I-Drive 360 Festivities Continue Ahead of Orlando Eye Grand Opening

Orlando’s newest $250 million entertainment and dining destination, I-Drive 360, is celebrating its grand opening with festivities all weekend ahead of the Orlando Eye grand opening on May 4th.

“On the heels of a record-breaking year for visitors to Orlando in 2014, I-Drive 360 is poised to become the newest and hottest offering,” said I-Drive 360 Director of Marketing & Sales John Stine.  “We are thrilled to bring this experience, which is unlike anything else in Orlando, to complement the dynamic destination.”

The entertainment complex is home to the now iconic Orlando Eye observation wheel and is additionally anchored by SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussaud’s, and the Skeletons: Animals Unveiled experience. Developers are hoping visitors will also enjoy a diverse array of dining and nightlife options with Yard House, Tin Roof, Cowgirls, Sugar Factory and other restaurants on site.

The Orlando Eye is the centerpiece of the complex and at 400 foot is the tallest observation wheel on the east coast of the United States. The Orlando Eye will showcase 360-degree views of Central Florida, including the nearby theme parks and attractions and the downtown Orlando skyline, all within the comfort of 30 air-conditioned glass capsules. On a clear day, the Eye says visitors may be able to see Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s east coast. Visitors may have to decide once they reach the top if Central Florida offers the “breathtaking views” developers are claiming.

Ticket prices start online around $18 for an adult and the experience includes a 4D pre-show movie. Each capsule has room for up to 15 guests to take the 20-minute journey above the scenery. Visitors can purchase entry to all three top attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussaud’s and the Orlando Eye – starting online right now at around $35 for adults. Children ages 3 and under are free.

Yesterday, Florida Governor Rick Scott and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs were even on hand to watch Nik Wallenda, the “King of the High Wire,” traverse the rotating 400-foot tall structure without a tether, wire or his signature balancing pole. The Governor and Mayor celebrated the grand opening of what they hope will become a top visitor attraction for the tourism capital of the U.S.

“While guests of the new Orlando Eye won’t experience Nik’s daredevil stunt, they will enjoy that same sense of calm as they are lifted away in a bubble of serenity above the hustle and bustle of Orlando,” said Orlando Eye General Manager Robin Goodchild.

Joining the Orlando Eye is a new SEA LIFE Aquarium, which may compete with SeaWorld Orlando, and Madame Tussaud’s wax attraction, all operated by Merlin Entertainments. The Skeletons: Animals Unveiled experience will feature over 400 skeletons of animals from around the world and plans to open this weekend.

All venues are situated around a lush courtyard which features a $1.5 million water show set to music. Along with entertainment venues Tin Roof and Cowgirls, popular restaurants include Yard House, Tapa Tora, Naru Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Paramount Fine Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Shake Shack and Sugar Factory.

Free parking is available in a covered multi-level garage as well.