I-Drive Update: Game Changers

Yesterday's article updated you on many of the nightlife options that are available along International Drive but there's more on the way.  This is Mango's Tropical Cafe, a branch of the highly successful club located in South Beach.  The sign here originally said Mango's was opening in 2014 but that's not going to happen.  As you can see from my visit Saturday night, the front wall has been removed and interior gutting is just now taking place.  The 3-level structure includes a roof top dance club overlooking International Drive.  This is the kind of place the new Disney Springs is going to have to compete with.  If there's no nightlife at Disney, the people will come to nearby International Drive.

The other huge game-changer along International Drive is The Orlando Eye, a huge wheel that will take patrons 425' into the sky.  It's scheduled to open in Spring.  But it's just one part of a massive entertainment complex on the ground called I-Drive 360 that includes already-open restaurants Yardhouse, Outback Steak House and Carrabba's with a coming Shake Shack.  Anchors will include a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.  The only club announced for the complex is Cowgirls, a country & western bar.  Again, if Disney Springs turns out to be an entertainment bust, International Drive (and a resurgent Universal CityWalk) have and will be there to provide it.