by Jeanne Brei
Orlando’s playgrounds seem limitless and that’s not even counting Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and a multitude of miniature golf courses and escape rooms! So, if we limit ourselves to just the 35 Trolley stops on I-Drive, I’d start at ICON Park (Trolley Stop 14), a 20-acre, walkable entertainment destination with a diverse mix of more than 40 amazing restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops and can’t-miss attractions. Anchored by The Wheel, an observation wheel that stands 400 feet—40 stories—in the air, ICON Park hosts The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando (for selfies with the Justice League heroes) and Arcade City. Rides range from the toddler-sized Pearl Express train up to the 7D Dark Ride Adventure (a 3D motion ride that includes Zombie battles) and the Orlando StarFlyer, the world’s tallest swing ride.
If you’re on a budget, the Orlando Sightseeing Flex Pass allows cash free entry to more than 25 top Orlando attractions for 30 days and includes an I-RIDE Trolley ticket with hop-on, hop-off privileges valid for seven days. Depending upon the attractions you choose (for instance, you can get a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Kissimmee Theme Park or Gatorland ($59) and the Pirates Dinner Adventure ($73) for just $49. Instantly delivered mobile passes are available—and they have a free app that’s good for more than a dozen U.S. cities plus London, Puerto Rico and Malaga, Costa del Sol (Spain). Here’s just some of the Orlando attractions to choose from: Wonderworks All Access Ticket, Wild Florida (choices include a 30 minute Airboat Tour & Wildlife Park; Animal Encounter; Drive-Thru Safari Park or Gator Feed), Coco Keys Water Park Day Pass, Escape Game Orlando, I-Drive NASCAR – The Race and Play Combo, GatorWorld, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Titanic – The Artifact Exhibition, Señor Frog’s Orlando, Old Town Kissimmee, a Chocolate Kingdom Factory Tour + Customize Your Own Chocolate Bar and many, many more! The Flex Pass also gives you discounts at gift shops, car rentals, outlet malls and more. For more info, visit www.sightseeingpass.com
This story originally appeared in the July/August issue of Exhibit City News, p. 50. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/ecn_july-august_2020
