The Orlando Eye International Drive opening was met with much media fanfare. The editors of this blog had the good fortune to experience this “eye in the sky” ride and take breathtaking pictures of the Orlando Eye 400 feet in the air.
Orlando Eye
First, a little background on the Orlando Eye. The attraction was built under the watchful “eye” of its developer Merlin Entertainments. Merlin Entertainments is an international attraction and theme park owner with operations on 4 continents and in 23 countries. Merlin owns several global leisure and recreation brands including SEA LIFE, Angry Birds, London Eye and area attractions Legoland® Florida and Madame Tussauds.
The Orlando Eye International Drive Opening
The Orlando Eye attraction opened officially on April 16th with Merlin employees and VIP guests attending. The Orlando Eye is just one component of the I-Drive 360 mixed use development that includes shopping, dining and attractions. The I-Drive 360 properties include Skeletons, Arcade City, SEA LIFE Aquarium and of course the Orlando Eye.
The attraction has been in the works for years, but the 30 passenger cars were just installed in February. According to Merlin Entertainments, the passenger cars weigh approximately 6,600 pounds or about 2,993 kilograms.
The Orlando Eye International Drive Experience
I Drive 360
I must first admit a sense of nervous energy before the ride itself. Since the Orlando Eye attraction is new, none of us knew what to expect from the experience. The employees were great and there was a sense of esprit de corps with the other attraction guests.
From the top of the Orlando Eye, one can see quite a ways towards the east and to the Atlantic Ocean. Contrary to some others’ accounts, we could not see the ocean or Cape Canaveral. As you can see from the pictures of the Orlando Eye, the view is quite great. I have also heard that the sunset view from the Orlando Eye is absolutely stunning. In the end, the $25 ticket price was well worth it.
Other key facts for the Orlando Eye International Drive:
- The attraction is currently open 12 hours daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Save an additional $7.00 by booking in advance
- The VIP experience ticket provides you priority boarding and choice of champagne or soft drink
- Group tickets (schools or youth teams) are available for special bulk pricing
Orlando Eye at Night
While you are visiting Central Florida, make sure you make plans to attend the Orlando Eye attraction and the I-Drive 360 shopping and dining complex. Make it a full 360 round turn by also booking a vacation rental with Orlando Vacation Homes 360.
OVH 360 hand selects only the top vacation home rentals for its reservations portfolio. If you are looking for Orlando vacation homes for rent there are several vacation home neighborhoods within minutes of the Orlando Eye International Drive entertainment venue.
