International Drive Orlando is Starting to go in the WRONG Direction!!

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International Drive Orlando is Starting to go in the WRONG Direction!!

Рет қаралды 130,103

Күн бұрын

In today's video I make my way over to International Drive Orlando or (IDriveOrlando) to see what’s happening with this area because I have recently seen on our local news stations that International Drive is starting to go down hill pretty quick after recent events and the pandemic. I take you down the entire street of I-Drive to see the current state and to check out what is open and what has closed from the Orange County Convention Center, Pointe Orlando, Icon Park, the Sand Lake side through Dezerland Park Orlando. I also see a little bit of the Epic Universe construction with multiple coasters going up fast. Plus I share a few helpful tips along the way to help you save some time on your next vacation to Orlando. Thank you so much for watching, if you enjoyed this video please give it a big thumbs up!
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Пікірлер: 417

@kimdalti7732 Жыл бұрын

Wow I didn't realize how many things closed. Covid really hurt. Tourist are finally coming back. I Drive needs Epic Universe. It will really help the area. That road is definitely iconic. Usually always came to IDrive during Disney & Universal vacations. Lots of long time memories. As always thanks for the coverage.

@srb2834 Жыл бұрын

I think a lot of the closings are strategic for now. - it’s better to just eat the cost of an empty building than struggle to operate a restaurant/business @ a loss and not have to deal with the operations & marketing expenses it would take to drive customers to that area at the moment. (*I wouldn’t want to be the only business open in a complex where you have to walk past a bunch of closed businesses to get to unfortunately)

@Art_V101 Жыл бұрын

That shopping center has been dead for like 20 years,should've never charged for parking

@msrain1235 Жыл бұрын

This didn't start with the pandemic.

@MrShawn-vy4nv Жыл бұрын

There’s a reason why as a local I prefer to go to Disney Springs even though it’s always crowded. I love the idea everyone has gone through security. Also parking on International drive is a mess. I once had to wait two hours to get from the 5th floor to the exit at a parking garage.

@Afineaddition Жыл бұрын

The parking is an utter calamity

@heathercarter9741 Жыл бұрын

I was just reading about the new law DeSantis passed where anyone can have a concealed gun without a background check or permit and realized I won't visit outside the disney bubble anymore for that reason.

@graffiti.777 Жыл бұрын

@@heathercarter9741 that's a good thing tbh cuz if someone attacks you where people are "not allowed" to have weapons, you can still defend yourself

@MrShawn-vy4nv Жыл бұрын

@@heathercarter9741 You can't be serious (Rolls Eyes)

@MrKillerRC Жыл бұрын

@@graffiti.777Correct. Lawbreakers don’t care about gun free zones. The safest place in the world is a gun show. Everyone there is armed and therefore equal and polite.

@Chieftracyhorse Жыл бұрын

I’m from England, travelling to ANYWHERE in the USA has become hugely expensive since the pandemic. Really cannot afford to visit anymore.😔

@bigdunc101 Жыл бұрын

Yes just returned from Florida, first time since 2018. Most things 40-50% more expensive now and at around $1.22 to the £ I wont be returning anytime soon which is a great shame. Just an example, lunch at Red Lobster was around $50 in 2018, virtually the same meal is now $90. Plus everyone wants a 20%+ tip as well.

@naturelover2292 Жыл бұрын

@@bigdunc101 As a native of Florida I really hate to hear this, all of the migration to florida has really changed things here for our snowbirds as our tourist. Florida is a tourist state and I believe all of the migration will ruin the tourism for Florida. Sad

@bigdunc101 Жыл бұрын

Yes, Florida was always our go to place from 1983 onwards but its changed so much. Disney and Universal are so expensive now so as others are saying theres not much change left for anything else. Back in the 80's/90's there were lots of other things to do such as Arabian Knights, King Henry's Feast to name but 2. Sadly I suspect this type of attraction will disappear as I see Zombie Encounter which we enjoyed back in 2017 has now gone. Was going to visit Kennedy Space Centre but $70 and $10 parking put me off so we went to Gatorland instead which was $30! Just glad I enjoyed the best period of time to visit.

@dynamitekid5521 Жыл бұрын

Well stay in England.

@dynamitekid5521 Жыл бұрын

@@bigdunc101 Universal is very affordable compared to Disney.

@cklo8799 Жыл бұрын

We love these types of vlogs! Definitely helpful for people who aren’t familiar with the area as it gives people an idea what’s outside the Disney bubble. Thanks for always giving us great and honest content!!

@graffiti.777 Жыл бұрын

Yeah I Drive honestly has some interesting places that are fun to visit

@kathymasters-jeffreys1658 Жыл бұрын

Hi Dev, enjoying your videos. I wouldnt recommend renting a car as when I'm at Orlando Airport there are HUGE lines at the rental counters with people looking like they want to commit suicide😆. People tend to try and do too much on vaca. I use Mears or Southern Flyer. Btw, Gray Lines has some transports from the Swan Hotel to local attractions. Saw on Trip Advisor... You are detail oriented like me😅

@wdwexploreandchill Жыл бұрын

I love how you give it straight! ❤V.

@BridgetB-jn8ky Жыл бұрын

Very informative - thank you. As a regular visitor to Orlando from the UK before the pandemic I've found a massive hike in prices for us. We have been taking vacations in Europe for a tenth of the price that we would pay on a trip to Florida. It is such a shame but can't justify the price. For example, on average now the cost of car hire for a week is around £450 plus to exchange rate is very poor which makes it more expensive. Villa rentals have increased, theme park and hotel parking is very expensive - it all mounts up. I know businesses have to make a profit but the huge increases have put us off when we can go to Spain for 2 weeks all inclusive for £700 each! Best regards from Lincolnshire, England 🙂

@goldie250 Жыл бұрын

This would be consistent with my observations on our recent family vacation... as overseas guests we found the price of things very high for very average food and beverages. Disney particular are pushing their luck imo. They will turn families off a visit they way they are going. Food absolutely terrible.

@davidchaves5333 Жыл бұрын

Hi where in Spain is there a nice inclusive? I haven't been back to Europe in 15 years since the Euro was so high but seems to be more reasonable.

@dorkbrandon4422 Жыл бұрын

Our family went twice on holiday to Orlando in early 2000's Exchange was 2 dollars to a pound and I remember my stepdad being amazed at a gas station at how cheap it cost to fill up even our huge rental chrysler

@laurag7472 Жыл бұрын

Crazy isn’t it? You’ll be seeing many more Americans heading to Europe!

@BridgetB-jn8ky Жыл бұрын

@@davidchaves5333 We went to MedPlaya Flamingo Oasis in Benidorm. 😄

@gregmoore3420 Жыл бұрын

As someone who lives outside of Florida and has a limited vacation time: With all the reservations needed now to get into the parks, reservations now needed for theme park dining, our vacation is already pre-programmed. For my family, the gift shops, the dance clubs, the drinking bars, the ice-cream stores, the escape rooms, we have those other things back at home. Those are more things for local Floridians to do. Your videos are always great. Thanks again.

@trish5556 Жыл бұрын

I first visited I-Drive in the 1980's when we lived in Ocala and my husband flew out of the Orlando airport on business trips. We would stop and eat at an I-Drive restaurant when I picked him up before our drive back to Ocala. There was a very good Chinese restaurant back then where a magician went around to tables to entertain while you were waiting-so cool, and the food was great! In the 90's we moved to Virginia and then Maryland but in 1992 came back to Florida and moved to Apopka. We visited Wet & Wild and Point Orlando during that time. My husband loved to go to movies at Point Orlando and get one of their pizzas. That place was hopping back then, especially with the FAO Schwartz toy store anchoring it. So many places just went out of business, like them and Sharper Image. The Belz Factory Outlet malls were popular then and we often shopped there for bargains. We also went to Wonderworks when it was new and Ripleys once. Then we moved out of the area in 2003 and never went back. One reason I really enjoy your vlogs and a couple others like Adam the Woo, World of Micah, Jackie Super Enthused, and Paging Mr. Morrow is because it keeps us up on what is going on there and it brings back good memories. A lot has truly changed on I-Drive and Downtown Disney (Disney Springs). Thank you so much for sharing!

@cjtr83 Жыл бұрын

Have been visiting Central Florida since I was 10 years old (40 this year, From Scotland) and have seen International Drive change A LOT. It's not what it once was but it's prime location so should hopefully pick up again and evolve. Last year we really only visited I Drive to go to Bass Pro, A favourite stop and a nostalgic restaurant and of course a few outlets. This is one of the best tours & updates of the area. As a tourist, I really appreciate it ☺ 👍🏻

@MRAPEXPREDATOR1 Жыл бұрын

Pretty much the same mate for me, down where Wet ‘n’ Wild used to be now Endless summer! Has really gone down hill. Carrier drive at night is a no go zone. Up near icon park is decent but used to love mercado before they knocked it down! 👍

@stephaniefeldhaus6508 Жыл бұрын

When I first moved to Orlando and worked there, my friends and I avoided international drive like the plague. We always thought of it as full of tourists and they were always getting into accidents. We avoided it like the plague, haha

@ceoa Жыл бұрын

I agree that parts of International have gone waaay down. It WAS depressing to be reminded of the pandemic and all that was lost.

@msrain1235 Жыл бұрын

Some parts were closed and run down way before the pandemic.

@bladesybabe1 Жыл бұрын

Loved this vlog. I was last on I Drive in October’22, must admit it has gone downhill. Been coming over from the U.K. for 28 years, but I still love it there. I used to like the Mecardo village on I Drive, was great on an evening ❤

@davebareham1075 Жыл бұрын

I'm from the UK and in my trips to the WDW area would often go to I'drive. I bought quite a lot of stuff in the Beltz outlets which from memory used to be at the north end. I also seem to remember a massive teddy bear on the outside of one of the malls. Great video - thanks

@liam_j82 Жыл бұрын

Oh the bus to Busch gardens video, would really like to see that! Wanna go Busch gardens next time I visit and will be using the bus pick up

@hometronicsflllc3952 Жыл бұрын

I find it so very sad especially considering the amount of transplants we have received here in Florida, the theme parks are busy but to see all these other areas so dead it’s sad. As a business owner myself these are very scary times, compounding covid with this economic hardship back to back I feel like we are getting to a point of no return. I was hopeful all through the pandemic that we would rebound, but unfortunately as more and more financial hardships start weighing us down, decisions on HOW and WHERE we spend out money is going to be even more important than ever before. Thank you Dev for keeping us honest and real💜

@laurag7472 Жыл бұрын

Buy & patronize all USA businesses!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@funnycustard8901 Жыл бұрын

Used to love staying at the Hyatt Regency and Homewood Suites. What I miss about I-Drive that is no longer there is BB Kings and FAO Schwarz at Pointe Orlando and the Cricketers Arms at Mercado and later Festival Bay Mall.

@ActNormalKid Жыл бұрын

I haven’t lived in Orlando since I was a little kid, but Wonderworks and Fun Spot were some of our favorite places to go in the early 2000s. Sad to see Disney Quest closed a while ago though… thanks for the tour!

@400collector Жыл бұрын

I love this. Wow, as someone who has visited this area since the 90’s, but haven’t been there in almost 4 years, a lot has changed. Still, that bargain store is up and running with the exactly same facade as in 20/25 years ago lol I have so many memories from the Pointe, specially when FAO Schwarz was there and had a giant doll at its entrance. God, I’m getting old! 😂😂 Thanks for sharing, I love your videos!

@eriniflame Жыл бұрын

Omg I remember FAO Schwartz too! Such a fun store and that doll was so big haha 😂

@sheisshan8834 Жыл бұрын

Yesss!!! I miss that big Raggedy Ann!

@ryannodal9309 Жыл бұрын

Highway 192 is what’s gone downhill. All that’s really left is Old Town and Medieval Times. It’s not that touristy area it once was. Also Ripleys isn’t going anywhere They just renovated it a year ago. Also it’s headquartered there and their warehouse with countless artifacts is there as well

@sheryllong8963 Жыл бұрын

Kudos on the video Dev. So the last time I went to Florida I spent my time on international drive. I went to the CSI museum, titanic and there is a chocolate museum. A lot of interesting places to go to. I also stayed at one of the hotels on international drive too. I am sorry on the stores going out of business and just sitting there empty it makes me sad.

@ScottG91 Жыл бұрын

Another awesome video Dev. Can you do a video about places that locals love to go to avoid all the tourist. Like mom and pop restaurants ect... like a "hidden gem" video of places. Great job with the pointe I have never seen any videos about that place

@ladyjane8855 Жыл бұрын

Oh no! Don't say anything Dev! 😂😂😂

@ScottG91 Жыл бұрын

@@ladyjane8855 🤣. Oh come on give a good hangout spot without the high tourist prices

@CoconutCream_ Жыл бұрын

The secret is, locals don't go to international drive. We know to avoid that area. If you want "hidden gems" and mom and pop restaurants look outside of the international dr area. The milk district and Mills 50 in Orlando is full of amazing restaurants/bars.

@SuMMeRFLi5 Жыл бұрын

Pointe Orlando is sadness. If hey made parking free, they might boost interest again. Dezerland looks pretty cool. Thanks for bringing us out with you on this tour. I live in O-town and didn't realize how much has changed. This was fun!

@Art_V101 Жыл бұрын

I've seen that shopping center since it opened over 20 years ago and have been saying they need to drop the parking fee to even have a chance

@SuMMeRFLi5 Жыл бұрын

@@Art_V101 Yeah When it opened early 2000's it was pretty good, a great atmosphere, good shops. Now it is 💩 They used to reimburse for parking if you bought something or ate there, but then they quit that? I remember when you didn't have to pay for parking, but that was when it 1st opened I guess? It's been so long since I've been there. It's tragic how it's fallen as it's a huge tourist area. Kind of creepy really.

@reyalexandro Жыл бұрын

I went to Pointe Orlando Regal for the Mario movie. Never again. It was their main IMAX screen and there was two damn lines going down the screen. Seats were so out of date as well. We looked around and the plaza has a ton of potential. They are just not keeping up with it.

@SuMMeRFLi5 Жыл бұрын

@@reyalexandro Wow. I can't imagine that. Two lines down an IMAX screen? How does that even happen. That would definitely ruin it for me. Thanks for the info! It's sad to see how much potential there really is and it's not being utilized.

@kimberleybrandon6957 Жыл бұрын

Hey Dev, I think a good idea for a vlog will be to advise people that may want to do Florida on a bit of a budget. Show what options there are for hotels around int drive that aren’t a big price. I think you did one a while ago way before covid so may be good to do an updated vlog ❤

@CWILDESC Жыл бұрын

That's a great idea.

@srb2834 Жыл бұрын

The double tree just outside of universal is my go to hotel. A short walk to City Walk (*it seems further than it is, but you can take advantage of the side entrance, & it’s very quick) but also take advantage of things off the property as well from the location of the double tree ….

@darkinetix Жыл бұрын

I think the pandemic only sped up the inevitable. I-drive is not exactly walkable, for starters, and as Universal expands there’s more reasons to stay with them and just enjoy Citywalk or the Universal side of I-Drive which is all more practical, especially if you’re short on time. Good half of I-Drive’s traffic was more dependent on Universal than Disney. Pointe Orlando was struggling long before the pandemic too. It’s in need of traffic from in-person conventions that are likely still in an even bigger slump post-pandemic. Also Central Florida still just has really bad land zoning. A lot of I-Drive should be mixed-use with residential so more locals - especially those that already work in the area and could use affordable housing - could keep the retail and attractions afloat when tourists head elsewhere. It’s really just poor urban planning leading to the constant problems with the strip, and as someone raised there I hate to see it. Epic Universe and a Brightline station should give it all a nice big boost tho. Hopefully!

@renechang2406 Жыл бұрын

Exactly. Well they are adding a bunch of apartments in international or right behind it. So it's incoming next two years where 10-15k residents will live there

@shiloh6-pack77 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed the vlog today…as I have commented in the past, you are the guy to watch if you want to anything about Florida. Looking forward to the next video!

@G5coat1 Жыл бұрын

Awesome repurpose of that Dezerland space. Would love to see a full vlog with you and Bianca partaking in activities.

@SterlingCooper21 Жыл бұрын

Many years ago, I recall going to this PAC-Man themed arcade (probably where Main Event is now) and having good food at the restaurant. Not to mention that there was an FAO Schwartz in Pointe Orlando at one point

@greggperez2124 Жыл бұрын

Wow, more than a few years ago that FAO Schwartz closed almost 20 years ago. It closed in 2004. Time flies

@wanted-33 Жыл бұрын

Our first time in Orlando was our honeymoon trip to the Magic Kingdom in 1977. The park was surrounded buy orange groves, and Irlo Bronson was a 2 lane road. I-Drive was a quiet little street that took you over to Sea World, and had just a few restaurants, etc. Our last time on I-drive was when the Convention Center was still under construction. The last several times we were at Disney World we didn't venture over to I-drive. I'm sure I wouldn't even recognize it now. :)

@kevinbrewis6014 Жыл бұрын

did you buy one then

@helloagainratface9622 Жыл бұрын

I think the theme parks themselves have had an impact on these areas also. Disney and Universal are more popular then ever and also more expensive. People are putting so much time and money into the parks themselves they don't have it to do these extra things.

@BikerBradM Жыл бұрын

You hit the nail on the head about point Orlando. It did go downhill once I can’t open up. My issue with Orlando is the parking spots are small and you do have to pay but can get a discount if you eat or go to an attraction there at one Orlando, Opa should still be open and is a great Mediterranean restaurant fun entertainment just checked the schedule. Inside dezerland the cereal bar I heard is only five dollars all you can eat. Also the 007 bar has a museum behind it. There is also a trampoline park inside dezerland so much to do there, great for the family things for another wonderful video. Keep up the good work.

@FrankG5874 Жыл бұрын

Used to go on International Drive when I was younger when I went to Walt Disney World with my folks. I now don't leave the Disney bubble unless with someone that has a car while in Orlando.

@shopper5969 Жыл бұрын

Happy Monday! Thanks so much for updates on International Drive Orlando Florida. ❤

@Celebrate1DayAtATime Жыл бұрын

Dezerland is surprisingly fun! We went on an unexpectedly rainy day. There are coupons in the Orlando tourist magazine at the tourist info places. There's a fun indoor mini golf place there too!

@yvesbissouma8210 Жыл бұрын

I’m from the uk and I love visiting USA but don’t think I’ll be going anytime soon, everything is so expensive already and on top of that people at restaurants expect 20%+ tips which nowadays just isn’t possible.

@CM-Florida Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed your video have been going Orlando for 25+ years I just got back last week and for first time I did not feel safe on I Drive at night, unfriendly individuals roaming the streets lots of robbery scams involving sending young children to tourists so please beware and scooters whizz past you on the sidewalk and are just left in the middle of the walk path. Lots of businesses have gone or will be gone by end of year I really hope it gets better bottom line prices need to come down to accommodate the visiting tourists

@nancybarnes374 Жыл бұрын

Great vlog! As someone who used to work for organizations that planned B2B trade shows at the OC convention center, my take was that a lot of the newer builds on International Drive were intended for convention goers. Covid shut down a lot of OCC shows which heavily impacted businesses on I drive as well.

@kahristah Жыл бұрын

I too spent many hours in that parking lot and garage to get C-vid tested. crazy to think it’s been 3 years. I really appreciated Orange County making sure we all had free access to testing.

@cgbnke9792 Жыл бұрын

Wow, really SAD I-Drive is so lonely. As some else mentioned, Epic will bring this place back to life if it is not torn down first. Great blog.

@aeb491 Жыл бұрын

It's not lonely. Depends on day, time of day, time of year, conventions, etc. This is a very cherrypicked vlog.

@cgbnke9792 Жыл бұрын

@@aeb491 I’m sure your correct but nothing like pre-pandemic…

@eriniflame Жыл бұрын

Oh man, so sad about pointe Orlando 😢 I grew up in Orlando and that’s where my friends and I would hang out when we were in middle school 😅 we would watch a movie, eat at Johnny rockets, walk around FAO Schwartz, and play DDR at the arcade on the second floor lol. The only thing left from that is the theater! Thanks for the tour, Dev. It was nice seeing it and hope it gets better, especially bc of its location!

@melanieknight4503 Жыл бұрын

Great info Dev, so sad to see so many places closed 😢, love all your videos ❤

@daisycaldera8021 Жыл бұрын

Epic universe will definitely help that area out. I just hope the businesses that are open now, can stay afloat till then.

@roshy2591 Жыл бұрын

I've got such fond memories as kid of idrive. Dennys, red lobster, the malls, the upside-down house, the toy shop at pointe, Disney and universal on each side. There was always something to do! As a kid from the UK it was a blast! I plan to go back with my younger family members!

@fretbuzzaldrin4965 Жыл бұрын

I love and follow your vlog, and have never appreciated it more than this one. You have saved us lots of time and money that we might have wasted away from the 2 big parks. There was nothing there that appealed to me, I am sorry to say. We will continue to stay "on-property."

@batshevanivylerner8582 Жыл бұрын

covid destroyed I-Drive. There's a strip mall near universal where the restaurant we always eat at is located. In July 2022, the mall was empty except for that restaurant. Not a single store or other restaurant. It was so sad to see.

@DannyPimienta Жыл бұрын

Good video…haven’t watched your stuff in a long while. Glad you popped back on my recommendations

@micheleburdenbsnrn7564 Жыл бұрын

Great vlog! Its good to see what else is going on other than the Disney/Universal bubble. When my husband and I started visiting Orlando in 2002 we would always stay on International dr. Its amazing to see how much it has evolved.

@laurag7472 Жыл бұрын

You mean mostly devolved?

@pdg61met Жыл бұрын

Orlando used to be (90's, early 2000's) a mecca of options for young and older. They had Pleasure Island, The Point Orlando was built and would draw people, Citiwalk was built, Downtown was booming. Covid didn't help but even before that Orlando kind of fell asleep with the entertainment sector and now is mostly just kids attractions, amusement parks, eating places. Meanwhile Nashville became Nashvegas. No reason with all the tourism Orlando has that they shouldn't be somewhat like Nashville. It seems Orlando just wanted to continue to nap. Sad.

@annetter2731 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the videos😊

@veromikes Жыл бұрын

Driving from Vero Beach to Disney we always take Osceola pkwy to avoid I drive because of its deterioration for many years now.

@dalephillips6406 Жыл бұрын

Miss Orlando so much. Not vaccinated and from UK but hopefully be back someday

@christinepalacio3019 Жыл бұрын

I remember when Dezerland used to be the Festival Bay Mall back in the early 2000s. I miss that mall!

@bougiebohemian5393 Жыл бұрын

How many of you all remember Mystery Fun House that used to be not too far from here?

@repboy1 Жыл бұрын

I used to always go to pointe Orlando back when it was first open plus used to go to that movie theater, I was kinda shocked when i revisited recently

@joshg1123 Жыл бұрын

We appreciate this video! We're always looking for things to do besides disney and universal. We've watched you videos for a while now and have to say we appreciate your honesty. Some other vloggers have lost their touch. This is one of the best videos we've watched in a while! Thank you Dev, keep up the great vloggs!

@international_dave Жыл бұрын

Not been for around 5 years but was sad to see the Ponderosa buffett restaurants had gone.

@Gabe_M Жыл бұрын

Grew up in Orlando, still live here, still hang out on I Drive lol. It has changed a lot. Pointe Orlando used to be the it place to go. FAO Schwartz, XS Arcade, Matrix and Metropolis nightclubs latin dancing at Cuba Libre, which you can still do. So many great times there in my youth.

@daveaxl168 Жыл бұрын

we noticed i-drive had really gone down hill from our last visit in november. no service at buffalow wild wings near carrier drive, the chillis on the corner was always half full and a 40 min wait time. pointe orlando was mostly shut and all the shut down shops all the way down i-drive.

@gedruk Жыл бұрын

Thank you from England ! Last time I went to Florida was a few years ago I stayed next to Pointe Orlando and it was sad to see it so quiet, thank you for the video! I've subscribed !!

@beazerthesneeze Жыл бұрын

Damn, you are getting so much heat for this. I appreciate this post! I find it very helpful

@charina7221 Жыл бұрын

My family and I have had many adventures and lots of memories of I Drive. It’s definitely not what it used to be. Sad!!😢

@tapperjr93 Жыл бұрын

I stay on I-Drive every year that I go down to Orlando for Megacon. I honestly had no clue that Pointe Orlando had so much stuff. I've never really seen the backside of it.

@cynthiacarranza7449 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for thus informative vlog. I've been living in the Orlando area for 8 years now but have only been to I-Drive area a handful of times. After seeing this, there are so many places I want to go visit now. Thanks again!

@tiffaniclanton6756 Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. I visit this area every time I'm in Orlando but I've been away for a few years. I'll be visiting again soon.. it's nice to see what's still there and what has sadly closed

@rileyfam Жыл бұрын

I'm assuming that with "Epic Universe" being built, I-Drive will be reborn. It's hard for me to believe that the opening won't cause a massive increase in investment in the area.

@danmullins1723 Жыл бұрын

Where Universal is now on I-Drive is a slum with lipstick, why would Epic Universe make a difference? Comcast and/or Loews don't have the same powers nor clout that Disney has for any number of reasons so to expect anything otherwise would be a mismanagement of expectations.

@jameshackerson3518 Жыл бұрын

Stayed at endless summer November 2022. Had pizza farther south from NYPD pizza lake city. Also left out the Andretti racing experience off I drive as well. But great video Dev! Only weeks away from My family's next trip as well.

@aaronjones6843 Жыл бұрын

I don’t know why, but this is just depressing. Great video Dev, but it’s crazy to see companies just close up shop and leave everything empty.

@crinnie45 Жыл бұрын

That brought back so many memories from when we used to stay at one of the Rosens . We’re going to take a day out of the theme parks doing all the attractions on I Drive. It’s a shame how Pointe is so quiet and yet other areas had a fair few people in them.

@MrMotty1967 Жыл бұрын

As a yearly UK visitor to florida for the last 30 plus years, I have seen a tremendous rise in prices for food, clothing, entertainment and accommodation, I'm not surprised there is so many closed places, people's lives have changed since covid, restaurants are trying to claw back lost revanue add that to the extra cost to buying in food and it's a perfect storm , I'm heading back there in 2 days it maybe my last time,

@aneysia22 Жыл бұрын

Dezerland is so much fun!. Went there for my Birthday last year with my friends and coworkers. We had a blast! The food is great!. Wanna do the glow n the dark putt putt golf next to the movie theater next time.

@ashleycooper8990 Жыл бұрын

Great video it's great to see what international drive looks like again after not being there for 4 years. We always stay on international drive when we come to orlando from the UK. We usually stay at staysky suites but next time we come may 2024 we are staying at sonesta es suites next to icon park which were excited about. Love staying on international drive as there's plenty of places to eat and drinks and love how it looks on the night time. But that sand lank crossing is absolutely mind-blowing 😮. Glad that I've found another Orlando vlogger loving the videos and who knows I may bump into you next year 👍🏻

@msrain1235 Жыл бұрын

It started going down way before the pandemic! Once you get past Sandlake Rd. I-Drive gets trashier. It didn't used to be like that, but it's been that way for several years.

@dougieallison6537 Жыл бұрын

Dev I love staying on international drive bro it is good of you to do this video as my 2 boys growing up loved it they loved feeding the alligators at gator land and all that so due to go back next near pal boys are older now but we love it so you are a legend for doing it bro

@theysoqueso Жыл бұрын

I remember when Pointe Orlando has so many fun things including the big FAO Schwartz! I miss it!

@alancampbell9568 Жыл бұрын

When my wife and first visited 30 years ago on honeymoon The Pointe was the in place to visit. FAO Swarts had a toy store there with a giant teddy bear outside it. Dan Marino had a restaurant there and all the stores were occupied. It’s sad to see it now. Icon park took a lot of foot traffic from The Pointe. Free parking is a big attraction for visiting as well. However back then it was The mercado Centre. Hopefully, it will fully recover now Covid seems to have passed because there are a lot of hotel rooms that contain guests that need to be entertained once they have visited the parks. We walked down on April 1st at the start of our current holiday and will probably visit again before we leave on April 28th.

@imbowser Жыл бұрын

the auto museum at dezerland is amazing

@ilsehunt6798 Жыл бұрын

I preferred pointe Orlando when fao swartz was there! I still feel there is lots going on down international drive !

@dwaynethompson2838 Жыл бұрын

Love this video! So much to do in Orlando plus so many restaurants! Also, love that’s there a Sloppy Joes now in Orlando. It’s long overdue! I’ve been to the ones in Treasure Island and Key West

@pdb2k154 Жыл бұрын

Yikes….. nothing like the beautiful east coast of Florida….. Central Florida is a pit of dispair unfortunately

@robertwerner5236 Жыл бұрын

I love your candid spirit buddy! Keep up the amazing work :)

@vickyhesson5720 Жыл бұрын

Great to watch this. It bought back memories of our vacation at Hard Rock Hôtel last September. We did international drive. The husband wanted to do Hooters 😂

@TMB62 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video I have not stopped on I drove but everytime you make one of these videos I get a new idea.

@geoffreygose8161 Жыл бұрын

That area is big for tourists but it's giving me very big Mercado vibes. For us Central Florida oldtimers that was a similar facility also on I-Drive.

@G5coat1 Жыл бұрын

The Mercado was awesome in its day. Fell apart quickly as lifestyle changes impact business.

@uknowbeers Жыл бұрын

Ikon park replaced Mercado

@christinav3619 Жыл бұрын

I remember years ago maybe in 2008 we did the I-Trolly all along I-Drive and we did Wonderworks and went to the mall. Everything has changed! Now we just go to Disney Springs and Universal City walk. And recently I’ve learned how to resort hop with Disney free transportation!

@jarvisfrederick4315 Жыл бұрын

The concern on this thumbnail is more epic than the park coming

@lorraineraymond9565 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your video Dev. I used to go to Adobe Gila's Bar/restaurant over at Pointe Orlando which was located on the second floor all the time! It was a fun local hang out with great drinks, good vibes. The nachos were delish and the bartenders were all cool. Seen many movies at Regal. Also used to go to Cinemark/Artegon. I haven't been back to a movie theater since Covid.

@eddiemautone209 Жыл бұрын

😊thanks doing a great job on showing and telling us all

@donaldpratt7099 Жыл бұрын

That was a great time. Thank you for your time.

@NotCroutons Жыл бұрын

There's something so sad about keeping gators in a little cement enclosure next to a car park and busy roads. All for the sake of mini golf. That's no life for such magnificent creatures.

@ucfhottie Жыл бұрын

🤦‍♂️

@GoogleUser-uc7cc Жыл бұрын

Can they move in with you?

@jamsmit1249 Жыл бұрын

I would never do icon park after that poor teenage boy fell from the sky on the drop ride. Nope nope nope

@yellydavila1459 Жыл бұрын

I stayed at that Hilton hotel. The pool was amazing with the lazy river. ❤😊

@EmpireStateExpress01 Жыл бұрын

Has the US-192 Corridor improved, or is it in a worse state now than I-Drive?

@michaelrivera8665 Жыл бұрын

Cool tour of International Drive. It's been at least 15 years for me. I remember the biggest McDonald's and went to Giordano's Pizza a couple of times. I remember seeing Wonderworks at the other end of International Drive but never went in.

@ddff2815 Жыл бұрын

Anyone remember Mercado? Florida festival (or festival something; it was two huge tents and shops inside. Maybe it was my childhood fever dream??) How about circus world? And Boardwalk and Baseball. Yes. I am old.

@ThugKnight Жыл бұрын

Mercado is where Icon Park is now on I Drive.

@jugatsu23nichi Жыл бұрын

Dev, this was a great video, thank you! I remember in 2019 we went to the Pointe and went to Nomadic which was a VR experience like The Void but way more immersive! Loved it!