It's been more than 10 years since new major theme park opened in the Orlando area. Here's what's cooking as Universal nears the grand opening of Epic Universe.

If you don’t feel like cooking on Thanksgiving, check out these Orlando-area restaurants that will open their doors for a holiday feast.

He’s known for his blockbuster films, musical talents, and eccentric personality, and pretty soon, Jeff Goldblum can add another celebrity honor to his name.

A 16-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot along I-Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

An Orlando man accused of leaving the scene of a crash along International Drive that left a teen with serious injuries and another in critical condition has been arrested.

A crash between a motorcycle and a car in Orange County left one person dead and another critically injured on Saturday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

About 200 electric scooters and bicycles are now available thanks to a pilot program from Orange County Public Works.

Lady Gaga’s wax figure is based on her look from the 2022 BAFTA Awards gown when she wore a green velvet dress.

Two men were killed in a crash on State Road 417 in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida troopers say a Kissimmee teenager was killed and an Orlando teen was critically injured in a crash on International Drive in Orange County.

Crash happened on Sand Lake Road and International Drive.

The Disney International Airport Destination Parkway Express will be known as Link 3-11 and will take passengers from Orlando International Airport with six stops along the way and back.

In a release on Friday, deputies said that the attack happened near 8957 International Drive around 12:50 a.m. on March 28.

Twenty-two years ago, Mike Simmons left his career in medicine and returned to where he first started working, restaurants. Now, he is getting ready to open the first Tom’s Watch Bar location in Florida.

Madame Tussauds Orlando is thrilled to announce the latest wax figure to its esteemed collection: the stunning global icon, Rihanna.

More than 25 companies will be on hand to offer job seekers the chance to make personal connections with recruiters and hiring managers from some of Central Florida’s best employers.

SeaWorld Orlando is making progress on its plans to develop and build its own resort style hotel.

A $500,000 federal grant will help support the effort to connect SunRail and Brightline between Orlando International Airport and the I-Drive area, and beyond.

The public will have the chance to learn more about plans to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the International Drive corridor this week.

The public will have the chance to learn more about plans to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the International Drive corridor next week.

One of Orlando’s tourist spots is set to be the new home for a video game bar, an American tavern and an immersive dining restaurant.

For the first time ever, ICON Park is offering an annual pass for people to purchase.

Immersive art exhibits appear to be becoming more and more popular in Central Florida, but this one invites guests to see Earth in a whole new light.

In the heart of Orlando’s tourist district along International Drive, visitors to Central Florida told News 6 on Sunday that they were struggling to find ways to escape from yet another day of scorching heat.

ICON Park is celebrating unique places around the state with its all-new “Destination Days” this month.

WonderWorks Orlando invites Florida residents to make the most of the final weeks of summer break by offering discounted tickets during their Back 2 School Bash.

A man was sentenced to life in prison Thursday for a 2016 robbery that turned into a killing along International Drive in Orange County.

The Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour is in Orlando through the weekend.

A 53-year-old Orlando man died Saturday morning after crashing on a motorcycle along International Drive in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

As summer is just on the horizon, Icon Park aims to fight “Vacation Inflation” with epic summer deals.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection to a shooting outside Dezerland on International Drive that killed a 14-year-old and injured two others, according to the Orlando Police Department.

A hotel on International Drive in Orange County was evacuated on Saturday as crews responded to a fire on a 14th-floor balcony.

A man was arrested in a shooting at the Sonic restaurant on I-Drive that left a teen injured.

Orlando police are searching for an assailant after a teenager was shot on at a Sonic on International Drive.

The restaurant JoJo’s ShakeBAR announced it will be opening its first Florida location in Orlando on Wednesday.

An 18-year-old was arrested in connection with the death of 30-year-old found shot and robbed near a hotel on International Drive, according to the Orlando Police Department.

A coalition of International Drive businesses is joining with Universal Orlando to create a SunRail route between Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center.

A man was found injured near a hotel on International Drive in Orlando after police responded to a reported shooting early Monday.

Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, and the businesses and attractions of ICON Park on International Drive are offering discounts for veterans and military members.

Hurricane Ian began to pummel Orange County with heavy wind and rain Wednesday night, as seen from International Drive in Orlando.

While reporting live on Hurricane Ian in Orange County, News 6 reporter Mike DeForest encountered a man and woman out looking for food.

Just hours after the confirmation of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, British tourists in Orlando expressed sadness for her loss.

Turns out, beer has some wellness properties that could improve your skin. This Orlando beer spa offers a unique calming experience for the beer lovers out there.

A woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s were pronounced dead Saturday morning after being found by deputies responding to a shooting call at a resort on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Walt Disney World has shared new details about its plans to light up parts of Orlando’s International Drive.

WonderWorksOrlando is offering teachers and school support staff free admission during May 2022

A woman died after being struck by a car Saturday night while attempting to cross a busy section of International Drive in a crosswalk, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Madame Tussauds Orlando’s newest wax figure is one you’re not going to want to say “Thank You, Next” to.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is preparing for the grand debut of four guitarfish.

A man involved in an Orange County crash had been shot, according to deputies.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on what will soon be two new world record breaking attractions coming to Orlando’s International Drive in December.

An investigation of a suspicious package has an area of International Drive shut down, according to the Orlando Police Department.

Forgoing hours of cooking and clean-up this Thanksgiving? These restaurants are providing dine-in and takeout options for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving meal.

The world of magic is about to make a Las Vegas-style splash on International Drive this weekend headlined by Master Illusionist David Ferrari, the protégé’ of superstar Criss Angel.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on what will soon be two new world record breaking attractions coming to Orlando’s International Drive in December.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on what will soon be two new world record breaking attractions coming to Orlando’s International Drive in December.

ICON Park is ready to transform for the holiday season.

Located in the heart of the Orlando tourist area, Mango's Tropical Cafe offers a melting pot of cultures and traditions from its Latin music to its dancers.

Global Latin superstar, Maluma getting wax statue at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Fans better watch the hair, stars from the popular 90s sitcom “Full House” will at MegaCon Orlando this year.

First class dinner gala returns to Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

‘The Office’ cast to reunite at MegaCon Orlando

Disney to brighten up International Drive with dynamic art display, records say

A new show modeled after Las Vegas acts is coming to the Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando.

A 14-year-old boy who was taken to the hospital after a near drowning in a hotel pool off International Drive Thursday afternoon died as a result of his injuries Friday, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

A 14-year-old was rushed to the hospital after he was pulled from a pool at a hotel on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Officials at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition announced the Orlando attraction is expanding operations and will now be open daily.

Tourists were reacting to loosened mask policies along International Drive on Friday evening.

Officers are asking for help from the public after a man is accused of exposing himself to two different women and grabbing one of the victims along the International Drive corridor in Orlando, according to police.

A man faces three counts of attempted manslaughter after deputies said he fired into an occupied hotel room.

Universal Parks and Resorts along with leaders in Orange County have now selected a developer to build and design a new 20-acre affordable housing community.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando acquires world's longest fingernails

ORLANDO, Fla – ICON Park is showing its spirit ahead of Super Bowl LV. This weekend, the entertainment complex along International Drive will celebrate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Officials said any fan wearing a Bucs jersey or apparel on Saturday or Sunday can receive 50% off their ticket to The Wheel. Ole Red Orlando: watch the game and listen to live music while enjoying good ol’ country cooking. Parking at ICON Park is free.

ORLANDO, Fla – ICON Park is offering an incredible deal for Florida’s hard-working teachers. To request a pass, ICON Park officials are asking teachers to submit a form that includes their name, phone number, school district, and Florida Department of Education number. Once submitted, a member of the ICON Park school groups team will call the teacher to approve their request. ICON Park recently opened the new Museum of Illusions which allows guests to experience 50 interactive exhibits that are immersive and photo-worthy for social media. Click here to learn about some of the other attractions at ICON Park.

ORLANDO, Fla – Central Florida has a new mind-bending experience with the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park along International Drive. Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) “Many international guests are familiar with our concept through social networking,” said Museum of Illusions Orlando General Manager George Youngdahl. Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.) News 6 producer Landon McReynolds steps inside to experience the Museum of Illusions (Copyright 2020 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

A man was rushed to the hospital after a stabbing on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was hospitalized after being stabbed on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened in the Pointe Orlando area of International Drive. Deputies said at 5:35 p.m. authorities responded to International Drive for a stabbing call. The Sheriff’s Office said when deputies arrived at the scene they found a man with a non-life-threatening stab wound.

Two new record-setting attractions are coming to Orlando’s ICON Park in summer 2021, the Slingshot Group of Companies announced Monday. The additions to International Drive include the world’s tallest drop tower and the world’s tallest slingshot ride. The ICON Park Drop Tower will stand at 430 feet lifting 30 riders up to see the beautiful sites, according to a news release. The ICON Park Slingshot reaches 300 feet and will launch two riders out of an “exploding volcano” to approximately 450 feet into the sky at more than 100 mph, company officials said. Two new record-setting attractions are coming to Orlando’s ICON Park in summer 2021, the Slingshot Group of Companies announced Monday.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Following the Thanksgiving holiday, some hotels in the area of International Drive said they saw an uptick in occupancy. One hotel said they were sold out on Friday, with others that said they were 70-75% full over the weekend. But Keri Burns, the regional director of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association of Central Florida, said the holiday wasn’t good news for everyone. In fact, I was so excited to hear that over Thanksgiving weekend, some of our properties had 85% occupancy,” Burns said. “If Thanksgiving was strong, I would expect the rest of the holiday season to be equally as strong, if not stronger,” Snaith said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A guest who was asked to leave an International Drive hotel because he hadn’t paid his bill instead got a gun and locked himself in a laundry room, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they responded to the WoodSpring Suites extended-stay hotel at about 12:20 p.m. Thursday because the property manager said Alric Freeman hadn’t paid his bill and he needed to be trespassed, but Freeman refused to leave his hotel room. The manager said Freeman left the hotel room with a gun in his hand and went to the lobby to yell for the manager, who was hiding under a desk in fear, according to the report. As multiple deputies entered the lobby to confront Freeman and ask him to put his weapon down, he locked himself in a laundry room, records show. He’s facing charges of armed trespassing, resisting an officer without violence and disorderly conduct.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Fun Spot near International Drive has been put on notice three times in the past few months after strike teams found that guests weren’t always wearing masks while at the amusement park, according to records provided by Orange County. The first strike team visit occurred on Aug. 13 after a citizen complaint. Orange County has had a mask mandate in place for months to stop the spread of COVID-19. While strike teams have been visiting businesses to make sure they’re complying with that rule, the focus has been on educating rather than fining or punishing, according to the mayor. News 6 has contacted Fun Spot for comment.

ORLANDO, Fla. – While using a brush and a variety of colorful paints, Freedom High School senior Zaphra Ward had a specific vision for her artwork. That gave Colonial High School senior Andrew Graham a chance to show off his school spirit and give his classmates a special message. Orange County high school seniors paint parking spots off I-Drive in Orlando, Fla. after winning the "Paint Your Pointe." Joanne Helbourg with Pointe Orlando said this was a special event for the class of 2021 since many students are still taking virtual classes at home because of the virus. They are still seniors and they are still going off to school they can still change the world,” Helbourg said.

ORLANDO – A woman drowned in a pool Saturday at the Clarion Hotel on International Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the woman was found face down at the bottom of the pool and after attempts to revive her, she was taken to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The woman has not yet been identified, deputies said.

ORLANDO, Fla – Premier dinner entertainment venue, the Orlando Forum, is about to transform into a frightfully fun Halloween event. (Orlando Forum)The haunted house attraction has been designed and created by Halloween Horror Nights veterans Patrick Braillard and Kim Gromoll. Leaders said the maze will feature 20 masked actors and will wind 480 linear feet of horrifying madness through the venue. (Orlando Forum)During the “Dark Seance Haunted Dinner Experience,” guests will be treated to a four-course dinner and hear tales of the most notorious and nefarious souls to ever walk among the living. The dinner experience costs $87.50 per person and runs daily at 6 p.m. with a limited capacity.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 21-year-old man fell to his death Monday morning while conducting a daily safety check on the StarFlyer attraction in Orlando tourist’s district, deputies said. | Search ongoing for gunman who shot deputies]Orange County Fire Rescue said Kaminsky was about halfway up the 450-foot ride, dubbed the world’s tallest swing ride, when he fell onto the platform. Ena Hillsman and her family from Augusta, Georgia were vacationing this week to Orlando. She planned to bring her son to ride the StarFlyer swing ride at Icon Park before learning about the tragedy. Ride officials said they’re cooperating with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and deputies in the investigation.

ORLANDO, Fla. – It was a fairly busy Labor Day weekend for businesses along International Drive, a popular tourist destination in Orlando. This is what Orlando is,” Tereso Guevara, an Orlando native said. Guevara spent the day at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf with his family. He said he’s happy to see I-Drive and some of its most well-known entertainment spots back to life. At Fun Spot America things seemed to be picking up as well as people enjoyed several of their rides.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A woman drowned Friday afternoon when she fell off her jet ski while riding in Lake Bryan, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Fire and Rescue responded to a drowning at the lake around 2:50 p.m. on Friday. The 49-year-old was taken to Dr. Phillips Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Lake Bryan is located behind several resorts along east of Interstate 4 and west of International Drive. No other information was immediately available.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A cafe and lounge owner is facing charges after deputies say she was selling liquor at her establishment without a proper license. When authorities asked for the cafe’s liquor license, the part-owner did not have one or show any paperwork. It was a man who identified himself as Brewster’s husband that said they had applied for a liquor license and were waiting for approval from the state. The individuals agreed they would not sell liquor without a proper license, according to a sheriff’s office report. The 36-year-old was arrested and is now facing a charge for possession of alcohol with the intent to be sold without a proper license.

ORLANDO, Fla. – One Central Florida travel accommodation that carries passengers along International Drive is suspending service until further notice. The I-RIDE Trolley is the exclusive, convenient and affordable transportation option within the International Drive Resort Area. “By using the area’s exclusive and convenient I-RIDE Trolley service you can sit back and ride up and down the miles of fun that make up the International Drive Resort Area,” the trolley’s website says. The I-RIDE Trolley service consists of 17 green replica trolleys. For more information on the I-Ride Trolley service click or tap here.

It was all part of the “iCan!” bike camp put together by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. “We wanted to be able to help families with those things that we felt helped our children,” Gardiner said. Gardiner says the bike camp is her favorite event of the year because she’s able to get to know the families and be part of their progress. Burns says the camp has changed their lives and she wanted other families to know it’s an option. bike camp happens every summer and is scheduled around space availability at the Orange County Convention Center.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The partial reopening of Walt Disney World, which is set to begin Saturday, is expected to bring visitors to Central Florida and other local attractions are banking on the business. Many businesses on and near International Drive said the parks reopening could give them a much-needed boost after a difficult few months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is looking forward to Disney reopening and bringing travelers in from out of town as well, Goodman said. Having a major player like Disney open up will help bring some guests to these hotels up and down I-Drive.Not far away at Top Golf Orlando, workers said business still hasnt fully bounced back. Disney and Orlando have a long-time partnership, and were exited for it to be reopening, Upchurch said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The Orlando Police Department released video Wednesday of two persons of interest wanted for questioning in connection with a fatal shooting on International Drive in hopes that someone will recognize them. They are persons of interest in the shooting death of D'Quan Prentice on I-Drive June 13. pic.twitter.com/g1Pxe4tHn3 Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 24, 2020Recently released video shows a man wearing a white shirt, khaki shorts and a black baseball cap leaving a business with a woman wearing a multi-colored dress or romper. Police said the man and woman are persons of interest in the fatal shooting but didnt provide details on how why theyre suspected of being involved. Anyone who recognizes the man or the woman is asked to call Detective Michael Fields 407-246-2979 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead. According to police, the shooting occurred in a parking lot on International Drive early Saturday morning. Officers said that 26-year-old D’quan Prentice was taken to a hospital, suffering from a gunshot wound. Prentice was linked to the shooting scene on International Drive, authorities said. “As this investigation is active and ongoing, there are no other details to release at this time,” officers said.

Blake Shelton’s Southern-style Ole Red Orlando announced its opening one day after the country music star’s birthday, June 19. “My birthday is June 18, but Ole Red Orlando is opening June 19, that’s way more important,” Shelton said in a video on Instagram. (Credit: Ole Red Orlando) (WKMG)The 17,289 square foot Ole Red will offer a live music experience and feature concert-quality lighting, up-to-date acoustics and seating for about 500 people. (Credit: Ole Red Orlando) (WKMG)The restaurant still has open positions and candidates are encouraged to apply online to pre-schedule an interview with the hiring manager, officials said. For more updates, follow Ole Red on Facebook.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After shutting down operations on March 23 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Orlando Starflyer reopened on Friday night. He said they reopened at 5 p.m. only to shut down two minutes later due to a thunderstorm. New cleaning protocols were also in place up International Drive at Fun Spot America on Friday night. "As we increase economic activity, we could see an increase in the number of cases, and we have seen a slight increase in the number of cases," he said. Park owners said they're confident their new safety measures will make a difference, and they're banking on a successful Memorial Day weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando’s once-bustling tourist district is starting to see movement again for the first time in more than a month as restaurants at Icon Park on International Drive begin accepting customers once again. At Icon Park, the home base for Orlando’s Wheel, select restaurants are opening their dining rooms and outdoor patios. Sugar Factory is accepting reservations for Wednesday. Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse are donating meals to the Orange County Fire Department Substation 57 and Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sector 5 Substation as part of the Icon Park meal donation program. No new opening date has been given for country star Blake Shelton’s restaurant Ole Red, which was supposed to start accepting guests at its new spot next to the Wheel on April 13.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Shops and attractions on International Drive are beginning to feel the pressure as major attractions around Central Florida close to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The first attraction on I-Drive to shut its doors is Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. RELATED: From tickets to FastPasses: The latest on Disney World’s coronavirus closure | This will be the longest closure ever for Disney World“Following advice from health officials to practice social distancing, Ripley’s will be temporarily closed starting on Wednesday, March 18,” Ripley Entertainment Inc. told News 6. If you have already purchased a ticket, the ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase. We look forward to reopening our doors, and welcoming our guests back soon,” Ripley’s said in a statement.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man was shot Wednesday while at a hotel near International Drive, according to the Orlando Police Department. The shooting was reported at about 4:15 p.m. at I-Drive Grand Resort & Suites on Kirkman Road. Police said two men were in a hotel room with a woman when one of the men was shot. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately available. The man who was shot suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – For the first time ever, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a State of International Drive speech he says to showcase the economic impact the 11-mile tourism corridor has for the county. Opening his speech by saying I-Drive hosts more than 75,000 workers and brought 14.8 million visitors in 2018. “These millions of guests, families and residents of all ages come to I-Drive for an exciting experience they can find nowhere else,” he said. The county is finalizing plans for a major pedestrian bridge at the intersection of I-Drive and Sand Lake Road. It failed because the connectivity they talked about was connecting the airport to the I-Drive corridor and it’s much more than that,” Demings said.

ORLANDO, Fla – Your senses are about to be tricked this summer at ICON Park. The entertainment complex located along International Drive is set to welcome the Museum of Illusions this summer. Museum of Illusions to join ICON Park’s entertainment lineup (Museum of Illusions)The museum’s website lists 15 locations already around the world and the brand continues to expand. Museum of Illusions to join ICON Park’s entertainment lineup (Museum of Illusion)ICON Park is already home to popular attractions like the Orlando Starflyer, The Wheel, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. The complex is set to welcome two new record breaking attractions, the Orlando Slingshot and the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower, sometime in 2020.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The new decade means lots of exciting new features coming to the Central Florida area. Orlando Gyro Drop Tower and the Orlando Slingshot - 2020The Orlando Slingshot and the Orlando Gyro Drop Tower that will open in 2020 at ICON Park on International Drive. Museum of Illusions - Spring 2020The Museum of Illusions will open at ICON Park in spring 2020. (City of Orlando)The $8 million renovation of Lake Lorna Doone Park in Orlando is expected to be completed in the middle of 2020. White Castle - Late 2020White Castle is coming to Orlando in 2020.