I-Drive 360: Nik Wallenda Walks ICON Orlando

By Casey Makovich

Head to the Grand Opening of Orlando i-drive 360, Orlando's newest entertainment destination, tomorrow, April 29th, to watch Nik Wallenda pull off a seemingly-impossible stunt, see the unveiling of "360-degrees of non-stop fun" and attractions, and catch lots of top-notch entertainment. Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Glasses, Advertisement, Amusement Park, Fun, Hat, Animal, Fish, Sea Life, Shark,

The details:

  • Who: the Grand Opening of i-drive 360 is open to everyone
  • When: Wednesday, April 29th, 2015
  • Where: i-drive 360, Orlando, FL
  • Why: Nik Wallenda, fun, entertainment, attractions, shopping, good eats, and more

Nik Wallenda's stunt:

Nik Wallenda, of the famous Flying Wallenda family and known for his daredevil tightrope walking stunts, is going to walk along ICON Orlando (formerly the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) while it's spinning. He's going to do what? Walk along ICON Orlando... while it's spinning. 400-feet off the ground. No suspension or support system, nada. Due to the construction of the wheel, he won't even be able to use his balance bar and he'll have to step over obstacles and duck under a beam at one point during the walk.

I-Drive 360 Attraction highlights:

Places to eat nearby:

Yard House: We'd describe Yard House's menu as classic American Bar fare with unique, flavor-enhancing upgrades to every meal. We can't get enough of it. Wind down after your day of exploration with a yard (yup, 3-feet) of your favorite beer on tap. (location: 8367 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.) Rocco's Tacos: Our go-to restaurant for authentic Mexican and margaritas is Rocco's Tacos. Guacamole is prepared table-side, the "street tacos" are bite-sized perfection, and the "elotes" (Mexican street corn) will make you want to come back on a weekly (ok, daily) basis. Bonus: they have a tequila selection that will knock-your-socks off. (location: 7468 W. Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819.)

Nightlife:

Señor Frogs: a top destination for tourists and locals alike, Señor Frogs, "Where anything can happen", is always a party. (location: 8747 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.)

Howl at the Moon: a fun place to go with a crowd, this dueling piano bar takes requests (bump yours up in the queue with a tip), features novelty drinks, and promises a good time. (location: 8815 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.) Tin Roof: catch some live music and grab some drinks at a place that prides itself on being unpretentious and fun. (location: 8371 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819.) Image of Advertisement, Glove, Poster, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Text, City, Bird,

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Things to do in Downtown Orlando

Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States – and it’s easy to see why. Though the city is famed for its iconic theme parks and world-class resorts, we urge visitors to explore every part of the area. Trust us when we say that you’ll only be missing out if you don’t! Easily one of our favorite areas of the city, Downtown Orlando is the city’s bustling historic center and carries an entirely different energy well worth checking out. You’ll find an exciting array of attractions to keep you busy here, from fantastic cultural institutions to fun shopping opportunities - you name it, Orlando has got it. Whether you’re an artsy type, a nature lover or just looking to kick back and relax, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. So, if you’re planning to discover this unique part of the city, grab a planner and get ready to write jot things down. No matter what you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be awesome. Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, why not check out Lake Eola Park? A total favorite for locals and visitors alike, this historic expanse is a great place to catch some fresh air and soak up the sun. Standing as a wonderful centerpiece of Orlando with beautiful lakeside views, it would be easy to spend an entire day here. Enjoy pedal-powered swan boat rides around the gleaming Lake Eola, or feed the swans from coin-operated bird feeders. In addition, you can attend concerts and plays at the Walt Disney Ampitheater all year round. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this huge and centrally located park, It's really all up to you! Though Orlando is perhaps best known for its famous amusement parks, downtown is where you’ll find many great cultural institutions perfect for a fun day trip. For a day out that’s sure to pique your interest, the Orlando Science Center is full of engaging and educational exhibits that are well worth the visit. A total must-see for those with curious minds, the museum works to break down complicated ideas, making them more digestible for a broader audience. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy four floors of immersive exhibits pertaining to atmosphere and space, electricity and magnetism, and plants and animals. Covering a wide range of topics in an inviting way, this place works to show how exciting science can be. Get Cultured Anybody looking for art and culture in Orlando might be pleasantly surprised by the city’s unique educational offerings. A great stop for all art lovers, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is well-recognized for holding the most expansive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Visitors are sure to be blown away by the vibrancy and detail of the artist’s work across a wide range of mediums. Still, this place is no one-trick pony. Amongst its impressive repository, you’ll also find seminal art nouveau pieces and a major collection of American art pottery. Whether you’re a fine art buff or prefer arts and crafts, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one! For theater geeks and lovers of the performed arts, there’s no better place to be than downtown. Opened to the public in 2014, the Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has much to offer for every type of traveller. Complete with four different state of the art performance spaces, all exhibiting the same sort of laidback sophistication, this place is perfect for a night on the town. At the theater, you’ll be able to find everything from popular Broadway productions and side-splitting comedians to symphonies and classical theater. Past performers include Chris Rock, Alicia Keys and Weird Al Yankovic. A fantastic cultural gem with so much to see, this place is great for spending some time with loved ones. Learn Something New Those who want to learn more about the history of the area should head over to the Wells' Built Museum. Constructed in the first half of the twentieth century, the building once served as a hotel for black visitors who were prohibited from Florida’s segregated hotels. Its nearby entertainment venue was also host to a number of influential jazz figures, including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Louis Armstrong. Today, the museum is protected under the National Register of Historic Places, and works to present a comprehensive look into African American heritage. Walking around the institute, you’ll find important artefacts and artworks pertaining to Orlando’s Civil Rights Movement and the African diaspora. Greatly informational and passionate about its mission, we recommend this museum for visitors with a thirst for knowledge. When visiting a new city, one of the best ways to get to know the area is through its cultural amenities. A constituent of the Smithsonian, the Orange County Regional History Center covers over 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich and storied history. Built into a historic courthouse in the center of downtown Orlando, the institute works to paint a vivid picture of how the city came as it is today. Its collection is not only broad but deep, with over 5, 000 pieces on display. Amongst the repository, you’ll find historic documents, photographs, and artworks that tell the unique story of the city. From permanent exhibits like ‘’First Contact’’ and ‘’Natural Environment’’ to ‘’The Theme Park Era’’, this place covers all the bases. We love this spot because it's impossible to leave without having learned something new. Full disclosure: we love downtown Orlando! Whilst this wonderful area is often looked over in favor of the city’s famed theme parks, it shouldn’t be. Forever vibrant and thriving with cultural activity, we’d rather spend a day here than at Disney World any day! Whether you’re looking to explore the area’s fantastic museums, see a play, or just take some time for yourself at the park, you’re sure to find something for you here. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Festive LEGOLAND® Halloween Fun at LEGOLAND® Florida’s Brick or Treat 2017

If you’re looking for a great family activity this 2017 Halloween season, then look no further than LEGOLAND Florida’s annual “Brick or Treat” event. Brick or Treat, presented by Shutterfly, will be back with more spooky, kooky Halloween fun for kids. Expanded in 2017, this special LEGOLAND Halloween seasonal event is the ideal activity for the little ones – it’s festive but not too spooky, providing just the right balance of Halloween fun. You can save up to 55% on admission costs The Go Orlando Card includes admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, plus entry to tons of other great kid-friendly attractions. Save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate to all your favorites - learn more here. When is LEGOLAND Florida Brick or Treat 2017? This limited-engagement holiday event runs on weekends throughout October... Oct. 14-15 (Saturday & Sunday) Oct. 21-22 (Saturday & Sunday) Oct. 28, 29, & 31 (Saturday, Sunday, & Tuesday) For a complete listing of events, show times, and special activities, consult the LEGOLAND Brick or Treat guide. Image credit: LEGOLAND Florida. Top 5 reasons why you should visit LEGOLAND for Brick or Treat: Pumpkin Spice Granny’s Apple Fries. This is one of the signature dishes of LEGOLAND's Brick or Treat events and is not to be missed! Brick or Treat Trail. On this fun path through the park, kids will gather spooky treats. Themed Fireworks. Way to be festive! All activities are included with park admission. Can it get better than that? 5 unique costume characters. These are only available to the public on event days. What to Do at LEGOLAND Brick or Treat? As for Brick or Treat, there’s so much to see and do that you’ll find yourself spending an entire day in LEGOLAND. Once you’re at the park, head to the iconic Miniland USA for LEGOLAND’s very own special Halloween event. See this area transformed into a “haunted adventure” (we promise, it’s only slightly haunted – definitely appropriate for really little kids), complete with spooky LEGO characters and other great décor. Some of the great featured activities at LEGOLAND’s Brick or Treat this year include... Pumkin Photo Spot - Pose for a photo with the giant LEGO jack-o-lantern. LEGO Vampyre Hearse Photo Spot - Snap a selfie with a 13-foot model of LEGO Monster Fighters, The Vampyre Hearse. Plus, the hot-rod hearse has a few new surprises this year. LEGO Mosaic Build - Brick by brick, guests will build a LEGO masterpiece! The mosaic will be completed October 31. Creepy, Crawly Costume Parade - Kids can show off their awesome costumes in one of three age groups, and everyone who participates will receive a small gift. LEGO Sweet Treat Scavenger Hunt - Complete the sweet phrase by finding candy hidden in the park and submit an entry at LEGO Studio Store for a chance to win a prize. LEGO Skeleton Scavenger Hunt - A scavenger hunt in MINILAND USA with a collectible, limited-edition LEGO brick free to every guest while supplies last — with a special Brick or Treat design chosen this year by our Facebook fans! Meet and Greets - Exclusive meet-and-greets with LEGO Halloween characters Vladimir the Vampyre, the Mummy, the Mad Scientist, the Witch and Frankenstein Vampyre Monster Bash - Enjoy fun trivia, music and festive LEGOLAND Halloween style games. Build Your Own LEGO Spider! - Create fun, creepy and crawly LEGO spiders, then add them to the web. Brick or Treat Trail - Fistfuls of candy while trick-or-treating along the Brick or Treat Trail, for kids 12 and under Brick-tastic Fireworks at Pirates' Cove - Don't miss the Brick or Treat Grand Finale! There are also several more small activities available in different themed areas, like coloring opportunities and photo ops with select spooky characters. © 2010 Chip Litherland Photography Your kids can even enter a special costume contest, designed just for them, so be sure to spend a little extra time getting them dressed before you go. The winner receives exciting “brick-tastic surprises,” so get excited! If all of that weren’t enough, LEGOLAND Florida is also hosting a nightly fireworks show in celebration of Halloween and Brick or Treat. You and your family have quite an adventure in store for you! © 2010 Chip Litherland Photography This annual event is certainly a must visit this Fall. You and your young kids will have a blast enjoying this LEGOLAND Halloween fun. With so many specific events and activities you will be able to spend hours here without exploring everything there is to offer.
Andrew Martineau
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Visiting Orlando on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

Orlando is one of the largest vacation destinations in the world, and with good reason - there are TONS of great places to visit and things to do. Orlando may be a family vacation Mecca, but that doesn't mean you have to empty your bank account to visit. The Go Orlando Card makes visiting Orlando on a budget a breeze. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these Orlando tourist attractions and are included on the Go Orlando Card. Go Orlando Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: Kennedy Space Center Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) LEGOLAND® Florida Resort And more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Kennedy Space Center If you've ever dreamed of being an astronaut, or just loved staring into space, this is the vacation destination for you. Tour the visitor complex to see the history of the space program, look inside an actual space shuttle, have lunch with a real astronaut, or tour the Rocket Garden, filled with decades worth of decommissioned rockets. For curious kids and adults alike, touring this site takes a full day. Getting In: Kennedy Space Center tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass. Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World This uniquely Florida attraction shows off the best of the state's natural wildlife. You can begin with the alligators, getting up close and personal by becoming a trainer for a day. Create a custom souvenir by posing as a gator wrestler with one of the animals that love to pose for pictures. It's not all about the alligators, though. Try out the 1,200 foot zip line and fly right over the deadly animal exhibits, photograph rare birds in their breeding grounds, or have close encounters with snakes and other wildlife from around the world. Getting In: Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass. ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) One of the newest attractions in the city, the ICON Orlando is a 400-foot Observation Wheel similar to the London Eye in England. Board one of the capsules that hold up to 20 people and experience an unsurpassed view of the city. You'll be able to see theme parks, Orlando's skyline and even, on clear days, Cape Canaveral and the ocean on the east coast. The capsules are fully enclosed and air conditioned, and each trip includes a pre-flight 4D Cinema Experience. Getting In: ICON Orlando tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort If you've got kids, this stop is a must-see on your vacation destination list. The home of all things LEGO®, this park offers over 50 rides and attractions, plus an incredibly complicated child-centric water park. Ride LEGO trains, watch fireworks at dusk, or just experiment with your creative side and play with thousands of LEGOs for as long as you want. Once your fun is done for the day, head to the LEGOLAND Hotel for even more fun. Ask for custom Lego kits for each family member to play with, let the kids dive into the pit with over one hundred thousand bricks, or just retire to your LEGO-themed comfortable room for a relaxing night. Getting In: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass. The Cirque Magique Dinner Show Sit down to an interactive dinner featuring the best circus performers from around the world. You'll see clowns, acrobats, a comedy magician, performing puppies and many other amazing acts. Your family with be amazed at the acts performing mere feet in front of their dining table. Enjoy a tasty circus-themed meal with three scoops of sweet, delicious ice cream for dessert while laughing and clapping for the performers. Getting In: The Cirque Magique Dinner Show tickets are included on the Go Orlando pass. Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: There are plenty of other fun options to choose from in the Orlando area, including these activities included on the Go Orlando pass. WonderWorks - Experience more than 100 hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Experience natural disasters, the space experience, a ropes course, laser tag, and more. Boggy Creek Airboat Tour - Fly through the wetlands to discover rare birds and dangerous alligators. You'll come home with great memories at this creative way to tour the Florida everglades. Ripley's Believe It or Not! - Tour this museum to view hundreds of Robert Ripley's unbelievable oddities. See shrunken heads, a vampire killing kit and even a spinning vortex for your own dizzy experience. SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando - Discover sea creatures from around the world while experiencing a 360 degree tunnel through a giant aquarium. Watch an interactive dive show, experience feeding times, and view marine wildlife you never knew existed. Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation Adding free activities can let you stretch your vacation another day or two while still having a lot of fun in the Orlando area. If you're visiting Orlando on a budget, it's the best of both worlds. Harry P. Leu Gardens - Explore a 50 acre collection of gardens, each one featuring a different facet of nature. From the arid garden with its cactus to the more than 50 varieties in the bamboo garden, it's a nature lover's delight. Winter Park Farmer's Market - Visit the old train depot in Winter Park and you'll find the number one plant and produce market in central Florida. Check it out any Saturday morning to find produce, plants, baked goods and other local products. Lake Eola Park - For a relaxing day in the very heart of Orlando, spend the day at Lake Eola. Walkers and runners will love the sidewalk the encircles the lake, while more sedate types can rent swan shaped paddle boats, feed real live swans, grab something to eat at Relax Grill, see a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or just relax and enjoy the flower beds and the view of Orlando's skyline. Disney's Boardwalk - Disney's Boardwalk is styled like a 1900's seaside town, and encourages you to stroll away an afternoon or an evening. You'll find restaurants and lounges if you're ready for dinner or a drink, but you can also see free entertainment just like in the olden days like jugglers, a New Orleans style jazz trio, tarot card readers, or one of a dozen other creative acts. Orlando Brewing Company Tour - This brewery reinvented itself in 2004, and now is one of a handful of certified organic brewers in the country. Visit for a free tour Monday through Saturday at 6 PM. The tour begins and ends at the Taproom and, while there are no free samples on the tour, you can buy two different sized sampler trays both before and after the tour. Let's Recap on Visiting Orlando on a Budget There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting Orlando on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Orlando pass, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Orlando vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan

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