Merlin Acquires The Wheel at ICON Park – Rebrands it to "The Orlando Eye"

Merlin Entertainments has acquired The Wheel at ICON Park, the giant observation wheel that opened on May 4, 2015. The Ferris wheel, manufactured by Intamin, has been renamed to “The Orlando Eye,” which was its original name when it opened. The wheel is co-located with two of Merlin’s existing attractions at ICON Park: the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando.

Over the years, the Ferris wheel has been known as the “Orlando Eye,” the “Coca-Cola Orlando Eye,” “ICON Orlando,” and “The Wheel at ICON Park.”

In an official press release from Monday, March 25, 2024, which also details the company’s record revenue in 2023, Merlin says the acquisition is “in line with a strategic focus on building major attraction clusters in key tourist cities.”

"Today’s acquisition of the Orlando Wheel in the vitally important tourist hub of Orlando demonstrates this new Gateway strategy in action and serves to replicate our successful London Gateway formula, whereby we have clustered four of our branded attractions alongside the iconic anchor that is The London Eye. Similarly, The Orlando Eye by Merlin Entertainments will become an unmissable stop on visitors’ itineraries, connecting guests to our wider portfolio of premium attractions and resort theme parks in and around Orlando, including the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park. 2023 will be remembered as a strong year for Merlin, marked by growth in demand for the joyful experiences we deliver to millions of guests annually. We set the company on a path for transformation that will strengthen our position as the global leader in branded entertainment destinations, and one that responds to increased consumer appetite for digitally immersive and premium experiences at world-famous attractions.”
– Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive Officer, Merlin Entertainments