More than 2,000 people packed I-Drive 360 for Wednesday's grand opening of the Orlando Eye as daredevil Nik Wallenda walked across the 400-foot-tall observation wheel.
The day wasn't just about the hoopla of major attractions opening along International Drive, though.
Jackie Jara, a 13-year-old girl who is battling leukemia, became the first official rider of the Orlando Eye on Wednesday night as part of her Make-A-Wish Foundation wish.
Jara was diagnosed with leukemia in 2013.
"The hardest part is taking all of the medicine and feeling bad after it all," Jackie Jara said.
The girl's mother, Lourdes Jara, said her daughter always looks at the positive in everything.
"She is an amazing girl," Lourdes Jara said, as she wiped tears from her eyes. "I mean, she is the one that gets me through it, which I am the one that is supposed to be supporting her. But she is the one that gets us through all of it."
The ride lasted about 20 minutes. Jackie's treatments are expected to be completed in October.