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What is so great about International Drive?

V

Vicky

TUG Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
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Location
CT
We have been to Orlando quite a few times but never spent any time on International Drive. Why is it so good to be in close proximity to it? We are staying at Marriott Cypress Harbour and wondering if we should dedicate some time to exploring it. So what is there to do? (we are not into shopping)

Thank you,
Vicky
 
I-Drive is about shopping, and eating. It's commercial boulevard.
 
I-Drive is one of the worst of tourist trap venues I've seen -- a bunch of hotels, restaurants, malls & tourist traps -- some schlocky, some up upscale -- but above all, a traffic mess that one should avoid, especially in the evening hours.

If anything brings you there, find a way that avoids driving on it... such as, Universal Blvd. to the East and Palm Pkwy/Turkey Lake Rd. on the West side of I-4.
 
When I think of I-Drive, I also think of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and Downtown Gatlinburg TN. A bunch of tourist trap stuff; Ripley's, haunted houses, and other junk. I am sure there are some gems, but we try to avoid the area at all cost. Especially in the evenings as it is pretty much traffic jam central.
 
There are a few good restaurants that we enjoy, like Cafe Tu Tu Tango, and Bahama Breeze. And there's always miniature golf when you're not headed to the theme parks. The northern end, though, has more than it's share of junkstores and fast food.

To address your question: "Why is it so good to be in close proximity to it?"

We stay at Sheraton Vistana Villages. So, for us, it's good for being close to WDW, close to groceries at Publix, close to some decent restaurants. It also gives us easy access to Aquatica and Sea World, and it's not too far from Universal. The south end of I-drive is mostly attractive resorts. so it's a pleasant drive through there.

We've stayed on site at WDW twice, and if I intended to spend my entire trip at the theme parks, I would recommend that. But, after a number of trips to Orlando, we usually only spend a couple days at the theme parks, and the rest seeing what else Orlando has to offer. And that's the other thing I-drive provides - easy access to the Interstate for touring around.
 
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The biggest part of International Drive: the Orange County Convention Center. It's the second-largest convention center in the country, so since it hosts a lot of national and international conventions, I-drive is FULL of hotels, restaurants, malls, mini-golf, souvenir shops, etc.

TS
 
I always try to avoid it. When we go there, my wife always seems to find several purses and pairs of shoes.
 
On the plus side, it is a great way to find a place to eat. Just about anything you can think of is on International Drive. I am referring to the north side.

The south side has beautiful timeshares and is an very easy drive to get to Disney.
 
Orlando Premium Outlet on I-Drive and Vineland is great for shopping. We fly down with two empty suitcases and fill them up with the next seasons clothes. In Winnipeg, we don't have some of the stores like in the US, so it's great to load up and find some great deals.
 
Reminds me of a funny story when we staying at the Hilton. We were sitting at the pool and two men were sitting close by. One of their cell phones rang and we heard him say Oh no! He hung up and said to his friend this is really bad our wives our stuck at the outlet mall. Apparently there was something the matter with the gate that gets you back into the Hilton!

Lynn
 
gnorth16 said:
Orlando Premium Outlet on I-Drive and Vineland is great for shopping. We fly down with two empty suitcases and fill them up with the next seasons clothes. In Winnipeg, we don't have some of the stores like in the US, so it's great to load up and find some great deals.
Click to expand...

I have friends with relatives in the UK, when they visit Orlando they come with a couple of empty bags also.
 
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