Orlando Monthly Happenings on I-Drive! - What's Making News on International Drive...October 2008

ORLANDO, FL. (October 2008)–Visitors to the International Drive Resort Area discover an endless list of leisure activities during October. New attractions at the major theme parks, expanded accommodations, special events, new dining, shopping and family entertainment give guests a reason to visit I-Drive again and again. Most are accessible onboard the convenient and fun I-Ride Trolley Service. With more than 30,000 accommodations from budget to luxury, vacationers soon discover why I-Drive is Orlando’s Most Dynamic Destination! For vacation planning information and reservations go to: www.InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

Park the car and take the I-Ride Trolley!!! Save money on gas! Catch a fun, stress-free ride to major Orlando attractions, accommodations, shopping and dining for only $1.25.

The I-Ride Trolley Service operates 15 trolleys with service from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. daily. Costs: Single fare, $1.25 per ride; senior fare 65 and over, .25 cents per ride. Children under 12 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult. Unlimited ride passes are available: (one-day pass, $4.00 per person); (three-day pass, $6.00 per person); (five-day pass, $8.00 per person); (seven-day pass, $10.00 per person) (fourteen-day pass, $17.00 per person). Each I-Ride Trolley seats 54 riders plus two wheelchair positions and an ADA-specified hydraulic lift system.

On I-Drive accommodations range from budget to luxury. Check www.internationaldriveorlando.com for the latest deals. When booking, ask for the best package or rate for your dates of travel.

Titanic the Experience will close Oct. 12 at its temporary exhibit space at the Orlando Science Center and move into a two-story, 19,780-square-foot building at 7324 International Drive. Reopening date to be announced soon. Titanic the Experience allows visitors to tour full-scale recreations of Titanic’s most famous rooms, including the Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers and Promenade Deck. www.titanictheexperience.com. 407-895-2610.

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.

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.

Shingle Creek Golf Club, approaching its fifth anniversary in December, has received four stars from the Golf Digest guide as one of the best places to play in 2008/09. The extensive guide offers complete profiles of more than 4,000 of the best courses in North America with comments and ratings from numerous avid golfers. 407-996-9933.

It’s official. The $200 million observation wheel will be located on 20 acres of land on Westwood Blvd. next to the Orange County Convention Center. Scheduled to open in 2010, it is less than five minutes from I-4 and SR 528. The attraction will give riders a 360-degree view that on a clear day is expected to span 25 miles. Orlando's Wheel is the first the company has planned in North America.

Passengers will ride in 24 enclosed, glass capsules that measure approximately 38 feet by 16 feet. Each capsule will carry 40 passengers. During each 30- minute ride, the Wheel will ascend slowly to 400 feet where riders will enjoy unrivaled 360-degree views. Surrounding the attraction, a terminal housing restaurants, shops and a bar are planned for visitors waiting for liftoff. For more information, visit wwwgreatwheel.com.

The No. 1 syndicated series in the U.S., Wheel of Fortune, will tape 20 episodes at SeaWorld before live audiences Dec. 11-15. Airing will take place in early 2009. For ticket information and contestant searches, visit www.wftv.com.

Launched in March 2004, the Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. After receiving the designation, hotels are recommended to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging facilities. www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

More Green… The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the first in the country to receive certification for its recycling efforts. Recognized for recycling 40 percent of its waste, the center also uses reclaimed water for all of its landscape irrigation, has energy-efficient motors to power fountain pumps and has a control system to regulate air-conditioning and lighting levels. Hosting 300 events, shows and meetings a year, the OCCC is the second largest convention center in the U.S. www.occc.net.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando unveiled six Dr. Seuss-themed suites. The two-room suites feature a king bedroom for adults and two twin-sized beds in the children’s room. The suites are decorated with blue carpet, a montage of bright colors and famous Dr. Seuss characters, such as the Cat in the Hat, Horton and the Grinch. www.loewshotels.com or 407-363-8000.

Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn unveiled a new 4-D theater. In partnership with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, the 4-D experience offers shows for all ages and seats 73 people. Current shows include: “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Extreme Log Ride,” “Animal Adventure,” “Funhouse,” “Deep Sea” and “Dino Island.” Pricing begins at $9.95 for one experience, $12.95 for two experiences and $14.95 for three experiences. www.nickhotel.com or 407-387-5437.

The Point Orlando Resort, a new luxury condo-hotel, has opened with 144 suites. The contemporary European-designed property is located on International Drive near the Orange County Convention Center. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, Internet and local calls, a business center, fitness room and poolside Jacuzzi. www.thepoint-orlando.com. 407-956-2000 (public)

Westin Imagine is the area’s newest Florida art-deco style hotel and includes 315 guest rooms and one and two bedroom suites. All guest rooms and one bedroom suites are furnished with kitchenettes while all two bedroom suites have full kitchens. With over 7,100- square-feet of state-of the-art conference and meeting space facilities, meeting attendees will enjoy professionally planned banquet and catering events. WestinWORKOUT® helps guests maintain individual wellness while away on business or pleasure. The Westin Imagine Orlando is located directly across from the North/South Concourse of the Orlando Orange Convention Center on Universal Boulevard. www.westinimagineorlando.com. 1-800-327-2424.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando has opened Jurassic Park-themed kid’s suites and completed a $10 million room renovation. The new Jurassic Park suites include raptor’s cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture. The hotel has also completed renovations on all guest rooms and suites in a design motif that reflects the charm of the South Pacific. Technology upgrades include the addition of iHome clock radios with iPod docking stations and the installation of 32-inch (81-centimeter) flat-panel televisions. www.loewshotels.com. 407-503-3000.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a 2008 Fall Concert Series on Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 2008. The kick-off will feature a live performance by 80’s rock band Survivor, with The Guess Who performing the next weekend and Rick Springfield performing on the final weekend. Entrance to the concert is included with regular admission, which is $38 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-11. www.kennedyspacecenter.com. 321-449-4400.

In its 18th year, the event is considered one of the world’s largest, most elaborate Halloween celebrations. Universal enlists a "scream team" of designers to research the human psyche and its deepest fears so that Halloween Horror Nights’ guests can confront their most terrifying nightmares. Admission: $69.99 www.halloweenhorrornights.com. 407-363-8000

SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is for kids of all ages. Friendly pirates haunt the park as little goblins trick-or-treat for troves of treasures, participate in ghostly activities and enjoy Halloween-themed entertainment. Admission: Included in daily park admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free. www.SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259

On Nov. 7-9, Jack Hanna, renowned animal expert and host of TV's "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures," showcases some of his furry and feathered animal friends from all parts of the world. Hanna introduces unique and exotic animals, shares amazing animal stories and shows hilarious bloopers. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free. www.SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259

B.B. King’s Blues Club, a 16,000-square-foot supper club-style restaurant and live music venue features cuisine that ranges from ribs to Carolina glazed salmon. Live music will be performed nightly by the B.B. King All Star Band, an 11-piece house band with a full horn section that plays R&B, Blues, Motown and Classic Rock. www.orlando.bbkingclubs.com. 407-370-4550.

Pizzeria Valdiano includes authentic Italian favorites such as pizza by the slice, stromboli, submarine sandwiches, salads, pastries and espresso. The restaurant is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.pizzeriavaldiano.com. 407-903-5855.

Opening at Pointe Orlando in November... Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum will transport guests to Havana, Cuba, circa the 1950s, to experience Cuban cuisine influenced by Spanish, African, Creole and Asian immigrants. More than 70 rums from South America and the Caribbean will be combined with fresh fruit to create a variety of signature cocktails, sangrias and drinks. www.cubalibrerestaurant.com. 407-248-0666.

Orlando Premium Outlets plans to add add 40 new stores, expanding from 110 to 150 retailers, Nov. 6. Additions will include: Aldo, Crocs, Eddie Bauer and Joe's Jeans. A new Loft Outlet concept by Ann Taylor and a high-end Y-3 Adidas outlet store re alsoplanned. The addition will also include a children's play area. www.premiumoutlets.com/orlando. 407-238-7787.

Prime Outlets International Orlando (formerly Belz Factory Outlet Mall) has completed its $300 million expansion and renovation. Thirty-six new stores opened including: Victoria’s Secret Outlet, Kate Spade, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Michael Kors, J. Crew Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Betsey Johnson and Dooney & Bourke Outlet. The outlet center has a total of 175 stores, many showcasing luxury designers; food court with eight restaurants and a full-service restaurant, Kafe Kalik. www.primeoutlets.com. 407-352-9600

Universal Studios Florida opened its new ride based on FOX’s hit series, “The Simpsons.” Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson ride along with guests in the new attraction, which takes them on a hysterical adventure. www.universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.

Wet ‘n Wild Orlando has opened its mind-blowing “Brain Wash.” The multimillion-dollar attraction showcasing the latest advances in ride technology. The new funnel ride includes a 53-foot (16-meter) drop for two- and four-passenger tubes, with dark areas for video projection and special lighting effects. www.wetnwildorlando.com. 407-351-1800.

Magical Midway on International Drive introduces a new tower thrill ride known as the StarFlyer. The only tower ride of its kind in the United States, this almost $2 million dollar unique attraction stands 256 feet tall and illuminates in the evening. Visitors board the StarFlyer on an 18-foot high platform and are seated in a chair like swing. The ride accommodates 18 passengers with 6 single seats and 6 double seats. The chair seats are attached vertically by chains to the star shaped center car, which revolves up the tower on its own axis making the seats fly through the air at 54mph reaching heights of over 230 feet. The StarFlyer provides visitors a phenomenal view of Orlando and exhilarating experience for the entire family. 407-370-5353. www.magicalmidway.com.

Great Wheel Corp. plans to build a 400-foot rotating observation wheel as part of a new International Drive resort complex. The wheel will be able to take up to 960 visitors at a time on a half-hour ride in air-conditioned pods. The attraction is scheduled to open in late 2009 on land connected to the Orange County Convention Center. www.greatwheel.com.

SeaWorld Orlando announces the development of Manta, a new roller coaster attraction that transitions riders from air to sea. Guests will experience underwater animal habitats, soar face-down in a horizontal position to nearly 60 mph and come within inches of the ocean. Visitors may choose not to ride and instead experience the attraction itself, which provides floor-to-ceiling window views of more than 300 rays, including shark rays, spotted eagle rays and leopard rays. Opening summer 2009, www.seaworld.com. 800-327-2424.

Universal Orlando Resort will partner with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. to create a Harry Potter themed environment based on the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling and blockbuster feature films. Titled “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” the new 20-acre (8-hectare) area will become part of Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. Expected to open in late 2009, it will feature immersive rides and interactive attractions as well as experiential shops and restaurants that will enable guests to sample fare from the wizard world’s best-known establishments. Also debuting will be a state-of-the-art attraction that will bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life. www.universalorlando.com. 407-363-8000.

Lufthansa announced plans to increase its nonstop service from Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) this fall. Beginning Oct. 26, 2008, the service will begin offering daily flights. www.lufthansa.com. 800-399-5838.