Take a Ride on The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando
There’s something magical about rising high into the sky to look at the world around you. The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando is a great way to relax and enjoy views across central Florida from 400 feet in the air.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your experience at The Wheel.
But don’t forget to enjoy some of the other aspects of ICON Park in Orlando – like restaurants, Madame Tussauds Orlando, shopping, fountains and SEA Life Aquarium.
Tickets, Parking and Getting to The Wheel
You definitely want to purchase your tickets online before you arrive. You’ll save $2 per ticket. You can then bring the tickets with you – either via your mobile phone or printing them out.
If you plan to explore some of the other attractions at ICON Park, consider buying a combo pass to save some money. For example, a combo pass to The Wheel, Madame Tussauds and SEA Life Aquarium is $49.99. That about $20 more than a single ticket for The Wheel, and it gives you access to two other amazing attractions.
If you’re staying at one of the many hotels along International Drive, you can take a stroll to ICON Park, grab a taxi or hop on the bus. If you drive, there is free parking in a nearby parking garage, so dob’t worry about paying more money for parking. Although I suggest the walk if you can.
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The Wheel isn’t too hard to find. It’s the 400-foot Ferris wheel towering above the ground. Head toward the wheel and you’ll find it.
Your Ride on The Wheel
Once you are on The Wheel, you are locked in the passenger car for about 18 minutes. So you’ll need to plan accordingly. The bigger question is – what time of day would you like to take your ride?
We ended up taking a ride just before sunset. There was plenty of light to be able to see for miles and miles. As the orange glow lit up the Florida landscape, it was a great way to relax from a hectic conference before meeting our friends for dinner.
Maybe you want to get there when they open to see the area mid-day. Or maybe you want to take your significant other up at night to see the lights below. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the time that works for you.
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After checking in at the counter with your tickets, you’ll follow the line to the loading area. The employee will tell you which car you get to ride in and will let you know when to head out. The Wheel never stops moving, so mind your step as you make your way from the platform onto the passenger car. It isn’t going very fast, so you should be okay.
Once aboard, the doors will automatically close and you’ll make your way up and around. The passenger car has windows on all sides, so be sure and enjoy the views during your 18 minute ride (9 minutes to the top, 9 minutes back down).
Views from the Top – 400 feet up
On a clear day, you can see for miles from the top of the circle. In fact, you can see the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. You can also see the EPCOT ball at Disney World. Other nearby theme parks can be easily spotted – like Universal Studios, LEGOLand and SeaWorld.
If you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, each passenger car has a couple of touchscreens you can use to identify what you’re looking at. Be sure and use the screens so you can get the full experience and learn about some of the other amazing spots Orlando has for you to enjoy.
The Details
Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Cost: $29.99 per adult (ages 13+) and $24.99 per child (3-12). Save $2 per ticket when you buy online. You can also purchase combo tickets to include The Wheel, Madame Tussauds and SEA Life.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 1-9 p.m. Friday, 1-10 p.m. Saturday, 1-11 p.m.
Website: https://iconparkorlando.com/attractions/the-wheel/
Phone: (407) 601-7907
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