For the last few weeks two things have been on the mind and lips of those in and around Orlando! The first is The Orlando Eye, and the second is Nik Wallenda. As announced a few months ago, Nik Wallenda had planned to walk on the top of The Orlando Eye as it was rotating without the help of a safety harness or balance pole. Orlando Fun and Food was there to watch Wallenda do this amazing stunt and we also had a chance to talk to him about how he felt after his walk and what was next for him!
First off, if you didn’t get a chance to see it yet, details from his press conference can be read here! Wallenda announced that he would attempt to set a World Record for balancing on the top of the 400 foot Orlando Eye without the help of safety harness or balancing poles. Before the stunt began the mayor of Orlando and the governor of Florida spoke about how The Orlando Eye would help bring tourism to the 65 million mark in Orlando alone this year. After the mayor and governor spoke to the crowd, Wallenda broadcasted a interview live on The Today show on NBC.
Before we knew it, Wallenda was on top of The Orlando Eye in a capsule. Wallenda climbed out of the top of the capsule, and made his way down a ladder onto the rim of The Orlando Eye. After speaking with his dad, who is the director of safety for Wallenda, The Orlando Eye began to spin. Wallenda had to overcome obstacles from The Orlando Eye structure, condensation from the weather, and wind. After a few minutes of walking, Nik Wallenda stood on top of one of the support structures with his hands held up to the sky in victory of his new World Record!
We got a chance to talk to Nik Wallenda after his stunt. First we asked him what motivates him to do these stunts? Nik replied his faith, family and determination. He said that he lives his life on the line, and everything else is just waiting. I also asked him why he does what he does and what goes through his mind when he does these walks. He said that these stunts are in his blood being from a long line of tightrope walkers. He also said that when he is up on the wire (or The Orlando Eye) he can escape his problems and worries and just concentrate at the task at hand. Nik quoted to me what his late grandfather told him. “My grandfather said, ‘Life is being on the wire; everything else is just waiting.’ To me, I’m alive when I’m on the wire.” I can appreciate the fact that Wallenda loves what he does and that he is so open about his love and faith! The completion of the walk on The Orlando Eye marked the successful completion of Nik Wallenda’s 10th World Record!
I want to thank both Nik Wallenda and the folks at I Drive 360 and Merlin Entertainment for allowing us to be apart of this amazing day as well as to Nik for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to me! On a personal note, I would also like to thank Nik Wallenda for his pep talk and motivation in our conversation! Check back soon for a detailed look at The Orlando Eye and also make sure to check out my reviews of the other attractions at I Drive 360!!!
Have you been on The Orlando Eye? Did you watch Nik Wallenda defy the odds on The Orlando Eye? Comment below and let me know what you thought!
Jason Mayhew
My name is Jason Mayhew, and I am the owner of OFF On The Go. When not traveling with the website, I own my own marketing and PR company, J Mayhew Marketing. I have the best job where I get to travel the world and showcase the most amazing and unique experiences!
