Now open at ICON Park, check out The Great Florida Road Trip! This interactive enhancement to your ride on The Wheel (a 400 ft tall Ferris wheel overlooking International Drive and the surrounding attractions) combines competitive game play, fun artwork, and fascinating Florida history for a super unique twist to the whole experience. We were so honored to attend the Grand Opening Ceremony for this new addition. Thank you, ICON Park, for inviting us out!
“The Great Florida Road Trip is the first interactive gaming experience that you can play on a 400-foot-high observation wheel,” said ICON Park President Chris Jaskiewicz, “Weaving together new technology with nostalgia, this experience was designed for people of all ages to enjoy.”
What is The Great Florida Road Trip?
The Great Florida Road Trip is an interactive, photo-taking game played while riding ICON Park’s famous Wheel. During your 20 minute round trip through the sky, look for oversized, cartoon-like postcards and hidden Florida oranges (both equipped with target sensors). Point your specially-designed infrared camera, snap a picture, and rack up lots of points! Each cabin’s highest scorer will win a $5 gift card to the In The Game Arcade.
The Great Florida Road Trip Experience
Honestly, riding on The Wheel was already a pretty unforgettable experience. At 400 feet high, you can see 26 miles across Central Florida – including views of the famous Orlando theme parks, resorts, and other recognizable landmarks. However, the addition of The Great Florida Road Trip only adds to The Wheel’s fun atmosphere and family-friendly environment. Let’s break down each piece of this unique experience:
The Great Florida Road Trip Story
Join the Flamingoes (Freddy, Faye and their two chicklets Francine and Felix) as they take a nostalgic journey through mid-century Florida! Paying homage to our state’s natural wonders, historic architecture and inventive (pre-Disney) tourist attractions, the feathered family will explore famous spots like Miami, The Everglades, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach.
Arrival and Preshow
Upon arriving for your Florida Road Trip, you and your group will pose for a quick picture before heading into a preshow area. You won’t get to see the picture right away. It’ll be saved for a special surprise at the end.
After snapping your picture, learn how to play the game by watching a short video in a fun, retro living room.
Boarding The Wheel
After the preshow, it’s time to climb onboard! Grab a cocktail from the onsite bar, pick up your camera from a helpful staff member, and step into the cabin to start your adventure.
The Great Florida Road Trip Game
To play The Great Florida Road Trip, you’ll need to look for 45 different scoring markers located on the roofs of the ICON Park buildings. These targets are shaped like either giant vintage postcards or cute Florida oranges. Line up the red dot inside the viewfinder with the appropriate sensor and snap away! You’ll score points for every properly taken photo.
A close up of the scoring sensor
This game is designed to be played during the beginning and end portions of your trip around The Wheel, so be sure to keep an eye out for postcards on both sides of the entertainment district. During your game, you’ll hear a 1940s-style radio voice telling you fun facts about the highlighted cities and destinations.
“We’re excited to offer our visitors an additional and entertaining way of learning about everything Florida has to offer. Travelers have been choosing Florida for decades and this immersive experience will further their understanding of the history, nostalgia, and the many reasons why Florida is still the No. 1 vacation destination,” said Visit Florida President Dana Young.
Souvenir Photo and Video
After you return to the ground and count up your points, take a look at your personalized souvenir photos and adorable video – all designed to commemorate your trip through the Sunshine State!
Visiting The Great Florida Road Trip
The best way to start planning your Great Florida Road Trip is to visit the ICON Park website. Book a VIP Wheel experience to get access to the photo-taking game, a souvenir photo package, and exclusive discounts to select ICON Park restaurants and shopping locations.
Freaky Thoughts: The Great Florida Road Trip
The Great Florida Road Trip is a fun addition to an already memorable ride on Orlando’s famous Wheel. The game is super cute, and I really loved the chance to learn about old Florida attractions and tourism. If you enjoy playing point-scoring games and experiencing impressive heights, check out The Great Florida Road Trip!
About ICON Park
A 20-acre, open-air entertainment district, ICON Park offers more than 50 delicious restaurants, funky bars, unique shopping, and exciting attractions. Located on International Drive, ICON Park has become one of Orlando’s most recognizable landmarks. Learn more about ICON Park at iconparkorlando.com
