ORLANDO, Fla. — The 400-foot tall The Wheel at ICON Park is once again lighting up Orlando’s skyline for the first time since it temporarily lost power on New Year’s Eve.
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All of the 62 guests on board at the time were safely evacuated, but the ride has been shut down since then.
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An ICON Park spokesperson released a statement Friday providing an update on the wheel.
It said, in part, “ICON Park and The Wheel have zero tolerance for any inconvenience of this type involving its guests…The Wheel’s technicians have been inspecting thousands of components on The Wheel and diagnosing what happened.”
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The statement goes on to note they’ve been in “constant communication” with The Wheel’s German manufacturer Intamin Amusement Rides.
They say they’re also working with Duke Energy and other experts to install upgrades meant to prevent another power failure.
“This work is time consuming and hindered by current supply chain issues,” the statement continues. “After our process and inspections are complete, and then state inspectors approve, The Wheel will reopen.”
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Though the wheel remains closed to the public for maintenance, they have begun testing the lights, marking a major milestone for on the road to its return to service. The exact cause of the power outage is still under investigation .
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