April 12, 2024
After more than 2 years of planning, we finally have a look at what could transform one of the biggest eyesores in Orlando's tourism corridor into a massive new entertainment district with luxury hotels, dining, shopping and attractions.
The Ovation entertainment district will be developed in one phase on a 75-acre parcel at the interchange of I4 and 192 (West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) in Kissimmee. The main entrance will be right across from Celebration Place.
The master plan calls for 182,000 square feet of restaurants plus 186,000 square feet of cocktail lounges and bars. Many would be located along the south side of the promenade and would have terraces overlooking the 4.3-acre pond that buffers the project from West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.
The main complex would consist of two rows of buildings linked by a central promenade with lushly landscaped planters, event lawns and shade pavilions.
A 175-foot tall Ferris wheel is set for the northern end of the parcel along with another large attraction still to be determined.
One of the biggest design challenges the team faced was traffic flow within the site and on U.S. 192. The only access points are at Parkway Boulevard and Arabian Nights Boulevard. Both are signalized intersections with dual left-turn lanes, but they may not be able to accommodate the additional vehicle trips from such a large-scale development with parking for over 5,000 vehicles.
The master plan expands the Parkway Boulevard intersection to eight lanes and incorporates a traffic circle that allows the left turn movements without stopping at a light. A new frontage road would extend along the southern border of the property and curve up one of the two parking garages.
Considering original plans called for over 1,100 apartments to be built on this site, we are very excited for this new entertainment district. With its upscale hotels, diverse dining options, and unique attractions, it stands poised to set a new standard for entertainment districts not just in Florida, but across the country.
