Nik Wallenda Sets Sights on Orlando Eye

Daredevil Nik Wallenda is ready to take the world by storm once again.

This time the Sarasota man has his heart set on tackling the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye while the ride is in motion. Wallenda, who dazzled crowds with record-breaking walks between two Chicago skyscrapers last year, will perform the stunt on a wire without a balancing pole.

The stunt will take place early Wednesday morning and is set to air after 8 a.m. on NBC’s Today Show, WESH is reporting. Should the weather create a downpour, the stunt will be rescheduled for Thursday.

The Orlando Eye is a towering Ferris wheel that overlooks International Drive. The new attraction, part of the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex, is set to open to the public May 4.

During the stunt, the eye will rotate, which means maintaining balance will be tough, Bay News 9 pointed out. Wallenda, however, said he’s up to the task.

“It’s not hard to focus when you’re 400 feet up without a safety harness,” Wallenda told the station. “That’s the only thing I can do, is focus on each step and make sure that I’m as safe as I possibly can be, trying to stay in control of my thoughts.”

See Also:

• Sarasota Daredevil Nik Wallenda Has Georgia On His Mind
• Wallenda Successfully Completes Wire Walk Over Sarasota

Wallenda is a 7th generation member of the world-famous Flying Wallenda family. His career has taken him to the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and between those two Chicago skyscrapers. He’s also made a number of appearances in his hometown area around Sarasota.

The Chicago stunt took place late last year and earned Wallenda two world records. The first record earned was for completing the highest incline tightrope walk on record, Guinness World Records explained. The second was for completing the highest blindfolded tightrope walk.

Nik completed both crossings without a harness or safety net.

The daredevil has also announced intentions to cross Georgia’s 1,000-foot-long Tallulah Gorge. Details for that walk have not yet been announced.

For more information about Wallenda’s stunts, visit his website.

Photo from Facebook

Keep up with what’s happening around town and the state by signing up for your favorite Patch daily newsletter: Bloomingdale-Riverview, Bradenton, Brandon, Carrollwood-Northdale, Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Gulfport, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lutz, New Port Richey, New Tampa, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Beaches, Safety Harbor, Sarasota, Seminole Heights, South Tampa-Hyde Park, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Temple Terrace, Westchase.