Orlando may be known for its theme parks but at the heart of the city, you will find an amusement park filled with unique experiences and fun for the entire family called ICON Park.
It is hard to go anywhere in without passing The Wheel, a 400-foot Observation wheel that has become an iconic part of the city's skyline. Here guests can go on an 18-minute ride and see all the sites of central Florida from a birds-eye view. Views include that of Disney World, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center, Legoland, and much more! I could not get over how smooth this ride was! I have been on similar wheels before but the stabilization of each capsule never made me feel like I going in a circular motion. If you are concerned about COVID, each capsule only holds one party and is wiped down after each ride. The capsules are also equipped with a touch screen that helps you located the sites in all directions.
And if heights aren't your thing there is so much more to experience at ICON Park! Head to Madame Tussauds to pose with your favorite celebrities throughout time in wax form! You can pose with past Presidents like Lincoln, classic movie characters like Danny and Sandy from Grease, top athletes like Tiger Woods, and recording-breaking singers like Taylor Swift. There is also an entire area dedicated to DC superheroes which will leave you immersed in their stories and make you feel like you are part of the comics right there next to them.
The highlight for my kids was the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. Every room we entered left me in awe and I loved the design of this aquarium. It was so accessible for kids to view each tank and the theming for guests was over the top. There are several tunnels including a 360-degree one which puts you face to face with so many of these amazing creatures. I recommend visiting the aquarium first when ICON park opens because this attraction had the longest line all day long.
We didn't want the family fun to stop so next we headed over to the In the Game arcade. This area is filled with all different types of games, prizes, and virtual reality experiences. The highlight for my son and husband was the 7D Dark Ride experience.
And just when you think you have already had so much fun you can still jump on the Orlando StarFlyer which is the world's largest swing ride! Or if there are little ones in your group you can ride the Pearl Express Train and take a more "ground" tour of ICON Park!
ICON park is also home to 40+ restaurants and shops. There are so many different types of snacks and cuisine offered that you will not go hungry and even the pickiest eater in your group will be happy!
To experience ICON Park to the fullest, I recommend getting the Park Play pass which gets you into all 8 attractions. This pass also includes discounts to participating shops and restaurants and allows you to skip all ticket lines! If you are looking for a different way to experience Orlando or a one-stop place for family fun I highly recommend checking out ICON Park!
