"New" Worlds Largest McDonalds

[spuwho]

While in Orlando area this past week, I noticed that the Mobil at Sand Lake and International Drive had disappeared.

I was curious why and found this.....you won't believe how much was paid for that lot!!

Per The Daily News

New World Largest McDonald's Coming to Orlando?

By Ken Storey

Sitting just west of the corner of I-Drive and Sand Lake Road sits one of Central Florida's most recognizable landmarks.  Known as the 'World's Most Unique McDonald's' the almost 12,000sq ft McDonald's hosts the world's largest Playplace along with a massive arcade, salt water fish tanks, two lane bowling alley, the area's last remaining Bistro Gourmet, and even an audio animatronic Mac Tonight.  Originally built in 1976 the McDonald's has slowly grown and been remodeled since the mid 1990s.  In 1996 the outside playplace was enclosed and the large French Fries that now make the building some recognizable were added.  In 2010 a 650sq ft jungle themed Birthday room was added to the second floor.  The new addition hangs out over the drive thru.  The room is now just a part of the arcade with birthdays taking place in the larger birthday room found on the first floor.

There's no doubt that the McDonald's is showing its age and while the current owner, Oerther Foods, is known for their highly themed McDonald's this one has seemingly lost its way.  Now you can find references to older themes mixed in with newer murals and props that don't go with either.

The McDonald's has its own entrance off of I-Drive but has sat just west of a Mobil station making it technically on Sand Lake Road and not I-Drive.  That Mobil station that was owned by 7-Eleven Inc was sold in December, 2012 for $3,750,000 according to Orange County Property Appraiser records and was promptly torn down. The property had been bought just over a year earlier by 7-Eleven for $1,746,000 meaning that they flipped the property in just over one year with a profit of over $2million.

I now have gotten multiple unofficial confirmations that this will be home to a brand new McDonald's replacing the aging one next door.  This new McDonald's will keep the large arcade, will feature an even larger Playplace, and will be highly themed.  I'm told that the Bistro Gourmet menu will also stay but will be updated greatly.  The new McDonald's will be built then the current one will be closed and turned into a large parking lot for the new McDonald's.  The parking lot will be surface with the intention to possibly build a parking structure in the future if needed.  The interesting thing to note here is that the new property is not owned by Oerther but instead was purchased directly by McDonald's USA LLC.  The new McDonald's seems to be owned by McDonald's directly and not by a franchisee.  I'm told the new McDonald's should fill most, if not all, of the new .72acre or 31,396sq ft piece of property. I've heard that the new McDonald's will be multiple stories like the current one.  Now if both of these things are true that means that this will easily become the World's Largest McDonald's.
The newly purchased property is currently being used as unofficial parking for the current McDonald's

McDonald's Corporation opened the World's Largest McDonald's during the 2012 London Olympics.  That McDonald's clocked in at 32,292sq ft, almost three times the size of the one here on Sand Lake Road.  Oklahoma features a 29,135sq ft McDonald's that stretches over the Will Rogers Turnpike.  While a 60,000sq ft McDonald's  as would be the case if the new property was used completely for a two story McDonald's, does seem a bit out far fetch realize that this is easily one of the most photographed McDonald's in the world so McDonald's would seemingly want this location to properly represent the brand.  The Chicago flagship is 24,000sq ft, two-story restaurant that features 60ft tall arches and seating for 300. 

[coredumped]

I'm not sure if the stat was ever true, but way back when I live in orlando that was the place with the highest drug arrests, or some drug-stat like that. Maybe that's why it went for so much :^D

[spuwho]

Just caddy corner from this lot, they have torn down most of the Wyndham Orlando Resort and 2 whole blocks along I Drive south to the Ripleys Believe it or Not. They said they would be done by May 2013, but they are still tearing down the old resort. I would surmise it will be May 2014 before they finish.

I found this article on that total renovation. Kind of like the renovation of the Vegas Strip, I-Drive is going through one of theirs. The seedy gift shops are getting pushed farther north of Sand Lake. Many of the chain restaurants closer to Kirkman are closing up and leaving. Interesting transformation.

Wyndham Orlando Resort in Florida Launches Multi-million Dollar Renovation and Expansion

ORLANDO (Aug. 16, 2012) – Beginning a new chapter in its nearly 40-year heritage, Wyndham Orlando Resort and owner I Shops LLC today announced plans to break ground late August, on an extensive multi-million dollar re-imagination, further establishing its landmark location on the world-renowned International Drive and bringing an unprecedented resort concept to Orlando.

As part of the revitalization of International Drive, ownership has initiated dynamic enhancements at Wyndham Orlando Resort taking place throughout the remainder of 2012, with anticipated completion in May 2013. Guests will see a complete refurbishment and upgrade to all 613 guest rooms and suites which will showcase modern resort-chic décor; a dramatic sense of arrival with a meandering pathway leading to a grand porte-cochére; and an expansive, newly constructed lobby and conference center.

The new building will contain modern glass features and fixtures, overlooking an expanded immaculately manicured Grand Lawn providing the resort maximum versatility for outdoor events; ultra-contemporary lobby bar and technology lounge; expanded conference center, creating 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space equipped with state-of-the-art technology; improved facility connectivity with rerouted roads and sidewalks; and a host of new dining and shopping options through the creation of the adjoining I-Shops.

"This revitalization will enhance the Wyndham Orlando Resort experience for leisure as well as corporate business guests, offering versatility and convenience for those visiting Orlando for work or play," says Paul Kanavos, principal owner of Wyndham Orlando Resort and the I-Drive Live project. "Upon the completion of the surrounding retail project, guests will enjoy shopping, 10 new restaurants and entertainment venues just steps away. Our 'best in town' location makes us convenient to all Orlando has to offer, perfect for those individuals traveling to nearby Orange County Convention Center, groups looking to host conferences in our newly expanded conference center, or families heading to nearby theme parks and attractions."

The developments are expected to help bring International Drive back to its place as the epicenter of excitement and entertainment. Project details:

    The addition of an estimated 25,000 sq. ft. of new, highly flexible function space, for a total of 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space;
    State-of-the-art communications, Master Antenna Television system (MATV) and internet systems throughout resort;
    Complete floor-to-ceiling remodel of all guest rooms and suites with resort-chic décor package;
    An enhanced arrival experience, showcasing an expansive new-build, modern lobby;
    Redesigned roads and walkways to improve traffic flow and enhance pedestrian connectivity;
    And the addition of surrounding I-Shops restaurants and retail shops to the resort grounds, creating more diverse dining and shopping experiences

[Ocklawaha]

WILL ROGERS TURNPIKE, VINITA, OKLAHOMA. Don't ask me how I know this... I just do!  GO OSU!