What’s New On I-Drive

The Brits are back in Orlando in fantastic numbers this year, and there’s a LOT of new developments for them to see and do, so we thought we’d highlight some of the latest attractions and changes to look out for.

For many of our UK customers, it’s been at least two years since they were last able to enjoy the thrill of arriving at Orlando International Airport, hear that iconic ‘Welcome’ message from the Mayor, and head out to enjoy the vast array of attractions.

There have been many changes in that time, things that have opened or closed, and the process is still ongoing.

That is especially true of International Drive, the 12-mile corridor of visitor fascination that links a key series of attractions, shops and restaurants, right on the doorstep of the main theme parks.

What’s up I-Drive?

For any newcomers, International Drive, or I-Drive as it is usually known, has been a cornerstone of Orlando’s tourist business virtually since the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971.

Its long pavements and easy pedestrian style have been hugely popular with British visitors for the opportunity to ditch the car and use our legs or the handy I-Ride Trolley to get around.

It has always provided an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colourful places to try out and, just as importantly, eat at. The shopping varies from dime-a-dozen gift stores to big name discount outlets. And, when the theme parks close, I-Drive keeps going, usually until midnight or even later.

In short, this is almost as much of a major draw as Disney and Co, and it offers a terrific array of options for family fun and entertainment, from mini-golf to escape games, and fine dining to fast-food galore.

New attractions

Just to start with, there have been a dazzling variety of new ways to be entertained, pretty much the length and breadth of I-Drive.

At the truly iconic ICON Park, with its 400ft observation wheel, visitors can now enjoy the unique Museum of Illusions, a series of interactive exhibits that will have you doubting the evidence of your own eyes, which opened in January 2021.

Almost at the same time, ICON Park debuted a new concept in arcade games in the shape of In The Game, a combination of mirror maze, escape room, virtual reality experiences and 7-D motion-based cinema, which is open until 11pm week days and midnight at weekends.

In the summer of 2021, the popular amusement park of Fun Spot added its newest thrill machine with the opening of Sky Hawk, a towering 90ft revolving swing-ride set between the two roller-coasters of Freedom Flyer and White Lightning.

Last summer was also the time when we saw the former I-Drive NASCAR location come back to life as K1 Speed, with 64,000sq ft of indoor go-karting, plus arcade, 10-pin bowling and full restaurant.

On an even bigger scale, the former Artegon shopping mall, which closed in 2017, is now home to Dezerland Park, a sprawling indoor complex that is part classic car museum and part entertainment centre, with 10-pin bowling, trampolining, bumper cars, play shooting, and more.

New dining options

While I-Drive has said goodbye to some true fan favourites like Tony Roma’s, CiCi’s Pizza, Sweet Tomatoes and Vito’s Chop House, there are plenty of new restaurants that have taken their place, including the latest from Britain’s own celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay.

Ramsay’s Fish & Chips was new at ICON Park last August, with a novel take on a traditional chippie, while legendary Key West bar/restaurant Sloppy Joe’s joined it in December and this summer should see the advent of another all-new outlet, Brother Jimmy’s, which specialises in classic Southern comfort food.

Down at the Pointe Orlando, the elegant The Hampton Social has moved into the space vacated by the former Tommy Bahama store and café, with a tempting seafood-and-brunch menu, and it will be joined this spring by the Mexican style of Kavas Tacos + Tequila.

Or how about dining in a 2-D colouring book? That’s the premise of Twenty Pho Hour, which opened this January, and features noodles, egg rolls and other Japanese-inspired dishes in a truly unusual environment.

And there’s more!

Of course there’s more – it’s Orlando. And, for that ‘something different’ factor there’s the new (in June 2021) Build-a-Bear experience at ICON Park; Brazilian soccer giants Flamengo will have their very first dedicated US shop this summer, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo Store Nação Rubro Negra, selling a range of club merchandise; Pinstripes will be another stylish indoor games/dining experience, featuring bocce ball and 10-pin bowling as well as its own bistro; and Crumbl Cookies in now open at Vineland Pointe, a specialist bakery offering a wide range of tasty treats.

Or you could also try the new Beer Spa, Yes, seriously. If you’re ready for a beer soak, this is the place to go, just south of SeaWorld, next door to the IHOP. A good soak AND craft beer to drink? Sign us up!

It’s all here in the wonderful world of International Drive!

For the latest details and events, be sure to visit InternationalDriveOrlando.com.

What are you most looking forward to visiting on I-Drive? Give us your thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.