Orlando Attractions Area News & Developments

[dcluley98]

Two new coasters at Universal, the Hagrid's motorcycle ride at Harry Potter and the new Jurassic park coaster. Plus, we still don't know what the new theme park will have. They just keep going to outdo each other, and it is very cool. Add to that SW, and the new I-drive attractions, and it is pretty cool, making us still a valid international travel destination. 

Edited January 27, 2019 by dcluley98

[prahaboheme]

29 minutes ago, dcluley98 said:

Two new coasters at Universal, the Hagrid's motorcycle ride at Harry Potter and the new Jurassic park coaster. Plus, we still don't know what the new theme park will have. They just keep going to outdo each other, and it is very cool. Add to that SW, and the new I-drive attractions, and it is pretty cool, making us still a valid international travel destination. 

Let’s not forget:

Epcot: Guardians coaster, Rat in France 

DHS: Mickey ride

MK: Tron coaster in TL

The gondola across the resort 

Seaworld: Sesame Street 

 

[dcluley98]

Yas!  

I really, really want the Poler-Coaster though, as stated on other thread. That would be so cool and a real game changer for I-drive, non-huge conglomerate entertainment. I hope it happens! 

[spenser1058]

3 minutes ago, dcluley98 said:

Yas!  

I really, really want the Poler-Coaster though, as stated on other thread. That would be so cool and a real game changer for I-drive, non-huge conglomerate entertainment. I hope it happens! 

We already have non-huge conglomerate entertainment- Gatorland! 60+ years and better than ever! (Gotta love the zip line over the Gators...)

[dcluley98]

I love Gatorland. And Tree-Umph! 

I also love the giant corporate theme parks as well. (although I hate standing in lines). All good, and serve their own purposes. 

If the theme parks did not exist, do you all think that anybody in Europe would know about Jernigan, Florida? 

'Tis a double- edged sword, that conundrum, but I think we benefit more than not. 

Edited January 28, 2019 by dcluley98

[spenser1058]

7 minutes ago, dcluley98 said:

I love Gatorland. And Tree-Umph! 

I also love the giant corporate theme parks as well. (although I hate standing in lines). All good, and serve their own purposes. 

If the theme parks did not exist, do you all think that anybody in Europe would know about Jernigan, Florida? 

'Tis a double- edged sword, that conundrum, but I think we benefit more than not. 

Before Disney changed everything, Orlando was becoming something of a tech economy (and much more closely tied to Brevard County - my dad commuted daily to the Space Coast in the Right Stuff era).

You’re right, we wouldn’t be as famous (or as big), but the economy and wage scales would be entirely different. 

A double-edge sword indeed.

[spenser1058]

Most people don’t remember now but Ocala (along with Daytona Beach and KSC) used to be the tourism capitals in Central Florida.

Six Gun Territory, Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs (“is full of beautiful things...) were the place to be along with Cypress Gardens and Bok Tower in Polk.

[dcluley98]

I am not as an ole Florida boy as you all, but born and raised. 

You all know more history and culture that transplants may not understand. 

Thank you!

Edited January 28, 2019 by dcluley98

[Dale]

Six Gun Territory and Silver Springs were the Disney World of my childhood. Hollywood celebs were regulars at both parks.

Sad driving through Silver Springs these days. 

[spenser1058]

It’s also interesting to think of the other parts of our economy that we might have fought harder to keep if it weren’t for tourism.

The military used to be huge in Orlando, with two large bases. After the ‘83 and ‘84 freezes, instead of selling all the dead groves for subdivisions, the citrus growers would have been more likely to replant. Osceola County might still be into ranching.

Of course, if all that were true, this would still probably be a very conservative Republican wonderland with little tolerance for diversity and I wouldn’t have returned when I did. My plans to live in Atlanta would have likely stayed intact and my life would have been very different. 

It’s amazing to think how much things changed in my hometown during the course of my life. It’s something no one in the family would ever have imagined if they hadn’t lived it.

 

Edited January 28, 2019 by spenser1058

[aent]

3 hours ago, dcluley98 said:

Plus, we still don't know what the new theme park will have.

Nintendo. I can't wait for that.

[spenser1058]

Make like NapoleonnSolo or Ilya Kuryakin , we’ve got some hush-hush intrigue for you!

These are supposedly linked from a Universal Town Hall about the next gate:

https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/theme-park-news/leaked-document-sheds-light-on-universal-orlandos-new-theme-park/

From Orlando Park Stop

[spenser1058]

I know you’ll all be anxious to sign up for the new “World of Dreams” tour at WDW. It’s only $12000, so call now! Additional days are only $10000!

https://wdwnt.com/2019/01/new-world-of-dreams-12000-tour-being-offered-at-walt-disney-world-offers-cinderella-castle-suite-access-and-more/

From WDW News Today

 

 

[KJHburg]

What is this building?  At I-4 north of downtown maybe Altamonte Springs? Looks like an office building and looks like one in Buckhead in Atlanta too. 

 

[spenser1058]

That is the Majesty building - aka God’s skyscraper.

It’s been under construction for the last couple of decades by an evangelical minister who only has work underway when his flock sends money.

[codypet]

SuperChannel 55's new studio aka The I-4 Eyesore

http://wacxtv.com/MajestyBuilding/MajestyBuildingInformation.aspx

http://wacxtv.com/MajestyBuilding/VirtualTour.aspx

 

[KJHburg]

so it is an attraction LOL.  I meant to put this under metro Orlando construction but I guess divine intervention made me put it here under Attractions.  Thanks for the update!

Okay this is really an attraction.  The Icon 360 ferris wheel.  I was going to go up today but I want a sunny day for my $30 ticket.  And can someone please tell me why there is a huge parking garage at Sand Lake and International Drive? I did not see a hotel or anything with it.  Is parking that much of a problem on I-Drive?

Today and photo overload I am one of those damn camera toting tourists! 

[jrs2]

21 minutes ago, KJHburg said:

so it is an attraction LOL.  I meant to put this under metro Orlando construction but I guess divine intervention made me put it here under Attractions.  Thanks for the update!

Okay this is really an attraction.  The Icon 360 ferris wheel.  I was going to go up today but I want a sunny day for my $30 ticket.  And can someone please tell me why there is a huge parking garage at Sand Lake and International Drive? I did not see a hotel or anything with it.  Is parking that much of a problem on I-Drive?

Today and photo overload I am one of those damn camera toting tourists! 

 

The developer of Mango's built it.  Mango's is next door.  The logic of it was for I-Drive parking, and, Mango's parking, so that, per code, Mango's could finally open up their rooftop bar. 

The structure is also designed to house a rooftop restaurant and ground level retail.

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Rosen college addition and new apartments near Universal's new land

[KJHburg]

2 minutes ago, jrs2 said:

The developer of Mango's built it.  Mango's is next door.  The logic of it was for I-Drive parking, and, Mango's parking, so that, per code, Mango's could finally open up their rooftop bar. 

The structure is also designed to house a rooftop restaurant and ground level retail.

Okay I see now what it is a bunch of nightclubs, restaurants etc.  One thing that has stayed the same on I Drive is every known chain restaurant from the US is located on there somewhere and many times multiple locations.  

[spenser1058]

3 minutes ago, KJHburg said:

Okay I see now what it is a bunch of nightclubs, restaurants etc.  One thing that has stayed the same on I Drive is every known chain restaurant from the US is located on there somewhere and many times multiple locations.  

Orlando is considered one of the best places in the country to test chain concepts because we have people visiting from just about everywhere.

I-Drive is also one of the most profitable locations in the country for restaurants because of our huge convention center plus all the mom and pop tourists.

[KJHburg]

^^^ And if you are an international tourist you can try America's most prolific restaurants all on one street.    I had heard that Orlando is a great test market as it attracts such a wide array of peoples. 

[dcluley98]

Yes, and the parking garage was one of the first couple of components of the Developer's plan for several more phases of the complex around it. However, it also provides the added benefit of revenue generation to help pay for ongoing build-out of the later phases. There is a need for parking in the area, and it also serves as generation of cash flow to help finance the payoff of existing debt as well as part of financing future projects. 

Edited January 30, 2019 by dcluley98

[KJHburg]

8 minutes ago, dcluley98 said:

Yes, and the parking garage was one of the first couple of components of the Developer's plan for several more phases of the complex around it. However, it also provides the added benefit of revenue generation to help pay for ongoing build-out of the later phases. There is a need for parking in the area, and it also serves as generation of cash flow to help finance the payoff of existing debt as well as part of financing future projects. 

and since I try to avoid paid parking at all costs I will note that for my next visit. 

[KJHburg]

don't be modest you have one of the biggest McDonalds in the land as well.  This one on Sand Lake.  I meant to go in but didn't have time.