Visiting The Wheel at ICON Park - Discount Admission, Tips & More
The Wheel at ICON Park, (formerly the ICON Orlando and Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) is a top Orlando attraction. A ride to the top provides some of the most amazing views of the city, nearby attractions, and even the land beyond. The Wheel refers to its rides as “flights” -- a great way of describing what you'll experience aboard your capsule on this epic 400-foot-tall observation wheel. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the The Wheel, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more.
How to get The Wheel at ICON Park discount tickets?
We’ve got you covered – The Wheel admission is available with the money saving options listed below, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you. Think of these options as an The Wheel coupon! 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to 30+ attractions with savings of up to 50%. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more here The Go Orlando Card is a digital pass that you can easily access from your smartphone, which gives you access to a variety of top Orlando attractions including The Wheel at ICON Park.
Tips for Visiting The Wheel & International Drive
Depending on when you visit, there are a variety of suggestions that can make your visit more convenient and enjoyable. View the The Wheel from the rear parking lot off Universal Blvd. This will give you a real appreciation for the grandeur of this attraction and better prepare you for what is ahead. Get your bearings. When inside, you will receive a recorded “tour” of some of the area's highlights as seen from your capsule. These directions will direct you to look north or east or southwest. Knowing your directions when boarding The Wheel can be very helpful. Otherwise, you can use the compass on your smartphone. Each capsule also contains an Apple iPad Air that helps users to learn more about what they are seeing. Generally speaking, downtown Orlando will be north. Take time to appreciate the many lakes formed by sinkholes that will be in clear view. On a clear day, you may be able to see the east coast and the NASA complex near Titusville. Be prepared to stand in the capsule. There is limited seating at the center of the capsule but for the most part, the attraction was designed for you to enjoy the sights while standing. Once aboard, the entire flight is about 20 minutes. If you have binoculars, take them. They will make your The Wheel adventure so much more rewarding. Overall, there are many instances when binoculars will enhance your visit to Florida and your flight aboard The Wheel is one of those times. Restrooms are available in the I-Drive 360 complex, but not on the attraction itself. Make sure all in your party are prepared for the entire 30 to 40 minute excursion when no restrooms will be available. There is ground level parking available off University Blvd. Behind The Wheel as well as to the north side off of I-Drive. Parking is free on both ground level and in the multi-level garage.
When is the best time to visit The Wheel at ICON Park?
Central Florida is busy most times of the year, but the off-season would be considered January and February and September through early December. The best time to visit is in the morning during the week but it can be helpful to call ahead. During the school year, area schools and colleges schedule tours and you will want to know if there are a significant number scheduled. Keep in mind, the volume of The Wheel is large, and even if there are large lines, they move relatively quickly. The Wheelmoves continuously, except when there are handicapped visitors boarding or other issues that may require its stoppage. This keeps lines moving efficiently. In Florida, summertime often means a high chance of quick afternoon thunderstorms. Generally, these pass through quickly and shouldn't impact your entire day. Sunset flights can offer some amazing views. Check to determine when sunset is when you visit and book ahead. There are even sunset and evening champagne flights available. When you visit after dark, you will be treated to a dazzling light display across the entire framework of The Wheel.
What can you see from The Wheel at ICON Park?
Your experience on The Wheel starts in an airport concourse-style environment. It will lead you through a selection of flight times if you'd prefer to plan ahead, or put you aboard the soonest available flight. Your boarding pass will also provide admission to a short, uplifting film that the little ones in your family will especially enjoy. Following this brief 3-D film, you'll be ready to board your 4-D experience aboard The Wheel.
The Wheel at ICON Park.
From the rear, you can easily see the free parking garage to the north. If ground parking is full, the garage offers an alternative. 
The inside of the I-Drive 360 complex will remind you of an airport terminal, especially the ticketing area for the The Wheel. The Wheel is always slowly in motion, so be ready to board as your capsule approaches. 
The Apple iPad Air tablet inside the capsule can help you spot and learn more about what can be seen throughout your flight. You'll get a nice view of the fountain in front of the The Wheel (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye) with International Drive just above it going left to right. Look to the north to see the International Drive Resort Area and the large amount of eateries, amusement areas, attractions, shopping areas, and hotels in the vicinity. To the upper right you can see the Orlando skyline in the distance. 
Back on the ground, an impressive amount of Orlando and The Wheel souvenirs await in the gift shop. It's an especially popular place to buy things for kids, so it might make for some nice early (or timely) holiday shopping. Fun facts about The Wheel at ICON Park
- In 2018, the famous Ferris wheel was renamed from Coca-Cola Orlando Eye to The Wheel
- There are 30 capsules attached to The Wheel and each can contain up to 15 passengers at a time. This makes the capacity of the attraction about 450 people.
- Each capsule is air conditioned.
- It is the tallest observation wheel on the entire east coast of the United States.
- The Wheel carried its first passenger on April 29, 2015 and opened officially on May 5, 2015.
- On a clear day, you can see all the way to Cape Canaveral on the east coast of Florida.
- Daredevil Nik Wallenda made a brief walk across the moving wheel to help promote its grand opening. He performed the walk on national television on April 27, 2015.
What attractions are near The Wheel at ICON Park?
The International Drive Resort Area includes a number of attractions from water and amusement parks to museums, attractions, and miniature golf. The Wheel is located in the I-Drive 360 complex which also houses two other attractions available on the Orlando Explorer Pass.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Photo credit: Madame Tussauds Orlando Facebook PageWonderworks Orlando
This is another one for the kids. Drive just a bit further south on I-Drive and you'll come to this inspiring indoor amusement park (a unique thing in itself). You'll find puzzles, exhibits, games, activities, and more for children of elementary and middle grades. Some featured exhibits and activities include laser tag, an indoor ropes course, virtual sports, and more science-oriented things like learning how bubbles work and how hurricanes form. Getting In: Wonderworks Orlando All-Access Pass tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.
Where to eat near The Wheel at ICON Park?
I-Drive offers an assortment of dining choices from a wide variety of cuisines and styles. Here are a few close by.
- Yard House – An upscale pub setting and a choice of American style dining choices make this an excellent option for friends to gather. Yard House also specializes in a wide array of craft beers that rotate monthly and seasonally.
- Buffalo Wild Wings – For a lively sports bar style atmosphere, check out Buffalo Wild Wings right in front of The Wheel at ICON Park terminal. American food, beer, hot wings and plenty of wide-screen TVs.
- Carrabba's – Budget-friendly prices and daily specials make Carrabba's a good choice for the entire family. Mom and dad can grab a glass of wine too! This Italian Grill has everything from pasta to pizza.
- Joe's Crab Shack - This low-key seafood option offers fried favorites, American comfort food, and buckets filled with crabs. What's not to love?
- I-Drive 360 Food Court - There are several quick dining options in the food court inside the I-Drive 360 complex.
Save on Tickets with an Go Orlando Card
Remember, the Go Orlando Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes The Wheel tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple Orlando area attractions for one low price.