Icon Park takes guests on a journey through Florida’s highlights with ‘The Great Florida Road Trip.’
Based on mid-century Florida, “The Great Florida Road Trip, A Classic Vacation and Photo Travelogue with the Flamingo Family” will be a nostalgic romp through the Sunshine State’s history, pre-Disney, when it launches at Icon Park in January 2023.
Icon Park developed the experience – part gaming, part educational elements – in partnership with Orlando-based Ideas, Knoxville-based Creative Amusements, and Indiana-based Steradian Technologies, as well as Floridian tourism outlets.
“I have always been intrigued and inspired by the Florida Tourism pioneers — the roadside attractions and short-stay entertainment venues that paved the way for everything else that followed,” said Icon Park President and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz. “This concept provides a way for us to pay homage to their contribution while at the same time educating visitors on the diversity of experiences that Florida has to offer. People of all ages can have fun playing the game, and I know there will be tons of smiles from guests who are old enough to reflect fondly on those destinations.”
During the experience, guests will meet the Flamingo family during a preview video, and a soundtrack will act as a guide through educational points while guests capture photos of oranges and billboards boasting Floridian landmarks with a special courtesy infrared camera-like device that allows them to earn points. At the end of the journey, guests can mail a postcard to friends and family.
All guests who take part in the experience (including a ride on The Wheel) will receive a memento, but the guest who takes scores the most points by taking the best photos with their camera-themed gameplay device (which can take photos of objects up to 1000 feet away) will win a special prize. Guests of all ages who are able to use the “camera” can participate.
“It’s so exciting that ICON Park is going to provide this exposure to so many Florida destinations in our beautiful state,” said Staci Mellman, CMO at Visit Florida. “This will give Orlando visitors a taste of some of the other great experiences that our state has to offer.”
Peter Cranis, executive director, Space Coast Office of Tourism, also shared his excitement about the new project, saying, “The Space Coast/Cape Canaveral is pleased to be a part of the new experience at The Wheel at Icon Park. With more than 50 launches this year, we’re earning our name and we hope The Wheel guests get to experience a launch while they are here in Florida. The Wheel is a technological marvel in itself, and a great way to see Central Florida and learn about all the amazing things there are to do here.”
For more, visit IconParkOrlando.com.
