By Dawn Henthorn
Florida Travel Expert, about.com
Merlin Entertainments brought world-wide attention to Orlando with the opening of The Orlando Eye. The attraction, located in Orlando's popular International Drive area, is fashioned after the world renowned London Eye and began taking passengers to new heights in Central Florida on May 4, 2015. Merlin Entertainments have also brought LEGOLAND Florida and the recently opened LEGOLAND Hotel to Central Florida and has two other attractions in the International Drive area of Orlando — Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando.
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The Orlando Eye, a massive Ferris wheel that the operators call an
"observation wheel," towers an impressive 400 feet over Orlando with 30
air-conditioned capsules that can each carry up to 15 passengers. If the
views were not enough, the capsules will include lighting and audio
effects as well as interactive tablets which are all designed to enhance
the passenger experience.
According to its official website, the wheel uses a new
stabilized-driven system with a suspended ski-lift capsule design,
ensuring a smooth ride aboard the attraction with none of the usual
rocking or swinging that comes with normal Ferris wheels. Combine the
smooth ride with spectacular views and this sounds like an awesome
experience that shouldn't be missed!
Hours, Ticket and Experience Details
The
Orlando Eye will operate seven days a week! Operating hours* are Sunday
through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays
10:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. The admission desks will open at 9:45 a.m.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation.
The attraction is completely accessible.
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Those using wheelchairs or electric mobility
devices are allowed to ride as long as the wheelchair is no wider than
36 inches. Service animals are also permitted. Security must be notified
in advance of any oxygen or other medical equipment that will be
carried on board the ride. Those with disabilities must book either a
wheelchair ticket or a disability ticket.
Each paying disabled guest can bring along a caregiver free of charge.
The Orlando Eye riders have their choice of different 400-foot in the air experiences:
- The Orlando Eye Ticket - Pre-book this experience by date and time (when booked at least a day in advance). Also includes free parking. (Adult advance online $20* or price on day $25*/children age 4-12 $15* advance or $20* day of)
- The Orlando Eye Flex Ticket - Full flexibility of riding at any time. This experience includes admission to the 4-D Cinema Experience. Also includes free parking. ($25* in advance or $30* day of)
- The Orlando Eye VIP Experience - Pick a date and time and enjoy priority boarding, a glass of champagne or soft drink, complimentary entrance to the 4-D Cinema Experience and free parking. (Adult advance online $34* or prince on day $39*/child age 4-12 $29* advance or $34* day of)
If you're going to be in the Orlando area for more than a day, consider combining a ride on The Orlando Eye with other Merlin Entertainments attractions,
including Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Florida. Admission to
these attractions are good for up to 30 days after your ride on The
Orlando Eye and they can save you up to 34 percent over regular ticket
prices.
Discounts are available for groups that number 15 or more,
or book The Orlando Eye for special events, which can include private
capsules.
Location and Directions
The Orlando Eye is located in the heart of Orlando's International Drive.
From either direction on I-4 take Exit 74A and turn onto Sand Lake Road
(right if coming from the west and left if coming from the east). Make a
right turn onto International Drive and make a left u-turn after .3
miles and follow signs to parking garage.
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Tips:
- Get the most from your vacation dollars by choosing your experience, booking your Orlando Eye experience online in advance and simply show up 15 minutes prior to your reservation.
- International Drive is notorious for heavy traffic, so allow extra travel time to arrive 15 minutes before your reservation. If you are staying in the International Drive area, use the I-Drive Trolley.
- Weather may be a factor in the operation of The Orlando Eye. Lightning certainly poses a risk and it may be unsafe to operate during thunderstorms which are a frequent occurrence during summer afternoons.
- Avoid the 4-D Cinema Experience if you have a sensory condition. This part of the attraction includes flashing lights, wind, sound, water and smells.
