New restaurants, hotels, and attractions continue popping up around central Florida. Here’s a look inside five of the region's most anticipated venues and attractions scheduled to open this spring.
1. After nearly two years of construction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal Orlando, which broke ground in summer 2008, is projected to open in late spring. The $200 million venture includes recreations of signature locations in the Harry Potter movies, like Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade village, and a Three Broomsticks restaurant. An extension of the Islands of Adventure park, the Wizarding World will also have roller coasters and virtual rides. The park will host private events, but officials are still determining which areas can accommodate them.
2. Improv Comedy Club and Fat Fish Blue restaurant are scheduled to open in late spring at outdoor entertainment complex Pointe Orlando. The attached venues will span 14,000 square feet and accommodate more than 700 guests. There will be a 300-seat theater, three private rooms, and a patio for 120. The New Orleans-theme restaurant will serve specialty items like jambalaya and gumbo, as well as burgers and salads.
3. Scheduled to open in April, International Drive’s new Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort will be the first outdoor version of the national water park chain, whose 10 other properties have indoor parks. The 386-room resort is currently under construction (in a former Ramada Inn) and will have a 7,500-square-foot arcade, on-site event space, and a 54,000-square-foot water park. Dining options will include TradeWinds restaurant, Callaloo Grill, and a food court in the water park.
4. In April the Mall of Millenia will have a new resident restaurant with the opening of Crave. The 8,600-square-foot venue will seat 250 in the main dining room or host about 300 for receptions. There will also be a private room for 60 and an enclosed patio for 30. The menu will focus on American cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean influences.
5. Landmark concert venue Jannus Landing in downtown St. Petersburg is scheduled to reopen later this month as Jannus Live, following extensive renovations and upgrades. The standing-only venue can accommodate crowds of 2,000 and will have a new stage and lighting system, upgraded restroom facilities, and a new color scheme and flooring. New owner Knight Global Entertainment is also adding eight V.I.P. suites to the balcony level with lounge seating, wood floors, flat-screen TVs, and mini kitchenettes. There will also be a new patio bar with mobile bar stations in the courtyard.
