Orlando's world-famous attractions Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Wet'n Wild are all a short distance away. Also, located on International Drive are other attractions and entertainment such as: Pointe Orlando, The Mercado Marketplace, WonderWorks, Fun Spot Action Park, Ripley's Believe It Or Not and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede.
Its convenient location also puts visitors just ten minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort and a little over an hour's drive away from Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center and beaches on both coasts.
Getting Around International Drive
Convenience has its price. International Drive has to be one of the most congested roads in Central Florida. Developers should know you can't cram that many hotels, restaurants, attractions, convention facilities and shopping plazas into such a small area without grinding traffic to a halt.If there is a bright spot in all this, it would have to be the I-Ride Trolley. The Main Line trolleys travel nearly the entire length of International Drive and the Green Line begins and ends on International Drive, but travels along Universal Boulevard making 22 convenient stops ending at SeaWorld. Rates are reasonable, but if you're going to be in the area for several days, I would suggest purchasing Unlimited Ride Passes — they save you the most money.
Even if you are driving your own car, the I-Ride Trolley marker system will help you navigate the busy roads. On the road the markers are clearly visible rising 10 feet high street side on both sides of International Drive and Universal Boulevard.
If at all possible, avoid driving International Drive in the evenings. When the sun goes down, the after-hours night spots heat up making I-Drive the cool place for teens to cruise, particularly on weekends.
Accommodations
Hotel selections in the International Drive area are as wide as the area itself. You can choose to stay in an on-site resort hotel at Universal Orlando, nearby SeaWorld Orlando or in one of the many hotels that line International Drive. It is easy to make a selection with the simple hotel search available on the International Drive website. Simply indicating the dates of your stay and the number of adults will return an ample list of available "book now" rooms in every price range — from Holiday Inn and Red Roof Inn to the upscale Hilton and Renaissance hotels.
Dining
International Drive is not only known for its world-class dining experiences, but also for its variety. You can grab a fast-food meal on the run, an afternoon ice cream and your favorite cuisine without leaving the area. There are also themed dining experiences that combine good food and entertainment such as Pirate's Dinner Adventure and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, as well as evening fine dining experiences, many that include entertainment. Click here to search by cuisine.
Shopping
Whether you just need to shop for that item accidentally left out of your suitcase or you need a mall fix, the International Drive area offers a myriad of specialty shops and outlet malls. So, whether you're a bargain hunter or you demand major-labels, you'll be able to shop until you drop.For further information on the International Drive Resort Area, call toll free 1-866-2-I-DRIVE (1-866-243-7483) or visit www.I-Drive.org.
