Merlin Entertainments Makes for a Magical Family Time in Orlando

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated are my Merlin-Entertainments-Loving own!

Merlin Entertainments has these three great attractions, all in a row, that make for an awesome way to spend some time in Orlando. We went there recently and it was a great alternative to the hustle and bustle we usually voluntarily dive right into when we are in the area (theme parks, most generally). In fact it was so low-key that it was relaxing and so, so very nice. It was definitely an easy way to get quality family time in, away from the daily tasks of life, and w.o.r.k. (which I love and appreciate, but you get what I'm saying). You can select one to attend, or get a discounted ticket price if you go to all three!

 

This stunning attraction is called the Orlando Eye. It stands 400 ft. in the air, and you can see it from so many different places within the city. We could actually see it from our hotel room that was about 20 minutes away.

The ride up is steady, and slow and you are sitting inside of an air conditioned area with an iPad that gives you an optional tour of the area. Let me tell you, the views are stunning.

Some of you might remember that I'm game for most any thrill ride, and will get on them without batting an eye...but Ferris Wheels for some reason make my heart skip a beat. I swore the last time I got on one (a big, beautiful one in Chicago) that it would be my last...because we got stuck at the top, for a very long time. The Orlando Eye was too hard to resist though and the ride was different than most wheels.

The boys and their aunt weren't scared. :)

It really wasn't that scary at all, until my 2nd oldest son tried to be funny and touch the door while we were at the top. He wasn't trying to open it, just touched it to take a selfie of me behind him freaking out (ha, I raised a brat!) and I tried not to oblige, but my mom instinct kicked in and I heatedly and hastily assured him that touching the door was not a great idea. He laughed and got his photo opp. -_-  I'm sure those doors are locked, and he barely touched it, just enough to be funny (which it definitely was not), but why take any chance at all? I'm just saying. 

The beauty of this for me was that it didn't stop at the top. It is in continuous slow motion the whole time it is running, and you comfortably step on and off while it moves. I also loved that you could sit on the seat in the middle, or stand anywhere along the sides to get the view you were hoping to see. The ride/view were both great, and I do recommend this attraction to you if you're going to be in the Orlando area.

-Website: https://www.officialorlandoeye.com

When you've floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee for so long
I guess it just gets old... Ali looking completely apathetic about the K.O.

The second attraction they have, directly next door is Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Wax Museum. This place was chock full of your favorite celebrities and I even got to get my picture taken with Danny Zuko (I knew I'd have my arms around him someday...sorry, Sandy, not sorry). Grease. It was the photos with the kids that were making me laugh though. My son got knocked out by Muhammad Ali. That's one of my favorite pictures from the day. It depicts exactly what the wax museum is all about; having a good time, and getting in some fun photo opps.

"Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts."
                                                                                  -Albert Einstein

Then he talked Mr. Einstein into wearing his sunglasses.
They must be a timeless style because he looks pretty good in 'em too. ;)

He was Swift to pick up a guitar and play along.

My youngest got to jam with Taylor Swift (I'm sure she's still remembering his talent). She was so mesmerized that she just quit playing. He on the other hand, could not put the guitar down.

Everyone always reminisces about how Neil Armstrong's jokes were just out of this world. ;)

He also took a little side trip to the moon. Oh hey, Neil (Armstrong)!! Thanks for taking my kid along on such a monumental event!

I don't mind them out for a ride together late at night, just so long as they don't forget to 'phone home.'

Then both of the boys took a bike ride with E.T. Is it just me, or is little bro looking a little nervous about his big brother's cycling prowess?

"I have understood well that the duty of self-preservation
rests solely with..." the American people Madame Tussaud. ;)          

I was just amazed at how real the wax figures looked. Abraham Lincoln, J-Lo, Samuel Jackson, Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Uncle Sam (not the singer ;) ), Thomas Edison and more. They were just so authentic that it made the jaunt through the museum so silly and fun. Photos are encouraged and props are included at many of the stations. The kids' aunt was along and she kept touching the people like they were real. It was cracking us up. Every time we turned around she was touching a hand, arm, leg or face. She's not invasive like that in real life, which made it even funnier to watch in the museum. I think she was stunned at how real they all looked too. ;)

This is an awesome place to go for singles, couples, and families. We had a blast.

-Website: https://www.madametussauds.com/orlando

The third Merlin Entertainments selection we went to, that is again, right next door was Sea Life. In addition to the aquariums they run they also have 6 sea life sanctuaries that treat and release back into the wild (when possible), injured seals and sea turtles.

The aquarium we went to in Orlando was gorgeous, and very interactive. There were educational discussions and feeding times you could attend while there.

What I loved was the layout and design. There were tunnels you could walk under (adult and children-sized),

and these glass bubbles you could climb into that made you a part of the aquarium itself.

There were also glass floors in some areas, and a walk-through tunnel where you could see the sea life swimming all around you, even overhead.

Some of the windows just left me mesmerized, and I'd stay so long the kids would have to come back and get me, lol. The area that had Stingrays, fish, sea turtles, eels and sharks swimming around was one of those windows.

My SIL was entranced by the jelly fish (real and this replica hanging from the ceiling). :)

There were touch centers too. I was surprised they had sea anemone's out to touch. I didn't know they weren't sensitive to you. In fact, we had a salt water tank years ago and I never touched ours. Admittedly, I was not the one taking care of the tank, I just admired it in the house. :)

The embossing stations made for a fun souvenir. My SIL found them all for us.

They also had stations all over the aquarium where you put a seal on your map to note you had been there. My SIL was the one doing this, and after awhile it definitely caught my youngest son's interest. Such a fun touch to add to the self-tour, and a great souvenir to take home.

And speaking of souvenirs, I may or may not have spent a small fortune on a souvenir book to take home that had several of our pictures laced throughout it. To me? Worth every penny. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good picture. :)

-Website: https://www.visitsealife.com

All in all the day was a nice, relaxing way to spend some time with family. I love that all three of the attractions were side-by-side, and the square where they were located was lovely in landscape and decoration. There was also a seven-story parking garage right next to these attractions and parking there was free. In Orlando??? Yep, free parking in Orlando. :) If you're looking for something unique to do this summer, I recommend these three Merlin Entertainments attractions. The one thing you don't want to forget when you go? Your camera!