I-Drive Update: Lots Going On!

It was kind of hard for me to believe but it's been 2 years this month since I went club hopping on International Drive. You can see that article here. But I-Drive is hardly at a standstill. We're told that Señor Frogs is still packing them in and it's a particularly popular place for spring breakers!

Howl at the Moon still competes with Pat O'Brien's at CityWalk and Jellyrolls at Disney's Boardwalk and has quite a following and is arguably easier to get to.

Hooters has moved out of Pointe Orlando and into a brand new building near
Señor Frogs.  While it's not a dance club, I'm always looking for wings!

Likewise for Dave & Busters, the game room on steroids!

Last July the Blog reported that South Beach-based Mango's Tropical Cafe was coming to International Drive this year so I was excited to get to check out renovation progress.

And immensely disappointed to find so little of it made! Here's the concept art.  No way this opens in 2014 IMO.

Much more progress here though.  Those two towers represent the future home of the Orlando Eye, the largest construction project on the Drive and one of the largest in Orlando. This entertainment and shopping complex to be known as the I-Shops, is located on International Drive just north of Sand Lake Road. It will not only feature this 465-ft ferris wheel but also a Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, restaurants and bars!

Longhorn Steakhouse is already open, this Yard House restaurant is about to open.  Parking in that garage to the rear will be free and shopping should open in April.  Competition is good for the consumer and International Drive is in the game for your dollars!