Orlando’s International Drive Plans for World’s Tallest Roller Coaster, Orlando Eye, and More
Friday, June 6, 2014
If you haven’t heard, Orlando is getting a makeover. Specifically, International Drive (aka, I–Drive) is undergoing major construction to develop new restaurants, rides, and attractions.
Already a popular tourist attraction, the new and improved I–Drive will be a must see destination for both vacationers and locals. While the restaurants will offer something for every palate, the rides are what will really draw the crowds. The city is working to build some of the greatest, and tallest, rides in the world.
Already in the works is the Orlando Eye Ferris Wheel. The 400-foot structure will be the tallest ferris wheel in the world and will provide a 20-minute bird’s-eye view of the city. The Orlando Eye is part of a larger development that will be called “I-Drive 360 at The Orlando Eye.”
The Orlando Eye will act as an observation wheel, similar to the London Eye in England. The attraction is expected to open in Spring of 2015.
Yesterday, the city also announced plans to build the world’s tallest roller coaster. It will be called the “Skyscraper”. The coaster is a 570-foot tower, in which riders will spiral down to ground at 65 miles per hour. The ride will include barrel rolls, turns, and loops, and last about 3 minutes. Due to the high speeds of the coaster, the creators expect that 1,000 people will be able to experience the ride every hour.
Chris Kraftchick, of the American Coaster Enthusiasts fan club, said: “Not only is it high, there’s nothing else like it in the world.”
If this terrifies you, perhaps you would prefer the view from inside the tower. There are plans to build a nightclub with spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
Skyscraper is scheduled to open in 2016 along with an entire entertainment plaza. The plaza, known as the Skyplex, will be an indoor center for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Skyscraper will also wind through a portion of the complex. All together, the project is projected to cost over $200 Million.
The developers for the Skyplex project are Joshua and David Wallack, the owners of Mango’s Tropical Café Orlando and Mango’s Tropical Café South Beach.
Stay tuned to TheTimeshareAuthority.com to learn more about this developing project.
