I-Drive 360 Media Event Includes New Artworks and Details

Work on I-Drive 360 (previously known as "I-Drive Live", then "Orlando Eye") is progressing quickly, and just a few days ago, a special media event was held in the future area that will soon be home to the new Madame Tussauds museum, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, the majestic Orlando Eye wheel, and much more. During that event, new information and artworks were released, and today we are going to share them with you. There's really a lot to look forward to see in this area:

First of all, here you are the official press release of the Media event:

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Project Update from Merlin Entertainments PLC for Three New Orlando Attractions Coming to International Drive - Spring 2015 

Orlando, Fla. – With less than a year to grand opening, Merlin Entertainments PLC (Merlin) is gearing up to introduce three of its exciting global brands to the Central Florida region, with the launches of The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE aquarium in Spring 2015. 

Merlin, the second largest visitor attraction operator in the world, already operates LEGOLAND Florida, the highly successful theme park uniquely targeted at families with children under 12, which opened in 2011. 

The Orlando Eye, the cantilevered observation wheel at the heart of the complex, will be a little sister icon to London’s world-famous landmark, providing breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions within fully enclosed, air-conditioned glass capsules. 

Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous celebrity wax attraction, provides visitors with the ultimate fame experience and its signature red carpet treatment. Madame Tussauds showcases incredibly detailed and lifelike wax figures that lovingly pay tribute to the most influential celebrity and historical figures of our time. 

SEA LIFE Orlando will offer a new wave of underwater adventures with beautiful displays of colorful fish, sharks, jellyfish, sea horses and more, that turn the traditional aquarium observation on its head. Winding tunnels, floor-to-ceiling tanks and bubble aquariums provide an immersive experience for children and adults alike. Additionally, the aquarium, known for its strong conservation efforts, will have unique educational components for young marine life enthusiasts. 

“The success of LEGOLAND Florida has underlined to us the potential for Merlin’s high quality global attractions in Central Florida; and particularly in Orlando, undoubtedly the best and most exciting location for family entertainment anywhere in the world,” said Nick Varney, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments PLC. “We believe that this is an exceptional group of attractions which will not only provide three quite different new experiences for visitors; but also together add an exciting new dimension to what is already available in the region.” 

“We are very excited to be bringing some of Merlin’s best-loved global attractions to International Drive. SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds have already proven their popularity with audiences across North America; and in Europe and Asia,” added James Paulding, Head of Openings for North America, Merlin Entertainments. “From 2015, these two, together with the unique views from the Eye will become must-do experiences for every visitor to Orlando.” 

All three attractions are scheduled to open in Spring 2015, in addition to numerous shopping and dining options in the complex, adding a new dimension to Orlando’s world-class entertainment options. 

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Now, here's an attraction-by-attraction breakdown:

- THE ORLANDO EYE -

Facts 

 The Orlando Eye is the tallest observational wheel on the North American East Coast! 

 Orlando Eye weighs about 3,000,000 pounds. That is 1,500 tons or 300 school buses. 

 The Wheel Hub weighs more than a Boeing 737 at over 180,000 pounds. 

 It takes over 150 forty-foot trailers to ship all of the wheel components. 

 The capsules feature redundant (two) A/C units; color changing LED lights; Bose audio system for music/narration. 

 The glass covering the capsules is crafted in Turkey. 

 Capsules are assembled in Budapest, Hungary and shipped to Florida from Northern Germany. 

 Intamin (based out of Switzerland) have designed and manufactured the wheel 

Features 

 400ft high 

 Views over Orlando attractions, downtown, and on a clear day the East Coast and Kennedy Space Center 

 30 Unique Air-Conditioned Capsules 

 15 Person Capacity Per Capsule 

 20 minute experience on the Eye 

 Event space and unique experiences will be available including Buy outs, Champagne Flights and Private Capsules 

 Pre-flight 4D Experience (included in the admissions price) 

     o Showcasing a 3D film plus spectacular in-theatre effects including fireworks, 

        wind, scents and lighting. 

     o Experience Central Florida and Iconic landmarks through the 5 minute film 

     o The capacity of the theatre will be approx 130 

- MADAME TUSSAUDS -

Facts 

 Number 1 wax brand in the world – operating for more than 200 years 

 15 attractions worldwide with flagship in London (3 more to open this year) 

 There are more than 2000 individual wax figures in Madame Tussauds attractions around the world 

 New figures are added to each of the attractions every year – there is always something new to do or see 

 Every Madame Tussauds is different and reflects the style, people and excitement of its specific location – both in its design, and in its mix of local and international figures. In every individual attraction we look to include figures which are of direct relevance and interest to the City and wider area in which it is based. 

 Our choice of figures reflects who our visitors want to see, based on regular polls and feedback. 

 Our attractions are filled with original and unique artifacts including clothing provided by the celebrities themselves; or replicas made by the original designers and artists 

 There are no ropes or barriers in our attractions – our visitors can touch, be photographed and ‘interact’ with our figures whether it is on “a date” with George Clooney or playing football against David Beckham 

 Madame Tussauds figures: 

     o typically take 3 to 4 months to make 

     o utilize a team of around 20 skilled artists 

     o involve more than 200 different measurements (where sitting involved) 

     o every hair inserted individually by hand in our own Studios either directly onto the head, or very 

        occasionally a wig base where this is felt to more accurately reflect the style of the person 

     o Madame Tussauds’ figures each cost US $300k 

Features 

 25,000-square-foot indoor attraction 

 Themed rooms featuring a Red Carpet Arrival, A-List Party, History & Leaders, Modern Leaders, Sports, Music, Authentic History and more 

 Presentation video about the history of Madame Tussauds and how the wax figures are made 

 Make your own wax hand cast to create a 3-D mold as a souvenir 

 Retail store 

Visit Length 

 On average, guests will spend 60-90 minutes in the attraction. 

- SEA LIFE AQUARIUM -

Facts 

 SEA LIFE is the number one aquarium brand in the world with over 40 attractions. 

 SEA LIFE Orlando is the seventh SEA LIFE location in the U.S. 

 At SEA LIFE Orlando, you will experience a dynamic journey from the wetlands and swamps around Lake Apopka - to the fun and colorful Florida Keys and tropical shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Diverse species are displayed within authentic and fantastically themed environments, influenced by all the language and look of the subtropical southern environment. 

 SEA LIFE Orlando provides visitors with a mix of education, conservation and fun. 

 SEA LIFE celebrates everything about the sea. We are passionate about preserving marine habitats and protecting the incredible species that live in them. Marine conservation is at the heart of everything we do, supporting projects across the world to inspire more people to care. 

 The focus of our business is to educate and conserve. We take a three-pronged approach to conservation – Breed, Rescue, Protect - which can be found at the heart of everything we do. 

 Breed: we run successful breeding programs for sharks and endangered creatures like seahorses. 

 Rescue: we save as many sick, injured or orphaned sea creatures as we can, rehabilitating and returning hundreds of them to the sea each year – and we’re committed to doing more. 

 Protect: we raise funds for conservations projects like the Turtle Rescue Hospital in Zakynthos, Greece to help ensure they can continue their vital work. 

Features 

 25,000-square-foot indoor attraction 

 360° underwater ocean tunnel 

 Over 5,000 creatures, including sharks, sea turtles, seahorses, octopus, jellyfish and rays 

 Over 30 fascinating displays 

 350,000 gallons of water in the ocean tank 

 12’ deep ocean tank 

 Interactive touchpool experience 

 Educational talks and feedings throughout the day 

 Kids’ quiz and activity trail 

 Presentation video theatre 

 Children's soft play area 

 Retail store 

Visit Length 

 On average, guests will spend 60-90 minutes in the attraction. 

And that is all for now. You can be sure that we will continue to keep you up-to-date with the progress that will continue to be done in this area, as we have done in the past few years. Remember to check out our official I-Drive 360 page to view the LIVE webcam showing the current look of the construction area.

ARTWORKS: Copyright of MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc. All rights reserved.