Most visitors to Florida, especially in the Winter months, are trying to escape the snow, however, developers of a newly proposed Action Sports & Entertainment Resort wish to change that. Developers have unveiled a $309 million resort near the intersection of U.S. 192 and S.R. 535 that might include a 14-story ski and snowboard mountain. The 75-acre site being considered would also include many other action sports activities. Forget about the ride-oriented theme parks! This one is going to get you moving!
Xero Gravity Action Sports LLC plans to develop this large resort, however, they are still investigating the property. The location being considered is a previously wooded area just east of the Target store at 4795 West Irlo Bronson (U.S. 192). It is about four miles east of Celebration, near Disney World and other primary Orlando theme parks.
It is estimated that over one million guests would attend the resort each year, and they would employ 1,000 people. A study performed also projects approximately $1.97 billion taxable sales would be generated over a ten-year period. The developers are looking to Osceola County for incentives and financing.
Proposed layout of a new Action Sports & Entertainment Resort coming to Central Florida in 2018.
Action Sports & Entertainment Resort
So what would an Action Sport Resort look like? Not only would it include the huge ski/snowboard mountain (with fake snow), it will also have nine snow tubing lanes. Another portion of the park would offer a 25,000 square foot indoor/outdoor skateboard park, a BMX sanctioned race track, a rock climbing course, zip line, water slides and more. For the Entertainment Resort side, plans are to offer sports shows and clinics, as well as daily competitions. That’s not all. Additional features of the Action Sports & Entertainment Resort include:
- 250-room Hyatt branded hotel with roof top pool and bar
- International Action Sports Hall of Fame
- Two “skydiving pods”
- 20,000 square foot indoor dodge-ball trampoline arena
- Challenge course, rock climbing up to 140 feet and zip lining throughout the park
- A “rapid river” and two 14-story waterslides by WhiteWater
- 2,000 seat amphitheater
- Swimming pools, cabanas, day spa
- Restaurants
“We are developing a one-of-a-kind sports and entertainment resort which provides unique hands-on experiences. We will be hosting televised pro and amateur competitions, think X-games, with sports shows and clinics, and we will have daily competitions at all venues for visitors who like to compete.”
-Larry Walshaw, CEO and founder of Xero Gravity
New Resort Details
The costs to participate and many other details will come at a later date as they are announced. Up until recently, the new project had been kept secret. It’s not a secret any longer! Now that the news is out, some people are skeptical that the new resort will ever be developed. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: A fairly large deposit ($50k) has already been made for the property with another due by April 20, 2015. Once that date arrives, we’ll have a better idea if snow skiing is coming to Florida. Stay tuned!
Don’t put away your snowboard just yet. On your next vacation to Central Florida, you may want to bring it with you! The first action theme park may open early 2018. So you have plenty of time to work on your landing switch. If you’re not comfortable on the slopes, don’t worry. There will be over 27 exciting adventurous activities for the entire family. I’m already looking forward to a vicious game of dodge-ball. Are you ready to play?
