Nik Wallenda has done it.
The seventh-generation member of the famous Flying Wallenda walked on top of the 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye while the observation was rotating at 1 mph.
The 36-year-old started his walk shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday atop the city's newest attraction, which is set to open to the public early next month.
The never-before-attempted feat was Wallenda's most dangerous stunt yet. He used his arms for balance. Cables and poles were in the way, and so Wallenda couldn't use a balancing pole, which is something he typically uses during his stunts. He also couldn't choose his own pace.
Wallenda rode to the top of the wheel, then navigated up ladders and around sections of the structure before beginning his walk along a 6-inch-wide beam, which lasted a few minutes.
After the walk, Wallenda said the weather conditions were ideal. Winds were about 15-20 mph but weren't overwhelming, he said.
"What an amazing feeling it was up there," he said. "It was wet. My shoes are soaking wet actually on the bottom."
To set a Guinness World Record, he had to walk the length of four gondolas as the wheel spun at a speed of 1 mph.
The Flying Wallendas
Explore an interactive timeline of Nik Wallenda's stunts and the history of the Wallenda family.
The famous high-wire performer has also crossed the Grand Canyon, Chicago skyscrapers, and two hotel towers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his great-grandfather, the famous Karl Wallenda, fell to his death in 1978. Nik Wallenda made the journey in 2011 with his mother, Delilah, even stepping over her in the middle of the walk.
During Wednesday's stunt, Wallenda was able to communicate with his father and rescue team in case anything went wrong.
The Orlando Eye opens to the public Monday, May 4.
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Eye on I-Drive
See the latest news on the Orlando Eye and other coming attractions on International Drive.
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