Amazing attractions, delicious dining and vibrant nightlife. All this and more is waiting to be discovered at ICON Park®, and only in Orlando (The Wheel pictured).
Updated Jan. 20, 2023
Looking for fun attractions in Orlando? How about memorable dining and nightlife? Maybe unique shopping? Great news: ICON Park® is a one-stop shop for all of that and more in the International Drive Entertainment District. Here are our favorite reasons to visit this vibrant, open-air, all-in-one entertainment complex — and why you’ll want to experience it the next time you’re in Orlando.
The Wheel at ICON Park®, Part of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District
What better way to view Orlando than from above ... way above. Standing 400 feet tall, The Wheel offers spectacular views of the Orlando area, from the theme parks to downtown and beyond. It also serves as the centerpiece of ICON Park’s free nightly light shows.
If you’re traveling without children or taking a break from the little ones, The Wheel offers private parties where you and up to nine companions can enjoy complimentary beer and wine. Staff can also help arrange special events aboard the roomy, air-conditioned capsules, including proposals, weddings and more. No Orlando getaway is complete without experiencing this signature attraction.
Sizzling Dining & Nightlife
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red at ICON Park®, Part of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District
ICON Park isn’t just home to fun attractions — it also hosts tasty restaurants and vibrant nightlife. On the dining front, top choices include full-service eateries like Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, which also hosts live music, plus Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, Yard House, Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, Sugar Factory, and others, plus many quick counter-service options. (Ever eat a chocolate piñata? You can at Uncle Julio’s.)
ICON Park also has Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, marking the celebrity chef’s first restaurant venture in Orlando, legendary Key West saloon Sloppy Joe’s, and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. You can also grab a delicious bite at Tin Roof, but the biggest draw there is live music and dancing. Many of these establishments also have outdoor seating so you can dine under Orlando’s gorgeous skies.
Fast Times on the Orlando StarFlyer
Orlando StarFlyer at ICON Park®, Part of the International Drive Entertainment District
At 450 feet, Orlando StarFlyer isn’t just the tallest attraction at ICON Park. It’s also the world’s tallest swing ride, providing 360-degree views of Orlando at speeds up to 60 mph. And thanks to a seatbelt, lap bar and between-the-legs harness, you’ll be safe and secure as you embark on one of Orlando’s wildest rides.
Each of the attraction’s 12 seats can accommodate two side-by-side guests, which also makes it a great option for a fast-paced date. But no matter who you ride with, you won’t find views this high and fast anywhere else in Orlando.
Mind-Blowing Fun at Museum of Illusions Orlando
Museum of Illusions Orlando at ICON Park®, Part of the International Drive Entertainment District
Billed as a brain-bending “edutainment” experience, Museum of Illusions features more than 50 incredible exhibits that you won’t believe even after you see them. Dive into a wild collection of interactive, immersive and incomprehensible illusions based on math, science and psychology that will keep everyone in your group entertained.
After roaming the mind-blowing expanse of the Infinity Room, defying the laws of gravity in the Reverse Room, and shrinking to miniature size in the Ames Room, you’re sure to have a whole new appreciation for your awesome imagination. Finish by posting photos so spectacular your friends will have to see them to not believe them.
A-List Celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando
Madame Tussauds Orlando at ICON Park®, Part of the International Drive Entertainment District
Where in Orlando can you sit down with Oprah, co-host The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, rock out with Elvis, and team up with DC Entertainment’s Justice League — including Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg? Only at Madame Tussauds Orlando.
Our edition of the world-famous wax attraction will get you up close and personal with huge Hollywood stars, chart-topping musicians, unforgettable cultural icons and history’s most famous leaders. Feeling star-struck? Snap a photo. All figures are perfectly posed for selfies, and photography is always encouraged.
Aquatic Exploration at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park®, Part of the International Drive Entertainment District
Want to explore the oceans without getting wet? SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium doesn’t just boast a 360-degree underwater tunnel — it’s the only one of its kind in Florida. This state-of-the-art attraction invites you to see aquatic life from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, including sharks, fish, turtles and eels.
And it’s not just the aquatic animals that are entertaining. You can also enjoy interactive dive shows, fun talks, special events, a children’s play area and more. In short, there’s something for everyone in the family at SEA LIFE.
Play Time at In the Game ICON Park
7D Motion Theater at In the Game ICON Park®, Part of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District (FACE Entertainment)
In The Game ICON Park has the latest in arcade games that are perfect for family-friendly face-offs. Compete for prizes and set new records as you play for glory.
This attraction also features the 7D Motion Theater, where you can take on everything from zombies to a mad scientist’s robots in a virtual-reality shoot-‘em-up. After taking a seat and strapping on your special glasses, you won’t just see and hear your enemies, but feel them as well thanks to motion and wind effects. The experience is also family-friendly, setting the stage for some fun competitions.
Sensational Shopping & Services
Shop Unique Gifts and More at ICON Park®, Part of Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District
ICON Park has a little something for everyone when it comes to shopping and services. Bring your Orlando memories home with a souvenir from Wheelhouse Gift Shop or ICON Park Gifts, or perfect your vacation look with gear from Caleoni Sunglasses. And if you’re coming from overseas and need to exchange some money before your shopping spree, Currency Exchange International has you covered.
Sugar Factory’s onsite candy store has more than 300 varieties of confections, including bedazzled Couture Pops, and the young and young at heart can create bespoke toys at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Ready to relax? Get a blast of 90% pure oxygen at Breathe Modern Wellness Bar.
The Carousel on the Promenade
There is more than one way to go for a spin at ICON Park. The Carousel on the Promenade has an authentic, distinctive look accentuated by scenery modeled after the finest antique carousels from years gone by.
Whether you nab the Lead Horse, the Sea Dragon, the Deer, the Looff Indian Pony, the Allan Herschell Zebra or the Dentzel Rabbit, among other ride options, you’re in for a fun time when you ride The Carousel.
Free Parking, Admission & Entertainment
Admission and Parking Are Always Free at ICON Park® in Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District
Not only is there a ton to see and do at ICON Park, but admission to the complex is always free. Four floors of dedicated free parking are also available in the on-site parking garage. As a result, it’s a great place to sit back, relax and enjoy nightly light shows and rarified people-watching on the central green, all without spending any money.
Take the cash you save and put it toward building unforgettable memories as you play, eat and shop your way through ICON Park — one of many wondrous experiences you will only find in Orlando.
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Author
Nate Shelton
Content senior manager at Visit Orlando. He’s a native Floridian and longtime Orlandoan who enjoys good food and drink, live entertainment, music, theme parks, comic books, video games, movies, and all the other things that make life worth living.
