All Eyes Now On the Orlando Eye

And to be clear, they are ready for it! Last week’s media opening of the IDrive 360, aka The Orlando Eye, was followed by the public invited-guests-only opening on 4/29; and by the time you read this post the doors, err, I should say ‘pods’, will be officially open to the world. And that’s a very good thing. Want to know why? As Scott Maxwell said in his ‘Taking Names’ column in the Sunday, May 3 Orlando Sentinel, “this is what I-Drive needs – an innovative, high-tech addition that’s garnering national attention.”

That’s due to more than just the stand-out size of this project which can be seen from numerous locations in and around Orlando. It’s also due to the prestigious comparisons being made between this attraction and similar successful ones already in place in London and other world class global destinations.

Here's one view from the very top of the wheel. — Here’s one view from the very top of the wheel.

Now open for boarding - each pod holds 15 passengers and completes the circle in 20 minutes. — Now open for boarding – each pod holds 15 passengers and completes the circle in 20 minutes.

And then here’s another view, one that you’ll be seeing tons of in the days, weeks, and months ahead, so get ready for selfie overloads from those taken inside the pods, like this one of our group:

We couldn't help ourselves! — We couldn’t help ourselves, could you?

Beyond the ride itself, there’s just so much more to see and experience at this attraction complex including the awesome 4D pre show (you didn’t think these would be just any old special effects, did you?) before you board the wheel, and then continuing on as you visit your choice of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, the Sea Life Aquarium and the list goes on. Now that I’ve been through the full circuit, I would definitely recommend getting one version (your choice) of the combination ticket package to keep the fun coming just as long as your patience for tourist attractions can hold out. (Orlando Eye ticket pricing here.) And here in Orlando, we know that’s a very, VERY long time, right?

"Hello little fellows! Have you seen Nemo?" You can lose yourself completely in the Sea Life Aquarium. — “Hello little fellows! Have you seen Nemo?” You can lose yourself completely for hours in the Sea Life Aquarium.

You can be photo-bombed by all sorts of celebrities like the always dapper Neil Patrick Harris. — Watch out ‘cuz you those celebrities are always up for a photo bomb at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.

My final photo share from the grand opening event festivities pretty much says it all:

This sums up my feelings about the whole attraction complex, but as the saying goes, don’t take my word for it. Come experience the fun yourself!

Photos courtesy of Shel Marks PR and Events.