I Drive-Thoughts?

[Azune]

Hi,
I have been going to Florida for several years now though I am by no means the veteran yet! I have stayed in various locations and I was wondering does anyone else think that over the last few years things have been getting a little beat up?
The last time I went (may 2003) many of the shops and restaurants near point Orlando and in that sort of area were closed , of course it didn't help that I was staying on 192 next to a giant orange ....

Anyway im going back in September/October but I just wondered if anyone else had thought this?

 

[Rain]

Not keen on I Drive at all these days, I don't mind the Peabody end.

 

[Red-Snapper]

I agree - the bottom end of I Drive is ok.

The Point seemed ok last year - unlike the Mercado which is a sad place now compared to its hey-day about 10 years ago.

The top end has always been more down market/trashy but then some people like that.

In the last few years there has been more gradual development further down I Drive towards LBV and I can see that sometime in the future they might link up.

 

[pigby]

When you say the 'top end' of International Drive - do you mean close to Belz and Universal? Not very familiar with this area but we were looking for a good base to explore Universal - not too keen on $ shop type of areas! Does the bottom end mean near Seaworld?

Sue

 

[Daftman]

Yes Sue,

Top end being Universal end, bottom being seaworld.Universal end is a lot more tacky, $ shops etc and a lot busier.

Sean.

 

[Azune]

yeah the mercado is shocking compared to a few years ago, still it might be better this year some stuff may have opened up. I was just conscious that I decided to walk to world of denim on I drive and along the way there were places I have been to and i thought they would be successful closed down.
There are some shoddy 1dollar shops...it was like being in England I go over there to escape into fantasy land!

Thanks for your comments!

 

[JohnnySharp]

Over the years we have moved away from staying on I-drive preferring the peace and quiet a villa offers.

Have stayed at 'the bottom end' at the Rosen Center and Clarion Plaza hotels and would recommend either.

The other end is just too touristy with tacky discount shops all over.
It can get pretty busy traffic wise, especially Friday/Saturday nights.

I would agree that the area in general is not what it used to be, having said that the discount stores have always been there - as far as we are concerned our tastes have changed.

The Mercado used to be one of main areas for tourists but not anymore.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I-Drive is OK.
It's not for everybody I guess.
We have stayed there 2 times and this will be our 3rd, We don't mind it at all, but I must admit we dont spend that much time there,at the end of the day a hotel room is a hotel room, You spend more time at the parks, and venturing further afield to places like St.petes etc...
It is overcrowded with "Gift Shops" abit like blackpool..But I've never really found any other problems with it..its just Busy, and plenty of shops..etc..