This week I caught the grand opening of “The Great Florida Road Trip,” which is the first interactive game to take place while riding an observation wheel, and it takes place on The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando.
Everything starts with some quick photos, then it’s on to a 1950s themed living room set up for the pre-show. A video on the “tv” introduces everyone to The Flamingo Family, who help demonstrate how to play the game.
Then it’s on to the Sky Bar area, where there are three themed cocktails for the game, as well as other leaded and unleaded libations.
The queue features a new wall of map art featuring various Florida attractions and more, along with The Flamingo Family.
This experience’s art and game pieces are themed to a nostalgic road trip through Florida in the 50s and 60s, paying homage to the state’s original tourism attractions that were here even before the arrival of famous theme parks.
Because before there were Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, Florida was a unique vacation spot with its natural sights, inventive attractions, unique architecture, and sports like the Everglades, Silver Springs’ glass-bottom boats, Miami’s art deco style, Daytona car racing, and more.
Before boarding the capsule, each person who wants to play is given a special camera, inspired by vintage film cameras from the 50s, and outfitted with infrared technology that reaches up to 1,000 feet.
As they enjoy a ride around the wheel, each player takes “photos” of targets set up on the roof top off The Wheel’s building, and adjacent parking garage. Each time the laser hits the target’s sensor, the camera says, “Nice photo!”
The game is designed to be played during the beginning and end ride segments, so as the attraction reaches its top height, players can relax and enjoy their view
The photographer with the most points at the end, gets a $5 arcade card for In The Game ICON Park, which is in The Wheel’s building. Guests will also be provided with a retro-style postcard they can fill out after the experience and drop in a themed mailbox for ICON Park to mail out for them.
At the end of the experience, every party will also receive a special memento of their vacation with the Flamingo Family using the photos taken at the beginning of the game
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The photography game was really fun, but what I really loved about “The Great Florida Road Trip” is learning facts about all the Florida cities and attractions via the audio track that plays in each capsule as it rotates around.
“The Great Florida Road Trip” is fun for all ages, and I highly recommend giving it a try on your next ride on The Wheel at ICON Park.
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