Orlando will be turning the location of Pulse Nightclub (1912 S Orange Ave) into a memorial to honor the victims of the horrific attack that took place there on June 12th 2016. Pulse owner, Rosario Poma is selling the club to the City of Orlando for $2.25 million. Mayor Buddy Dyer has the goal to “create something to honor the memory of the victims that are deceased [and] those that were injured, and a testament to the resilience of the community.” The Contella family purchased the property in 2005 for $925,000.
The ever-growing Skyplex / iDrive 360 area is continually adding more & more restaurants, shops and rides and the just unveiled another amazing attraction named ‘SkyLedge’ for the thrill seekers. SkyLedge will be where you can put on a harness and walk along the outside of the facility, 600 feet above the ground. This will be yet another first of its kind the US, there is similar attraction in Canada called ‘EdgeWalk’ however unlike in Canada you will get to enjoy the lights & fireworks Central FL offers.
“We’re creating a new destination, remaking International Drive, and we’re thrilled to be the first location in the United States to offer this attraction” said Joshua Wallack, the developer of the Skyplex complex, in a prepared statement. “The world’s tallest rollercoaster, the world’s tallest drop ride, and now we’re launching an experience that feels like you are flying. You will be one with the sky and we envision this to be a major draw for tourists and convention delegates to the new I-Drive Entertainment District.”
“The Skyplex complex is a much-anticipated project for the I-Drive corridor, bringing the 501-foot Skyscraper polercoaster, the 450-foot Skyfall drop tower, a 600-foot Skyfly zip line, the Skysurf park and a 450-room hotel, all built in and around the SkyPlaza retail, entertainment and dining center. The project is expected to open in 2019. It’s sure to help Orlando’s $60 billion tourism industry, which attracted a record 66 million visitors last year.”
Despite making its debut only 2 years ago, Orlando City Soccer Club was named the 9th most valuable soccer club in the Americas by Forbes Magazine with a valuation of $240 million. Not only does the Orlando City Soccer Club have a brand new $155 million, 25,500 seat stadium being built but it is home to the highest paid (and well-known) player Ricardo Kaka.
Disney Reports Record Revenue
For the 6th year in a row, Walt Disney World reports record earnings. What a surprise! The theme parks reported a massive revenue of $16.9 billion for 2016 which is a 5% increase from 2015.
“The increase at our domestic operations was primarily due to growth at Walt Disney World Resort, partially offset by a decrease at Disneyland Resort [in Anaheim, Calif.]. The improvement at Walt Disney World Resort was due to lower costs and guest spending growth, partially offset by lower volumes. Guest spending growth was driven by higher average ticket prices and room rates and increased food and beverage spending.”
If you have been to Hollywood Studios recently you know that the Park is about 50% of what it use to be due to all the construction going on. They are building the new Star Wars area & expanding the Toy Story areas which us Disney fans has high expectations for due to the removal of classics such as The Backlot Tour, Christmas Spectacle of Lights, Animation Studio and Lights Motor Action.
-Courtesy of Chris Grenier Real Estate