ICON Park — Attraction in Dr. Phillips

A Mixed Bag of Fun and Discomfort: My Experience at ICON Park, Orlando

During my recent visit to ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, I was captivated by its blend of attractions, eateries, and the iconic Orlando Eye. As a family-friendly hotspot, it's a vibrant testament to Orlando's rich culture of fun and entertainment. For most of my visit, the park lived up to its promise of an enjoyable experience.

Yet, despite the general air of excitement and enjoyment, my experience took an unfortunate turn that highlighted an issue worth addressing. As someone who has worked in public safety for many years, I am well-versed in the laws and rules surrounding photography in public spaces. This background made an encounter with an overzealous armed security guard all the more perplexing and disheartening.

While engaging in a common tourist activity—photographing and videoing a group on the slingshot ride—I found myself singled out from a crowd of 8 to 10 people doing the exact same thing. The distinguishing factor, uncomfortably clear, was that I was the only black person in the vicinity. The guard questioned my relationship to those on the ride and upon learning I had none, advised me against photographing them. His justification was vague, mentioning potential complaints from the riders, a concern that seemed unfounded given the public nature of the activity and the location.

Given my professional background, I questioned whether this was a specific policy in Florida, to which he responded negatively. The explanation provided did not align with my understanding of public photography laws, making the interaction feel not only unnecessary but discriminatory. His parting remark, suggesting I was "starting to see things his way" after I expressed my discomfort, was particularly galling.

This experience, isolated yet impactful, marred my perception of ICON Park. It serves as a reminder that even in places designed for universal enjoyment, there can be moments that feel exclusive and unwelcoming. My hope is that ICON Park addresses these concerns, ensuring that security staff are properly trained on public photography laws and the importance of treating all guests with impartiality and respect. No visitor should have to feel singled out or unwelcome due to a misunderstanding or misapplication of the rules.

In conclusion, while ICON Park offers a myriad of attractions that many will find enjoyable, my visit underscores the importance of creating an environment where all guests, regardless of their background, feel equally valued and respected. Ensuring this could transform a good experience into a great one for...

Our trip to Orlando was supposed to be fun but we ended up having to drive to Miami, and as we only had 4 days, that really ate up our time. My daughter found the Illusions experience and since it fit our time frame, we purchased tickets and went. It was not worth the money. However, ICON park was a very nice place to shop. It had a large kid park in the middle. We let Stella, our puppy, play ball there. Later on we were asked not to do so. Oh well, she had fun while it lasted. And we totally understood. There were lots of restaurants there with a variety of tastes. We chose Shake Shack because we love it in NYC and we didn't get a chance to go elsewhere. ICON Park is a small theme park with big rides. They had a seriously large ferris wheel similar to the Eye in London or the one in Las Vegas. They also had some other rides like the Slingshot. I am not sure if they called it that here but it is what we call it and it is an accurate description. There was also a Madame Toussaud's Wax Museum, SeaLife Aquarium, a Max virtual reality experience, 7-D motion theatre and the Museum of Illusions. We have been to several Madame Toussaud's museum so we skipped this one. They do have passes individually and group ones. As we were only taking in the one experience we didn't look any further. My daughter likes to collect the squashed penny souveniers. She got some at the Space Kennedy Center and she was pleased to see there were some at ICON park. But NO ONE would give her any change in which to purchase one. All the vendors told her that they could not give change. However, one really nice guy looked in his own wallet but he couldn't help. Eventually the bartender in The Sugar Factory gave her some change and she purchased...

Icon Park, located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, is a premier entertainment destination that offers a plethora of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, making it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.One of the highlights of Icon Park is its iconic observation wheel, which stands tall at 400 feet and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Orlando skyline and surrounding areas. Visitors can embark on a memorable ride aboard the wheel's climate-controlled capsules, enjoying stunning vistas day or night.In addition to the observation wheel, Icon Park features a diverse array of attractions and activities for all ages. Thrill-seekers can take on the adrenaline-pumping rides at the onsite amusement park, while families can enjoy interactive experiences like the 7D Dark Ride Adventure or the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, home to a dazzling array of marine life.Icon Park also boasts a vibrant dining scene, with a variety of restaurants and eateries offering cuisines from around the world. Whether craving a juicy burger, fresh seafood, or international fare, visitors are sure to find something to satisfy their taste buds.Furthermore, Icon Park is a shopper's paradise, with a range of retail outlets and specialty stores offering everything from souvenirs and apparel to unique gifts and accessories. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, browsing the shops and enjoying the lively atmosphere.Overall, Icon Park offers a dynamic blend of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences that cater to every taste and preference. Whether seeking thrills, relaxation, or simply a fun day out with family and friends, this vibrant destination has something for everyone, making it a must-visit...