Giant Wheel for Orlando

Posted on July 10th, 2008 by karyn kudrna

Recent visitors to Orlando, Florida may wonder if there is anything else on earth that could be added this wonderful city to make it stand out. The answer to that question is a resounding yes!

By 2010, the Great Wheel Corp. is hoping to have in place one of its giant observation wheels. The wheel, which looks much like a Ferris wheel, will be in Orlando itself, right on International Drive, and offer visitors an unmatched view of the city and the surrounding area.

During a recent news conference, the Singapore-based company announced plans to build the 660-ton, 440-foot high wheel that can hold up to 4,300 people per hour. It will offer a breathtaking view of Central Florida.

But the viewing gets even better when one considers the awesome opportunities to view theme park firework displays and even the future launching of space shuttles. The large gondolas that carry visitors can also be used for private parties, weddings and business meetings.

Two main reasons that Orlando was picked for the wheel’s location are the large number of tourist who visit the city on a regular basis and the terrain that surrounds Orlando. The terrain is relatively flat and has little obstruction. This allows viewers an expansive panorama to enjoy from the dizzying height.

This will be the sixth of such wheels that the company has put into place but it will be the very first to put placed in the Western hemisphere. Some of the other wheels that dot the globe are located in Berlin, Dubai, Singapore and London, where the Great Wheel added nearly 1,300 jobs. The company, as well as the local government of Orlando, expect the same economic boost for Orange County Florida.

One reason for the possible economic boost is that construction is expected to be headed by local architects, engineers and construction firms and workers. This comes at a time when all cities are looking for added employment for their citizens.

For those wishing to see the Orlando skyline now, a visit to Sky Tower, which is run by SeaWorld, and is located on International Drive, reaches some 400 feet in height. Its observation deck is a big attraction to many visitors to the city.

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