When we started taking our daughters to Disney, first in 1988 then thru the 1990's we stayed at Lake Cecil. There was a little inexpensive motel there. We'd walk down 192 to get something to eat and stop in at the gift shops that always had the 3 for $10 t-shirt specials. My wife always loved the green / purple lamp posts.Those were some of the best time we had on vacation.
We owned a timeshare in the early 2000s at Parkway International. Just across the street from the entrance to Celebration. When my kids were little, we used to walk along 192 and visit the little shops and restaurants. Every year, more and more shut down until it felt a little dangerous to be walking past some of those abandoned buildings. Last time we went was in 2012 and the area was already getting pretty abandoned. We have since sold the timeshare because the kids got older, but I can't imagine what it looks like now. Thanks for the insight, Adam.
Yes, the closest real grocery store and McDonald’s. I lugged my groceries back to my hotel even though I had rented a car. The checkout ppl at Goodings even offered to help. That was a nice memory. The Disney area very low key. They had a Gourmet shop, but it was boutique in nature. So quiet . Kind of funky.
So interesting to learn you lived in St. Cloud. My family moved there in ‘89. Did you go to St. Cloud High School? I’m wondering if you knew my brother.
The CrossRoads video was when I found your channel When the kids were younger that was our starting point for our vacation. Mini golf, UNO pizza, salad place. Good times
Savannah Square really resembles those in the city of Savannah! Great job, Celebration park planners. Only one day until you wore the new Epcot shirt !
Its pretty sad. I do not get back home to orlando as much these days but it amazes me how much it has changed. when I was a kid in the 1980s 192 was a happening place. from water parts, multiple go cart tracks, food, and other attractions there was so much to do . Today its just a shell of what it once was
I miss that plaza on Hwy 535 and I-4, because it was so convenient going or leaving the parks. I appreciate the update, that way, I know what to expect on my next visit.
I’d like you to know that I have replaced watching the news with my morning coffee with watching your videos…. Just realized it’s been 4-5 years now. You’re obviously good at keeping people interested. We plan vacation spots and stops off of things we see in your videos. I have learned a lot about things I usually pass by, without knowing anything of value is there. Thank you sir for what you do.
I used to stay by the Crossroads all the time when visiting Disney. I went to Goodings. They had Chevys Mexican, jungle Jim’s, pizzeria Uno, Perkins and Pirates Cove mini golf. Lots of fun times there.
In 1991 on our Honeymoon we stayed at the Holiday Inn, Maingate East, which I know is either a different hotel or no longer there. It was a busy spot. We ate at Caption Nemo’s every day for breakfast lol. Then in 93 we stayed at the Day’s Inn which was right next to Old Town. Hard to believe that area has died off so much. We do need to check out Krispy Crème next time we go. Great video!
I think the Holiday in at Main gate is now the Seralago. Which was a great discount motel. I stayed there many many times. It changed hands and the prices went up but the quality did not. I recently bought a place in Winter Haven so I no longer need to stay in motels when I'm in town..
@@johnnymoran180 Thank you That’s good to know! Next time we visit we need to drive down that way ourselves to see the changes. I can remember when IDrive was not busy at all if you can imagine!
Around that time, we stayed at the Inns of America on International Drive for $25 a night. We went again a few years later and it had gone up to $35 a night. We said “Oh! No! It’s too expensive now!”
I have countless videos where im going around looking at all of these hotels/motels many of which i thought were abandoned, only to be surprised they were open. The maingate being closed now isn't a surprise. I went in the claremont too, interesting that you used to work there. Im glad someone is restoring it, I wanted to do it as soon as i saw it
I live in Ft. Myers . so much of my town has been destoryed by hurricane Ian. only few things remain on Ft Myers beach. It kinda looks like your video. except u see empty shells of what use to be stores or resturants or just empty fields. I cant bring myself to drive dow there yet! to heart wrenching. thanks for your videos.
Between the parks being shut down and the 2020 related lockdown the rise of Disney and Universal resorts, those businesses that relied on the park traffic have taken a big hit. Those abandoned properties probably have multiple owners or they maybe tied up in court for one reason or another.
Adam, Scooter's Coffee makes a good Pumpkin Spice Latte. Really enjoyed your video. Love the places you go to in Florida and a state I'll never get to visit! Those Krispy Kreme donuts sure looked good. Looking forward to your next vlog.
Kissimmee was part of my childhood vacation areas...Going through all the little gift shops was part of the vacation experience, along with Disney of course, which I loved going to Florida but now due to many factors, and not just 1, that will never be again. Sad to see that area die off to a distant memory.
Adam it’s so sad to see businesses that were once thriving with business now just a distant memory boy how I love the good old days also the little so called ticket booth you showed reminded me of what we used to have here in SoCal when I was a kid they were built in the center of parking lots mostly grocery store parking lots they were called Fotomat booths and they looked just like a tiny house and the way it worked was you drive your car up to the window drop off your film and come back later to pick it up so if you have never seen one just ask your search engine to show pictures of the old Fotomat Booth now with that peace ☮️ love ❤️ and happiness to you Adam and I’ll see you on the next awesome vlog adventure peace ☮️ out ✌️
If you haven’t seen the movie “the Florida Project “ I recommend it. I’m not referring to Walt’s name for his vision of Epcot and the whole Florida shebang, but the 2017 movie that has Wilem Dafoe as the put upon motel manager of an offsite, down market area that is out of the Disney bubble, and is yet nearby. Much like the areas you are exploring. Good movie. Touching and real.
@@jameswesterman9283 thanks so much for your kind and informative reply. I’m sorry that I just picked it up. ;(. I came back to this thread bc I noticed on Twitter that Willem Dafoe was in a new film and I wanted to correct my misspelling of his name. He’s on of my faves. I hope I got it right this time. ;). Thanks again for your evocative reply.
Enjoyed seeing Krispy Kreme in Kissimmee. I recently was in Dublin, Ireland (April) and they had a great Krispy Kreme donut emporium, but I first fell in love with KK in Florida! Thanks for the memories!
I remember eating at the on the border in that shopping center and going into that grocery store, and being absolutely blown away by how expensive everything was in there
I saw how much that area changed when I was drove on 192 just this last June when we stayed at Margaritaville Orlando Resort! Holy crap! Until you just pointed it out Adam I completely forgot that was where the Goodings grocery store was located! I recall going in there at least once to see why it was such a popular place to shop! The building going on in the Orlando/Kissimmee is crazy! The traffic is not for the timid! I lived in Orlando from 1992-1995 just off the east-west expressway on Golden Rod.
Disney and other Orlando attractions have become so expensive that only the well off can go and they aren’t interested in cheap deals or saving money in motel hell. Btw. I watched the Florida project on a a recent flight. So good
You guys should've went 9ne street over and stayed at one of the several great resorts in that area for probably close to the same price. That area is still a good fun area.
When I worked for Disney I lived at Vista Way and crossroads was something we all visited as it had a grocery store, buffalo wild wings, tgi fridays and so much more! It is weird to see it gone but last time I went to wdw Everything was blocked off empty...with all the buildings still there. Alot of businesses are gone close in the next year.
Sad, we loved some of those restaurants, Where is Johnny's Hideaway??? and now the Brightline is not gonna stop there!! they destroyed a Good thing, Hopefully its very Profitable Property, and maybe they will rebuild with all new Restaurants...
Holy crap I guess I haven’t been over to that crossroads in a long time. It’s all gone! Had many a meals at the jungle jims there. Loved that place. And Chevy’s I think also was in. Wow. We used to hit that up before every HOB show
I remember going to one of those time-share deals back the early 80’s and getting Epcot tickets. We were visiting there and my friend was considering getting a time share or a townhome since he worked for Delta and was thinking of transferring to Orlando. That was also sort of the heyday of all those places on 192. I think so many of those cheap motels and outlet have closed over the years is due to DIsney World (and Universal) opening so many of their own resorts at all price points. Also the more upscale outlet malls opening nearby as well. And I think visitors now just are not as interested is these lower end touristy places anymore.
Several resort style properties that are in kissimmee all around 192 are definitely still thriving. Especially when it comes to rental properties. That area is probably number 1 for disney visitors. Only the people that don't know any better actually stay at Disney properties.
Disney realized how much guests value being on property and found those price points. It is often cheaper for folks willing to stay off property to rent out a little house on AirBnB.
@@charlesdebarber2997 Yes that was my point. Along with an other non-Disney family resorts like Marriott World Center, the Gaylord and others, along with the large homes at Encore and Reunion community resorts that can handle large family gatherings. The smaller mom-and-pop motels (often housing “motel families), the kitchy retail shops and even some of the restaurants on 192 to the west of I-4 just can’t compete anymore.
@@FunAtDisney So true. I know folks are nostalgic for those neat little shops in their heyday. I remember in the mid-90s going down 192 with my family on our first Disney trip. My stepmother insisted on renting a car to visit Ripley's and hit those shops and I recall it being a fun experience. I remember some of the shops even had old props and signage from attractions they acquired, so you ended up with some neat displays that Disney fans really enjoyed. My first trip was only a year or two after 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closed and people were buying up hordes of old merch from it at those shops. Orlando would do itself a big favor turning it into affordable housing. Those parks can't function if cast members can't afford to live in the area. Their pay needs to come up, but even at $25 an hour it would be hard to find housing in the immediate area on that.
My son lives on the northern side of Irlo Bronson and I was just there last week. Some huge developments, lots of old crappy hotels and gift shops. Glad they’re renovating! I can’t believe they took out Chevy’s across from Hotel Plaza Drive, and everything else around it, though. Hopefully that freeway interchange will help with traffic.
The other side of 192 is getting better. A few years ago, they built Margaritaville, and now, across from Target, I saw a new shopping center going in. I think people just want newer buildings. Sometimes its better to tear it down and start over.
There are several resort style properties, just like margaritaville all up and around the kissimmee 192 area. And they are all definitely a much less expensive and, in my opinion, just a better choice than over paying to stay at the disney properties. Adam is only showing selective spots on 192. The area still has several thriving businesses.
We stayed at that former? Clarion back in the day when it was a Rodeway Inn. Got tons of pictures as a preteen in the late 90s outside of it - Fanny pack in tow. Also, sad to see what happened to Crossroads as it was my go-to when I was a Disney College Program Cast Member in the latter 00’s. Flippers was my favorite there
I stayed at the doubletree on hotel plaza ages ago when crossroads was still vibrant. I knew it had closed down, but this is my first view of it leveled. Thanks. I hope those ppl aren’t still waiting to cross the street (stroad?). ;).
When they take buildings down they sure do clear it as though there wax nothing ever there. Glad u tell us what was there❤ Been with yu since i saw picture of u with Tracker when he had the curly mushtash. U had the open house for fans to come meet u
I stayed at that rodeway many times because it was cheap and not dirty in the rooms. I last stayed there in March 2023 on a last minute weekend trip. It was going by the name “formally rodeway inn” it was starting to get run down but you couldn’t beat the price.
You know the economy is in trouble when a bunch of Florida businesses are out of business. Florda runs mainly on peoples disposable income. So if people arent spending that means they barely have money tp get by.
One has to wonder how much of it is a residual effect of Disney's problems. The parks may not be showing much sign of trouble, but outside businesses that rely upon overflow and residual business could be. It's like the edges of a lawn dying from lack of water even though the centre may still look green.
Used to live south of Kissimmee down Pleasant Hill Rd. In Pineridge Estates toward Poinciana…miss living in Florida. A lot changed while I lived there and is still changing. 6:45
Adam, i loved your "Freshbaked" shootout. David & Liz would be proud! Keep with your new habit of eating, you are looking great! Hello from Phoenix Arizona🌡🔥
There is a French Bakery in Hamlin so yummy they have LaVazza coffee so yummy. I'm a mocha Latte guy. There's and Jofferys is my fav. Also I think the brightline was supposed to go at the crossroads. Thanks for the vlog Adam🍻
I remember when 192 was bustling with Attractions, stores etc. Quite shocking the state it is in now. The crossroads pirate mini golf was a landmark for me when I would drive by on I4.
Love the shirt, Adam. One of your top ten shirts. This week's Loki episode had all kinds of great references in it. Including a Back to the Future one. So great.
The only thing I can think of is that the city commission, zoning laws, cost - tax payer money, obtaining bids,legal requirements, red tape must be quite extensive to have so many places on 192 sit empty for such lengthy periods of time.
Ron desantis likes it like a wasteland, otherwise he would have fixed it. He preferres to let his state slowly disappear as he threatens his biggest tax earners for political advantage.
All those places you went to closed are the same in Pasco County and Pinellas County. Landlords raised rents for business owners. The Mom and Pops said "No Way Can I Make A Living With The High Costs". I blame the realtor and insurance companies for the problems.
I work for a company that has been in Kissimmee for 35 years, we have been trying to build on our existing property for 3 plus years. Anti business is what I'd describe Kissimmee.
I live in Indio California. Which is not far from cabazon and the big dinosaurs on the I-10 freeway. Here in our valley they are building a Disney community. It’s a huge gated community, which will have a resort, beach, and full time homes. It’s being built in the city of Rancho Mirage. Not sure if you hear anything about it. Maybe it’ll be a place you can visit in the future.
I lived in Kissimmee in 2007 when I worked in Disney and it was pretty bland and terrible then. The biggest draw was that the rent was cheap and it was a short drive to all the parks. I'm not surprised that it's like this now.
Hey Adam just wanted to say I love you videos. Keep doing what your doing. I have been watching for about 8 years. Love the highway 192 vibes need to go explore one day.
'192 is actually on the brink of a total makeover. I recently saw a video about all the projects that are in the planning/development. Total makeover coming up!
Wasn't in FL but in branson stopped in for just a pitstop at a info tourist center and got tangled up in a vacation home thing, but didnt buy but for my time I got like $150 and coupon booklet for things to do in the area, so if anything got a free trip out of it.
I remember The Crossroads shopping center from my past visits to Walt Disney World. The best hamburgers were at Fuddruckers. I always made one dinner stop there during my visits. There was also a Tom+Chee restaurant. They specialized in grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soups. I ate there once and did not really like the food. That business was originally pitched on Shark Tank.
Dang that used to be my stomping grounds back when I lived in Florida. It's completely different than I remember but I used to work at that exact same Krispy Kreme! At least that's still standing.
i used to stay at that hotel next to the gift shop it was a rodeway inn, wonder what happened it was usually busy as it was affordable and close to disney.
Good morning Adam 🌞 thanks for sharing this on video. Kissimmee Florida, look so nice there. Take care my friend 😎📸👍 the area might look like a dump, lol
The lobstermobile you are referring to belongs to Boston Lobster Feast. They have three present locations: two at the west end of U.S. Highway 192 and one on International Drive. The food is delicious but expensive --- $60 per adult.
The state of 192 makes me so sad. I started visiting in the late 90s and it was bustling the way Parkway in Pigeon Forge is. So little is left from it's heyday and it's sad to watch.
@usroadtripper Actually, you really meant to say, "Tell you that I currently live in Celebration,which is really Kissimmee, and tell you that I've been visiting 192 since the 80s consistently several times a year.
Can you have a look at Dundee Florida and the train museum. My sister lives on Barrett Ave and I have not seen her or the town for a decade as i am in Australia!
it's very sad to see the crossroads gone and a number of other locations closed down glad that you found another pumpkin spiced latte, I must admit I love Starbucks probably won't be available after Tuesday because the Christmas drinks will be out
A houseman takes care of the public areas of the hotel while a housekeeper takes care of the private spaces. There’s truth behind the saying if you want to know where something is ask the “cleaning person”. They know where everything is because they’ve had to clean it. Much like Carl in the Breakfast Club, they are the eyes and ears of the institution my friends. Anyway… Looks like there’s some progress with the Crossroads happening. The barrier walls are back there with a few front loaders. Problem is with i4 as you know all the roads dump onto it in a short distance, that’s why is crawl time from the beach line to 535 and then from just past 192 where world drive and the 417 end to just past the 429. One of my favorite videos on your old channel was in front of that Gifts for Less store. The vicarious sunglasses fest moment with Matt. Every time I need a good laugh I watch that video! Classic Woo!
You forgot Pleasure Island! The lot cleared we used to visit when at Disney when my daughter worked the College Program. We would eat at the Olive Garden on the southeast corner and the McDonalds for quick road-trip breakfast. Goodings we would also shop at. There was a hotel on Lake Cecile we would occasionally stay at and that is where the water skiers from Cypress Gardens used to practice. Speaking of Osceola County, I was fall cleaning my back yard and found buried under the bushes, two Osceola Bricks. What are Osceola bricks doing in NY? So much has changed and the vacancies are a bit alarming, but that's the real estate game. Isn't ironic that a real estate office is gone?
I always liked seeing that Mcdonalds and shopping center because it felt like that was the last thing you see before you enter the Disney bubble . sad its gone now.
