I decided to try out some of the new attractions in the Orlando area.  Everyone knows about Disney, Universal and SeaWorld.  New to Orlando is the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. You have seen these start to pop up in many major cities.  They are large Ferris Wheel or as I like to call them Adult Ferris Wheels. I have seen them in Seattle, Atlanta and Dallas.  The Orlando Eye is almost double the size of each of those.  The 400-foot tall observation wheel provides unmatched views of Orlando in all directions.  You can see Sea World, Universal Studios and Disney along with downtown Orlando’s skyline, lakes and lush landscape.

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye

History of Ferris Wheels

Ferris Wheel date back to the late 1800.  The Ferris Wheel was constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as a landmark for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Today’s construction is much more advanced and is an Engineering achievement.   The ride last about 25 minutes and is very smooth.  You are in a fully enclosed air-conditioned capsules.  With 360 degree of tinted glass windows, which I will come back to later.  It is hard to tell you are moving.  

The capsule has seats along with 2 tablets that are interactive maps complete with videos of the surrounding areas.  You can fit 10-12 people in comfortably although I am not sure why you would want to.  It is perfect for 2 people or even a small group of 4-6.  They do allow you to have adult beverages while on the ride.  A Champagne upgrade is available for $14.95 per glass, however Wine, Beer and other options are available at the Bar right before you get on the ride for less than half that price.

Experience the Ride

For me this was a perfect romantic date night event.  It was something different and safer than a Hot Air Balloon ride.  A private capsule for 2 with tinted glass.  Every other capsule was empty.  A glass of Riesling.  The backdrop of the Orlando sunset. With 25 minutes before interruption. This could put a nice twist on the Mile-High Club!  Somebody give me a Hell Yeah!   Let’s be honestly those bathrooms in airplanes are too damn small for 2 people.  Well the capsule at the Coca-Cola Eye are not!  Plenty of room for whatever you can imagine .  Don’t ask me how I know because a Gentleman never tells! (Wink!)

For before or after the Eye experience dinner is an excellent choice.  They have food court with several choices however if you want to make a better impression then consider the Yard House, a contemporary restaurant serving American cuisine with healthy options.  If you are a carnivore like me then you may want to look into Tapa Toro, which is a meat lover’s paradise. Both restaurants are within feet of the Eye.  However International Drive is full of restaurant and bars and hotels on both sides of the street.  If you don’t want to drive or walk there are Rickshaws and Cabs all along the way.   

Other Attraction at this location:

If you are looking for more entertainment in the same complex as the Orlando Eye is Madame Tussauds Wax Museums.  This is also new to the Orlando area opening their doors in May 2015.  The museum is a collection of Pop Culture and has a large selection of Hollywood Stars, Sports Figures and Musicians.  I am also happy to report that it is one of the most diverse museums I have ever seen with wax figures of President Obama, Oprah, Ali, Serena and Tiger as well as Pop Culture favorites such as Jennifer Aniston, Kate Perry, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and more.

Sea Life Diver interacting with Child visitor

Rihanna Wax figure at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum 

Orlando is also home to an Aquarium also located on the same grounds and the Wax Museum and the Coca-Cola Eye. The Aquarium is call Sea Life featuring a 360-degree tunnel and an area dedicated to Sea Turtles.  You can see more than 5000 species of sea life.  The exhibits include Underwater Divers who feed the fish and discuss the care of the sea life and tanks.  Both Madame Tussauds Wax Museums and Sea Life are good for Dates, Groups, Families and Children.

The Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is opened daily Sunday through Monday 10:00 am-10:00 pm and on the weekends Friday & Saturday 10:00 am-12:00 am.  The price for the ride is $25 at the door Adults/$20 at the door for Kids (age 3-12).  You can get Adult tickets for $20 if you purchase online at least 1 day in advance.  Parking is free!

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye

8401 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

(866) 228-6438

https://www.officialorlandoeye.com/

Dinner Options:

• Yard House –  Contemporary American with Healthy Options; http://www.yardhouse.com/home
• Tapa Toro – Meatlovers Paradise;

http://tapatoro.restaurant/

Largest Observation Wheels by size:

1.  High Roller, Las Vegas, Nev. – 550 feet tall
2.  Orlando Eye, Orlando, Fla. – 400 feet tall
3. Texas Star, Dallas, Texas – 212 feet tall
4. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – 200 feet tall
5. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach, S.C. – 187 feet tall

*Soon-to-be 1. New York Wheel, Staten Island, N.Y. – 630 feet tall

Blacks Who Travel Social Media Pages:

See more on our Social Media “Blacks who Travel” 

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Bill Collins

Bill Collins is a former Army Officer turned veteran traveler. I have traveled to 34 different Countries mainly concentrated in Central & Latin America and have spent the last 16 years exploring the Caribbean Islands.

Latest posts by Bill Collins (see all)

• Snow tubing in Florida? - January 12, 2021
• Traveling during COVID19 - May 14, 2020
• Black Violin: Black on Black Violins! - February 10, 2020