International Drive Area - Orlando Area Travel Guide

The Theme Park Capital of the World. Plus great hotels, fab shops and soooo much tempting food.

Disney, Universal, Discovery Cove, Wet 'n Wild. Where are you?

• International Drive Area. You probably know all about this area. Two words sum up it up: Theme Parks.
• I Drive, as its known by the locals, is a destination all by itself. It is home to 5 of the world's greatest theme parks - SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, Wet 'n Wild, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and is ten minutes from Walt Disney World.
• It has over 100 fantastic hotels, plus 485 designer and outlet shops, with over 150 restaurants and 3 entertainment complexes and 3 stadium-style cinemas.
• Whether you come to see Mickey Mouse, swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove, enjoy the adrenaline thrills of Wet n Wild or the stunning parades and firework displays; one thing's for sure; you need to be close to everything.
• It's easy to get to everything by either hotel shuttle, I drive's RIDE trolley or car from your hotel on I Drive.
• And there is nothing better at the end of a magical day than to be in a comfortable, affordable hotel with great restaurants, shops and entertainment nearby.
• That's International Drive. On the doorstep of everything you have come to see but with fantastic hotels where you can relax and unwind.
• Are there any beaches near International Drive?
At the Discovery Cove theme park you can swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on lovely beaches.
• There are no other beaches in the immediate I drive area but many of the hotels do have outdoor pools.
• Coco Beach with Ron Jon's famous surf shop open 24 hours is about a half hour's drive away.
• Attractions in the I Drive area:
• Walt Disney World is a ten minute drive from I Drive.
• Universal Studios - the number one tv and movie theme park in the world.
• Islands of Adventure - take an interactive journey on rollercoasters and rides through five islands where all your favourite stories come to life.
• Discovery Cove - see 'beaches' above.
• Sea World - 200 acres of marine life and spectacular shows.
• Wet n' Wild - enjoy multi-passenger tube rides. The new raft adventure Disco H2O is a must for 70s disco lovers, spin and splash while you float back in time.
• The Wonder Centre - over 100 interactive exhibits at Orlando's only upside-down attraction. You can land a space shuttle, fly a fighter jet, put yourself inside a bubble, design your own roller coaster and much more.
• Ron Jon's Surf Park is opening mid 2008 on I Drive. It will be the world's first wave pool dedicated to surfing and bodyboarding and will be ideal for beginner-surfers.
• Also, located on International Drive are other attractions and entertainment such as: Pointe Orlando, The Mercado Marketplace, WonderWorks, Fun Spot Action Park, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
• Top Holiday Money Tip
And don't forget; most things in America are cheaper than at home, particularly when the pound is strong, your money will go a long way in Florida especially in the outlet shops in the malls at I Drive. Travel light and bring lots of bargains home. Happy days!
• Hotels in International Drive We have a superb selection of hotels in the International Drive area all with the lowest hotel prices guaranteed. We have 3* hotels in I Drive, 4* hotels in I Drive and 5* hotels in International Drive, Orlando. We also have great deals from the Ritz Carlton, Crowne Plaza, Sheraton Hotels, Marriott, Ramada, Best Western, Travelodge, Holiday Inn hotel groups in International Drive, Orlando. Most hotels offer complimentary scheduled shuttle services to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, Sea World & Wet n' Wild and Walt Disney Check your hotel's details before you book.
• Eating Out in: It's America, there's a fantastic choice here from fast food to seafood and for every budget; but all of it is great value. And the portions can be huge. There is good food in the hotels and nearby there is a wide choice of restaurants on International Drive including Italian, Mexican, Indian and Chinese restaurants.
• Best restaurants in International Drive.
• According to our happy holidaymakers; The Olive Garden for a good value sit down meal and Fishbones for superb fish dishes.
• And the Ponderosa Steak House on I drive: “My top tip is the Ponderosa Steak House. All you can eat breakfasts at $3.99 and kids eat free. The evening meals start at less than $10 all in a must for folk on a budget or for real steak lovers.
• Dinner Shows on International Drive You really should do one once, it's dinner with fairly OTT entertainment. And we have nothing like this here in the UK. You can choose from Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld, Outta Control Magic Show, Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Theater and Tony n' Tina's Wedding.
• Top International Drive Tip
Not all children can stay awake for the firework parades every night; and some don't like the noise. The good news is that in some hotels you can see the fireworks at night from around the pool or even your bedroom - ensuring they get a reasonably early night ready for the excitement of the next day. Look out for comments like these below when you read your hotel reviews: “If you ask for a room facing Sea World you'll be able to view the nightly fireworks display from the comfort of your bed!
• There is also a great selection of shops, cafes, bars and nightlife.”
• What else can I do at I Drive: Just about everything from Golf to Skateboarding. There are two great golf course, the huge VANs skateboard park, bowling alleys plus Monkey Joe's indoor playground. There are also 3 indoor pools at the Central Florida YMCA Aquatic Center on I Drive. Busch Gardens, the Kennedy Space Centre and beaches on both coats are about an hour's drive away.
• Just under 10 hours from UK airports, we have cheap flights to Orlando and great hotels deals in Florida.
• Holidays to International Drive: We have an excellent choice of holidays in International Drive.
• Hotels in International Drive: We have excellent hotels in International Drive, all with our lowest prices guaranteed.
• Cheap Flights to International Drive: We have cheap flights to International Drive. The flight takes under 10 Hours from UK airports.
• Car hire in International Drive: There's so much to explore, you would be wise to hire a car. Travel Republic can offer great deals on car hire in International Drive so check us out when completing your holiday booking.
• Transfers to your hotel in International Drive: We can book your transfers from the airport to your hotel in International Drive. We can also book UK airport car parks online, plus travel insurance and currency exchange for your holiday.
• International Drive Hotel Reviews: Written exclusively by genuine customers who have booked and stayed in the hotel.

Did you know? You can take the tram to explore I Drive. The I-RIDE trolley runs every day 8.30 am to 10pm and takes you up and down up the International Drive Resort Area with single trips from a dollar. Kids under 12 go free. And adults can buy a 3 day pass from $5 per person. This really is big picture holidays. Everyone should go to Disney once in their lives. Make this the year you do it. Read our holidaymakers' top tips. And then check out our great cheap flights to Orlando and our discounted hotel rooms in I Drive, you'd be mad not to.

Top Tips you shouldn't miss

• i drive tram i very handy.more Beaches & Sights Top Tips
• tony romas (very close) is a lovely restaurant, great food, choice etc but also the uno grill and bar was very close and an excellent place to eat, we visited a number of times and will return on our next holiday, t.g.i fridays was also a great eating place, everything was in easy reach of the hotel from bars, shops, restaurants, the highways and the parks, will definately stay in that area again and who knows maybe at the new (best western) econolodge,in october.the choice of being able to leave the car at night and walk on i.drive was great too,as alot of nightlife was within walking distance.the kids loved the golfing at pirates cove (and as parents we did too) it was an unexpected but pleasant change from driving round looking for something to find it on the doorstep.we had a good couple pints of guinness, on st pat's night, at the british pub,and quiet afew good meals from golden corrall incl breakfast and lunch at a very good price,the parks are within easy reach whether your driving or a courtesy bus from your hotel is taking you,however im sure whatever you choose to do or where you stay it wil be a memorable one for the right reasons. more Food Top Tips
• Make sure you visit the official Orlando Visitors Centre across the road from the hotel, they have all the information on cheap theme park tickets, cheap public transport and great places to go. more Entertainment Top Tips
• We loved the "Bermuda Breeze" restuarant and bar, just situated across the road from the hotel, fabulous food, excellent atmosphere!, AB FAB more Bars, Pubs & Clubs Top Tips