What is International Drive?
You keep up with reading our blogs because you want to make the most of your Central Florida vacation and want to make informed decisions on how and where to spend it. That’s great! One thing you may notice is that we often write about this place called International Drive, aka, I-Drive. So, let me tell you about this 11-mile (17.9 km) long strip of international hot-spots, attractions, restaurants, shops, arcades, etc. because chances are, you will make at least one full day of it along this famous, tourist-centric Drive.
First, I’ll point out that you don’t have to drive I-Drive. There is a trolley, aptly named I-RIDE, that you can board, sit back, relax and see everything. The I-RIDE Trolley is a convenient and affordable transportation method that takes you to hundreds of exciting destinations along the drive. See their website for all the details.
Your Starting Point(e)
If you would like to enjoy the area without spending too much time combing the drive, start at Pointe Orlando. This open-air retail entertainment destination is perched on 17-acres along I-Drive and offers enough entertainment, shopping venues and restaurants that you can make an entire day of it right here. There’s a bowling alley, movie theatre, several music bars, a VR gaming center, a comedy club and WonderWorks—an “amusement park for the mind.” The shopping is diverse—chain retail stores as well as unique boutiques—so you can get souvenirs and treat yourself. Then, relax over a delicious meal. Choose from lively bar snacks to full sit-down, memorable repasts
Dining and Shopping Mecca
You’ll find a wonderfully diverse choice of dining establishments along I-Drive. Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Seafood, Classic American, fine dining, Italian (pizza joints galore!), fast food, Southern/Soul, fun bars, pubs, brassieries, cafes and dessert places all line I-Drive waiting to tempt your every craving. Shopping is the same. There are more gift shops here than you can imagine…pick up a souvenir for everyone at home and memory-filled trinkets for the kids. It’s easier buying your gifts here than at the theme parks where you’ll not only pay more, you’ll have to lug them around all day while trying to enjoy rides, etc. Plus, Florida’s largest outlet shopping complex, Orlando International Premium Outlets, is here and who doesn’t love our world-famous outlets?
Entertainment
Mini golf, bowling, dinner theaters and comedy shows, VR gaming, The ICON Orlando observation wheel (formerly known as The Orlando Eye) located in ICON Park which, in itself, offers 40 dining venues, shops and attractions (and free parking), “edu-tainment” centers Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Madame Tussauds are also located along the Drive. Dueling piano bar, Howl at The Moon is great for a fun night out. Very nearby are Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and TopGolf, two fantastically fun venues to spend an afternoon. There is so much to do along our famous I-Drive and it’s conveniently located just a half hour drive from your luxury vacation villa.
After a day of adventuring through International Drive, take a dive in your own personal pool here in our luxurious vacation homes. Book with Reunion Vacation Homes today!