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Coming Attractions in 2015: New at Universal Studios Orlando and International Drive

You’ve booked your flights and an Orlando vacation rental and now on to the fun part of planning what you are going to while on vacation in Orlando- America’s giant playground for kids and kids at heart! If you are heading to Orlando in 2015, you can be sure that something new is coming to the area’s top venues. Universal Studios is now going through a major period of expansion. According to the Theme Park Tourist “Comcast has promised to spend an eye-watering $500 million every single year at its US theme parks, expanding their attraction line-ups, installing immersive themed lands and building new on-site hotels.”

With constant upgrades, this is great news for you as a visitor! This means that you are guaranteed at least one new attraction each year! So what is new in 2015 at Universal Studios Orlando for our vacation rental guests? Jurassic World and Skull Island will be 2 new great attractions at Universal Studios Orlando in 2015.

First, let’s preface this by saying that the theme parks tend to be hush-hush about grand-scale attractions until they are ready to release the news themselves. So at this point, these upcoming attractions are hearsay. However, many credible theme park insiders have speculated on what’s in store in the near future. Here are two rumored new Universal attractions to be in the works.

With the release of Jurassic World in June 2015, it seems very likely that Universal will capitalize on the release of its fourth Jurassic Park movie. Directly influenced by this new movie, “Jurassic Park” will most likely expand and become “Jurassic World” at the Islands of Adventure. It is rumored that there will be plenty of upgrades to reflect the new Jurassic World design which include: a Jurassic-style wooden rollercoaster, a carousel and new stores and restaurants as well as upgrades to existing ones.

Jurrasic Park World Universal Orlando 2015

Jurassic World Universal Orlando 2015

Additionally, with Universal’s new King Kong movie Skull Island opening in winter 2016, the return of King Kong to Universal Orlando seems ever more probable. Despite the movie having a winter release, it is not uncommon for large-scale attractions at the park to open sooner. Construction at the Islands of Adventure is already thought to be underway. Sandwiched between Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon, “Skull Island” could possibly open in the summer 2016—if not earlier. Rumor has it that it will not be a replica of the King Kong 360 3-D at Universal, but instead according to themeparkguide.com ‘it could be a major dark ride with outdoor sections featuring high-capacity, safari-style vehicles’. So what’s new in 2015 at Universal Studios Orlando that is not so secret?

Here is what is new in 2015 at Universal Studios Orlando and International Drive. Less than a ten minute drive from Universal Studios is International Drive, also known as I-Drive. This is one area that is getting a huge make-over. If you are heading to Orlando next spring, the I-Drive 360 complex is one area you may want to check out!The brand-new complex will be home to a giant 425-foot-tall Ferris wheel called the Orlando Eye. This ride will give you breathtaking panoramic views of Orlando as well as views of all the attractions. As one of the tallest structures in Central Florida, this colossal wheel will have thirty large capsules capable of holding up to fifteen people. The entire trip around will take approximately twenty minutes.

Have you ever wanted to take a selfie with your favorite A-Lister? Well, look no further than the latest location for the internationally renowned Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. This may be as close as you will ever get to life-like celebrities such as Ricky Martin, Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Swift and Mila Kunis. Madam Tussaud’s Orlando will have interactive themed areas where you can snap pictures with your favorite sports star or political figure, pretend like you are part of the cast on your favorite TV sitcom, walk the red carpet with your favorite film icon, and sing along with your favorite pop star.

In addition to a bunch of brand-new retail shops and restaurants, the I-Drive 360 complex will also house the Sea Life Aquarium. With over 5,000 creatures including jelly fish, sharks, sea turtles, sea horses, and colorful fish, this 25,000 sq ft aquarium will have a 360 degree ocean tunnel, floor to ceiling aquariums, and feature a children’s play area as well as a touch pool for those who want to get their hands wet. And for all you thrill seekers, keep your eyes peeled for the world’s largest roller coaster coming to I-Drive in 2016!

Whether you are a newbie or veteran park goer, Orlando’s landscape is ever changing and will not disappoint when it comes to upcoming attractions in 2015.

If by chance you haven’t booked your lodging accommodations, Orlando vacation home rentals don’t disappoint as well. Large living spaces, in home recreational amenities and large kitchens are what make holiday homes the accommodation of choice in Central Florida. Now more than ever, vacation rentals are in high demand for guests visiting Universal Orlando and International Drive.

Give the friendly and knowledgeable team at Orlando Vacation Homes 360 (OVH 360) a toll free call at 1-888-826-0551 to discuss your many condo and rental options. You can also search the OVH 360 online inventory for that perfect rental that meets your vacation needs. All of the OVH 360 rental homes are hand selected by the OVH 360 team for quality and value.

Culinary Tourism: Eat Like a Local

So if I had to guess, when you hear ‘Orlando’ the first thing you probably think of is something along the lines of theme parks; I’d imagine it’s not food. Culinary tourism in Orlando is a growing phenomenon.

From celebrity chefs to local and indigenous regional cuisine, Orlando is an up and coming restaurant epicenter. Culinary tourism also has a growing impact on the Central Florida economy.

Culinary tourism is defined by the World Food Travel organization as the personal experience of learning about the cuisine of a region or country. Moreover, culinary tourism doesn’t necessarily have to be gourmet cuisine.

Culinary Tourism in Orlando

Only a few minutes from Disney and Universal, Sand Lake Road, otherwise known as ‘Restaurant Row’, has over 20 dining establishments ranging from casual to upscale-all within a 5 minute radius! Here, you will find national chain restaurants like Bar Louie, Ocean Prime, Bonefish Grill, Melting Pot, Flemings and Ruth Chris Steak House. There are also specialized eateries that range from Turkish to Sushi to Italian to Indian. With such a wide variety of cuisines, one of these restaurants is sure to satisfy your craving!

Restaurant Row Orlando

About ten minutes from the theme parks lies one of my favorite Central Florida establishments, the Columbia in Celebration Fl. This is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and once you eat here you will understand why. This critically acclaimed family-owned restaurant serves up wonderful Cuban food and should not be missed while you are visiting the Orlando area.

If you feel like venturing out a bit, some great restaurants have popped up in Winter Park. Located about 20 minutes Northeast of Disney and Universal, Winter Park is an upscale charming suburb with some of the top trending restaurants. Four Rivers is a local favorite for BBQ. Favorite dishes include the brisket and pulled pork as well as a variety of home-style sides. Additionally, you can satisfy your sweet tooth at the in-house bakery. ‘The Sweet Shop’ features unique desserts like the Oreo, Grasshopper, Mountain Dew Dorito and Coca Cola Potato Chip Cupcakes plus a unique variety of cakes and cookies.

Locals also rave about the Ravenous Pig. This medium priced gastro pub is a big hit with foodies. This is traditional pub food with a gourmet twist. The monthly pig roasts are a big local lure. Specialty craft cocktails and microbrews are enjoyed by drink coinsures. The upscale-casual Cask & Larder, the Ravenous Pig’s sister restaurant, boasts “sourced seasonal dishes, craft beers brewed on-site and fresh-shucked oysters from our oyster bar”. This is pub fare with a Southern flair. Ingredients from local farmers and fresh Florida seafood will not disappoint. People rave about the ‘melt in your mouth’ pork belly appetizer and entrees like the Nashville Hot Chicken (not too spicy, but a mild kick) accompanied by the smooth and creamy mac n cheese or the flavorful quail with a side of sausage apple stuffing. Wash down your meal with aptly paired house brewed beer.

Looking for something a little more ‘Floridian’? You can’t get more regional than the Catfish Place in the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area. This casual dining establishment has been in business for over 20 years serving locally caught wild catfish and southern style food. If you are feeling adventurous, try the fresh frog legs or gator. Bonnie Lee’s Fried Chicken located a mile from the Catfish Place serves large portions of fried chicken and fish. Locals praise the crispy fried succulent chicken and fish as well as the delicious corn fritters.

Keke’s Breakfast Café is a homegrown chain serving breakfast and lunch—think an alternative to First Watch. They have several locations including ones near Disney/Universal and Clermont. Keke’s serves made-to-order meals for under $10. The huge pancakes, topped with a heaping spoonful of fruit & whipped cream, are a hit here. Portions are generous, and quality is good. You can’t go wrong for the price.

Clermont, a favorite destination for vacation home rental guests, also boasts the newly opened gastro pub, the Crooked Spoon. Originally, only a food truck, now the Crooked Spoon is additionally brick and mortar. Affordable, kid friendly, outdoor seating and top notch food make this establishment a must eat when in the area. Try the 420 Burger – a juicy patty of Florida Angus topped with Swiss cheese, pineapple relish, candied bacon, honey mustard aioli on a toasted Brioche bun. This burger is in a league of its own. Check their website for daily specials and discounts.

And well, if you are just too tired after a day at the theme parks, you may want to think about dining-in your own personal Orlando vacation rental. ALL of our vacation home rental properties come with a fully-equipped standard kitchen. That means you can grab ingredients at your nearest Publix grocery, prepare a tasty meal and relax!!

Plan your next vacation and enjoy the culinary tourism in Orlando. Whether you wish to eat like a local, splurge with a celebrity chef or simply cook in your very own vacation home, a trip to Central Florida is the perfect choice. Culinary tourism and vacation rentals are 2 additional reasons why Orlando and Central Florida are the perfect choice as your next vacation destination!