A snapshot of all development tracked by the District from 2015 - 2024.
I-Drive Development in Review: 2015-2024

8th edition of the I-Drive District commissioned International Drive Economic Impact Analysis Report.
I-Drive Economic Impact Analysis 2022

A snapshot of all development tracked by the District from 2015 - 2022.
I-Drive Development in Review: 2015-2022

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Angel Tree Program, hosted by the International Drive Business Improvement District and sponsored by the Salvation Army, marked two decades of spreading holiday cheer to children in need.

6th edition of the I-Drive District commissioned International Drive Economic Impact Analysis Report.
I-Drive Economic Impact Analysis 2020

A snapshot of all development tracked by the District from 2015 - 2020.
I-Drive Development in Review: 2015-2020

The District's 'Playcation' Ad Campaign invites visitors to experience the perfect blend of fun and relaxation, turning every getaway on International Drive into an unforgettable adventure.

The District celebrates 25 years of service.

The I-Ride Trolley service celebrates 20 years of transportation!

Annual update of the I-Drive District commissioned International Drive Economic Impact Analysis Report.
I-Drive Economic Impact Analysis 2018

A snapshot of all development tracked by the District in 2018.
I-Drive Development in Review: 2018

The Orlando StarFlyer, the world's tallest swing ride at 450 feet, officially opened on International Drive. The attraction offers riders panoramic views of Orlando while soaring at speeds up to 45 mph.

The I-Ride Trolley joins the Google Transit Partner Program, a public transportation planning tool that integrates the I•RIDE routes with the power of Google maps. Provides scheduled arrival time for each stop as well as trip planning.

I-Drive District unveils a new logo for the 'I-Drive Resort Area,' reflecting the vibrant energy, world-class attractions, and the dynamic growth of International Drive as a premier destination.

Development in 2016 kept moving forward with new additions such as SeaWorld's Mako Coaster, Skull Island Reign of Kong, Main Event at Pointe Orlando, McDonald's - World's Largest Play Place, and Seabra Foods, to name a few.
I-Drive 2016 Development: A Year In Review

Marking the end of an era, Wet 'n Wild Orlando closed on December 31, 2016, paving the way for the opening of Volcano Bay, a new water park from Universal.

Annual update of the I-Drive District commissioned International Drive Economic Impact Analysis Report.
I-Drive Economic Impact Analysis 2016

Take a virtual ride of I-Drive with our newest video! This video was produced using 3 mediums: filming street side with go pro & video camera, aerial with drone, and scenes from our existing destination videos!

We kicked off 2016 with all new destination videos that celebrate the thrills, the fun, and the flavors of International Drive. The "I Sizzle Video Campaign" is a fresh, contemporary approach to promoting I-Drive on our resort website and social media platforms.

Worked in collaboration with the city and business owners on the North International Drive Improvement Project, which enhanced the area with dedicated bus lanes, bike lanes, upgraded paving, and improved landscaping. The project was completed in December 2014.

The 10th anniversary of the Angel Tree Program, proudly hosted by the International Drive Business Improvement District and sponsored by the Salvation Army, marked a decade of giving, with the community coming together to provide holiday gifts for children in need, continuing a cherished tradition of spreading joy.

The I-Ride Trolley reports a total of 1.93 million trips for the year and a total of 23.4 million trips since it began service in 1997,

On September 23, after a decade of planning and two years of construction, the Peabody Orlando opens its $450 million expansion with new guestroom tower, spa, pool, restaurant, bar and lobby.

April 4, a public-private partnership between Orange County Government, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the International Drive Master Transit & Improvement District, results in a Tourist Oriented Policing Squad for a four year prototype safety initiative.

Sponsored by Orange County, the ETC Stakeholder Group and the I-Drive District, this program is geared towards beautification and prevention of vandalism on International Drive.
The art was completed by UCF students who are part of the AD Lab (Advanced Design Lab Division) at UCF for phase one in 2010.

In 2006, the I-Drive District updated InternationalDriveOrlando.com, adding new features and an improved user experience to help visitors explore International Drive.

In 2004, the I-Drive District redesigned IRideTrolley.com, enhancing its layout and features to better assist visitors with trolley routes and schedules.

Installed new & wider sidewalks, new landscaping and irrigation within the public right of way along International Drive from Sand Lake Road to Kirkman Road. This project was completed in 2004 through a joint partnership agreement with Orange County and the International Drive CRA.

The very first Official Visitors Guide was printed in April 2004, showcasing information on dining, attractions, and nightlife. It also included a map of the district, highlighting the I-Ride trolley route. Since then, the District has continued to publish an Official Guide twice a year.

The first annual Angel Tree Program, hosted by the International Drive Business Improvement District and sponsored by the Salvation Army, brought the community together to package and deliver holiday gifts for local children in need, spreading joy and making the season brighter for many.

In August, Hilton Hotels Corporation confirms plans to build a 1,400-room convention hotel adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center phase V expansion.

I-Ride Trolley Service begins and is an immediate success with visitors.

The Belz family sells the original outlet malls. Prime Outlets moves in.

June 7, Universal Studios Florida opens.

In February, Phase II groundbreaking begins for the Orange County Convention Center.

Jesse Maali, a Palestinian immigrant opens a Ponderosa Steakhouse near Wet 'n Wild and made it the busiest in the world with $6 million in annual sales.

Belz Factory Outlets expands and I-Drive is extended to the site.

Eli Sfassie sells his four I-Drive stores to Nur Ullah Khan, an Indian-born accountant who relocated from England.

Phase 1 groundbreaking for the Orange County Convention Center.

In May, Orange County voters approve Tourist Development Tax to build a convention center for promoting tourism. Voters select Orlando Central Park as the site for the Orange County Convention Center.

In September, the master plan for the 325,000-square-foot Orange County Convention Center is submitted to the BCC.

In June 1979, the BCC approved the land donation agreement with Orlando Central Park. Provides an option to the county for additional land and requires Orlando Central Park to develop adjacent sites as hotels and commitment of a 1 percent surcharge of hotel room revenues for 30 years.

Sfassie opens second store directly across from Wet ‘n Wild and sells Mickey Mouse tee shirts for $9.99 each.

Ron Dowdy, navigator and bombardier who flew 232 missions over Vietnam, retires from the Air Force and heads to Orlando, where in 1971, he had been stationed at McCoy AFB.

Dowdy own 15 acres that include a doughnut shop, land lead to restaurants and a miniature golf course and retail stores. He opened a bowling alley and an ice skating rink (now closed).

In June, former Disney and Hilton hotel executive, Harris Rosen, partners with Alan and Joanne Dayton of West Palm Beach to purchase the 256-room Quality Inn at Sand Lake Road. Cost: $150,000 cash and assumed a $2.5 million mortgage. Rosen and his dog, Rin Tin Tin move into the hotel to save money.

Rosen hitchhikes up the east coast and negotiates commitments from bus companies to stay at his hotel for rates of $7.50-$8.50.

At the end of year, the oil embargo is lifted and business increases.

Early in the year, Hamilton and RF Raidle’s Major realty paved a 1 ½ mile road connecting Kirkman and Sand Lake. Hamilton named it International Drive because it “sounded important.”

In August, Hamilton and partner Jack Zimmer bought 28.4 acres to the north for $10,000 per acre. The land was soon resold as hotel sites for up to $200,000 per acre.

In May, Hamilton opened the Hilton Inn South, 17 months before Walt Disney World opened. This property is now known as the Coco Key Water Resort.

Construction begins on Walt Disney World.