Orlando Great Wheel Plans Unveiled

On June 25, 2008 the Great Wheel Corporation announced the construction on the Great Orlando Wheel; an iconic observation wheel. The Wheel is scheduled to open in 2010, and will be a towering 400 feet tall offering panoramic views spanning 25 miles.

The Wheel will be located next to the Orlando/Orange County Convention Center which isn’t far from SeaWorld (I know we’ve gotten lost around their a couple of times!).

There will be 24 air-conditioned flight capsules fixed to the Wheel’s outer rim. The 38x16 feet capsules will carry up to 40 passengers. Guests will be free to walk around within the capsules to enjoy the views as the Wheel rotates.

Each capsule has its own audio visual system and can be reserved for business meetings, birthdays and even weddings!

Each ride will last 30 minutes -- and the Wheel moves so slowly that Guests can enter and exit while it rotates. Unlike the London Eye the Orlando Wheel will be complimented by a huge 80,848 square foot flight terminal housing unique restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. The terminal will surround the Great Orlando Wheel like a giant infinity sign.

“As one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, Orlando provides the ideal location for North America’s first Great Wheel,” said Florian Bollen, chairman of Great Wheel Corporation. “Passengers aboard the Orlando Wheel will experience a unique and ever-changing perspective above this vibrant landscape, soaring to heights unattainable anywhere else in the region.” When asked about the nearby 400-foot-tall Sky Tower at Seaworld, Bollen replied, “The Wheel is a whole different experience. Because it’s round, the Wheel offers changing views all the way around.

“This iconic attraction will come to be recognized as a window to Orlando, reflecting the unique culture and landscape of this vibrant destination to the millions of people that visit each year. This iconic attraction will cast a stately silhouette,” Bollen added. “In the future, it will be difficult to imagine a postcard of the Central Florida skyline that does not include the Great Orlando Wheel.”

Now I’m definitely adding this to my list of things to do on our 2010 trip!

Here’s the launch video if you’re interested:

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P.S. Do you want to know how to save money on a Disney World Resort hotel, or whether your employee status can get you into the parks for free? What about how to have your holiday photos taken at no extra charge or the quickest way to get to the Magic Kingdom? I answer all of these and more in my book Walt Disney World Tips & Secrets - download your copy today!

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