The Orlando Eye observation wheel, which is now piercing the Orlando skyline, is set to open in spring 2015. With its sheer size, it is already attracting attention.
From: Max Butler
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2015
To: Russ Reston
Subject: Re: Website
Russ,
If you would and could, please put something on the web regarding the Orlando “I” ferris wheel that is slated to open this spring in Orlando. It is just about 3-4 blocks east of our hotel. This wheel is 425 ‘ tall. Very impressive. You can google pictures of it.
Thanks, Max
Orlando Eye observation wheel set to open in spring
By Georgina Cruz, Special Correspondent
New observation wheel will be the eye of Orlando’s sky
What would you do for a beautiful panoramic view? Well, if you are in Orlando in a few months –and arguably just as importantly, if you are not afraid of heights— you can get on the new Orlando Eye, a little sister to the famous London Eye in the British capital, that is slated to open this spring.
The new cantilevered observation wheel with enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules, will be 400-feet tall and 400-feet wide and will offer visitors views of Central Florida including nearby theme parks and attractions, lakes, the Orlando downtown skyline and surrounding areas.
The Orlando Eye will be operated by Merlin Entertainments, owner of LEGOLAND Florida, and it will be anchored by two additional Merlin brands: Madame Tussauds Orlando, the celebrity and historical wax figures attraction, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, an immersive underwater aquarium experience featuring a variety of sea creatures, winding tunnels, floor-to-ceiling tanks and bubble aquariums. Additionally, the aquarium, known for its conservation efforts, will have educational components for young marine life enthusiasts. All three attractions will be at I-Drive 360, a new entertainment and dining complex. Info: www.merlinentertainments.biz.
Skyscraper, being billed as the world’s tallest roller coaster, will be joining The Orlando Eye observation wheel as another focal point of the I-Drive skyline. Skyscraper will not only be a feat of architecture, but also a first-of-its-kind thrill ride. It will be the anchor attraction for the $250 million SKYPLEX indoor entertainment complex and is set to open in 2017 at International Drive and Sand Lake Road in Orlando. Skyscraper will also boast an observation deck that will offer views 535 feet from the ground and will be accessible by the region’s tallest glass elevators. Info: www.Skyplex.com. For information on travel to Orlando, including places to stay, things to do and special events, log on to www.visitorlando.com.
The Orlando Eye will be the latest in a number of observation wheels that are popping up around the country and the world. Among these mammoth ferris-wheels are the aforementioned London Eye, reaching a height of approximately 442 feet (Info: www.londoneye.com). Other observation wheels include the Singapore Flyer (541 feet high; info: www.singaporeflyer.com); the Seattle Great Wheel (175 feet tall; info: www.seattlegreatwheel.com); and the High Roller in Las Vegas (the world’s highest observation wheel at 550 feet; info: www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller.html#.VGt8oPJ0xLM).
Another observation wheel is planned for New York’s Staten Island, the New York Wheel, which at 630 feet high will be the tallest in the world when it is completed (it has a target opening date of early 2017). Info: www.newyorkwheel.com.
Copyright © 2015, Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/os-orlando-eye-open-spring-20150119-story.html