Growing up in Orlando was pretty cool. Sure, we had three major theme parks in our area and two over in Tampa, but the action wasn't always at these places. This is my countdown of the top 8 things kids who grew up in Orlando will recognize!
8. Amway Arena.
(a.k.a. T.D. Waterhouse Centre a.k.a. Orlando Arena) This huge building underwent many name changes over the years, but the one thing that stayed the same were the awesome events that happened here. Sporting events? Definitely. Concerts? You got it. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus? Yeah, this is their spot. The original building may have been demolished in 2010, but the memories made here will always be in the hearts of the kids who remember what a big deal it was to come here.
7. Nickelodeon Hotel.
The picture speaks for itself. The Nickelodeon Hotel located off of International Drive was the ultimate stay-cation for Orlando kids. Featuring a water park, character breakfasts, and kids' spa, anyone who was lucky enough to stay here was surely the envy of their friend group for weeks to come. The best part about staying here was hands-down Slime Time. Sadly, the hotel was re-branded a few years ago and is now a Holiday Inn Resort.
6. WonderWorks Orlando.
If your parents ever drove down International Drive, you were sure to get a good glimpse of the 'upside-down house'. In her golden days, Wonder Works would draw in just as many visitors as the Big Three (Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World). This particular attraction features hands-on science exhibits, indoor ropes courses, laser tag, and now a magic comedy dinner show. Unlike many of the other featured institutions, Wonder Works is still in operation. You can visit their website here.
5. World's Largest McDonald's.
Known as the 'World's Largest McDonald's', this was the ultimate place to go out to as a kid. This location offered two stories of fun for kids of all ages. On top of the food (which includes pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and wraps), the restaurant featured an arcade and large play-place. This particular McDonald's was super popular for birthday parties and was a tourist attraction within itself. If you want to re-live the glory days, you still can! The menu is still intact and the restaurant just underwent renovations.
4. Orlando Science Center.
Ah, the Science Center. This was my favorite place to go to as a kid! What other place in Orlando has an indoor forest? None. This immersive and hands-on experience was the epitome of so many childhoods in Central Florida. Their most recognized exhibits are, Kids Town (which featured an interactive orange grove, and Nature Works (an opportunity to come up close and personal with some of Florida's native wildlife). While the Orlando Science Center has gone through some renovations over the years, guests still visit daily and new exhibits are always opening.
3. Orlando Magic's FanAttic Store.
When driving on I-4 approaching downtown, it was impossible to miss the giant basketball window atop FanAttic. Popularized for being the official Orlando Magic merchandise location, this unique building sat at the corner of Highway 50 and Hughey Ave. If you wanted any type of merchandise featuring the Magic logo, this was your one-stop shop. Only the coolest of parents made time to stop here. The building was demolished in 2007.
2. Race Rock.
An architectural beauty and race lover's dream, Race Rock was a NASCAR/Indy 500 themed restaurant on I-Drive. The outside was impressive, featuring a giant monster truck outside and three race cars hanging from the roof. However, the inside was where the action was. Inside the main dining hall of the restaurant, cars lined the ceiling of the building and there were uniforms from various drivers featured across the floor. Race Rock was known for their giant nacho plates and their video games scattered throughout the restaurant. You didn't just come here to eat, you came for an experience.
1. The I-4 Eyesore.
Last but not least, the infamous I-4 Eyesore. It was in the early 2000's that this monstrosity was commissioned to be built in Altamonte Springs. Almost twenty years later, it has yet to be finished. With construction only occurring as there is funding, there have been many years where this building has sat dormant. Will they ever finish this building? The world may never know.
While these places are some of the most recognizable, they are not representative of ALL that growing up in Orlando had to offer. Here are the honorable mentions: Merita Bread Sign, FAO Schwarz, Peabody Hotel, Sizzler's, Orlando Premium Outlets, Skull Kingdom, Fun Spot, and the Bob Carr Centre for the Performing Arts.
Have a favorite Orlando memory that wasn't mentioned? Let us know!
