river raft ride with the world's tallest river rapid drop, coming summer 2018. seaworldparks.com
Westgate Resort Condominiums is planning a second building, also eight-story, 80-unit is scheduled for completion summer 2018. westgateresorts.com
Kirkman Point II Office Development is a 134,000 SF, Class A, four-story office building with an accompanying five-story, 1215 space parking garage. Completion expected summer 2018. www.cbre.com
Dunkin Donuts is building a new free-standing location with drive-thru on S. Kirkman. Opening 2018. www.dunkindonuts.com
The Hollywood Plaza Parking Garage to open as a seven-story entertainment and parking complex located directly next to Mango’s Restaurant & Nightclub. To include a rooftop restaurant, 10 level, 880 space parking facility, 9,500 square-feet of ground level retail and office space. Opening 2018.
The Addison at Universal Blvd. apartment complex will feature 344 units on 12.1 acres. Expected completion in 2018. contravest.com/development/addison-universal-boulevard-orlando-fl/
The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is in full swing with its Capital Improvement Plan, representing the largest renovation project in the venue’s history. Taking place primarily within the OCCC’s West Building, the plan includes upgrades and enhancements, as well as adding a number of new spaces like the new Tangerine ballroom, upgraded meeting rooms and boardrooms. For completions to date and upcoming projects, visit www.occc.net/cip. Full completion expected in 2018.
The Grand National 16.5-acre mixed-use project is underway on North International Drive. It will include 60,000 -square-feet of retail and restaurant space. Bahama Breeze, Starbucks, Longhorn Steakhouse and U.S. Gift Factory are already confirmed. A new TownePlace Suites by Marriott has also signed on for a 7-story, 148 unit hotel. Completion 2018 through 2020. www.naproperties.com/projects/grand-national/
2019 and beyond
A new Element Hotel is breaking ground this year at I-Drive 360. This 8-story, 165 unit hotel is anticipating a summer 2019 opening. www.starwoodhotels.comUniversal's "Project 370" is the much anticipated development on the former Wet 'n Wild property. It will include two resorts, a 750-room 'surf culture' themed resort, has a summer 2019 anticipated completion date and a second 2,050-room resort. The resorts combined will include three pools, two food courts, parking garage and poolside bars. blog.universalorlando.com
Sand Lake Road Improvement Project expects completion in late 2019 of work that includes widening to six lanes, bike paths and new sidewalks. Extends from I-Drive to Universal Blvd. cflroads.com
SKYPLEX Entertainment Complex will open with Skyscraper, the world’s tallest roller coaster at more than 500 feet. Also: SkyFall - a 450-foot drop ride, Skyfly - a 600-foot zipline, Skysurf Park, SkyLedge thrill experience, Sky Jump - 500-foot free fall dive attraction, SkyPlaza - retail & dining area, open-air promenade, indoor arcade, 450-room hotel, and go-kart track. Project size: 1.5 million square feet. Projected completion 2020. mangos.com/skyplex
I-Drive dedicated transit lanes from Sand Lake Road to the Beachline plan with projected completion in 2021. Approximately three miles of dedicated transit bus lanes from Sand Lake Road to the Beachline. New sidewalks, landscaping, and signage. orangecountyfl.net
Awaiting details
WoodSpring Suites Signature Hotel will begin construction late 2018. Completion is unknown for this 4-story, 139 room hotel. www.woodspring.comA six-story, 144 room Holiday Inn & Suites is being constructed near Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. Completion date is unknown currently. www.ihg.com
Renaissance at SeaWorld is planning to add an additional 41,731-square-feet of new meeting space that will include a 16,503-square-foot ballroom. www.marriott.com
Super Nintendo World is coming to Universal Orlando Resort. This themed area will be expansive, immersive and interactive, filled with multiple attractions, shops and restaurants based on Nintendo's iconic games, heroes and villains. blog.universalorlando.com
SeaWorld Orlando announced a new Sesame Street land will replace Shamu's Happy Harbor play area. seaworldparks.com
Fun Spot America is planning an expansion to include new themes, incorporate new food & beverage partners, add coasters, water rides and much more. Visit fun-spot.com
I-Drive NASCAR will be doubling it's 5,000-square-foot meeting accommodations, adding more space and attractions to its gaming area and redesigning its bar and restaurant. idrivenascar.com
The Reserve at Shingle Creek Resort has a multi-phase expansion currently in progress. Phase one, completed early 2018, was golf course improvements. Phase two will include a 133,000 SF operations building with parking and a 36,000 SF laundry facility. Phase three will be a multi-level parking garage and phase four will include a 640 room, 16-story condo tower, walk-in pool & lazy river and 150,000 SF of additional convention space. rosenshinglecreek.com
I-Drive 2040 Vision Plan
Recognizing the importance of creating a shared vision for the International Drive Area, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs appointed a Steering Review Group (SRG) composed of I-Drive-area stakeholders and landowners who are committed to maintaining I-Drive as the world’s premier global destination for tourism and family entertainment. She envisioned a vibrant International Drive corridor that would be a dynamic gathering place for visitors and residents alike. See the plan here.For additional information on the I-Drive area, visit www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com
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