Orlando Entertainment District - Promoting a Playground for Locals on I-Drive
Locals have reconnected with an old friend and are hanging out on
International Drive. Now, top attractions, bars, restaurants and night clubs which have sprung up in the past
decade on I-Drive are looking to amplify the trend by creating the Orlando Entertainment District and
increasing communication with local residents.
ICON Park’s president and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz is leading the
charge to brand the area the Entertainment District. “Orlando has a
rich history of vibrant entertainment districts, such as Church Street
Station in the 1970-80s, and then Pleasure Island in 90s and early
2000s. We now have what those spots had and more – nightly live
entertainment at Ole Red and Tin Roof, fun night clubs such as
Mango’s, top restaurants such as Yard House, Uncle Julio’s, Sugar
Factory, three dinner theaters, bowling, and 15 great attractions from
the 400 foot high Wheel to a Titanic museum with hundreds of
artifacts recovered from the ship.”
"There is a pent-up demand for high quality fun, entertainment and dining – even if you’re on a budget,'' said
Jaskiewicz. “Locals have rediscovered the entertainment value of I-Drive and how easy it is to get here, and
they’re loving it. About 75% of our guests now are locals, so we want to make sure all our residents know
what is available to them here in their own town and state, especially as their out-of-state travel is limited by
the pandemic.”
Over the past decade, billions of dollars have been invested in International Drive, as developers, the Orange
County Convention Center, and Orange County officials have worked together to create a world class
destination which became one of the nation’s busiest spots for visitors. In 2015, Orange County’s I-Drive
2040 Vision plan was adopted with a a special district as the gateway to International Drive, and now business
leaders there are taking steps to brand it as the Entertainment District.
“This is a perfect example of the public and private sectors working together in a smart way – Orange County
created a gateway district under their 2040 Vision Plan and now business leaders are branding it to help all
businesses on International Drive” said Luann Brooks, who is the Executive Director of the International Drive
Business Improvement District.
The Entertainment District has launched a website, social media and publicity to increase awareness about the
following venues:
A 20-acre open-air dining, shopping and attraction destination in heart of I-Drive which is home to
attractions The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Orlando StarFlyer, Pearl Express
children’s train, Arcade City, and 7D Darkride Adventure and restaurants and bars including Yard
House, Tin Roof, Uncle Julio’s, Ole Red, Tapa Toro, Sugar Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings and Shake
Shack.
A nightclub offering Brazilian Samba, Cuban Conga and a variety of Latin beats to Hip-hop, 80s &
90s hits and Michael Jackson Acts also known for its Dinner & Show, a throwback to the classic
supper clubs of yesteryear: The “Tropicana” in Havana, Cuba and the Cotton Club of New York City.
Takes guests on a journey back in time to April 1912, when the ship embarked on its maiden voyage.
Guests receive a replica boarding pass, assume the role of a passenger and follow a chronological
journey through life on Titanic. The Exhibition features more than 300 artifacts directly from the
wreck site of Titanic. Access full-scale room re-creations including the famous Grand Staircase,
Promenade Deck and First Class Cabin.
Features self guided tours of hundreds of exhibits from the worlds of science, hands-on interactive
displays, videos, wax figures, cartoons, photos, rare artifacts, and special effects.
Voted “Best Miniature Golf” in Florida, players putt through mountain caves, across a full-scale pirate
ship, over footbridges and under cascading waterfalls.
Features luxury bowling, billiards, energetic music, sports viewing, nostalgic retro video gaming, and
food and drinks.
A dinner show for children and adults alike featuring a cast of entertainers, acrobats, and cutthroats -
sword fights, songs, sea monsters, and a captain’s feast.
A 45 minute comedy mystery where all the clues are presented to dinner guests who formulate
questions for a live interrogation to help solve the crime.
Media Contact: Will Wellons //Wellons Communications // 407-339-08 // will@wellonscommunications.com