By Jim Carchidi
The millions of tourists and locals flocking to International Drive's shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations are about to have their options broadened with new venues. Plans in the works will add retail, attractions, and pedestrian safety to some popular addresses.
ICON Park additions
Two construction sites are currently active at either end of the 20-acre ICON Park property, set between International Drive and Universal Boulevard.
Construction resumed in July on the 578-seat Blue Man Group Theater, beneath The Orlando Eye at ICON Park. No completion date has been set. Photo by Jim Carchidi
At the Universal Boulevard side, progress on the 578-seat Blue Man Group theater has resumed after some permitting and construction-related delays. The blue-painted percussion-based performance troupe ended a 14-year run at Universal Orlando in 2020. Its ICON Park debut was slated for April, but no new date is available. Guests are advised to check the Blue Man Group Orlando web page for future updates.
ICON Park's new two-story Build-A-Bear Workshop will feature more immersive components to the brand's unique retail experience. Photo by Jim Carchidi
At ICON Park’s International Drive side, a two-story Build-A-Bear Workshop is in progress between Ole Red and Orlando Sling Shot. The store will replace ICON Park’s current Build-A-Bear location and project partner, Chute Gerdeman, plans to use the project to elevate the retail brand's immersive experience. The grand opening is slated for the first half of 2026.
Arte Museum exhibits incorporate sights, sounds, and smells with floor-to-ceiling projections. Photo courtesy of Arte Museum
ICON Park will start construction next year on a 30,000-square-foot Arte Museum by the Universal Boulevard entrance. The digital art exhibit by Korean design firm d’strict is known for large-scale multisensory experiences that reflect the local culture of each museum city. The brand currently has eight productions at locations around the world, including New York and Las Vegas. The ICON Park venue will be its first in Florida with completion expected in 2027. Construction documents also include a 434-space expansion to the ICON Park garage.
Plans have also been filed for a 3-story building with 29,572 square feet of commercial and retail space to be constructed within the ICON Park property. No word yet on a construction timeline.
PopStroke
Miniature golf on a major league level is on the way as PopStroke preps an I-Drive location. The brand, founded by Tiger Woods and developed by TGR Design, offers high-tech play with two 18-hole putting courses with challenges like sand traps and hills. A full-service restaurant, bar, ice cream parlor and games enhance the experience. Locations have opened across Florida, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, and Nevada. Locally, PopStroke has opened at Hamlin and N. Alafaya Trail.
PopStroke opened its most recent Florida location at Hamlin in August, 2025. Photo courtesy of PopStroke
Construction documents list the address as 8580 International Drive, the current site of a retail center across from Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. Site work has not yet begun, but the project includes a 2-story, 25,200-square-foot building and a golf area measuring 85,000 square-feet. Completion is expected in 2026.
Pedestrian bridge at Sand Lake Rd.
The popularity of the I-Drive corridor means traffic is inevitable. But a county-approved plan is in motion to increase pedestrian safety at the Sand Lake Road intersection.
The unique drone design of the I-Drive/Sand Lake Road pedestrian bridge will take 18 months to complete. Image courtesy of Orange County Government
The International Drive Pedestrian Overpass initiative began in 2023 and the approved design - known as a “drone” - is made up of stairs and escalators at each corner of the Sand Lake Road/I-Drive intersection that converge at a central platform over the street. Orange County commissioners approved a project study in June that includes right-of-way acquisition. The overall cost is estimated at $35.6 million and funding will come from the International Drive Community Redevelopment Agency. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and last about 18 months.
Future plans
The International Drive Development District map offers an overview of current and upcoming venues along the 11.1-mile stretch between Oak Ridge Road and Vineland Avenue. Among the listings are the following projects involving popular brands with completion dates listed as “TBA.”
- White Castle is planning a Central Florida expansion with new locations that include a 5,000-square-foot drive-thru restaurant at Universal Boulevard and McKenna Drive. The location will be the brand's largest and is intended to take advantage of traffic generated by the nearby Epic Universe. No word on a grand opening date.
- Museum of Ice Cream has a future location listed at The Pointe Orlando. The global brand offers interactive experiences inspired by ice cream. The museum website does not currently list Orlando as a location and no details are available.
- Raising Cane's will replace the former Friendly’s location at 8718 International Drive with a 3,619 SF drive-thru. The company website lists the address but no other details.
For more information on I-Drive attractions, shops, and restaurants, log onto InternationalDriveOrlando.com.
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