Merlin Entertainments Acquires Orlando Observation Wheel at ICON Park and Renames It ‘The Orlando Eye’

- Michelle Snow

The Orlando Eye

Merlin Entertainments, parent company of family entertainment like LEGOLAND Florida, has acquired the Orlando Observation Wheel at ICON Park, and given it a new, yet familiar name: The Orlando Eye.

Proving that sometimes all things come around, the attraction is back to the original name it had when it opened in May 2015.

Nine years later, it is once again, The Orlando Eye, and it’s just as fun as when I first rode it almost nine years ago.

The Orlando Eye - capsule in air

Merlin Entertainments also owns SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando, both located in ICON Park inside the building that holds the observation wheel, so this evolution of the attraction just makes sense.

“The Orlando Eye by Merlin Entertainments will become an unmissable stop on visitors’ itineraries, delivering an elevated experience with unobstructed 360-degree views of the ICON Park area and beyond. We look forward to connecting guests to our wider portfolio of premium attractions and resort theme parks in and around Orlando as well, including our SEA LIFE aquarium, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park” states Scott O’Neil, CEO, Merlin Entertainments.

Located in ICON Park, in the center of International Drive, the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye by Merlin Entertainments features 30 air-conditioned glass capsules. Each capsule has room for up to 15 guests to enjoy a serene 20-minute journey above the scenic landscape where they can enjoy a sense of calm as they are lifted away in a bubble of serenity above the hustle and bustle of Orlando.

Visit TheOrlandoEye.com for more details and tickets.

The Orlando Eye First Lighting

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and was head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com for 10 years. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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