ORLANDO — The highly anticipated Margaritaville Resort Orlando is one step closer to its grand opening with an official groundbreaking on July 27 in Western Osceola County.

With more than 250 executives and special guests in attendance, the ceremony included an island-inspired buffet, tropical drinks, stilt walkers and steel drummers, not to mention a special appearance by Radio Margaritaville’s JD Spradlin who broadcasted live from the event.

“This is an exciting day for Margaritaville Resort Orlando and sharing great food, drinks and fun is the best way to celebrate breaking ground on our Margaritaville-branded hotel,” said Jim Bagley, project developer of Margaritaville Resort Orlando. “Soon travellers from all over the world can escape to paradise with an unforgettable Margaritaville vacation in the heart of Orlando.”

The US$750 million property is scheduled to open in late 2018 on 300 acres, and will feature 30,000 square feet of function space, 200,000 square feet of retail space, a dining and entertainment district, 12-acre waterpark, wellness centre, wooded fitness trails, a water taxi system and a three-acre swimming pool. It will also include design quirks like a giant flip-flop sculpture and an upside-down margarita glass chandelier in the lobby.