On the hunt to find fun things to do in Orlando besides going to one of the theme parks? One of the most popular places for all ages is Icon Park on International Drive! It’s located approximately 8 minutes from Walt Disney World and offers an outstanding entertainment destination with over 40 amazing restaurants, funky bars, and boutique stores to shop until you drop. Not to mention, there are plenty of amusement park-style attractions to enjoy, including two new world record-breaking thrill rides — Orlando Freefall and Orlando Slingshot!
Continue reading to learn about the top things to do at Icon Park! And keep in mind, there is free parking and free park admission to walk around — but you will need to purchase tickets for the majority of the attractions. When the time comes, you can buy tickets ahead of time instead of waiting in line when you get there.
1) Take in Mesmerizing Florida Views from The Wheel
Previously known as the Orlando Eye, The Wheel at Icon Park takes you up to 400 feet above the city! From here, you can see all four Disney World parks, downtown, and even the Kenedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral if it’s a clear day. There’s truly nothing like the Florida skyline from this high up, and there’s no other place to get quite this vantage point — well… unless you’ve already been on a helicopter ride in Orlando.
Each capsule on this observation wheel holds up to 10 guests and is air-conditioned for comfort even on those hot summer days! It takes approximately 20 minutes for the ride to complete a full rotation, so sit back and relax as you take in some of the most breathtaking views you can imagine.
2) Spin Around at the Orlando StarFlyer
Do you have an adrenaline junkie in your family or group that loves rollercoaster rides? The Orlando StarFlyer might just be right up their (or your) alley! It’s the world’s tallest swing ride at 450 feet high, providing 360-degree views of Orlando while you spin around going up to 60 mph. Like with The Wheel, you’ll be able to see the gorgeous skyline and see your favorite spots from up in the sky.
Keep in mind that there is a minimum height requirement of 44 inches, so the littles will need to pass on this ride. For those who would rather stay on the ground, there’s an outdoor courtyard nearby called the Star Bar, where you can grab a signature cocktail and listen to music while everyone else is up in the air.
3) Get Shot into the Air on the World’s Tallest Slingshot Ride
Yes, that’s right… one of the newest attractions in Orlando is here at Icon Park, and it happens to be the tallest slingshot ride in the WORLD! Yes, you read that right. Standing at 300 feet tall, this ride literally slingshots you straight out of an exploding volcano up to 450 feet into the air, at speeds of up to 100mph. There are currently no age limits, but you must be at least 44 inches tall and fit appropriately within the harnessing.
4) Keep Enjoying the Views & Freefall Back Down
Thrill-seekers, look no further! At 430 feet tall, Icon Park is also now home to the world’s tallest freestanding drop tower — Orlando Freefall. This ride rotates around to give 360 views of the skyline as you head up to the top. Once up there, you’ll feel the seat tilt slightly forward before dropping you towards the ground at speeds of up to 75 mph. You must be at least 50 inches to ride.
5) Snag a Photo with a Celebrity at Madame Tussauds Orlando
Ready for an adventure with your favorite superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman? Maybe it’s time to sit down with Oprah or Jimmy Falon? Or, hang out with Steve Jobs and Walt Disney? If this sounds too good to be true, we get it. But, you can do all of the above at Madame Tussauds Orlando — the world-famous wax museum featuring Hollywood stars, awe-inspiring cultural icons, and some of history’s most celebrated leaders.
6) Explore the Oceans at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Underwater exploration with a bit of education, here we go! SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium showcases over 5,000 species of aquatic life from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. It’s home to Florida’s only 360-degree underwater tunnel that offers up-close encounters with sharks, turtles, eels, and a wide variety of fish. You’ll even have opportunities to experience interactive dive shows, watch fascinating jellyfish change colors, and meet Ted — Orlando’s infamous Loggerhead sea turtle.
7) Experience Interactive Gaming at 7D Dark Ride Adventure
Fight in a post-apocalyptic world against your choice of zombies, aliens, or robots in an interactive shooting game that will give you the most incredible, almost real-life experience. This family-friendly attraction lets you feel seven dimensions through wind effects, movement, sound, and more. We wish you the best to save the planet during your 7D Dark Ride Adventure in Orlando!
8) In the Game Arcade at Icon Park Orlando
Game nerd? Us too! You’ll find a plethora of exciting games to play with family and chances to walk away with fabulous prizes at In the Game. Here you will find endless opportunities to play and laugh with family and friends. A mirror maze? Yep. An escape room? Most definitely. As a fun tip, if you purchase an Icon Park Play Pass, you get a $5 Play Card to In the Game along with admission to other Icon Park attractions.
9) Blow Your Mind at Museum of Illusions
Explore over 50 mind-bending exhibits that may actually warp the time-space continuum — or at least make you deeply examine how they’re possible. These immersive and interactive displays showcase the best of math, science, and psychology that will keep you and your family entertained for HOURS. Just don’t forget to bring your camera (or phone) with you for this experience! You’ll be missing it if you don’t.
10) Wine & Dine: The Restaurants
So, we’ve reviewed some of the ultimate attractions at Icon Park, but what about the restaurants and nightlife? Popular dining choices onsite include Blake Shelton’s brand new Ole Red, Sloppy Joes Orlando, Yard House, Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, Tapa Toro Tapas Bar & Paella Pit, and countless others.
11) Explore the Orlando Nightlife
For those searching for nightlife in Orlando during their stay, this is the perfect spot to find something to do after the sun goes down (including rides)! To start, if you’re looking for a late-night bite, many restaurants are open late and offer live music throughout the week. There are also an eclectic group of bars open late, like the Star Bar that keeps their doors open until 2 am every night. The hookah bar, iLounge Istanbul, is even open daily until 2 am. And, if you start to feel tired, head over to iCafe Dé Paris for an espresso until 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays (or midnight during the week).
12) Shop Till You Drop at ICON Park in Orlando
Last but not least, you’ll be in a shoppers paradise when you visit Icon Park! Grab a vacation souvenir from Icon Park Gifts or the Wheelhouse Gift Shop. Take the littles to the new Build-a-Bear Workshop in Orlando. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at Sugar Factory — where you can find more than 300 delectable candies, including the red carpet-worthy bedazzled Couture Pops! Plus, Orlando’s top malls are right around the corner on I-drive, like The Mall at Millenia!
Accommodations Near International Drive in Orlando
Can’t wait to start planning your next Orlando vacation near International Drive? We have you covered. Our large selection of vacation homes are close by to all the attractions in the area.
If you want to stay close to Icon Park, we recommend browsing all the vacation rentals at Vista Cay. This resort community is only 2 miles down the road and offers floor plans with two and three-bedroom condo suites along with three-bedroom townhomes!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to our team; we’re available 24/7 by phone and email.
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