Last Updated on June 4, 2023

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In this post, I’ll be sharing the top things to do at Icon Park Orlando and nearby!  This place has become a must-visit whenever I’m in Orlando and should be on your list, too.
 
Icon Park is a fun place with some of the best restaurants and bars in the area, as well as home to the aquarium at Sea Life Orlando and the famous Ferris wheel, The Wheel.
 
You can also purchase tickets for most of the attractions here in this post.
 

 

 

Booking a last-minute trip to Orlando?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!

Top Tours in Orlando

Everglades Airboat and Wild Florida Tour (Florida Wildlife Tour With Optional Lunch)

Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour (2-Hour Tour Perfect for Nature Lovers!)

Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport (Enjoy NASA’s Kennedy Space Center)

Helicopter Night Tour (Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Orlando’s Theme Parks)

Manatee Adventure, Everglades Style Airboat (With Lunch, Wildlife Park, And Transport)

Top Hotels In Orlando

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas (Perfect For Couples)

Ette Luxury Hotel & Spa – (High-Rated Luxury Hotel)

Barefoot Suite By Capital Vacations – (Budget Apartment In Plaza Boulevard)

Buena Vista Suites Orlando – (High Rated Hotel Near Walt Disney Resort)

 Looking To Get Around In Orlando

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗

When thinking of Orlando, Florida, the first thing that usually comes to a person’s mind is Disney World or one of the other big theme parks, but there are a lot of other fun places in Orlando to check out and one of them is Icon Park!  In fact, Icon Park is just a couple of miles from Universal Orlando Resort.
 
I really love Orlando.  Not only is there sunny, Florida weather and tons of activities here, such as jet skiing, but Orlando is also in a great central location. 
 
With that being said, it’s an hour away from the Atlantic Coast and less than 2 hours away from the Gulf beaches

Icon Park is a great place!  It’s an outdoor amusement park and shopping mall area with lots of restaurants and bars (over 40!), and shops.
 
There’s also live music and entertainment here.
 
Although probably best known for the Ferris wheel, this Orlando area is growing and they are adding new things to do.
 
The park and nearby area are kid-friendly with lots of things for them to do, including Santa’s Workshop during the holidays and In The Game Arcade.
 
This place has some awesome attractions and there are many fun things to do nearby.  And parking is free.
 
Here is my list of the top things to do at Icon Park Orlando!

 

 

Icon Park Orlando- Complete Visitor’s Guide For 2023!

 

 

1. The Wheel At Icon Park

 
Formerly named the Orlando Eye, The Wheel at Icon Park is one of the best places to visit while here.
 
With a height of 400 feet, you get an amazing bird’s eye view of the Orlando area on this giant Ferris wheel.
 
On The Wheel, you can see a few of Florida’s lakes, as well as Disney World, Universal, and the downtown Orlando area.
 
At night, the area is lit up really well and you’re able to see the fireworks from Disney if you go at the right time.
 
There is a bar right before you get on the ride so you can get drinks and bring them up with you if you want.
 
And you may want to take a couple of drinks with you if you’re afraid of heights!
 
It can be a little intimidating going up that high but the capsules that you ride in are very stable and not jerky at all.
 
The Wheel itself moves less than a mile an hour and lasts about 20 minutes.
 
The capsules have air conditioning and they have screens to read about the different area attractions while you’re inside. You can also connect your Bluetooth when you’re in the capsule, if you’d like.
 
The Wheel at Icon Park is the tallest Ferris Wheel on the East Coast of the US and on a clear day, there’s a viewing distance of 57 miles.
 

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The Ferris Wheel At Icon Park

2. Orlando Starflyer

 
Next is the Orlando Starflyer, a large swing attraction.  I did not go on this ride since going around in circles on a giant swing really isn’t my thing.
 
However, this ride is one of the most popular things to do at Icon Park Orlando, so it had to be included on this must-do list.
 
If you don’t get dizzy on rides and you’re not afraid of heights, then this is your ride!
 
They claim that the Starflyer is the tallest swing ride in the world and at the top is 450 feet in the air.
 

Orlando Starflyer

This giant swing at Icon Park Orlando looks really cool at night from the top of the Ferris wheel.
 
Kids over 44″ tall can ride.
 

3. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

 
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not isn’t technically part of Icon Park but it’s just a short walk away, and definitely worth going to when you’re in the area.
 
This Odditorium is full of old, unusual artifacts and bizarre attractions that are logic-defying.
 
From two-headed animals and record-breaking individuals such as the world’s tallest man, the museum has a lot to see and do.
 
There are many interactive exhibits here, too.
 
It took me about an hour to get through, but you can definitely spend a couple of hours in here if you stop and read all of the information at the displays.
 
Hours are 10 am-10 pm Monday-Thursday and open until 11 pm Friday-Saturday.
 

4. Madame Tussauds

For another odd museum, you can check out Madame Tussauds at Icon Park.
 
This wax museum is a great option for adventures at the park.  There are several different sections that feature the likes of movie stars, sports stars, superheroes, singers, and other figures from history.
 
Taylor Swift, Jimmy Fallon, and Shaquille O’Neal are just a few of the many wax celebrities that are here.

 

My girlfriend posing with Vin Diesel 

Taylor Swift, Jimmy Fallon, and Shaquille O' Neal are just a few of the many wax celebrities that are at Madame Tussauds

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Madame Tussauds Orlando

5. Sea Life Orlando

 
Right in the same complex as Madame Tussauds wax museum is the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.
 
There are 9 exhibits and a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and you can watch feedings here, too.
 
Sea Life has jellyfish, coastal rockpool, and ocean exhibits.  Here, they have sharks, turtles, octopuses, stingrays, and other sea creatures.
 
This is a great place to take the kids or even check out for yourself!
 

Sea Life has jellyfish, coastal rockpool, and ocean exhibits.  Here, they have sharks, turtles, octopuses, stingrays, and other sea creatures.

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Sea Life Orlando

6. 7-D Dark Ride Adventure

 
Next to Sea Life and Madame Tussauds is the 7-D Dark Ride Adventure.
 
This motion theater is a lot of fun and they have several different 7-D Ride interactive experiences that you can do.
 
We did the Zombies experience where you strap in and shoot the zombies with a laser gun.
 
While here, you compete with the other players for points and bragging rights.  Overall, the adventure is about 10 minutes long.
 
I’ve done the 7-D ride several times at the park and there were virtually no waits to get on the ride.
 
With that said, take a look at the trailer for the Zombie ride!

Icon Park

Restaurants

 

One of the best places to eat at Icon Park is Tin Roof!

7. Check Out The Restaurants!

 
Icon Park in Orlando has some fun restaurants to dine at.  The park itself has over 40 restaurants and there are a lot of places nearby, too.
 
There are large chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Carraba’s Italian Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Cold Stone Creamery, and Ben and Jerry’s.
 
Or if you’re looking for some Mexican food, they have Uncle Julio’s restaurant.
 
Tin Roof and Ole Red Orlando are both well-known restaurants in Icon Park, popular for their food and bar, fun atmosphere, and the best live music in the area.  Tin Roof also features comedians and dueling piano shows.
 
I ate lunch at Tin Roof during one of my visits to Icon Park.  They have good food and you can either eat inside or on their outdoor patio.
 

The Wheel House Market is right by the Wheel Ferris Wheel and has tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta.
 
The Wheel House Market is right by the Wheel Ferris Wheel and has tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta.
 
Inside the Wheel House Market, there are eateries such as Tin & Taco, Brick & Fire Pizza & Pasta Parlor, Let’s Jess Bake, and Chicken On Fire.
 

 
I’ve also dined at King’s Restaurant right next to the park.  The place is nice with a retro vibe to it.  It’s a restaurant with 2 bars and a bowling alley.
 
We went on a Saturday night and it was a 2-hour wait for bowling, so we didn’t do that.
 
You may just want to plan ahead if you want to go bowling.
 

Cafe Tu Tu Tango is another restaurant close to Icon Park Orlando and is known for its signature dishes
 
The day before, I had drinks and some tasty jerk chicken appetizers at Cafe Tu Tu Tango.
 
This restaurant is a short distance from Icon Park, just a block or so from the park.
 
It’s been around for 30 years and is known for its art, live music, and tapas-style dishes.
 
Definitely a restaurant worth going to if you’re in the area.

Other Things

To Do At Icon Park Orlando And Nearby

 

 

8. In The Game (Arcade)

 
Another family-fun option at Icon Park, located inside the Wheelhouse, next to Madame Tussauds.
 
In The Game has the latest arcade games with prizes, a Mirror Maze, and virtual reality experiences!
 
They have different play cards you can buy.  Starting at $25 and all the way up to $200 on arcade credits.

In The Game has many different price options for arcade games

9. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

 
Pirates Cove mini-golf park is just a short walk away from Icon Park.
 
This Pirate-themed attraction has 2- 18 hole mini golf courses around waterfalls and caves.
 
Play either Blackbeard’s Challenge or Captain’s Course and see who gets the lowest score!
 
 

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The Escape Game Orlando

 

 

Icon Park Orlando – FAQ’s

Is Icon Park Orlando Free?

 

Free parking and free admission!  Icon Park is free to walk around and has a large parking lot and parking ramp that are both free to use.

 

What Is Inside Icon Park?

 

√ Icon Park is filled with rides such as the The Wheel (Orlando Eye), Starflyer, and other attractions and restaurants/bars listed above.
 
It also has shops such as Wheel House Gift Shop, Icon Park Gifts, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Calenoi Sunglasses, and Sugar Factory.

 

 

If You Are Looking To Bundle Icon Park Experiences & Nearby Attractions On I-Drive

Check Out  The Orlando Explorer Pass

Is Icon Park Safe?

 
Yes, Icon Park is a safe place to visit.  However, as many people already know, in March 2022, a 14-year-old boy was sadly killed after falling off of the Drop Tower Ride.  This accident seems to have been caused by a ride operator error and the ride has been permanently shut down.
 
Also, on New Year’s Eve 2022, The Wheel suffered a mechanical issue and lost power, stranding 60 riders on The Wheel for several hours.
 
Fortunately in the latter incident, the riders were rescued by the fire department and nobody was hurt.  (The ride has been temporarily shut down).
 
Icon Park has pledged guest safety after these incidents and remains a safe place to visit, overall.

 

 

Things To Do For Kids At Icon Park?

 

Icon Park has many great things for kids- here are some of the best options!

 

√ Pearl Express Trolley 

√ In The Game Arcade

√ 7-D Adventure Ride 

√ Sea Life Adventure

√ Build-A-Bear-Workshop

√ The Carousel 

√ Marvel Adventure Lab 

And don’t forget to get them some treats at The Sugar Factory! 

 

 

For more fun at Icon Park, check out the Museum of Illusions!

Still Looking For More To Do At Icon Park?

√ Check out the Museum of Illusions 

Flavors of Icon Park Foodie Walking Tour

 

 

Where To Stay Near Icon Park?

 

 

Photo Credit: Expedia 

Universal's Endless Summer Resort is one of the best places to stay in Orlando near Icon Park

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort

I stayed at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort during my most recent stay in Orlando, and I really enjoyed the location and amenities.  It’s really just a short drive from Universal Studios and Icon Park.
 
There’s so much to do in Orlando, but with the conveniences of the resort, you could just spend a great deal of time hanging out here if you wanted.
 
Grab some food at Beach Break Cafe, work out at the gym, or hang out by the pool.  Plus, they have a Starbucks for coffee.

 

 

Photo Credit: Expedia

Another place to stay near Icon Park Orlando is Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn Orlando Near Universal Blv/International Dr

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Expedia

Wyndham Garden is a nice option for a place to stay near Icon Park in Orlando

Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal / I Drive

 

 

 

 

My son and I taking a picture at Icon Park

My son and I taking a picture in front of the Starflyer swing at Icon Park

Summary: Complete Guide To Icon Park Orlando!

 

In summary, there are lots of things to do at Icon Park and the nearby area.
 
With the great places to shop, some of the best restaurants in Orlando, and attractions that provide big thrills, Icon Park is a fun place to spend the day at!
 
What did you think of this list of the top 10 things to do at Icon Park Orlando?
 

Looking to stay up to date on events and happenings in Orlando?  Become a member at Florida Citrus Sports. 

And for more places to visit in Florida, check out beautiful Clearwater Beach!

Travel Resources

 

Book Your Next Trip!  For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.

To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!

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Icon Park

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Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  If you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, please read the disclaimer page.  Are you planning a visit to...

1 Comment

  1. Cyndi

    Really enjoyed your description of things to do at Icon Park. You can check this place out multiple days during your visit because there’s so much to see. You gave enough info for us to dig deeper into each site commented on and this place is definitely worth checking out when in Orlando!

    Reply

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