The Great Orlando Wheel represents a breathtaking new vision for North America. Rising 400 feet (122 meters) above the earth, this iconic structure will offer ever-changing views above one of the country's top tourism destinations. It is scheduled to open in 2010.
A 25-mile (40 km) panoramic view will showcase world-class Central Florida attractions like SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, as well as firework displays and rocket launches from NASA Kennedy Space Center. With integrated commercial and retail facilities, The Great Orlando Wheel will provide a grand welcome to this vibrant destination and an ideal gathering place for visitors to shop, enjoy and play.
Ideally situated in the heart of Orlando, Florida, the Wheel is conveniently located to nearby attractions including, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort and bustling Downtown Orlando. Additionally, the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center and International Drive, Central Florida's main tourist corridor, are adjacent to the site.
An afternoon press conference staged near the construction site announced the project to an audience of national and regional media, as well as selected partners and VIP Guests, including the Mayor of Orange County, Richard Crotty, and Gary Sain, President and CEO, Orlando/Orange County Convention Bureau.
The Great Orlando Wheel will sit on 20 acres next to the Orlando - Orange County Convention Center, in the heart of the thriving tourism corridor. Located at 6503 Westwood Boulevard, the giant wheel will be less than five minutes from Interstate 4 and SR 528. The location is convenient to the Orlando International Airport, downtown Orlando, and the area's world-premier theme parks, hotels and attractions.
"As one of the world's most popular tourism destinations, Orlando provides the ideal location for North America's first Great Wheel," says Florian Bollen, Chairman of Great Wheel Corporation. "Passengers aboard the Orlando Wheel will experience a unique and ever-changing perspective above this vibrant landscape, soaring to heights unattainable anywhere else in the region."
Related : seaworld