International Drive holidays

When it comes to International Drive holidays, size does matter. It's on the doorstep of thunderous rollercoasters, mammoth shopping malls, and more restaurants than you can shake a steak at.

The American dream

If International Drive had a motto, it would have to be, ‘bigger is better’. This massive tourist corridor, known to locals as I-Drive, runs for 23 kilometres along the western edge of Orlando. It’s one of the best gateways to Florida’s biggest theme parks, but a bona fide destination in its own right, with enough shops, restaurants, bars and theatres to fill a telephone directory.

Big-time thrills

If you've got digs on I-Drive, then you're within a couple of minutes' drive of Universal Orlando Resort, where movie-themed attractions are crammed into a skyline of twisting rollercoasters and towering rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's™ the feather in its cap, and the tropical-inspired slides of Universal's Volcano Bay can be spotted from I-Drive's north-end hotels. You're also close to SeaWorld's sky-high rides, which are a little further along the strip. Walt Disney World Resort's a little further away, and you can reach the likes of Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT in about half an hour's drive.

Splash the cash

The longer you stay in I-Drive, the less you want to leave. With hundreds of restaurants vying for your attention – from all-you-can eat buffets to swanky eateries – you’ll want to try as many as you can. In fact, it impossible to go less than a minute without strolling past somewhere that you can grab a bite. Plus, shopaholics will be in their element, as there’s everything from dollar-bin souvenir shops to top-of-the-line designer factory outlets dotted along the length of the corridor.

Fun-packed

The entertainment in I-Drive isn’t limited to the theme parks. Whether you want to play 18 holes of golf, or a pirate-themed round of crazy golf, there's something that fits the bill. Upside-down funhouses, a sky-high slingshot ride and a Titanic museum are all on the agenda here. And at night, the street really comes alive, with bars, cinemas, and Broadway-worthy dinner shows.