Area15 Orlando (Canceled)

[SeventyOne]

That's a shame. Was just there this past weekend and was looking forward to the development. There's an abandoned hotel next to it that just started to see construction happen again that would have finally cleaned up the area a bit.

I kind of get it tho. While Meow Wolf (which, IIRC, was never technically confirmed) would give it a certain "cool" factor, ICON expanding, Margaritaville still around, Pointe's redo actually seems to be going through, and we're looking at another nightlife-centered-attraction in that abandoned resort across from Celebration. Market getting kind of crowded, and two of those a lot closer to OCCC and Universal, who would drive much of the business.

I think they may have adopted another plan to put a location in Orlando, just in a different place…

Unless it's I-Drive, where competition will be fierce and land likely more expensive, I don't see another location working.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Unless it's I-Drive, where competition will be fierce and land likely more expensive, I don't see another location working.

There is a giant empty building readily availably in Disney Springs. Wouldn't call it an instant success, but would certainly draw more guests than the NBA Experience.

The Area 15 land could have worked fine as an add-on to the outlets nearby. But I agree, Orlando has more than enough nightlife experiences. Not uncommon to see I-Drive/Margaritaville quite barren.

 

[SeventyOne]

There is a giant empty building readily availably in Disney Springs. Wouldn't call it an instant success, but would certainly draw more guests than the NBA Experience.

The Area 15 land could have worked fine as an add-on to the outlets nearby. But I agree, Orlando has more than enough nightlife experiences. Not uncommon to see I-Drive/Margaritaville quite barren.

Fair, I just don't see the Disney crowd mixing with this at all, outside the hard-core few who post about theme parks on message boards. Parents of princesses would give it a wide berth.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Apparently they’ve given up— the robot is still there, but brand new For Sale signs went up on the property.

Disappointing. Oh well.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Fair, I just don't see the Disney crowd mixing with this at all, outside the hard-core few who post about theme parks on message boards. Parents of princesses would give it a wide berth.

I'd say the same, but the Disney Springs crowd is a bit different than the Disney park crowd. Using Jollywood as a reference, Disney has been leaning more and more to the young "hip" adults who love spending money on experiences.

 

[Tobias]

Apparently they’ve given up— the robot is still there, but brand new For Sale signs went up on the property.

Bit of a bummer, but it happens.
Guess we can truly say Area15 does not exist. (Here, at least.)

 

[GA-MBIT]

Would have loved to see Meow Wolf here in Orlando, and I feel like there is a market for it somewhere around the Central Florida area. Definitely a shame, but with how long it's been since our last update it's not surprising.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Would have loved to see Meow Wolf here in Orlando, and I feel like there is a market for it somewhere around the Central Florida area. Definitely a shame, but with how long it's been since our last update it's not surprising.

Already opening BMG at Icon Park, seems like that'd be a good place/location.

 

[GA-MBIT]

Already opening BMG at Icon Park, seems like that'd be a good place/location.

If they could figure out the space for it, attaching Meow Wolf to Icon Park does feel like a solid move. Even a plot a few blocks down like Wonderworks has could probably be pretty successful imo.

 

[jarmor]

I hear everyone saying nightlife oversaturation but Area 15 is more of a family entertainment center, like an indoor amusement park of sorts. It is not just for adults and nightlife. I had high hopes but oh well. . .

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Meow Wolf Vegas prices start at $59 and reach $64 on "peak" days. Finding time and an additional $240+ on an already expensive Orlando vacation is difficult for most families now. Vacation days aren't getting any longer unfortunately.

 

[jarmor]

If people are planning a vacation in advance, they will find it if they feel it's worth it (and it is). They find it in Vegas. . .

 

[UniversalRBLX]

If people are planning a vacation in advance, they will find it if they feel it's worth it (and it is). They find it in Vegas. . .

I'm sure there's people that will find it worthy, but Orlando & Vegas are very different markets. The demand for "non-gambling/clubbing/adult" experiences in Vegas has risen over the past few years, so Meow Wolf and the upcoming HHN experience will do very well. But in Orlando, you're competing against multi-day ticket packages worth hundreds of dollars. A 3-Day ticket to UOR (1 Park a day) is already $1.1K for a family of 4, how much more in tickets can a family afford?

 

[jarmor]

We are living in an era where nothing is too much anymore, more so how long will it take us to afford it. With parks closing at dusk this time of year, I can see places like Area 15 being a viable option to add on. No cost to get in, pay per attraction, food options.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2024/09/18/area15-land-immersive-attraction-las-vegas-sale.html

OBJ confirms.

 

[Jake S]

Just think of it as a great excuse to take a trip to Vegas! Glass a third of the way full!

 

[Casper Gutman]

Already opening BMG at Icon Park, seems like that'd be a good place/location.

BMG at Icon highlights how much CityWalk would benefit from a live entertainment offering, especially one with some variety from show to show.