We recently shared with you that The Orlando Eye would be installing it’s first of 30 passenger capsules. Well the time has come. The Orlando Eye installed the first glass capsule this morning, January 20th, 2015.
Each glass capsule weighs approximately three metric tons (6,600 pounds), or the average weight of an Indian elephant. The installation process is unique to The Orlando Eye, as each capsule will be attached to the wheel by a shaft and hangar attached to the top of the capsule, making it a first for an observation wheel that uses the ski lift capsule design featured on the Eye. This system will keep the floor of the capsule level to allow guests to walk around for optimal viewing.
The first set of the glass capsules arrived on the site recently, after making a transatlantic journey from Northern Germany. The glass covering the capsules was crafted in Turkey, and then each capsule was assembled in Hungary.
All 30 capsules will feature air-conditioning, bench seating, lighting and audio effects, and interactive tablets providing guests with information on the 360-degree views of Central Florida.
“Now that the outer wheel is complete, and the first capsules are being installed, we can truly see the Orlando Eye taking shape and dramatically changing the Orlando skyline,” said Orlando Eye General Manager Robin Goodchild. “We are looking forward to seeing guests take that first flight on the Eye at our grand opening this spring.”
Day or night, whenever guests begin their journey on the Orlando Eye, they will be effortlessly lifted away in a bubble of calm and serenity to enjoy the 360-degree views above the hustle and bustle of the city below.
Located at the I-Drive 360 entertainment and dining complex, the Orlando Eye will be anchored by Madame Tussauds Orlando, the celebrity wax attraction, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the immersive underwater experience, rounding out three of the top global brands in Merlin Entertainments’ portfolio of exciting attractions.
Fun facts:
Each capsule weights three metric tons (6,600 pounds) or as much as an Indian elephant
All 30 capsules will have seating, air-conditioning, lighting and audio effects and interactive tablets to enhance the guest experience
Up to 450 guests can take in the 360-degree views at one time on the Eye, which include nearby theme parks, attractions, lakes, lush landscape, downtown Orlando and much more
Once the structure is complete, the Orlando Eye will be 400 feet tall and weigh approximately three million pounds, making it the tallest observation wheel on the U.S. East Coast
Each capsule has 10 panes of glass, weighing almost 1,300 pounds
The Orlando Eye
Located in the heart of International Drive, the 400-foot Orlando Eye is the tallest observation wheel on the U.S. eastern coast, offering a new way to experience the breathtaking views of Central Florida.