Entertainment is a word that has no boundaries. It is a field of business that can never go slack. If not the regular, people will find unique ways to entertain themselves. The concept of Ferris wheels seems to have emerged out of the constant need for creating something unique for entertainment. To be able to see the world differently and reach a height where the feeling of happiness and excitement reaches a new high is what the Ferris wheels across the world are all about.
The Ferris Wheel
Named after George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the Ferris wheel is also popularly known as the giant wheel, the big wheel, and the observation wheel. George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. was an engineer who designed the world’s first Ferris wheel in the year 1893 in Chicago at the World’s Columbian Exposition. A Ferris wheel is a non-building structure made of a rotating upright wheel carrying passengers in what is known as capsules or cabins. While the wheel rotates, the cabins are upright and the passengers are able to see the world around them in a completely different way.
Astonishing Facts about the original Ferris wheel you must know: • The design on the Ferris wheel was first sketched by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr on a cocktail napkin. • The first ever Ferris wheel built was 264 feet high and cost $380,000. • It had 2 engines, one was used to run it and one was kept as a backup in case of a breakdown • The cars were hung on the Ferris wheel after it completed one rotation on June 9, 1893. • It had a total of 36 cabins and each cabin had a capacity of carrying 36 people. • The ticket to ride on the Ferris wheel cost 50 cents.
Tallest Modern age Ferris Wheels around the World
High Roller in Las Vegas
The very beautiful and illuminated Ferris wheel in Las Vegas is so far the world’s tallest Ferris wheel with a height of 550ft and is lit up with over 2000 LED lights. Opened recently in March 2014, the wheel takes a good 30 minutes to complete one rotation, thus giving you ample time to soak in the views. It consists of 28 glass cabins and each cabin can hold up to 40 people at one time. You get a choice of flying solo or booking an entire cabin just for yourself.
Singapore Flyer in Singapore
The Singapore Flyers stands out from the skyscrapers on the skyline of Singapore and offers 360-degree magnificent views of the city. Taking you for a spin experience of a lifetime, the Ferris takes you to a height of almost 42 stories inside fully air-conditioned glass cabins that allows you to capture the stunning views of the city during the spin. On a clear day, you can even see parts of Malaysia and Indonesia skyline.
Cosmo Clock 21 in Yokohama
Japan certainly loves Ferris wheels, as many of the Ferris wheels in the world are located in Japan. However, not all of them can make it to the list of tallest Ferris wheels. The Cosmo clock 21 Ferris wheel has the world’s largest clock right in the middle. The Ferris can accommodate a total of 480 people in its 60 gondolas (cabins). The Ferris wheel completes one rotation in 15 minutes. Magnificently illuminated at night, the Cosmo clock 21 Ferris wheel is a must try ride while you are in Yokohama.
The Star of Nanchang in China
Opened in the year 2006, The Star of Nanchang was the world’s biggest Ferris wheel for a while until the emergence of Singapore Flyer and then the High Roller in Vegas. Decorated with 7000 LED lamp lights on its surface, The Star of Nanchang Ferris wheel has 60 beautiful capsules that can accommodate 6 to 8 people at a time. The Ferris takes 30 minutes for one rotation and offers a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Nanchang city.
The London Eye in the UK
Popularly known as the Millennium wheel, the London Eye is a tall beautiful Ferris wheel at 443ft. Since its opening in the year 1999 till the year 2006, it held the title of the biggest Ferris wheel in the world. It still is Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel. It comprises of 32 capsules with each capsule having a capacity of accommodating 25 people. It takes 30 minutes for one complete rotation and offers a stunning view of the London skyline. You have the option of booking the entire capsule and even enjoy champagne and refreshments inside the capsules.
Tianjin Eye in China
Claimed to be one of a kind Ferris wheel to be built on the Yongle Bridge over the Hai River, the Tianjin Eye can accommodate 8 passengers in each capsule and has a total of 48 capsules. It takes 30 minutes for it to rotate 1 full circle and thus, can work at a maximum capacity of 768 passengers over a span of 1 hour.
Ain Dubai
Achieving yet another milestone, Dubai has managed to construct the largest Ferris wheel in the world with a total height of 688 ft. Earlier named as Dubai-I, Ain Dubai is all set to open sometime in late 2017. Set to be connected with to the rim through 192 cable spokes, the assembled hub and spindle of the wheel stretch to 40 meters across and 20 meters high, and weighs a total of 1,805 tons. People are waiting with enthusiasm for this breakthrough landmark to open so that they can enjoy a ride in this iconic wheel and see the glittering skyline of Dubai with a 360-degree view.
Another eagerly awaited Ferris wheel slated to open in the year 2017, is the New York Wheel. Expected to open up with a height of 630 feet, it will add another feather to the popularity of New York as a tourist destination. While we would love to assume that we covered every significant landmark Ferris wheel, the future holds a lot many surprises. Fret not, let the world bring on more amazement, we’ll update you instantly.
