Hey Lykkers! If you don't like the wild rides like roller coasters or the Tilt-A-Whirl makes you sick, but you still want some excitement, a Ferris wheel might be perfect for you. Just remember, you can't be too scared of heights if you want to enjoy the tallest ones.
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. patented the Ferris wheel for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, but the idea of a vertical wheel ride goes back to the 17th century in Bulgaria with human-powered "pleasure wheels."
The first Ferris wheel could hold 60 people, had 36 buckets with swiveling seats, and was 264 feet (80 meters) tall. Nowadays, the technology has evolved a lot, and many of the bigger wheels are called "observation wheels." They're not made for fast thrills but for giving you a stunning 360-degree view of the area. Here are the 4 tallest Ferris wheels in the world today.
1.Ain Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The tallest Ferris wheel in the world is the Ain Dubai. It can carry 1,750 passengers in one go, and some of the capsules can serve dinner for 40 people. A full rotation takes 38 minutes, and you can even have a birthday party or a wedding in one of the capsules! It’s open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
2. High Roller, Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known for its over-the-top attractions, and the High Roller on the Vegas Strip is no different. Standing at 550 feet (168 meters), it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world when it opened in 2014, holding the record for seven years until the Ain Dubai took over.
The High Roller has 28 rotating glass pods, each holding 40 passengers, with a total capacity of 1,120. Each pod even has eight flat-screen TVs in case you get bored of the view. The entry fee is about $28.
3.Singapore Flyer, Singapore
The Singapore Flyer opened in downtown Singapore on April 15, 2008. This giant wheel stands 541 feet (165 meters) tall and is next to a three-story terminal building. Each of its 28 air-conditioned capsules can hold 28 passengers. It was the tallest observation wheel in the world until the High Roller in Las Vegas surpassed it six years later. The entry fee is about $20.
4. London Eye, London, England
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, opened in 2000 on the banks of the Thames River in London. At the time, it was the largest cantilevered Ferris wheel ever built and was meant to be a temporary feature of the London skyline. However, it became so popular that nobody wanted to take it down.
Standing at 443 feet (135 meters) and resembling a giant spoked bicycle wheel, it's now smaller than some newer observation wheels, but it remains incredibly popular. It's still the most visited tourist attraction in the United Kingdom.
The London Eye has 32 sealed cars, each holding 25 passengers. They are numbered one through 33, skipping the number 13. The entry fee is about $24.
Hey Lykkers! Have you ever ridden any of these giant Ferris wheels? Which one is your favorite, or which one do you want to try next? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let's chat about the best views and most exciting rides out there!
