Grand Opening Date for I-Drive 360 Attractions Announced

After waiting for months, Merlin Entertainments PLC announced this morning the grand opening date for its three newest Central Florida attractions, The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
All three highly anticipated attractions will officially open on May 4, 2015, but some could get an exclusive sneak peek. Guests who sign up for the attraction newsletters will have a chance to be among the first to preview each attraction.

Special limited access opportunities to all three attractions will be available May 1-3 for guests who sign up for the attraction e-newsletter on OfficialOrlandoEye.com, MadameTussauds.com/Orlando or VisitSeaLife.com/Orlando. Slots are limited, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible.

Merlin has also announced that tickets to each attraction will start at $25 ($20 for children 12 and under), however, combination tickets are available across multiple attractions and sister attraction LEGOLAND Florida. Click on this link for a complete list of the ticket prices.

The Orlando Theme Park News Team was able to attend this morning's media event. Here you are some photos of The Orlando Eye terminal and the surrounding areas. We also included a video of the short (yet exciting) announcement of the attractions' opening dates, as well as the unveiling of one of the newest wax figures that will soon be installed inside the Madame Tussauds museum:

First of all, the exterior of Madame Tussauds is currently being painted:







Nearby, we noticed that work is being done in the area directly in front of The Orlando Eye terminal:

A look inside the terminal:







A SEA LIFE Aquarium photo-op was set up nearby:



The stage is ready:



We will soon discover which wax figure is hidden behind these curtains...



Enjoy this video of the announcement:



Some photos taken after the announcement:





A closer look at the Neil Patrick Harris figure:











Time to continue our tour of the area:



Let's now head to the future entrance of The Orlando Eye:



Themed wallpaper welcomes Guests before they reach the turnstiles:



Tickets will be scanned right here:

Next, Guests will have the chance to have a close encounter with one of the pylons that hold the actual observation wheel. This will give you an idea of how massive this structure is:







Afterwards, Guests will be waiting in this room, which is adjacent to the 4-D Theater:







The theater will include many special effects, including lights, wind, sound effects, water, and smells:









Guests will then board the capsules right after the 4-D experience:

“We are thrilled to announce the May 4 grand opening of the newest additions to Central Florida, rounding out Orlando’s world-class offerings!” said James Paulding, Head of Southeast Region for Midway Attractions for Merlin Entertainments. “Along with the entire community, we’ve been eagerly watching the construction of this incredible observation wheel and we cannot wait for guests to experience The Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium.”

All three attractions are located at the brand new I-Drive 360 entertainment and dining complex in the heart of Orlando’s famed International Drive. More new attractions will also open soon in the area.