Port Canaveral is preparing to take on Orlando for tourists.

The second busiest cruise port in the world is now moving ahead with plans for a huge entertainment complex.

The skyline of Port Canaveral is already changing.

Construction is well underway on a $21 million, seven story welcome center.

It’s expected to be completed this summer.

But it’s not the only thing in the pipeline for Florida’s fastest growing cruise port.

The Port Authority wants to develop 80 acres of land in the "Cove," as it’s known.

It’s about the size of Downtown Disney, and they’re considering adding retail, restaurants, hotels, a convention center, boardwalk and entertainment.

They’ve already approved a multimillion dollar amphitheater.

“Many of the people that come visit now on the cruise ships leave the county. They go over to the attractions in Orlando,” said Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Bruce Deardoff. “What we’d like to do is find a way to set up an entertainment area in the Cove that will attract visitors to this county.”

Instead of taking a bus directly to Walt Disney World, the Port Authority wants cruise passengers to stay and spend money here.

“It needs some nice shopping centers. We’ve got one in Merritt Island, but that’s the closest. It would be nice to see some shopping,” said Cape Canaveral resident Rich Sepkowski.

But some fear Port Canaveral’s success will come at a cost to the rest of the county, siphoning off business for restaurants and hotels in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island.

Deardoff disagreed.

”This is not about helping Port Canaveral, we’re fine. This is about helping the economy of Brevard County and all the business people in Brevard County, as well as our constituents,” said Deardoff.

Residents we spoke to are excited about the possibilities of a destination with entertainment and concerts for them as well.

“Definitely needs it, bring a lot more tourism into the area, money into the area,” said Joanne Heferle, of Cape Canaveral.

The port has posted ideas for the Cove on its Facebook page, asking for the public’s input before a planned workshop in March.

When it’s all said and done, commissioners said development of the Cove will take approximately 20 years to complete.