INSIDER
Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme park
Read full article: Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme parkIt's been more than 10 years since a new major theme park opened in the Orlando area. Here's what's cooking as Universal nears the grand opening of Epic Universe.
Madame Tussauds Orlando will find a way to make a Jeff Goldblum wax figure
Read full article: Madame Tussauds Orlando will find a way to make a Jeff Goldblum wax figureHe’s known for his blockbuster films, musical talents, and eccentric personality, and pretty soon, Jeff Goldblum can add another celebrity honor to his name.
16-year-old in critical condition after being shot along I-Drive, sheriff’s office says
Read full article: 16-year-old in critical condition after being shot along I-Drive, sheriff’s office saysA 16-year-old boy was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot along I-Drive, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Orlando man arrested in hit-and-run crash that left teens badly hurt, FHP says
Read full article: Orlando man arrested in hit-and-run crash that left teens badly hurt, FHP saysAn 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.
1 killed, 1 critically injured in Orange County crash on International Drive
Read full article: 1 killed, 1 critically injured in Orange County crash on International DriveA 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.
‘Really convenient:’ Tourists test out e-scooter pilot program on International Drive in Orange County
Read full article: ‘Really convenient:’ Tourists test out e-scooter pilot program on International Drive in Orange CountyAbout 200 electric scooters and bicycles are now available thanks to a pilot program from Orange County Public Works.
1 teen killed, 1 injured when car goes airborne, crashes on I-Drive near Orlando
Read full article: 1 teen killed, 1 injured when car goes airborne, crashes on I-Drive near OrlandoFlorida troopers say a Kissimmee teenager was killed and an Orlando teen was critically injured in a crash on International Drive in Orange County.
LYNX’s new bus route links Orlando’s airport to tourist destinations
Read full article: LYNX’s new bus route links Orlando’s airport to tourist destinationsThe 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.
Rooftop sports bar to open in Orlando’s tourism district, here are the details
Read full article: Rooftop sports bar to open in Orlando’s tourism district, here are the detailsTwenty-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.
Federal grant to help pay for SunRail line between Orlando’s airport, I-Drive
Read full article: Federal grant to help pay for SunRail line between Orlando’s airport, I-DriveA $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.
Public can learn about SunRail expansion to Orlando airport during meetings
Read full article: Public can learn about SunRail expansion to Orlando airport during meetingsThe public will have the chance to learn more about plans to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the International Drive corridor this week.
Public meetings for SunRail expansion plan to be held in December
Read full article: Public meetings for SunRail expansion plan to be held in DecemberThe public will have the chance to learn more about plans to expand SunRail to Orlando International Airport and the International Drive corridor next week.
‘It’s crazy hot:’ Tourists in Orlando switch up plans in face of record-breaking Florida heat
Read full article: ‘It’s crazy hot:’ Tourists in Orlando switch up plans in face of record-breaking Florida heatIn 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.
WonderWorks Orlando offers special back-to-school ticket deal for Florida residents
Read full article: WonderWorks Orlando offers special back-to-school ticket deal for Florida residentsWonderWorks 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.
Orlando man dies after motorcycle crash on International Drive, FHP says
Read full article: Orlando man dies after motorcycle crash on International Drive, FHP saysA 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.
16-year-old arrested in shooting outside Dezerland that killed 1, injured 2 others
Read full article: 16-year-old arrested in shooting outside Dezerland that killed 1, injured 2 othersA 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.
Hotel evacuated on International Drive due to fire on a balcony, Orange County Fire Rescue says
Read full article: Hotel evacuated on International Drive due to fire on a balcony, Orange County Fire Rescue saysA hotel on International Drive in Orange County was evacuated on Saturday as crews responded to a fire on a 14th-floor balcony.
18-year-old arrested in deadly shooting, robbery of man at hotel on International Drive, police say
Read full article: 18-year-old arrested in deadly shooting, robbery of man at hotel on International Drive, police sayAn 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.
Orange County Convention Center could get SunRail station in new deal
Read full article: Orange County Convention Center could get SunRail station in new dealA 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.
Report of shooting leads Orlando police to wounded man on International Drive
Read full article: Report of shooting leads Orlando police to wounded man on International DriveA man was found injured near a hotel on International Drive in Orlando after police responded to a reported shooting early Monday.
Orlando’s ICON Park offers Veterans Day discounts for military members
Read full article: Orlando’s ICON Park offers Veterans Day discounts for military membersVeterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11, and the businesses and attractions of ICON Park on International Drive are offering discounts for veterans and military members.
News 6 reporter Mike DeForest meets hungry couple on International Drive during Hurricane Ian
Read full article: News 6 reporter Mike DeForest meets hungry couple on International Drive during Hurricane IanWhile reporting live on Hurricane Ian in Orange County, News 6 reporter Mike DeForest encountered a man and woman out looking for food.
2 found dead in apparent murder-suicide at Orange County resort on International Drive
Read full article: 2 found dead in apparent murder-suicide at Orange County resort on International DriveA 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.
Woman dies after being struck in crosswalk on International Drive, troopers say
Read full article: Woman dies after being struck in crosswalk on International Drive, troopers sayA 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.
WATCH LIVE: Sky 6 over world’s tallest drop tower, slingshot now open in Orlando
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Sky 6 over world’s tallest drop tower, slingshot now open in OrlandoConstruction 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.
Suspicious package investigation closes area of International Drive for 1 hour, Orlando police say
Read full article: Suspicious package investigation closes area of International Drive for 1 hour, Orlando police sayAn investigation of a suspicious package has an area of International Drive shut down, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Thanksgiving done easy: 10 Central Florida restaurants that’ll make the holiday a breeze
Read full article: Thanksgiving done easy: 10 Central Florida restaurants that’ll make the holiday a breezeForgoing hours of cooking and clean-up this Thanksgiving? These restaurants are providing dine-in and takeout options for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving meal.
Magic and dinner show debuting at Legends on International Drive
Read full article: Magic and dinner show debuting at Legends on International DriveThe 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.
🔓 Insider early access: 2 new world record thrill rides make Icon Park a ‘Land of the Giants’
Read full article: 🔓 Insider early access: 2 new world record thrill rides make Icon Park a ‘Land of the Giants’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.
🔓 Insider early access: 2 new world record thrill rides make Icon Park a ‘Land of the Giants’
Read full article: 🔓 Insider early access: 2 new world record thrill rides make Icon Park a ‘Land of the Giants’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.
Teen dies after being pulled from International Drive hotel pool, deputies say
Read full article: Teen dies after being pulled from International Drive hotel pool, deputies sayA 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.
Teen taken to hospital after being pulled from pool at International Drive hotel
Read full article: Teen taken to hospital after being pulled from pool at International Drive hotelA 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.
Police search for man accused of exposing himself, grabbing woman along Orlando’s I-Drive
Read full article: Police search for man accused of exposing himself, grabbing woman along Orlando’s I-DriveOfficers 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.
Man faces attempted manslaughter charges in shooting at International Drive hotel, deputies say
Read full article: Man faces attempted manslaughter charges in shooting at International Drive hotel, deputies sayA man faces three counts of attempted manslaughter after deputies said he fired into an occupied hotel room.
Universal Orlando picks developer for new affordable housing development
Read full article: Universal Orlando picks developer for new affordable housing developmentUniversal 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.
ICON Park to celebrate Super Bowl LV. Here’s how
Read full article: ICON Park to celebrate Super Bowl LV. Here’s howORLANDO, 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.
Florida teachers get unlimited admission to ride The Wheel
Read full article: Florida teachers get unlimited admission to ride The WheelORLANDO, 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.
How did they do that? Orlando’s Museum of Illusions now open
Read full article: How did they do that? Orlando’s Museum of Illusions now openORLANDO, 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.)
Man injured in stabbing on International Drive
Read full article: Man injured in stabbing on International DriveA 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.
Orlando’s ICON Park getting 2 new record-setting attractions in 2021
Read full article: Orlando’s ICON Park getting 2 new record-setting attractions in 2021Two 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.
Thanksgiving weekend brings business to some I-Drive spots -- but not as much as experts had hoped
Read full article: Thanksgiving weekend brings business to some I-Drive spots -- but not as much as experts had hopedORLANDO, 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.
Armed guest who hadn’t paid bill barricaded himself inside room at I-Drive hotel, deputies say
Read full article: Armed guest who hadn’t paid bill barricaded himself inside room at I-Drive hotel, deputies sayORANGE 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.
Guests at Fun Spot repeatedly violated Orange County’s mask mandate, records show
Read full article: Guests at Fun Spot repeatedly violated Orange County’s mask mandate, records showORANGE 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.
High school seniors win art competition to paint parking spots on I-Drive
Read full article: High school seniors win art competition to paint parking spots on I-DriveORLANDO, 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.
Woman drowns in pool of Orlando hotel, deputies say
Read full article: Woman drowns in pool of Orlando hotel, deputies sayORLANDO – 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.
Halloween Horror Night veterans create hair-raising maze at ‘Orlando Forum of Fear’
Read full article: Halloween Horror Night veterans create hair-raising maze at ‘Orlando Forum of Fear’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.
Worker falls to his death from StarFlyer attraction in Orlando
Read full article: Worker falls to his death from StarFlyer attraction in OrlandoORLANDO, 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.
I-Drive sees much needed boost from visitors during Labor Day
Read full article: I-Drive sees much needed boost from visitors during Labor DayORLANDO, 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.
Woman drowns after falling off jet ski on Lake Bryan, deputies say
Read full article: Woman drowns after falling off jet ski on Lake Bryan, deputies sayORANGE 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.
I-Drive cafe owner arrested after selling liquor without license, report says
Read full article: I-Drive cafe owner arrested after selling liquor without license, report saysORANGE 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.
I-RIDE Trolley service prepares to halt operations until further notice
Read full article: I-RIDE Trolley service prepares to halt operations until further noticeORLANDO, 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.
Bike camp gets results for families with disabilities
Read full article: Bike camp gets results for families with disabilitiesIt 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.
I-Drive businesses banking on Disneys reopening to bring much-needed financial boost
Read full article: I-Drive businesses banking on Disneys reopening to bring much-needed financial boostORANGE 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.
Video shows persons of interest in fatal I-Drive shooting
Read full article: Video shows persons of interest in fatal I-Drive shootingORANGE 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.
Shooting in I-Drive parking lot leaves one man dead
Read full article: Shooting in I-Drive parking lot leaves one man deadORLANDO, 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 Ole Red Orlando announces opening date
Read full article: Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Orlando announces opening dateBlake 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.
Orlando Starflyer reopens with new safety protocols
Read full article: Orlando Starflyer reopens with new safety protocolsORANGE 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.
Restaurants at Icon Park on International Drive to begin opening for dine-in
Read full article: Restaurants at Icon Park on International Drive to begin opening for dine-inORLANDO, 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.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is first I-Drive attraction to close amid coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Ripley’s Believe It or Not is first I-Drive attraction to close amid coronavirus pandemicORLANDO, 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.
Man shot at hotel on International Drive, Orlando police say
Read full article: Man shot at hotel on International Drive, Orlando police sayORLANDO, 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 mayor showcases economic impact of I-Drive tourism corridor
Read full article: Orange County mayor showcases economic impact of I-Drive tourism corridorORANGE 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.
Everything is not what it seems: Museum of Illusions set to open location in Orlando
Read full article: Everything is not what it seems: Museum of Illusions set to open location in OrlandoORLANDO, 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.