The Complete Guide to ICON Park on International Drive


ICON Park is an amazing entertainment complex that is located in the heart of International Drive just a short distance to the Walt Disney World Resort as well as Universal Orlando.  This 20-acre pedestrian friendly development is suited for all ages and the perfect compliment to an Orlando theme park vacation.

Forbes Magazine rated ICON Park as one of “The 7 Best Attractions in Orlando” and when you visit you will definitely see why.   Guests will find a number of very unique attractions which include:

  • The Wheel at ICON Park
  • The Orlando StarFlyer
  • Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
  • SeaLife Orlando Aquarium
  • Museum of Illusions Orlando
  • The Pearl Express
  • In the Game / 7D Motion Theater

In addition to there are a number of restaurants, bars and boutique shopping venues throughout ICON Park.  There is something for everyone to be found here so make sure you add this to your next for your next visit to Orlando.

Amazing Florida Beaches
Amazing Florida Beaches

ICON Park: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of ICON Park? 

ICON Park is open daily from 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM but the hours of each attraction, shop and restaurant will vary.   

How do I get to ICON Park?

It is very easy to get to ICON Park as it is located on International Drive just south of Sand Lake Road (exit 74A from Interstate 4) and north of the Orange County Convention Center.  Guests coming from the Universal Orlando Resort can also access ICON Park from Universal Boulevard.  

What are the main attractions at ICON Park? 

The main attractions at ICON Park is The Wheel, The Orlando Starflyer, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the SeaLife Orlando Aquarium.

 Where do I park when visiting ICON Park?

There is a free seven-story covered parking garage on the north side of the property along with a surface parking lot along Universal Boulevard.  Valet parking is also offered (and completely free of charge). 

Is there an admission cost for ICON Park?

There is no admission cost to enter ICON Park.  Each attraction requires a separate ticket which is typically in the $20 to $30 range. 

Guests can purchase the ICON Park Play Pass for $74.99 per person which provides admission to The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, the Pearl Express, the Starflyer, the Museum of Illusions, 7D Darkride Adventure and a play card for Arcade City.

The Wheel at ICON Park

Originally opened in 2015, The Wheel at ICON Park is a 400-foot observation wheel that has become the hub of International Drive.  From high up you get amazing views of Orlando as well as the theme parks (in the distance).  The entire ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes and your are enclosed in an air-conditioned cabin with seating, music and a video monitor that tells you about some of the sights.

The following video was produced a few years ago when The Wheel was known as “The Orlando Eye” (then it actually became the Coca-Cola Eye since it was sponsored by Coca-Cola). When The Wheel first opened it featured 3D introduction video with footage about some of the central Florida area attractions.  This video was was shown to guests prior to boarding the ride itself.

When visiting Orlando, The Wheel at ICON Park should definitely be on your list.  Each capsule can hold up to 10 guests comfortable so it is perfect for groups and large families.  And if you can time it properly, you will be able to see the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom as you near the top of the ride.

The cost of the ride on The Wheel is around $20 per adult but can be combined with admission to the other attractions for discounts.  There are discounts for children ages 3 to 12 and a VIP Experience is offered. 

Click here to buy tickets for The Wheel ICON Park

Madame Tussauds Wax Attraction

Madame Tussauds is world renowned for their wax museums with locations all across the United States including New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood as well as Europe, Asia and Australia.  

The wax figures are constantly changes but some of current personalities include:

  • Selena Gomez
  • Taylor Swift
  • Ryan Gosling
  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Walt Disney
  • Serena Williams
  • The Justice League members (yes from the movie)

Below is a video which we produced after the Madame Tussauds first opened.  Some of the wax figures have changed but you will get a full sense of what it is like to walking through the museum.

The full walking tour through the museum takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on crowd levels and how much time that you want to take with the wax figures.  Photos are not only allowed but encouraged – you will find that the museum is set up with amazing backdrops for you to take great photos. There is also an area where you can make your own wax souvenir.  

The cost for admission to Madame Tussauds at ICON Park is about $25.00 but can be combined with admission to other attractions for a discount.  

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

There are more than 5,000 marine life creatures at the SeaLife Aquarium including all types of different fish, sharks, turtles and eels.  This is a fantastic venue for kids and takes about 90 minutes to enjoy the entire experience.

Experiences at Sea Life include:

  • Unique Dive Shows
  • Florida’s only 360 Degree Tunnel
  • Meet a Sea Turtle
  • Jellyfish Wall Exhibit
  • And much more

The 360 degree tunnel is something spectacular as you will get up close and personal with all the marine life.

The cost for admission to SeaLife Aquarium at ICON Park is about $25.00 but can be combined with admission to other attractions for a discount.  

Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is one of the smaller attractions at ICON Park but one we consider that is quite fun.  From mirrored passageways to a swirling vortex tunnel and an upside down living room, this amazing attraction tricks your eyes into seeing things that may or may not exist.

Orlando StarFlyer

The Orlando StarFlyer is the world’s tallest swing ride and the newest attraction at ICON Park.  Opened early in 2019, the StarFlyer is 450 feet in height and rotates at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.  

You and a friend are seated side-by-side and fully secured to make sure you are completely safe as you ride up and down seeing all the sights of the entire Orlando area.  And after your exhilarating ride is finished you can go over to the “Star Bar” for a nice relaxing cocktail.

The cost to ride the StarFlyer is about $14.00 per person but you can deals on line for under $12.00. 

Food and Beverage Options at ICON Park

There are a number of different restaurants at ICON Park which range from Italian to Mexican, Spanish and traditional American.  There is even a variety of bars where you enjoy a specialty cocktail while watching live music.

The restaurants and bars include:

  • Sugar Factory
  • Brother Jimmy’s BBQ
  • Ole Red Orlando
  • Tin Roof Orlando
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill
  • Shake Shack
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Yard House
  • iLounge Istanbul
  • iCafe’ de Paris
  • Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant
  • Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant
  • ICON Park Food Court
  • Breathe – A Modern Wellness Bar
  • Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
  • Sloppy Joe’s Orlando
  • The Wheelhouse Market

Shopping and Entertainment

  • Arcade
  • Pearl Express Train
  • Caleoni Sunglasses
  • ICON Park Gifts
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop

International Drive

International Drive continues to grow with new hotels, shopping and entertainment venues as far south as SeaWorld to the Outlet Center at the end of I-Drive. According to an article on InternationalDriveOrlando.com titled “What’s new on I-Drive”, there is more than $2 billion in high profile development planned.   Several of these projects are:

  • The 300,000 sf Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Action Park (now open)
  • Kirkman Road Extension to connect to Universal’s forth theme park called EPIC Universal.

Click here to read the article and see all the recent and planned projects in the I-Drive corridor.

There are a number of great hotels along International Drive which range the the economy level to those near the convention center that are full service luxury brands.  

Hotels Near ICON Park

There are a number of great hotels along International Drive which range the the economy level to those near the convention center that are full service luxury brands.  In addition, the on-site hotels at The Universal Orlando Resort are just a short distance away.

Following are two of our recommended hotels near ICON Park:

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites is not only the newest hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort but one of the largest.  With 2,050 traditional rooms and two-bedroom suites, this hotel features two resort style pools, a fitness center and multiple dining options.

Dockside is one of Universal’s “Value Hotels & Resorts” where rates typically range from $100 per night to around $200 per night depending on the time of year and room type.

Click here to learn more about this amazing resort.

Courtyard by Marriott – International Drive / Convention Center

Just across the street from ICON Park along Austrian Court is the Courtyard by Marriott – International Drive / Convention Center.  This value orientated hotel features a small pool, fitness center and a small lobby café.  

The Courtyard does not have resort fees and parking is complimentary.  Rates are in the low $100 range depending on time of year and room type.  Watch our video below to learn more.

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

Recent Posts