Wonderworks – The Upside-Down Building in Orlando, Florida

WonderWorks Orlando, located on International Drive, isn’t your typical family attraction. This Florida Upside down building is easy to spot. It claims to be a secret science lab carried thousands of miles by a gigantic tornado, then tossed aside on its roof to stay at its current Orlando resting place. Even the building’s name is carved upside down. Once inside, the fun is not only right side up, but almost endless.

WonderWorks is Full of Wonder

The Orlando version of WonderWorks contains a NASA command center where kids can work on landing the space shuttle. They can also get up close with a life-size replica of a space suit like the ones worn by real astronauts. After that space shuttle experience, budding scientists can participate in science experiments and games found throughout the building. Children of all ages can participate in a mind control experiment that tests the ability to move objects mentally, create giant bubbles, feel what it’s like to lay on a bed of nails, and play any number of other games and sports.

WonderWorks Orlando hosts a 10,000 square-foot laser tag arcade and maze that gives groups plenty of room to battle against each other. Laser tag is not only fun, but a great way of getting exercise of burning off any energy left over from exploring the rest of the laboratory. After that, guests can enjoy a stroll through the ropes course, hang out in the video arcade, or visit the gift shop. The rope course is a three-story adventure filled with obstacles, swinging bridges, and tires.

The building also houses a roller coaster simulator and an earthquake simulator, both virtual motion rides. It also houses a virtual reality desert war game. Hungry scientists and explorers can stop at the WonderWorks café to find pizza, pretzels, ice cream, drinks, or other refreshments. Or, they can stick around for the nightly magic & dinner show, happening at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. six nights a week. Ticket prices for this magical comedy show are $24.99 for adults and $16.99 for children and seniors.

WonderWorks Welcomes All Visitors

WonderWorks will host birthday parties, school field trips, and even corporate events for adults. It is open daily 9 a.m. to midnight, and private events that cause part of the building to be closed off are usually announced in advance. The building is fully wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Those with visual or hearing impairments can find plenty of excitement among the activities.

For those who can’t get to Orlando, WonderWorks has attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A new building should be opening up this spring in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.