You’ve seen it.
If you’ve driven past or through Orlando, if you’ve visited any of the areas around Disney or Universal or SeaWorld, it’s highly unlikely you would have missed the giant marker indicating ICON Park’s location.
We’re talking about The Wheel, of course. It’s a giant Ferris wheel, as well as one of the tallest attractions in the outlying Orlando, Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista tourist areas.
But there’s more to ICON Park than just a Ferris wheel. In fact, there’s enough to do there to entertain you, and the whole family, for the better part of a day.
Which is what makes it Worth The Trip.
Free wheelin’
Without a doubt, The Wheel is the main attraction.
As soon as you step into ICON Park, it’s hard not to immediately start snapping smartphone pics of the Ferris wheel. It’s huge, it’s a monument, it’s beautiful and it’s iconic.
Standing at 400-feet-tall, the ride moves at 1 mph, giving riders plenty of stunning views in 360 degrees. You’ll be able to see Spaceship Earth (a.k.a. EPCOT’s giant silver ball, as well as Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, Volcano Bay (Universal’s water park) and more. There are 30 air-conditioned passenger capsules, each with a capacity of 15 people, and the rotation takes about 18 minutes. During the ride, there will be facts played over the intercom and passengers are welcome to bring drinks along.
The views alone make this worth the trip. However, as previously mentioned, it lasts just 18 minutes.
Luckily, there is a lot more at ICON Park.
Waxing the sea life
In all, ICON Park actually has a handful of attractions. There is also Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Museum of Illusions, a carousel, a small train and the 7D Motion Theater, which has a mirror maze and virtual reality experiences.
Sea Life Aquarium is an interactive, ecological experience that lets patrons view varying sea creatures, through the 360-degree ocean tunnel and touch tanks.
Madame Tussauds is just like its other locations worldwide: a plethora of likenesses of famous people, from celebrities to musicians to athletes and presidents.
The Museum of Illusions is as if M.C. Escher opened an interactive, hands-on experience. Visually stunning and mind-boggling illusions are around every nook and cranny, but make sure to take a walk through the spinning tunnel, if your stomach can handle it.
Finally, younger kids will probably enjoy the carousel or the train that goes through the park, similar to the kind you see at our local outdoor malls.
Spin right round
But it’s not all fun and games.
ICON Park also boasts an incredible 40-plus restaurant options, from local fare to your nationwide chain favorites. Plus, there are plenty of stores to pursue while waiting for your turn on The Wheel or during a date night.
So, head over to ICON Park and take a spin on The Wheel, at the very least.
And, as you step off the slow moving ride, be sure to cherish those iconic views.
ICON Park
Where: 8375 International Drive, in Orlando
When: Open Sunday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m.
Details: Entertainment park featuring rides, museums, an aquarium, restaurants, shops and more. Attraction combo packages available. The Wheel rides start at $24 for adults, $19 for children.
Info and tickets: Visit IconParkOrlando.com.
Published January 25, 2023
