As I look into planning a family trip to Florida for 2026, I’ve been discovering some fantastic attractions that really capture the spirit of the state. One place that’s caught my eye is ICON Park in Orlando, especially with its new interactive experience, The Great Florida Road Trip. It sounds like a wonderful way to learn about Florida’s history while having a lot of fun.
A New Look for ICON Park
When Chris Jaskiewicz took over as president and CEO of ICON Park in late 2018, he saw its potential. He knew it needed a clear identity to draw people in. Working with a design firm called IDEAS, they renamed the property and built a strong brand. This set the stage for the park’s growth over the past few years.
The IDEAS Approach to Fun
IDEAS is a company that focuses on storytelling to create experiences. They had a unique approach to helping ICON Park. First, they mapped out the current situation by interviewing people and looking at market data. Then, they held a collaborative session called a “StoryJam” where everyone shared ideas for the future.
Designing The Great Florida Road Trip
This process led to a detailed plan for the park’s brand and experiences. IDEAS developed concepts, and market research was done to see how appealing they were. This allowed ICON Park to gradually bring these ideas to life. One of the early suggestions that proved successful was adding a bar at the entrance.
Gamification Comes to The Wheel
ICON Park wanted to add games and competition, especially for families with children. They saw that the capsules of The Wheel, their observation wheel, would be a perfect place for a gamified experience. Innovation is key in the competitive Orlando market, and this new attraction fits that goal.
From Laser Tag to a Photo Adventure
Initially, the idea was a laser tag-style game. Guests would use toy devices to aim at targets, but after testing, it raised some concerns. The team at IDEAS was challenged to find a new way to use the technology. They came up with several concepts, and one that seemed promising was a camera-based game.
A Camera Game with a Twist
This camera idea fit well with some development the laser tag company had already started. They decided to make the game about taking pictures, which felt more universal and engaging. This new concept became the foundation for The Great Florida Road Trip.
Celebrating Florida’s Tourism Past
The Great Florida Road Trip celebrates Orlando’s roots and Florida’s rich history of tourism. The design team took inspiration from the mid-20th century, a time when families often took road trips across the state. The attraction aims to give visitors a sense of what Florida was like before the big theme parks emerged.
Meeting the Flamingo Family
The experience introduces guests to the lovable Flamingo family, a group of cartoon characters designed to look like the iconic plastic lawn flamingos. This family serves as guides for a nostalgic journey through Florida’s vacation spots from the 1950s and 1960s. It’s a fun way to introduce the theme to everyone, especially younger visitors.
What can you expect on The Great Florida Road Trip?
The experience begins with a colorful pre-show where you meet the Flamingo family. They introduce their holiday plans, piling into their station wagon for an adventure across Florida.
After the pre-show, you’ll be given your “Photomatic” cameras. These are designed to look like vintage cameras, complete with a neck strap. The cameras have special infrared technology that allows them to interact with markers visible from the observation wheel capsules.
The Game Play Explained
As you ride The Wheel, you’ll be looking for “photo spots.” These are large billboards designed like postcards, showcasing 16 different famous Florida destinations from the 1950s and 60s. You’ll want to take pictures of these spots with your camera to score points.
For bonus points, you’ll also need to keep an eye out for souvenir Florida oranges. This adds another layer of fun and engagement to the game. It’s designed to be easy for everyone to play.
While you’re on your journey, you’ll hear a radio show playing. It features funny period advertisements, news updates, and stories about what was happening in Florida during that era. This adds to the authentic feel of the experience.
When Sofia and I were looking at these attractions, I thought about how much this could be a fun history lesson for Emma, who is still quite young. It sounds like a good balance of playful competition and learning about the past.
Unique Technology Behind the Fun
The technology powering The Great Florida Road Trip is quite remarkable. Developed by Creative Amusements and Steradian Technologies, the cameras use a special infrared system. This system can reach up to 1,000 feet, interacting with markers on the rooftops that are only visible from above.
How the Cameras Work
When you successfully take a photo of a marker, the camera electronically locks your score. The more targets you hit, the more points you earn. The technology also provides feedback, letting you know when you’ve made a good shot.
This two-way communication system is impressive. It allows the cameras to target specific markers and confirm when they’ve been accurately hit. It’s a neat piece of engineering that makes the game feel responsive and exciting.
Celebrating Florida’s Heritage
The Great Florida Road Trip celebrates Florida’s tourism history before Disney World opened. The state was already a popular destination for families, and this attraction highlights that era. The aesthetic is pure mid-century, with vibrant billboards and period-inspired audio narration.
Educational Aspects for All Ages
Beyond the game, there are educational elements for those interested in the industry. You can learn about historical attractions and landmarks. For example, it might touch on Jacksonville’s early amusement park or the ongoing popularity of the Winter Park boat tour. It also highlights cultural spots like Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ home.
I think it’s wonderful that they’ve included details like the spacesuit on the Cape Canaveral billboard, which is based on Alan Shepard’s actual suit. It adds a layer of historical accuracy that can be really engaging for visitors who appreciate that kind of detail.
For families like ours, the focus is on making it enjoyable. The game aspect ensures that even younger children, like Emma, can participate and have fun while learning a bit about Florida’s heritage. It sounds like something that would be a hit at indoor activities throughout Orlando.
A Passion Project for Florida History
The team behind The Great Florida Road Trip clearly has a deep appreciation for Florida’s history. They’ve created an attraction that is both a celebration and an educational tool. The initial reaction has been very positive, with guests enjoying the unique experience.
What’s Next for IDEAS and ICON Park
Looking ahead, IDEAS is working on other exciting projects, including a unique science center and theme park blend called Space Base California. They are also involved in a waterfront development in Puerto Rico and a reinvention of the Florida Aquarium.
For ICON Park, they are planning updates like an improved Play Pass that will include The Great Florida Road Trip and other attractions. They also have new tenants and events planned throughout the year, continuing their commitment to innovation and guest experience.
I am really looking forward to exploring more of what Orlando has to offer. The combination of interactive fun and historical insight in The Great Florida Road Trip makes it a must-see for me and my family as we plan our trip for 2026. It seems like a perfect example of the diverse Orlando experience.
Planning Your Visit
When you plan your visit, it’s a good idea to check the operating hours for The Wheel and The Great Florida Road Trip. Ticket prices and availability can change, so it’s always best to confirm these details closer to your travel dates.
The experience is designed for a broad audience, making it suitable for families with children of various ages. Younger kids will enjoy the characters and the interactive camera game, while older visitors might appreciate the historical context and the nod to Florida’s tourism past.
Consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer fewer crowds. The ride on The Wheel offers fantastic views of the surrounding area, turning the journey into a scenic tour as well.
Transportation to ICON Park is generally easy, with many visitors arriving by car or ride-share services. Parking is available, which is always a plus when traveling with family.
If you’re looking for dining options nearby, ICON Park itself has a variety of restaurants, and exploring them could be part of your day.
This attraction seems like a wonderful way to spend a few hours, offering a break from the larger theme parks while still providing a memorable and engaging experience for everyone.
I’m excited to continue exploring all the wonderful travel opportunities this region offers. This new attraction at ICON Park sounds like a fantastic way to dive into Florida’s unique history.
