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Ferris Wheel Information

What is an Observation Wheel?

Giant observation wheels are popping up all over the world as the race to build the biggest is heating up. An observation wheel consists of a large, rotatable wheel mounted on a central support structure with cars mounted to the rim of the wheel that always remain upright, typically due to gravity. Observation wheels (also called Ferris wheels, big wheels, or giant wheels) are common in cities and on fairgrounds. Due to their height and their slow movement they generally provide an impressive view over the surrounding area. The wheel turns continuously at relatively low speed so that it is possible for users to get on and off the cabins in the bottom section whilst the wheel is turning.

Link to Juma

 

What is the difference between an observation wheel and a Ferris Wheel?

Observation wheels are essentially bigger, more sophisticated Ferris wheels. Some even consider them to be one and the same. Modern observation wheels are typically much larger than the Ferris wheels they evolved from. Observation wheel&#;s capsules are usually enclosed and air conditioned, allowing year round operation. Ferris wheels are generally cheaper due to their smaller size.

I liken observation and Ferris wheels to wooden and steel roller coasters: one type is more classic while the other is modern but they both fall under the same definition of a roller coaster. Observation wheels are modernized versions of the classic Ferris wheel but they still fall under the general definition of a Ferris wheel.

 

Other Aspects of an Observation Wheel include:

• Iconic structures that are typically found overlooking a scenic area, such as a cityscape or natural wonder
• Usually 400 feet or larger in diameter
• Internal structure is built with cables giving a transparent appearance (like a bicycle wheel)
• Climate controlled capsules allow year round operation
• Usually fixed installations
• Slow wheel rotation allows passengers to board without stopping
• Capsules (not gondolas) may be kept upright by means other than gravity, such as electric motors gyro stabilized
• At the top of the wheel the capsules are outside of the structure providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding area

 

Other Aspects of a Ferris wheel include:

• Typically found at fair, carnivals, and amusement parks
• Limited to 400 feet or less in diameter
• Internal structure is made with steel members resulting in bulky and solid appearance
• Usually only seasonal operation due to open gondolas
• Requires wheel to stop to allow passengers to board or disembark
• Ferris wheels are more likely to be transportable
• Gondolas are kept upright by gravity only and usually hang down inside the structure of the Ferris wheel

Learn about the history of the Ferris wheel.

In the Media

I&#;ve received numerous requests from various media outlets over the years, including NPR and CBS News. Here are links to a few articles I&#;ve helped out with:

About Me

I&#;m Nick, a huge fan of roller coasters, theme parks, zoo, thrill rides, and anything remotely related to the amusement industry. I&#;ve written a book all about roller coaster design called Coasters 101. I hope this website helps you find any information you are looking for on observation wheels found throughout the world. Giant observation wheels are treasures we can all enjoy.

Acknowledgements

The Observation Wheel Directory&#;s massive amount of data is due to the collaboration of countless people who have provided their time and energy. The list below, while incomplete, recognizes those who helped make the OWD what it is today.

Research: Nicholas Tucker, oDesk VAs
Photographs: Ben Miller, BigStock

Additional resources:
Orangutan - The Houston Zoo
Ankylosaurs may have used their tail clubs to fight each ...

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Embark on a journey through time as we delve into the evolution of Giant Wheel rides. Ever wondered about origins and development of these iconic attractions? This blog introduces you to a concise history of these funtastic Wheels, offering insights into their transformation from humble beginnings to the towering marvels we enjoy today. Whether you&#;re a seasoned enthusiast or merely curious about the evolution of amusement park rides, join us for a brief exploration into the fascinating history of Giant Wheels.

Located on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls is one of North America&#;s largest observation wheels

Standing 175 feet tall (53 metres), with 42 climate-controlled gondolas, the Niagara SkyWheel is one of North America&#;s top tourist attractions. With full views of the Niagara landscape, including a first-hand glance at the majestic Niagara Falls.

It makes you stop and think how this giant wheel technology got started and evolved over time. How much do you know about this evolution? Continue reading below for a brief history of Giant Wheels.

Early pleasure wheel in Russia,

Early Days

• The earliest designs of wheels used for amusement rides may have been based on the large, circular wheels used to lift water for irrigation in about 200 B.C.
• &#;Pleasure wheels&#; originated in 17th century Bulgaria. Passengers rode in chairs suspended from large wooden rings turned by strong men, with a large post on either side.
• In England, small hand turned wheels were called &#;ups-and-downs&#; as early as .

Antonio Maguino

• One of the first wheels in the United States was built in  by Antonio Maguino. who used it to draw crowds to his rural park and picnic grounds in Walton Spring, Georgia. The wheel was made of wood and powered by two men.

George Ferris

• The very first Ferris Wheel was constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., a civil engineer from Illinois in the &#;s. He built it for the Chicago World&#;s Fair in . The total cost of the wheel was $300,000 (Or $9.37M today adjusted for inflation). The ride cost 50 cents per person at that time, and each ride lasted about 10 minutes. It stood 80.4 metres (264 ft) tall, and had 36 gondolas.

William E. Sullivan

• American inventor and bridge builder William E. Sullivan came up with the idea of possibility making a smaller wheel that could be taken down and moved from one park or fairground to another in . He designed a 45 foot transportable wheel with twelve three-passenger seats. In he formed the Eli Bridge Company and started manufacturing his wheel in Roodhouse, Illinois. Most of the ferris wheels found in carnivals and fairs in the United States are made by the Eli Bridge Company.

Tallest Observation Wheel

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• Ain Dubai (previously named the Dubai Eye) at Bluewaters Island in the United Arab Emirates, is the world&#;s tallest and largest observation wheel, with a height of over 250 m (820 ft) and was announced in February . Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Starneth Engineering were appointed as the primary design and construction contractors.
  • Ain Dubai is 82.4 m (270 ft) taller than the previous world&#;s tallest observation wheel, the 167.6 m (550 ft) High Roller, which opened in Las Vegas in March .
  • Ain Dubai: https://www.aindubai.com/en

The Difference Between a &#;Ferris Wheel&#; vs. an &#;Observation Wheel&#;

Niagara SkyWheel

• A Ferris Wheel features free-swinging open passenger seats suspended from the end of a spoke. An Observation Wheel features enclosed passenger gondolas designed to remain stable throughout the rotation.
•  Ferris Wheel&#;s are supported by two towers (one on each side of the axle). Observation Wheel&#;s are supported by an A-frame support.
• Ferris Wheel&#;s can be obstructed by the wheel itself, and are usually less than 110 feet in height. Observation Wheel&#;s offer a 360 degree unobstructed view.