The Orlando Eye is now back open after an oil leak shut down the observation wheel for more than 24 hours.
A spokeswoman for the Orlando Eye said the observation wheel's operating systems indicated an irregularity at 11 a.m. The staff made the decision to stop the ride and investigate further.
The spokeswoman issued the following statement Friday:
The Orlando Eye experienced a technical issue this week and has now reopened. As with all of our attractions, the safety of our guests and employees is our top priority.
Many people bought tickets in advance to ride the Orlando Eye, only to be told it was closed. The spokeswoman said those guests' tickets will remain valid for 30 days.
For guests who bought tickets but will not be in Orlando during that time can get a full refund. For assistance, call guest services at (866) 228-6438.
An alert on the Orlando Eye website first appeared Thursday, saying the ride was "currently closed due to a technical issue," adding, "We hope to resume flights soon."
Thursday's issue is the second reported technical problem on the Orlando Eye since it opened May 4. The ride also briefly shut down on Sunday.
Managers said crews have been working nonstop for over 24 hours to fix the mechanical issue.
Officials said they were being extra cautious because the ride is so new.
No emergency evacuations were needed Thursday, but if there ever is a serious emergency on the Orlando Eye, a team of Orange County firefighters is dedicated to respond to the attraction. Members were selected from 70 firefighters who tried out to be on the team in April by scaling the 400-foot-tall observation wheel.
Merlin Entertainments, the company behind the Orlando Eye, also operates the London Eye in the United Kingdom, which is taller than its Orlando counterpart by nearly 50 feet.
In 2008, about 400 people were trapped on the London Eye for an hour. Media reports said engineers had to stop the ride to fix a serious problem.
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