Things To Do In SW Florida

ICON Park, which has grown dramatically since beginning operations in 2015, could see more expansion in the coming years, according to a report in GrowthSpotter.

An application filed with Orange County on Tuesday revealed plans for a 409-seat entertainment venue, two hotels, and three proposed retail locations totaling over 38,000 square feet.

The main component of that application is an entertainment venue.

The application doesn’t specify the use or layout of the venue, but a site plan indicates that it will be a one-story building built at the base of the Orlando Eye, formerly known as The Wheel at ICON Park.

On Monday, Merlin Entertainments purchased and renamed the Orlando Eye, which they previously operated from 2015 to 2018. The company also owns Madame Tussauds Orlando and the Sea Life Orlando aquarium, both located within ICON Park.

“We are continually exploring innovative new experiences to add to our 20-acre destination, and we look forward to sharing more exciting news with world-class partners in the coming months,” Chris Jaskiewicz, president and CEO of ICON Park, said in a statement. read more

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney are moving into a new chapter of a dramatic political story that captured the nation’s attention, one that could see better relations between the two.

Lawsuits have been settled, and now, both sides are striking a collaborative tone. A lot of money is at stake. Disney is planning to invest billions of dollars into its theme parks over the next decade.

Florida stands to benefit with new jobs, more tourists and huge economic investments. Disney needs to compete with Universal Studios’ fourth theme park Epic Universe opening in 2025. Working with Florida politicians will be key to success.

“[Disney] went sideways with politics, but when it comes to business, we should work together,” said GOP state Rep. Randy Fine, one of the most vocal Disney critics who sponsored legislation that ended the corporation’s control of the Disney World governing district. “I hope that is what happens now.”

Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle echoed a similar sentiment. He spoke of “constructive engagement” with Florida officials that would enable continued investment and thousands of new jobs. read more