ORLANDO, FL (May) – Orlando’s International Drive Resort Area is the perfect place for a spring vacation! The destination enjoys beautiful weather this month and is packed with nonstop fun!

 

Family vacations begin here with six of the world’s most famous theme parks (SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Aquatica - SeaWorld's Waterpark, Wet ‘n Wild, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure), great restaurants, dinner shows, shopping experiences, mega entertainment complexes, smaller family style attractions, spas…the fun never stops! 

  

Accommodations are available to fit every budget from exclusive resorts spas to suite hotels that include breakfast to budget-minded properties.

 

Whether you are thinking about a vacation getaway, a romantic escape, some quality time at your favorite attraction without the crowds or a golfing weekend, it is all conveniently located within the world’s most famous tourist destination.

 

Orlando is #1

Orlando was ranked the No. 1 summer vacation destination, according to a recent AAA travel agent survey and travel sales data. There were about 51.45 million visitors to Orlando in 2010, according to the latest available data from Visit Orlando. An estimated 54.29 million visited the area last year and about 55 million are expected to visit in 2012.

 

As one of the most popular attractions in Orlando’s tourist corridor, the I-Ride Trolley Service has provided an affordable, fun and convenient way to transport visitors to the attractions, shopping, restaurants and accommodations in the International Drive Resort Area. Since it began in 1997, it has been considered the easiest way to travel, allowing visitors to park their cars, save some money and enjoy the ride.

 

And it just got easier with the recent introduction of a new fleet of 15 trolleys equipped with a state-of-the-art automated vehicle location system (AVLS) known as NextBus. With Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, NextBus technology provides predicted vehicle arrival information and live maps to visitors.

 

I- Ride Trolley information is available via the Internet, smartphones and text messaging. Beginning this spring, each of the 105 Trolley stops will provide a QR code that visitors will be able to scan for access to a new mobile site - iDrive2Go.mobi - dedicated to the International Drive Resort Area.

 

In addition, the new trolley equipment includes security cameras on each vehicle, automatic passenger counters, automated stop announcement system, LED destination signage and LED exterior accent lighting visible day and night.

 

With iDrive2Go.mobi, guests find loads of options for dining, shopping or attractions on I-Drive. The I-Ride Trolley section provides “NextTrolley” information as well as maps and listings of what is near each trolley stop. Access to the mobile site is obtained by QR scanning, SMS texting or by simply going to iDrive2Go.mobi on a smart phone.

 

Made in America! Specialty Vehicles in Henderson, NV, is the exclusive distributor for trolleys for Supreme Corporation in Goshen, IN.

 

Riding “green”! The I-RideTrolley’s also have a “green” component. In keeping with the eco-friendliness of I-Drive, the new trolleys are equipped with Clean Diesel Technology (CDT) engines from Cummins, a technology leader in the diesel engine market. The CDT engines eliminate 90 percent of the particulate matter (exhaust pipe smoke) and over 90 percent more of the mono-nitrogen oxides (smog). The new engines are also 10 percent more fuel efficient which helps reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions.

 

Charm and comfort. Combining the charm of the past with today’s modern comforts, this exclusive transportation system for the International Drive Resort Area has logged more than 25.5 million trips since it began service in 1997 including over 2.06 million in fiscal 2011. The trolleys operate from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. Details along with downloadable maps may be found at www.iridetrolley.com. For information on planning a vacation in the area, visit www.internatioanldriveorlando.com.

 

Be sure to check out “Hot Vacation Deals” for the latest discounts on dining, attractions and more! When contacting accommodations, ask about packages and special rates.

 

The International Drive Official Visitors Guide for spring / summer is now available at more than 100 locations throughout the I-Drive area, including the Orlando Official Visitors Center and all I-Drive area 24-Hour Walgreen Drug Stores. The free guide includes information on area attractions, accommodations, dining, shopping, nightlife and the I-Ride Trolley. At the same locations, visitors may also pick up a copy of the I-Ride Trolley Map with more than $500 worth of FREE coupons to area venues. Both the Visitors Guide and Trolley Maps are also available on the I-Ride Trolleys.  

 

The Central Florida Home & Garden Show takes place May 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center with fresh ideas and smart advice for gardening and home improvement. Among celebrity guest appearances: Kimberly Lacy, known as the spunky designer of HGTV's Curb Appeal: The Block. For details: 407-363-7653 or www.centralflhomeandgardenshow.com

 

Wet N' Wild plans a new kids' water park scheduled to open during the summer. The new kids' park is expected to be the largest of its kind in Florida and include a sandcastle-themed water playground that will tower 60 feet over 17 slides, two splash pools and more than a hundred soakers, water jets, cannons and waterfalls. wetnwildorlando.com/407-351-1800.

 

Universal Orlando Resort announced details for its 2012 developments, which will include a new lagoon show, daytime parade, Despicable Me ride, miniature golf course, new Blue Man Group Show and upgrades to The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman ride. universalorlando.com/407-363-8000.

 

Universal Orlando Resort announced 2012 Rock the Universe music lineup, featuring famous Christian artists such as Skillet, Newsboys, Switchfoot and Relient K. Taking place Sept. 7 and 8, the concert will include access to all of Universal Studios and a Fan Zone presented by Coca-Cola including live music by up-and-coming acts Everfound and We As Human, autograph sessions with the bands, karaoke and band merchandise. Guests will also experience a Saturday night candle lighting service featuring Tenth Avenue North, guest speakers and more. universalorlando.com.

 

Universal Orlando Resort announced a joint grand opening date of May 8 for two new guest experiences, Universal's Superstar Parade and Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular celebrates nearly 200 of Universal Pictures' most iconic films displayed on waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon. Synchronized fountains and pyrotechnics will also be features of the show. Universal's Superstar Parade will feature larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego are all part of the new parade. universalorlando.com.

 

SeaWorld Orlando plans three new attractions over the next two years. Antarctica – Empire of the Penguin, will take guests to the bottom of the world to explore the mysterious continent. TurtleTrek features a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree film that will immerse guests in the journey of a sea turtle. The Freshwater Oasis at Discovery Cove will feature wading adventures and face-to-face encounters with otters and marmosets. Details: SeaWorldOrlando.com and DiscoveryCove.com.

 

Performance art group, DRIP, announced plans to open a new nightlife experience on International Drive. DRIP's performances are described as visual rock concerts featuring dancers performing with raining liquids and colored powders. DRIP plans to open in early 2012. ILoveDRIP.com.

Fun Spot Attractions announced plans to expand the International Drive location with the addition of a waterpark with one-of-a-kind next generation attractions exclusive to this Fun Spot location. www.funspotattractions.com or 407-363-3867.

 

I-Drive Live, the $100 million project planned on the former Mercado property north of the Orange County Convention Center plans to feature the Orlando Eye, an observation wheel similar to the London Eye. Plans call for the 425-foot-high wheel to be flanked by a Madame Tussauds wax museum and a Sea Life aquarium, according to a recent submittal to Orange County government. All three attractions will be operated by Merlin Entertainments Group.

 

The Wyndham Orlando Resort has filed plans with Orange County show a planned hotel tower and meeting room expansion valued at $50 million-plus for the Wyndham Orlando Resort. The 40-year-old, 1,054-room hotel at 8001 International Drive is part of the planned $100 million, 42-acre I-Shops retail redevelopment project. It’s slated to start by the fall, led by Orlando-based Unicorp National Developments Inc. The plan is to demolish nearly 300 of the Wyndham’s hotel rooms to make way for the retail portion of the I-Shops project. www.unicorpusa.com / 407-999-9985.

 

CSI: The Experience has opened a new Orlando location of the popular attraction International Drive. CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests play the role of crime scene investigators and solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crime-scene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs. The exhibit is planned to run in Orlando through the end of the year. www.csiexhibit.com. Admission prices are $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 5 - 12.  www.CSIExhibit.com / 407-226-7220.

 

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment announced an opening date of April 27 for TurtleTrek at SeaWorld Orlando. TurtleTrek features a first-of-its-kind 3-D/360-degree film that will immerse guests in the journey of a sea turtle. TurtleTrek is the first of three all-new attractions by SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment opening over the next two years in Orlando. www.seaworldorlando.com.

At SeaWorld Orlando, “One Ocean” features SeaWorld’s majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea, and the ocean as the center of our natural world, sharing a message that both animals and humans are part of one world, with one ocean, and its future is in our hands to cherish and protect. Shamu Stadium’s three-story set, panoramic LED screens and hundreds of surround-sound speakers envelop guests in the show experience. Brilliantly colored lights, soaring fountains, stunning underwater imagery are set to an original, contemporary musical score with global rhythms. Details: SeaWorldOrlando.com 407-351-3600.

 

The new Grand Reef takes a day at Discovery Cove to another level. The all-new saltwater reef is filled with thousands of tropical fish in shallow and deeper waters leaving guests to explore where they feel most comfortable. Snorkeling takes place among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world and guarantees sights of amazing exotic sea life ranging from spotted eagle rays and zebra sharks to lionfish and eels. For the daring, SeaVenture is an innovative, underwater walking tour where guests – wearing dive helmets – will feel right at home under the sea, getting up close to sharks and lionfish (safely behind glass), velvety rays and even star fish or sea urchins. Details: www.Seaworldorlando.com. 407-351-3600.

  

The Pub at Pointe Orlando opened with its unique combination of British hospitality and American flair. The Pub at Pointe Orlando features two "Pour Your Own Beer Walls," providing guests the opportunity to pay by the ounce, pull their own pint and have an interactive experience. In addition to patio and bar areas, The Pub will seat up to 175 patrons for lunch and dinner 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with space for groups, parties and special events. experiencethepub.com; 407-352-2305.

 

Fogo de Chăo, an authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse named one of Zagat's top U.S. restaurants, has opened on International Drive. The prix fixe menu features 15 freshly grilled meats carved tableside, as well as an extensive salad bar with more than 30 selections including authentic Brazilian sides. www.fogodechao.com. 407-370-0711.

 

Monkey Joe's has opened its Pointe Orlando location. The play center, providing wall-to-wall inflatables and separate play areas for younger and older kids, is located on the Universal Boulevard side of Pointe Orlando. www.monkeyjoes.com. 407-352-8484.

 

Visit the Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, located in Pointe Orlando, for award-winning Latin cuisine, dancing, floorshows and not-to-be-missed tropical cocktails! Cuba Libre features a contemporary interpretation of traditional Cuban cuisine and a broad base of authentic Cuban cocktails. www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/orlando_index.php. 407-226-1600.

 

Dave and Buster's is open on I-Drive! The upscale-arcade and restaurant has opened its fourth Florida location on International Drive. The 40,000-square-foot building features 170 different games including Skee-Ball, video racecar driving and simulated golf along with a sports bar and restaurant. The I-Drive location also offers 3,100 square feet of meeting space and catering services for groups or companies hosting corporate events. Hours are 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Sunday – Thursday and 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. www.daveandbusters.com or 407-541-3300.

 

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has 11 additional galleries of art and architectural objects from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall, such as prize-winning leaded-glass windows, iconic Tiffany lamps and custom furnishings. www.morsemuseum.org. 407-645-5311.  

 

Orlando Arts Sampler, presented by Red Chair Project, offers a "greatest hits" experience for novice and experienced art-lovers. For $99, sample one event from eight different arts organizations including Bach Festival Society, Fairwinds Broadway Across America - Orlando, Mad Cow Theatre, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF. The featured events take place through July 2012. Tickets are available for purchase online. www.redchairproject.com or 407-872-2382.

 

A national Metropoll study ranks Orlando tops as a corporate and association meeting destination. Corporate and association meeting planners across the country have named Orlando the top spot for a major convention, trade show, conference or seminar. Metropoll is a nationally syndicated bi-annual study conducted for the meeting industry. Read More

Floridays Resort Orlando has been named by USA Today as one of Reunion Magazine's "10 Great Places For A Family Reunion" in the world. To learn more, visit www.Floridays Resort Orlando.com or call 407-238-7700.

 

The Peabody Orlando, Rosen Plaza Hotel, Rosen Centre Hotel and Rosen Shingle Creek have received Meetings & Conventions magazine's prestigious Gold Key Award, designating them as outstanding meeting properties. Additionally, Rosen Centre Hotel earned the Gold Platter award for its excellence in food and beverage, while Rosen Shingle Creek received one of the meetings industry's most prestigious awards, Golf Platter "Elite" status, which is given only to the top five convention hotel catering departments in the United States.

 

Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando has been named one of the best meeting and conference hotels in the U.S. by Groups International. www.universalorlando.com/royalpacific.

 

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando has been named one of the top 500 hotels in the world by the team of reporters and editors at Travel and Leisure magazine. www.universalorlando.com/portofino.

 

The Peabody Orlando hotel has earned its 11th Inner Circle Award from Association Meeting Magazine. Winners of the award are chosen by association meeting planners that read the publication and are graded on the hotel's food and beverage service, guest and meeting room quality, catering and convention services, and audiovisual and technical support at meetings. Currently, the Peabody is undergoing a $450 million expansion set for a 2010 completion that will double its guest rooms to 1,681 and add 210,000 square feet of flexible multi-use space.

 

Paragon Outlets (formerly Festival Bay Mall) on North International Drive, plans to develop Phase 1 of the 19-acre space into 650,000 square feet of office, retail and restaurant space.

 

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been selected to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis upon retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis is one of three orbiters in the space shuttle fleet and is being retired. Officials with Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plan to break ground on Atlantis' new home in 2012 with a grand opening planned for 2013. The orbiter home will be located in the Shuttle Plaza at the main Visitor Complex. www.kennedyspacecenter.com. 1-866-737-5235.

 

Orlando International Airport (MCO) now offers year-round nonstop service with Air France, from Paris to Orlando, three times a week. Other new international flights out of MCO include service to Bogota, Colombia onboard Avianca four times per week and service to Port of Spain, Trinidad onboard Caribbean Airlines twice per week. www.orlandoairports.net or 407-825-2352.

 

  May 2012