If you've been to Orlando or are looking into it, you've probably heard of one of the city's main thoroughfares. As it is home to many hotels and well-known tourist attractions, today we will talk about the Best Things to Do on International Drive.
On this post
It is without a doubt the most famous avenue in Orlando and known as I-Drive.
They even say that it is one of the most famous in the United States, second only to the Las Vegas Strip.
International Drive is almost 18 km long and is surrounded by hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping centers, services, Shops, that is, it is a place made especially for tourists and, therefore, is one of the most popular destinations for Brazilian visitors.
And that's why today we're going to bring you some information about this amazing place that is International Drive.
International Drive attractions
The number of attractions along the route is extensive, among all of them, we will highlight the ones we think are the coolest and the most sought after by visitors.
ICON Park
Tourist complex full of attractions and restaurants, aimed at all types of public, where you can find good restaurants, convenience stores, and more radical and cultural attractions, for all ages.
In addition, it is one of the most visited in Orlando. It is located at number 8445, on International drive.
Inaugurated in May 2015, the place has already undergone some changes in its name.
Initially, when it opened, it was called the Orlando Eye, and in July 2016, it was renamed the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.
And honestly changed a few more times.
at the moment it's called Icon Park Orlando.
If it changes again, we will update the post to always keep the last valid name.
There is located the iconic ferris wheel, which can be seen from several points in Orlando, the The Wheel Icon Orlando.
It corresponds to the height of a 40-story building, made up of 30 glass capsules that can hold up to 14 people inside, where you will have a beautiful view of the city.
There you can also find the museum. Madame Tussauds, the most famous wax museum in the world, where the visitor will have fun with more than 100 personalities made of wax. Be sure to register your photo!
Another attraction at Icon Park, which children love, is the Orlando Sea Life Aquarium, famous for the enormous diversity of marine species.
There are more than 5 thousand species, which can be seen within a fun and interactive structure.
The newest activity at the site, called the Orlando Star Flyer, is the most extreme ride in the area.
It was a tower, 137m high, or higher than the Orlando Eye, with 12 double seats, where the visitor rotates at a speed of approximately 70 km / h for 4 minutes.
There is free parking on site and you don't have to pay to enter the complex, unless you visit one or more attractions.
Be sure to check the combo ticket at the ticket office, which is cheaper than buying the activities individually.
iFLY Orlando – International Drive
iFLY address: 8969 da International drive.
Are you that kind of person, who has always dreamed of jumping with a parachute, to have the feeling of flying, but are afraid?
This is the place to make your dream come true!
IFLY Orlando is a jumping simulator, where the visitor enters a cabin of wind, where he will have the clear sensation of free-fall.
All equipment needed to be used in the attraction is delivered when you buy access to the attraction and everything is already included in the ticket price.
Wonderworks
Address Wonderworks Orlando: The museum is located at 9067 International Drive and is open every day from 9 am to midnight.
I remember when I went to Orlando and I was 11, this was one of the places that struck me most.
As a boy who has always liked simulators, games and virtual things, this house really was a huge milestone for me as much as the Disney parks.
Fun museum, where you can find numerous activities, which vary between educational attractions, activities that explore your imagination and, all of this, in a highly interactive way, such as, for example, a simulator where visitors can build their own roller coaster and still have fun with adrenaline.
The museum also has many sensory activities such as an attraction that simulates natural phenomena, such as an earthquake or a hurricane. Have you ever imagined?
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
Address Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf: The attraction is located at number 8501 on International drive and is guaranteed fun for all ages.
How about a day of competition between friends and family?
In this mini golf, you can have fun and compete, in the middle of a thematic area, made up of pirates, ships, waterfalls and a lot of cannon fire noise.
Ripley's Belive It or Not! – International Drive
Ripley's Belive It or Not Address: is located at number 8201 of International drive and opens every day from 09:00h to 24:00h.
Famous ?believe it if you want? museum, now with its own façade to surprise its visitors. Its collection is very eccentric and unconventional.
The museum is large and has 16 galleries, where the visitor can find a painting of Beyonce, made of bullets, or a piece of the Berlin wall. It also has several interactive activities.
Ice bar
Address Ice Bar Orlando: International Drive number 8967.
The famous ice bar, with units in various locations across the US, has one of its largest structures in Orlando.
The bar is completely made of ice, from the table, through the cutlery and glasses, to the sculptures, walls and floors.
The bar maintains a temperature of -3C, in a construction of more than 5 tons of ice.
But don't worry about the cold, to enter the bar, every visitor will receive specific clothes to enjoy and enjoy, without prejudice, this unique bar.
In addition to all the aforementioned attractions, it is worth remembering that the SeaWorld, one of the most sought after theme parks by visitors from Orlando, is also located at International Drive at 7007 Sea World Dr..
Where to eat on International Drive
Now that we've talked about the most popular attractions on I-Drive, let's talk about some restaurants and where to eat well in Orlando and put an end to this myth that you only live on fast food in the US.
We can say that there is a restaurant for all tastes.
The options are countless.
It will be possible to choose from the most popular chains, passing through steakhouses and arriving at restaurants of renowned Chefs, all this along the extension of the International Drive
Olive garden
We already talked about it here on our blog with more details, link in the name above.
Without a doubt, it is the darling of Brazilians.
Italian-American cuisine restaurant, with delicious pasta, as well as meats and salads.
The food is very well served and the bread at the entrance is our recommendation! Prices are fair. It is excellent value for money.
In addition, as it is a large chain, with several branches spread across Orlando, visitors are unlikely to wait long for a table.
At International drive the Olive Garden is located at number 8984.
Miller's Ale House
If you're looking for a little bar, with a Happy Hour feel, delicious drinks and beer and good snacks, there's no better place on International Drive.
This is a precious tip. Few Brazilians go to Ale House compared to other big chains better known as Culvers and Five Guys.
But little do they know that they are missing out on an incredible opportunity!
We can say that Miller's Ale House is a sports bar.
It will be possible to find a large menu of drinks and snacks, at a very fair price, within a more relaxed environment.
All this surrounded by monitors and televisions showing the day's games and news.
At International drive Miller`s Ale House is located at number 8963.
Shake shake – International Drive
Address: The Shake Shack of International drive is at number 8359.
Another one of the darlings of Brazilians who also We already talked about it here on the blog!
Considered one of the best hamburgers in New York, the fast food chain is expanding in Orlando, after a long wait.
The first store opened in Winter Park, which is a little farther away, and then, to everyone's delight, they opened a store amid the buzz of International Drive. The store is inside the ICON Orlando 360 complex and is constantly full.
In addition to the traditional sandwiches, one of the most sought-after items in the store is ripple-shaped fries with cheese sauce.
Impossible during the trip not to stop at this restaurant.
Maggiano's Little Italy
Another restaurant of Italian-American cuisine.
It is very reminiscent of the Olive Garden and is just as good, making it a great option for those who already want to vary their trip.
Its menu is large and its entrée is served with fresh bread and olive oil. A delight that we recommend!
Maggiano's Little Italy is huge and, therefore, despite being famous, it is difficult to find a queue for lunch or dinner in one of its units, which have a more intimate, more romantic atmosphere, and can be a great option to relax at dinner for two.
The restaurant is located at number 9101 on International drive.
Yard house
It is one of the most popular restaurants within the ICON Park complex mentioned above.
This is due to the more relaxed atmosphere, and the extensive wine list and the variety of local beer and craft beer.
The restaurant also produces beer.
Great for a late afternoon and suitable for Happy Hour, the restaurant has a very diverse menu, ranging from small starters and snacks to larger dishes.
And so it pleases everyone, even those who are in large groups.
There's an option for everyone.
The Yard House is at number 8367 on International drive.
Fogo de Chão Steak House
The city of Orlando has numerous steak houses, but barbecue is barbecue, especially in Brazil and abroad, foreigners love it!
And for Brazilians who, even after ten days of travel, are already missing the flavor of home, cannot disregard including, in their itineraries, the steakhouse as one of the restaurants to visit on International Drive.
The restaurant operates with a rodizio service, the same as in Brazil. At the buffet it is possible to satisfy your longing for our famous black beans.
The Churrascaria Fogo de Chão is traditional in Brazil for its service and the quality of its meats and it couldn't be different abroad.
That is why it is one of the most visited restaurants by tourists from other countries and by Americans themselves.
The steakhouse is located at number 8282 on International drive.
Compras at International Drive
And of course, the shopping item could not be missing, since Orlando is the joy of consumers.
In addition to large malls, the city has outlets and small complexes with stores, markets and drugstores, all without any cost for parking.
For those who are not used to it, Orlando's drugstores and markets are more popular than the malls and Outlets themselves.
The Walmart (does not have a specific one on I-Drive, but on adjacent streets), as well as drugstores CVS and Walgreens they seem like meeting points for Brazilians.
In addition, there are several huge convenience stores and are true amusement parks for adults, such as:
- Ross Dress for Less (5295 International drive)
- TJ Maxx (5295 International drive)
- Bed, Bath and Beyond (5295 International drive Ste 100)
International Drive Premium Outlets: Orlando's largest discount shopping complex, located right on International Drive!
If your itinerary does not include a visit to this outlet, check it again, as there is something wrong. Within its complex there are several brand stores, such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Disney Store, Tommy Hilfiger and many many discounts and coupons.
This outlet is on 4951 International drive.
final information
In addition to everything we've talked about, there's much more to the International drive, such as hotels, travel agencies associated with Orlando attractions, shopping complexes and everything imaginable.
As Orlando has its economy based on amusement parks, the other places had to adapt to this large number of tourists that began to arrive about sixty years ago and that International Drive did very well, being as heterogeneous as possible. to suit all styles of visitors.
Of course, to check the exact times of any attraction here in this post, be sure to check the official site of I-Drive.
I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
