Holiday Inn Orlando I-Drive and Convention Center, formerly known as Allure Hotel, was opened in January 2023 after being renovated and is a 7-story, 223 room property.
Over at the
Hyatt Regency Orlando the former Urban Tide restaurant was turned into
Descend 21. It is a newly updated bar and lounge, with a terrace with fire pits, billiards and virtual golf. It was completed February 2023.
hyatt.com
ICON Park, will offer a new interactive photo experience at
The Wheel, The Great Florida Road Trip, which will follow the flamingo family on a photo travelogue vacation through mid-century Florida. Completed spring 2023.
iconparkorlando.com
Dezerland Park Orlando, recently opened a new 800+ SF virtual reality arena with several immersive scenarios. Completion was February 2023.
dezerlandpark.com Dezerland will also be welcoming a new restaurant
Loyd Have Mercy Orlando, a southern soul food restaurant.
loydhavemercy.com Expected completion is summer 2023.
Aquatica Orlando will be opening a new kid area,
Turi's Kid Cove, (formerly Kata's Kookaburra Cove) with enhancements to the play elements, expansion of the existing pool and a new slide- Tamariki Twirl, completion was May 2023.
aquatica.com
SeaWorld launched their new coaster, Pipeline: The Surf Coaster in May 2023, SeaWorld has said that it is a one-of-a-kind ocean adventure.
Cambria Suites formerly known as Vib Hotel Orlando is under construction on Visitors Circle. The project is a 65,130SF, 5-story, 120 room property. The hotel was completed in May 2023.
choicehotels.com
The Pointe Orlando, will be gaining two new restaurants
KAVAS Tacos + Tequila, a Mexican restaurant, completion was May 2023
kavastacos.com and
JoJo's Shake BAR, focused on creative desserts,
jojosshakebar.com which was completed in March 2023.
The Pointe Orlando will also be gaining two new attractions,
Will to Escape, an immersive escape room experience,
willtoescape.com, which was completed February 2023, and
The Greens Indoor Golf & Bar, an indoor golf simulator,
thegreensindoorgolf.com, set to open in 2023. The Pointe Orlando will also be adding a new photo experience,
Earth Illuminated, offering over 40 unique photo scenes, which opened March 2023.
earthilluminated.com
I-Drive gained a new dinner show,
Polynesian Fire Luau, located in the former Roboland, is an authentic Polynesian dinner show, which was completed summer 2023.
polynesianfireorlando.com
Daskk Orlando Hotel near Universal Blvd. located at the former Quality Suites is expected to begin bookings in fall 2023.
choicehotels.com
South I-Drive is getting 329 unit new upscale garden-style apartments which will be apart of the community Altis Grand at Lake Willis. The building will include fitness center and resort-style pool. Estimated completion is summer 2023.
South I-Drive will be receiving another new apartment complex.
Town Vineland Apartments, is a 396 unit luxury garden-style, multi-family development with sixteen 3-story buildings, a clubhouse, pool, 5 detached garages and 600 surface parking spaces. Estimated completion is 2023.
townvineland.com
Bangkok Thai, a Thai cuisine restaurant will be replacing the former Tony Roma's, estimated completion is fall 2023.
Hyatt House Orlando/ I-Drive is expected to start booking in winter 2023.
hyatt.com
Divina Carne, a Brazilian steakhouse will be replacing the TGI Friday on North I-Drive, completion is 2023.
Universal Orlando will be welcoming Minions with the addition of a Minion land complete with a new cafe,
Minion Cafe and attraction,
Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast, which is inspired by the film franchises "Minions" and "Despicable Me" and opened summer 2023, along with the rest of Minion Land, which will feature a new retail shop, Bake My Day and a theater.
universalorlando.com
North I-Drive will be welcoming a new interactive animal experience,
Cool Zoo Orlando, a 10,000 SF indoor educational animal experience. Completion is September 2023.
coolzooorlando.com
Livano Grand National Apartments will be a 6.43 acre multi-family project consisting of 350 units spread over 3-apartment buildings and 1 multi-level parking garage. Expected completion is 2023.
livanograndnational.com
A new immersive dining experience will be replacing the former Game Changers on International Drive,
Atmos 360 Immersive Dining, is a new fine dining experience, completion October 2023.
atmos360orlando.com
Vineland Pointe will be welcoming,
Pinstripes, bistro, bocce, bowling, a 28,000 SF restaurant in fall 2023
pinstripes.com and
Torchy's Tacos, an Austin, Texas based taco chain is opening one of their first Florida locations in Vineland Pointe in late 2023. torchystacos.com As well as
Pet Supermarket, a pet supplies retail store.
petsupermarket.com Estimated completion is 2023.
Bainbridge Apartments are opening
Bainbridge Sand Lake, a 100,000 SF multi-family apartment building with 4 stories, 330 units, a clubhouse and resort style pool. The expected completion of the project is 2023.
bainbridgecompanies.com
The
Hollywood Plaza Garage, will receive two new restaurants
Tom's Watch Bar, an 11,000 SF sports bar concept from Smashburger founder Tom Ryan will soon be occupying the roof-top space in Hollywood Plaza parking garage. Estimated completion is 2023.
tomswatchbar.com As well as
Masti, a restaurant specializing in Indian street cuisine, which will be located on the ground level of the garage. Estimated completion is 2023.
International Drive will be welcoming a new anime and classic game arcade, restaurant and bar
Arcade Monsters, in the former Maali Restaurant/ Orlando Forum. Expected completion is 2023,
arcademonsters.com
Caribe Royale Orlando is currently in undergoing a large renovation and will be introducing two new entertainment venues this year. Stadium Club is a 9,000 SF, two-story sports bar and entertainment complex. The Grove, is a 20,000 SF outdoor event space, both venues will be completed in December 2023.
cariberoyale.com
2024 and Beyond:
Universal Studios Orlando will be replacing the former KidZone, with a new DreamWorks Animation Land, based on some of the most popular film franchises. Expected completion is 2024.
South I-Drive will be welcoming a new 40,000 SF entertainment complex,
Senso Beach Club, complete with two pools, multiple bars and a roof top area, estimated completion is spring 2024.
sensobeachclub.com
Las Vegas attraction, AREA15 is coming to Orlando in 2024. Located on the southeast corner of I-4 at the intersection of Lake Street and Regency Village Drive, a 300,000 SF immersive art experience and events center will be built.
The Grand Bainbridge Universal Major Apartments located at the site of the old Mystery Fun House, will be a 13,700 SF new construction with 390 apartments. Expected completion is Q4 2024.
The Pointe Orlando will be getting three new attractions/restaurants from Live! Hospitality and Entertainment group. It will be a 36,000 SF immersive indoor and outdoor space featuring a trio of entertainment assets. Sports & Social, will be a restaurant focused on sports entertainment, live music and social games. PBR Cowboy Bar, is a professional bull riding bar with a mechanical bull, multiple signature bars, and VIP booths. Live! Plaza, will be the outdoor venue in between the two concepts serving as a gathering place for events and more, all of which are set to open in 2024.
Bainbridge also has a new project in the works for south I-Drive,
Bainbridge World Center Apartments. Phase 1 will include 342 units and construction is set to begin July 2022. Phase 2 will include 464 units. Expected completion date for phase 1 is 2024.
bainbridgecompanies.com
The $250M-$300M
Kirkman Road Extension will be a 1.7-mile extension of south Kirkman Road with an elevated traffic circle and dedicated bus lanes. This is a public-private partnership with FDOT, Orange County, and Universal. The north-south stretch estimated completion is expected 2024.
www.cflroads.com
Caribe Royale Orlando will also be adding 37,500 SF of convention space to their existing convention center during their phased renovation project. Completion is early 2025 for this project.
cariberoyale.com
I-4 at Daryl Carter Parkway Interim Interchange began construction in 2023 and will include three new ramps: two I-4 exit ramps from both directions, eastbound I-4 entrance ramp and will include converting the existing overpass to a diverging diamond interchange. Expected completion is fall 2025.
www.cflroads.com
Universal Orlando Resort is building a new, fourth, theme park to be called
Universals Epic Universe. The park will also feature an entertainment center, hotels, shops, restaurants and more. Hotel rooms will total 2,000 rooms and will include: Universal Stella Nova, 750 rooms, Universal Terra Luna, 750 rooms and Universal Helios Grand, 500 rooms. Construction is underway, and it was announced that the park will be ready to open summer 2025.
universalorlando.com
I-Drive dedicated transit lanes from Sand Lake Road to the Beachline is scheduled to complete construction in Summer 2026. Approximately three miles of dedicated transit bus lanes from Sand Lake Road to the Beachline. New sidewalks, landscaping, and signage.
orangecountyfl.net
A new
Marriott branded W Hotel will begin construction in Q4 2023 on Universal Blvd. and will consist of a 22-story tower hotel, 400-rooms and a 3,000 SF live music venue. Completion date is 2026
w-hotels.marriott.com
Awaiting details
Deseo Grande Apartments, has begun construction of phase 2, which will add an additional 365 units, estimated completion is TBA.
deseogrand.com
Lennar Homes has a new project being built entitled
Storey Park. The mixed use development will include 516 single family vacation homes, condos and townhomes, multiple lakes, a community clubhouse with a resort style pool, lazy river, restaurant and water park. Phase I includes 96 condominiums, 34 single family homes and 120 townhomes. Phase II includes 80 townhomes, 36 single family homes and 5 condominium lots. Vertical construction started in February 2022, and completion date is TBA.
Storeypark.com
Target at Vineland Pointe will be adding 52,460 SF to the existing store with their expansion. Completion is TBA.
Fogo de Chao, has started construction on their second International Drive location, with this location being located in Vineland Pointe. The Brazilian Steakhouse will be 8,000 SF and completion is TBA.
fogodechao.com
The International Festival Shopping plaza has started renovations with improvements to the existing building as well as new tenants, which will become the Olinda Center. Tenants already include Burlington, TJ Maxx and five Below. As well as, a new Brazilian cuisine restaurant, Pao na Chapa and Sushi Yama, a Asian cuisine restaurant. The plaza will also be welcoming two chain restaurants: Chipotle and First Watch. Completion for the shopping plaza is ongoing.
International Drive's first food hall Steel Chef's Market, will have 53,000 SF of retail and restaurant space and will be made up of 26 shipping containers.
AxeVentures, will also be moving into International drive with a new urban axe throwing restaurant and lounge, replacing the former Gift Factory. Estimated completion is TBA.
axethrowing-axeventures.com
A developer has been chosen for the housing community,
Housing for Tomorrow now named Catchlight Crossings, which will be built on donated land from
Universal Orlando. The project is expected to break ground in late 2023, for phase 1 and will include 148 units. Construction for phase 2 is still TBA however will include an additional 1,000 units, 16,000 SF of retail space, a Bezos Montessori Academy, health care clinic, a transportation station and space for a University of Central Florida classroom.
housingfortomorrow.com
The
Brightline Train is coming to Orlando and making a stop near Universal Boulevard.
The Brightline/Sunshine Corridor Station is the proposed stop and possible Sun Rail link. It will be built on land donated by Universal. Estimated completion date TBA.
orlandosrightrail.com
Sand Lake Vista is also expecting to open four restaurant pads totaling 17,500 SF, a 30,000 SF self-storage structure and the future home of Paramount Urgent Care.
Taking over the old Marriott Grand Pines Golf Club is the
Paradiso Grande Resort Orlando, a 157 vacation home community to include townhomes and single-family vacation homes from 3 to 15 bedrooms. This will also feature a community clubhouse, resort-style pool with a lazy river and walking trails. Phase 2 is currently under construction with estimated completion is TBA.
paradisograndehomes.com
On Daryl Carter Parkway, adjacent to the soon to be opened Altis Lake Willis, Altra Lake Willis will be built. It will consist of 230 units, a 24/7 fitness center, Starbucks cyber cafe, and a resort style heated pool.
The interchange between Sand Lake Road and I-4 will be reimagined into a diverging diamond configuration to assist in creating better traffic flow. The construction date details for this
Sand Lake Road Interchange are still waiting to be announced at this time.
i4beyond.com
Carrier Drive will be undergoing roadway improvements at Carrier Dr. / Universal Blvd. and Carrier Dr. / Kirkman Road. These include a mixed-use path along the south side of the roadways, landscaping and a possible roundabout. Right now the project is still in the design phase, and construction is expected to begin 2023.
orlando.gov
Tuscana PD is 273 acres of planned development on South International Drive. The plans are to develop the land for 653,400 SF of commercial land, 4,485 condo/hotel rooms and 5,114 multifamily units. Estimated completion date is TBA.
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.
Quotes from I-Drive stakeholders and partners:
"I have had the opportunity to call the Rosen Inn International (formerly the Quality Inn International) located at 7600 International Drive, my home, from 1974 to 1990. Now spanning some 42 plus years as an owner-operator of multiple hotels in the district, one can only imagine the tremendous growth and development we have had the distinct privilege of being intimately involved with.
The International Drive district features our World Class Orange County Convention Center, dozens of spectacular hotels, fine dining, and numerous exciting entertainment venues. In addition, specialty retailers and an assortment of merchants can be found on virtually every street corner. We currently enjoy a robust marketplace thanks to our diverse base of visitors; tourists, conventioneers and locals.
I remain confident that we will continue to adapt to our ever changing environment and provide the finest service and hospitality anywhere in the world. I am extremely optimistic regarding future development in the district and remain poised to do my part to ensure that I-Drive remains a legendary destination."
Harris Rosen, President, Rosen Hotels & Resorts
"Unicorp National Developments sees a very big future with International Drive. And as we are currently the largest property owner on I-Drive with 77 acres, our plan is to redevelop much of this property to take advantage of the exciting, new, urbanism vision that has been approved for the I-Drive District. This will include hotels, restaurants and even more entertainment. Thousands of Orlando Eye riders experience the landscape of Central Florida from 400 feet each day and we are excited to be part of I-Drive and the growth and future of Orange County. This is where it all happens and we are thrilled to be part of it."
Chuck Whittall, President Unicorp Companies
“International Drive is the most burgeoning entertainment district in the world, and Orange County is in the process of implementing the ground-breaking I-Drive 2040 Vision that sets the tone for the District to continue to be the most visited leisure and convention market in the world. We look forward to the future as we work toward the opening this year of our 800-space parking garage complex with a rooftop restaurant and to the future opening of Skyplex."
Joshua Wallack of Wallack Holdings, COO Mango’s Tropical Café Orlando /Managing Principal, Skyplex
“AMP Group / Perfumeland was born and raised on International Drive starting with just a 1,200-square- foot perfume shop in the mid 90’s. As Perfumeland grew, so did our company with a number of new investments into the International Drive area culminating with the addition of the Orlando Crossings Mall and I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing facility. Our company’s expansion is a direct result of the wonderful growth we have seen to Orlando and its tourism industry in the last few years. I-Drive has been a catalyst for the growth of our region. We are truly excited over the I-Drive 2040 Vision and what the future holds.”
Alejandro Pezzini, Chief Operating Officer, AMP Group
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Contact: Luann Brooks, Executive Director
International Drive Business Improvement District
www.IDriveDistrict.com
P: 407-248-9590
lbrooks@idrivedistrict.com
Orlando's Most Dynamic Destination!
Updated: September 2023