The Tallest Ferris Wheel in Florida is a Modern Miracle That Can Be Seen for Miles

It’s Florida. It’s already packed with attractions, including breathtaking warm beaches, an incomparable nightlife scene, and the kind of balmy weather that keeps you glistening. But in recent years, a new attraction arrived in Orlando. Discover the tallest Ferris wheel in Florida!

Discover the Tallest Ferris Wheel in Florida

The Wheel, aptly named, measures 400 feet high and is located in Orlando, Florida at ICON Park. Specifically, it is located on International Drive, and it can easily be spotted from miles away due to its height. It is considered one of the most impressive and one of the tallest on the east coast.

The Wheel contains 30 enclosed, air-conditioned capsules. Each capsule is big enough for fifteen people and the windows are designed to take in the breathtaking 360-degree views. Once you enter the capsule, you can expect the ride to last just under 20 minutes — 18 minutes to be exact.

You get a wonderful view of Orlando, which makes this a great starting or ending point if you’re only in town for a quick trip. This way, you can either plan your outings or reminisce about the fun you had during your stay. You may also consider whether you’d be interested in a morning ride on The Wheel or whether an evening ride is more your style.

When Was the Wheel Built?

The Wheel was finished in early 2015. It took three years to build, and it finally opened on May 4, 2015, under the name of Orlando Eye. The name was later changed to The Wheel at ICON Park. Today, it’s easily recognizable not just because of its stature, but also because it’s equipped with 64,000 color-changing LEDs.

It provides those who ride it with an incredible viewing experience and those looking up at it with unforgettable light shows. In fact, The Wheel earned the title of the brightest beacon you can find in the city of Orlando. When you’re up high, be sure to look for some hotspots in the city. For example, when you’re riding on The Wheel, you can find both Little Sandlake and Big Sandlake.

There are other natural lakes you can enjoy as you circle around. You can also spot Walt Disney World from The Wheel and point out different landmarks like Amway Center, Legoland, and the Kennedy Space Center. If you’re ready to make a toast for an important celebration, stop by the ICON Park Sky Bar, grab your drinks of choice, and wait until you reach the top with your crew to clink glasses and celebrate!

Wildlife Near the Wheel

It is common in Florida to find lizards, snakes, frogs, and alligators. Chances are you will not see any at or near the theme park, though they will be near surrounding wetlands. There is a variety of birds, among them wading birds, egrets, ibises, herons, and birds of prey.

In Florida there are also lakes, ponds, and rivers where you can find a variety of fish species that include sunfish, catfish, bass, and more. There are also small mammals such as rabbits, opossums, raccoons, and squirrels (various rodents as well). To be able to see wildlife closer, you should travel to a nearby state park. In these settings, you can explore nature walks or just pause, listen, and watch to enjoy the natural environment of the state.

Things to Do at ICON Park

For starters, you can soar the skies and enjoy the panoramic views on The Wheel itself! Rain or shine — it doesn’t matter as each capsule is enclosed with air-conditioning. If you prefer, you can test your skills at Arcade City, which offers a wide range of video and interactive games. You can compete with friends, or simply redeem tickets for prizes.

In the Museum of Illusions, there are mind-bending optical illusions that uncover the science behind perceptions. This is yet another one-of-a-kind experience at ICON PARK where you can walk away puzzled after experiencing all kinds of different visual tricks.

There are restaurants and bars, from casual eateries for a quick bite to eat to fine dining where you can dine in style with your significant other. There is live entertainment including comedy shows, concerts, and performances. You could also enjoy the underwater world by Sea Life Orlando Aquarium. There is plenty of marine life such as turtles, sharks, colorful fish, and rays. Plus, there are also interactive exhibits and presentations for educational purposes.

Where is The Wheel Located on a Map?

The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, United States, is a colossal 400 ft tall giant Ferris wheel. Originally named the Orlando Eye, it was inaugurated on April 29, 2015.

Here is The Wheel on a map: