Development began in 2012. After several successful negotiations for land to build the attraction, made under the name WF IDrive Realty, development of both the roller coaster and Skyplex began. In May 2014, a website asking for investors to invest in the project was formed. Wallack Holdings LLC also developed a Mango's Tropical Cafe, retail complex, and parking garage on the southwest corner of the intersection Skyplex will be located on. The complex was designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock / Architects Inc. Winter ParkConstruction Company has been chosen as the general contractor. Euforria LLC will provide the pre-construction and construction management services. On December 1, 2015, the Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project's rezoning. The project faced lobbying against it by Save Our Orange County Community, a group backed primarily by Universal Orlando. Universal's main issue with the project was that the Skyscraper might ruin the sight lines from their parks, specifically from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the fact that Universal was not permitted to build anything over. , portions of the roller coaster's track had been completed by Intamin and were in storage, but the start of construction in Orlando was on hold pending the approval of permits. In January 2019, it was announced that the project had been scaled back to and will only take up a portion of the site, but that the size of the tower and planned 2020 opening date would be unchanged. The company is losing capital and investors do not believe that Wallack is fit to run the company.
Attractions
Skyplex will feature Skyscraper, which when it opens will be the world's tallest roller coaster at over. Development of Skyscraper began in 2012 after the Polercoaster concept from US Thrill Rides was selected as an attraction for the new complex. Skyscraper was officially announced on June 5, 2014. In February 2015, it was announced that a drop thrill ride called SkyFall would be incorporated into the design of Skyscraper. An adult game room will feature party rooms, a central bar, billiards, video games, and simulators. The family game area will feature traditional games, electronic games, and simulators. There will be a high speed competitive go-cart track, and a track designed for all ages. The Apex Sports Bar will include private party rooms, VIP seating, a Tequila bar, and large screen theatre style viewing of sports programs. The Skyplex Observation Deck will be high, and be accessible via what will be Florida's tallest glass elevator. There will be an open-air retail area promenade, SkyPlaza, with a raised pedestrian walking leading to the main entrance. SkyPlaza will be anchored by a Perkins Restaurant and Bakery, which when it opens will be the largest in the world. The promenade will include several other retail and restaurant tenants.
