Giant Ferris Wheel confirmed

[Jason71]

http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2007/08/27/daily44.html?surround=lfn

This came up a few months ago, and I confess I didn't totally believe it, but yes, apparently the company has bought the land to build a 400-foot Ferris Wheel on Westwood Blvd. about a block from I-Drive. For locals, it will be across from Hawthorne Suites, next door to the orange-roofed hotel that used to be a Sheraton. Set to open in late 2009.

Life in this part of Orlando can be many things, but boring is not one of them.

 

[kilee]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Figment22]

Thanks for posting this. I wondered if it was going to be like the one in London when I started reading the article. Then I read this:

The [London] Eye currently draws 3.5 million visitors a year who pay about $30 for the trip.

So, if the prices hold true for the Orlando wheel, a family of four would spend about $120.00 for a half hour ride!! Wow!

 

[tropical depression]

wow, that won't be much of an eyesore.

 

[swilshire]

There was a huge ferris wheel at the 1982 Worlds Fair. I rode it once, I think, but I don't remember much about it. I passed on the London Eye because it was so expensive, but did let my two kids ride it.

It will be interesting to see what the views are from this one. Wouldn't it be great to go up at just the right time to get views of the fireworks at Disney? As flat as Florida is, it would probably work.

Sheila

 

[DizzDoll]

My, won't THAT be attractive!

We watched them build the London Eye 1999 - half in the Thames and half on the South Bank, then my daughter and I rode it in 2004. Fantastic views we had because it was a crystal clear evening. But even with that said, we think the Eye gives that section of the Thames kind of a carnival atmosphere.

 

[Jason71]

It will be interesting to see what the views are from this one. Wouldn't it be great to go up at just the right time to get views of the fireworks at Disney? As flat as Florida is, it would probably work.

Hard to say about Disney fireworks--I'm having a hard time imagining just how far up 400 feet will be, but it may be possible to see Disney. That said, it's a perfect position to watch the Sea World fireworks. Space shuttle launches would be pretty amazing as well.

 

[G8RFAN]

Rode the Eye back in April. Amazing views and getting the neat flip up guide really helps. I think the exchange rate is what really drives that $30 price. The value here would really be a $15 or so equivalent, not $30. The British Airways paint was peeling all over the place tho. They really need to repaint the capsules.