New, Fun, and exciting entertainment is coming to Orlando’s popular International Drive. The I-Drive Resort Area continues to increase its presence as a major player in Orlando’s booming hospitality industry. The past several years have brought a multitude of changes to tourism. Here are some of the new attractions, hotels, and restaurants I- Drive has instore for us.
International Drive
International Drive is a busy commercial area, home to the city’s convention center, and near to popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World and SeaWorld. Also in the area is The Wheel at ICON Park Orlando, a giant Ferris wheel offering sweeping views of the city. Premium outlet malls, large hotels, and a variety of restaurants—from steakhouses to fast-casual chains—add to the busy atmosphere.
International Drive’s latest addition might not yet be as recognizable a name as Ripley’s or Madame Tussauds, but there are plenty of new attractions coming to compete. Here is the soon to be the hottest midway attractions in Florida.
The Endless Summer Resort
The Dockside Inn & Suites will be a 2,050-room resort with completion anticipated in 2020. When combined with Surfside Inn & Suites, both properties will include three pools, two food courts, a parking garage, and poolside bars. ICON Park has several new venues coming online.
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red
Orlando began construction in early 2019 on their 15,000 SF, 2-level restaurant. A welcome addition to ICON Park, offering Southern food & hospitality and live Country music. Ole Red gets its name from Blake Shelton’s breakout hit, “Ol’ Red”. No matter how you do Ole Red, you can expect an edge-of-your-seat good time!
The Orlando Slingshot
The Orlando Slingshot is a 300′ high, 450′ catapult ride, opening this year. This ride is sure to give you that great belly clench feeling you are needing. Slingshot delivers one of the most heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, exhilarating thrill ride experiences in Central Florida. You will experience total weightlessness as you are rocketing over 390 feet above the ground, surrounded by the scenic view of Orlando- The City Beautiful. Quite a sight to see if you dare to open your eyes while on the “Worlds Largest Slingshot”
The Orlando Gyro Drop Tower
Standing some dizzying 400 feet tall, the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower will snag the title of the World’s Tallest Drop Tower when it opens in 2020. This record-setting attraction will let adrenaline junkies take a 40-story free fall through the Central Florida sky.
Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions Orlando is an interactive attraction, opening the fall of 2020. This museum first started as a unique project which soon became one of the fastest-growing education and entertainment places. Enter the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in your own senses, but will also amaze you by doing so; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you.
Pointe Orlando
Pointe Orlando has several new dining venues being added to their already impressive line-up. The Hampton Social will be moving into the former Tommy Bahama’s eatery at Pointe Orlando. This restaurant specializes in seafood, pizza & brunches. Expected opening May 2020.
Brother Jimmy’s BBQ will feature a wide selection of BBQ, wings & beer. Opening summer 2020. brotherjimmys.com KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, a Mexican restaurant, is slated to open in September 2020.
World’s tallest roller coaster
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 freefall dive attraction, SkyPlaza – retail & dining area, open-air promenade, an indoor arcade, 450-room hotel, and go-kart track. Project size: 1.5 million square feet. Projected completion unknown.
It would be located on a 14-acre (5.7 ha) lot at the northeast corner of Sand Lake Road and International Drive in Orlando, Florida. The complex would include a 570-foot (170 m) tower, which would feature the world’s tallest roller coaster, Skyscraper, and the world’s largest Perkins Restaurant and Bakery.
Park Ave Magazine
Park Ave Magazine is proud to have been your local guide for the Winter Park and Central Florida areas for the past several years. Due to the impact of COVID-19, we have decided to become a digital source for news content. Readers can still keep up with the latest articles, news, events, guides, and more here on our website.
