Year in Review: International Drive Orlando

There’s no denying that International Drive Orlando is one of the most dynamic districts in Central Florida. We are home to several theme parks, nightlife, attractions, restaurants, shopping destinations, and much more! You can literally find anything and everything you are searching for on I-Drive! In line with this, our district continued to grow in 2017 and sealed our fate as the number 1 vacation (and staycation) spot in the United States!

 

Here’s a list of some of the new additions to I-Drive this year:

 

  

 

Hulk Hogan knows best… so he knew to open his beach shop in the heart of International Drive Orlando! Hogan’s Beach Shop is a Hulkamaniac’s dream that perfect for friends, family, and fans!

 

Jimmy Fallon Ride:

  

 

In spring 2017, we welcomed Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show to I-Drive. Not only is this ride an incredible walk through television history that can keep you entertained for hours, it was offered an alternative to the tradition queue. Attendees make a reservation on Universal’s app, come back when their color has been called, and enjoy a “green room” with live performances including the Ragtime Gals barbershop quartet and Hashtag the Panda before boarding the ride. 

 

Uncle Julio’s:

 

Credit: Facebook

 

Over the summer, a new Mexican joint joined ICON Park, Home of the Orlando Observation Wheel’s lineup. With recipes made from scratch, and a chocolate piñata, Uncle Julio’s quickly became a popular I-Drive restaurant!

 

Volcano Bay:

 

 

We said goodbye to Universal’s Wet N Wild and said hello to Volcano Bay! This gorgeous water park will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a private island of adventure and fun. From high-speed aqua coasters, to trapdoor water slides, and leisurely rivers to float down, this water park is quickly becoming the “it” aqua-attraction of Orlando!

 

Kraken:

 

 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Karen coaster unveiled a virtual reality upgrade earlier this year that takes guests into the depths of the ocean – and into a confrontation with the Kraken. As virtual reality is one of the newest forms of technology hitting theme parks, we cannot wait to see what other incredible trips we’ll take in our theme parks as the years continue!

 

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games:

 

 

Racing legend Mario Andretti brought a bit of speed to I-Drive this year, with the opening of our newest karting and family entertainment center. Guests can enjoy high speed electric super karts on a multi-level track, a state of the art arcade, ropes courses, professional VR racing simulators, laser tag, bowling, and much more!

 

Topgolf Orlando:

 

 

A premier entertainment and event venue, Topgolf was a welcomed addition to Orlando! With fun point-scoring golf games for all skill levels, an upscale bar, music, and much more, tourists and locals alike can be found in this watering hole-in-one! The premier entertainment and event venue in Orlando with fun point-scoring golf games for all skill levels, upscale bar food and drinks, music and more!

 

 

 

Ending the year, Universal added a new feature that has locals and tourists flocking to Hogsmeade in the evenings. The new Hogwarts Castle Show celebrating Christmas is a masterpiece that you can’t see just once! From the music, to the gorgeous scenery, it will truly take your breath away.

 

There you have it… a wrap up of some of the greatest additions to International Drive Orlando!