A World of Entertainment Awaits Delegates on International Drive
Whether you have a few days or just a few hours of free time during your convention, a world of attractions, dining, shoppping and nightlife awaits you within minutes of the convention center on Orlando's world-famous International Drive.
Hop on Board
Use the convenient I-RIDE Trolley service (shown right) to visit the exciting attractions, shopping and dining destinations on International Drive. This convenient, cost-saving way to travel on the drive takes the parking and driving hassles out of your precious free time and allows you to enjoy the scenic ride down I-Drive.
You Can Get Anywhere From Here
I-Drive puts you in the center of Orlando's theme parks and attractions, which include SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Universal Orlando Resort, Wet 'n Wild - Orlando, SkyVenture Orlando, and many others.
In addition, Pointe Orlando, long an Orlando icon, is nearing completion of a major redevelopment that will bring new shops, restaurants and entertainment options in a serene, marketplace setting to Orlando in the coming months. The Capital Grille, Maggiano's Little Italy, Tommy Bahama Tropical Café & Emporium and The Grape are already open and welcoming diners. Meanwhile BB King's Blues Club, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and Taverna Opa are slated to open in winter-2007. Meanwhile, catch the latest flicks at Muvico Pointe 21 Theatres or amuse yourself at WonderWorks, the world's only "upside down" attraction.
World Class Shopping
With designer boutiques to outlet malls, the International Drive resort area is a well-known destination for serious shoppers. Prime Outlets Orlando, formerly Belz Factory Outlet World and Belz Designer Outlet Center, boasts more than 80 stores offering a mix of everyday and designer brands for every taste and budget. Upscale outlets include Nine West, Coach, Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole, Off 5th - Saks 5th Avenue Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Lenox, Waterford/Wedgwood and GUESS to name a few.
Among the newest malls is Festival Bay Mall at International Drive (shown right), featuring trendy beachwear and popular names in outdoor gear and western and collegiate garb. Many of Festival Bay's retailers, including National Book Warehouse and Zirbes' Emporium are new to the Orlando shopping scene, adding to the mall's appeal. Anchor stores include Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear and Vans Skatepark.
The new Ron Jon Surf Shop at Festival Bay Mall features an island-look with authentic bamboo and sisal-rope structures, thatched roofs and sand-textured walkways. A beach scene, complete with a 1934-replica Ford Woody, sand dunes and a lighted Ron Jon billboard, greet customers at the store entrance. Inside, island-themed surf shacks display swimsuits, tank tops, sunglasses, sandals, surfboards, skateboards and thousands of other items. The highly anticipated Ron Jon Surfpark, which will feature three wave pools for all skill levels as well as a surfing school, is scheduled to open soon.
New Dining
In addition to the many established dining options - ranging from a Spanish tapasstyle menu at Café Tu Tu Tango to authentic and innovative Chinese cuisine at Ming Court - the International Drive area boasts many new additions to tempt your palette. Among these is Texas de Brazil (shown left ), serving Brazilian-inspired fare at its new 10,000-square-foot restaurant near Prime Outlets Orlando. Specializing in slow-roasted beef, pork, chicken and lamb, the eatery prepares its meat in the traditional churrascaría-style of the gauchos of southern Brazil. Taken directly from the grill on sword-like skewers, the meat is taken to the tables and personally carved for each guest. Also new to I-Drive, Bola Ristorante serves up inspired Italian cuisine with a host of international influences.
Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant, a 25-year favorite of astronauts and Kennedy Space Center employees at the Space Coast, opened an Orlando location at Festival Bay Mall at International Drive. Be sure to ask for the restaurant's signature dish, rock shrimp. Read about more International Drive restaurants.
For a quick bite to eat, an afternoon of amusement or a day of shopping, you'll find plenty of enjoyable ways to pass the time on Orlando's International Drive. For more information, please visit internationaldriveorlando.com.