What's Making News on International Drive...December 2008
ORLANDO, FL. (Decemer 2008)–With cooler weather, this is a perfect time to plan a visit to the International Drive Resort Area. Whether it is for the holidays, always a special time to be in Orlando, or for later this winter, visitors discover an endless list of family activities during December! New attractions at the major theme parks, expanded accommodations, special holiday events, new dining, shopping and 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.
 
Holiday Excitement on the Drive
Decorations, special holiday entertainment and visits from Santa at many hotels and restaurants greet visitors who are celebrating their holiday in the area. Meet the Grinch, have a holiday dinner with Pirates, have a photo taken with Santa, view 30 gingerbread houses, shop at the area’s world-famous retail outlets, visit the area’s world-famous theme parks. The options are as endless as the decorations along I-Drive!
 
Through Jan. 6, 2009
It’s a holiday Yo Ho Ho with this yuletide celebration that only pirates could provide! Food, entertainment and more as the entire family participates in the swashbuckling fun! www.piratesdinneradventure.com. 407-248-0590.
 
Gingerbread House Contest and Santa at Festival Bay Mall
Through Dec. 10
Festival Bay Mall is holding its second annual Gingerbread House Contest benefiting Partnership In Education schools. Come look at the display of over 30 gingerbread houses located in a store front near the Bass Pro Shops and vote for your favorite gingerbread house at Customer Service! Each vote cast is $1 with 100% of the proceeds going to school’s PIE program. Through Dec. 24, Santa will be available for photos.
 
Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios
Dec. 7-Jan. 1, 2009
The world’s most famous parade in New York has become a holiday experience at Universal Studios. The Macy's Holiday Parade features some of the most popular balloons and floats direct from the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Complete with a tree lighting ceremony by Santa Claus each day of the holiday season. Admission: the event is included in daily park admission, which is $75 for adults, $63 for children ages 3-9 and free for children ages 2 and under.www.universalorlando.com. 407-363-8000.
 
Dec. 7- Jan. 1
Seuss Landing at Islands of Adventure is transformed into a bah-humbug haven by the Grinch. The entire Seuss-themed island is colorfully decorated for the season and guests are invited to meet the Grinch in his lair, which is outfitted with authentic movie props and gadgets. Grinch fans enjoy a live, musical stage show that re-tells the world-famous story of the grumpy Grinch. Admission: Included in regular park admission. Adult $75, Children ages 3-9 $63, Children ages 2 and under free. universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.
 
Christmas at SeaWorld Orlando
Through Dec. 25
Festive decorations, snowfalls and live holiday music The event is included in daily park admission, which is $64.95 for adults, $53.95 for children ages 3-9 and free for children ages 2 and under. www.seaworld.com. 407-351-3600.
 
The Polar Express Experience at SeaWorld Orlando
Through Jan. 4, 2009
This enchanting experience surrounds guests with the true spirit of the holiday season through laugh, thrills and animal encounters. Classic scenes are recreated in a multi-sensory experience immersing passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects from the smell of Christmas cookies to bright lights glistening on a festive tree. www.seaworld.com. 407-351-3600.
 
Bowl-a-Palooza FanFest on International Drive
Dec. 26-31
All eyes will be on Orlando during the last week of December as Florida Citrus Sports presents its annual bowl week festival. Incorporating the Champs Sports Bowl and the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, this week will feature more than 100,000 fans flocking to Central Florida for football, festivities and fun. In addition to outstanding action on the field, the festival includes the Orlando Citrus Parade, a concert in Lake Eola Park and more than 20 events in seven days. I-Drive’s Pointe Orlando is the place to be for all of the fun-filled daily activities for the entire family. www.bowlapalooza.com 407-423-2476.
 
New Year’s Eve at SeaWorld Orlando
Dec. 31
SeaWorld Orlando is throwing a New Year’s Eve party complete with live music and fireworks. Dance to the beat of a live DJ as the countdown to 2009 begins at The Waterfront, where guests can also enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment venues. At the stroke of midnight, witness the Orlando sky radiate during a brilliant fireworks show that will light up the night. Admission: Included in daily admission. Adults $69.95, Children ages 3-9 $59.95, Children ages 2 and under free. SeaWorld.com 407-363-2259.
 
New Year’s Eve 2008 at Universal CityWalk
This 30-acre entertainment complex with themed restaurants, nightclubs and shops, will host one of Orlando’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties. The evening will feature live performances by national acts, an expansive gourmet buffet, a champagne toast and live entertainment at its nightclubs. universalorlando.com 407-363-8000.
 
Park the car, take the trolley!
 
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.
 
For detailed, downloadable Trolley maps visit http://www.iridetrolley.com/.
 
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.
 
I-Drive is home to six of the world's greatest theme parks!!! Check this site under "playing" for the latest offers.
 
Experience the Chill!
International Drive's newest nighttime venue, Icebar Orlando, has opened its unique 5,000 square foot entertainment venue which features a 1,000 sq. ft. bar made from solid ice. Able to accommodate up to 600 people for private parties, weddings and corporate events, ICEBAR is destined to be a hit! Open year-round, the $35 cover charge includes a 45-minute expedition into the 27-degree den of solid, sparkling, floor-to-ceiling ice. Slip on a thermal cape and gloves and sip a premium vodka cocktail (or non-alcoholic drink for guests under 21) served in a glass carved from pure ice. www.orlandoicebar.com. 407-426-7555.
 
Titanic returns to I-Drive!
Titanic the Experience closed 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 is planned for winter with 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.
 
SkyVenture Orlando renovations
The attraction recently remodeled its observation area with tables and chairs making group events easier. The indoor skydiving attraction is now set up for catering and bar services for private parties. In addition, the wind tunnel exterior remodel is nearly complete and showcases a new look for indoor skydiving. 407-903-1150.
 
Awards
Gold Key Awards go to four IDRA accommodations
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.
 
The Great Orlando Wheel is coming to I-Drive!
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.
 
Wheel of Fortune coming to SeaWorld!
The No. 1 syndicated series in the U.S., Wheel of Fortune, will tape 20 episodes at SeaWorld before live audiences Dec. 11-15. To bepart othe fun, visit www.seawold.com or www.wftv.com.
  
Green on I-Drive!
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has named the following 20 International Drive Resort Area properties to the Florida Green Lodging Program:
 
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.
 
Accommodations
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.
 
Renaissance Orlando Resort Hotel At SeaWorld, Orlando has completed a $27 million transformation. 407-351-5555.
 
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.
 
More Shopping!
Orlando Premium Outlets has opened 40 new stores, expanding from 110 to 150 retailers. 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
 
New Attractions!
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.
 
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.
 
Coming Attractions
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.
12/08