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, 1807
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 1728.
Antonio Maguino
One of the first wheels in the United States was built in 1848 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 1890’s. He built it for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. 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 1900. He designed a 45 foot transportable wheel with twelve three-passenger seats. In 1906 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
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 2013. 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 2014.
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.
Alright, folks, here’s the scoop: Since making its grand entrance back in June 2006, the Niagara SkyWheel has become a real hot spot for folks on the hunt for unforgettable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, not to mention the stunning Niagara River and a whole bunch of other cool sights. But hey, if you’re looking for one more excuse to hop on this massive sky-high wheel, we’ve got your back. Here are the top ten reasons to ride the Niagara SkyWheel.
#1 Amazing views with no obstructions
The Niagara SkyWheel? Oh, it’s a sky-high sensation, no doubt. We’re talking about a giant wheel that reaches a whopping 175 feet (that’s around 53 meters, folks!) above the ground. From up there, you get a bird’s-eye view that stretches for miles in every direction. And guess what? You’ll never miss a beat when it comes to snapping crisp, clear photos and videos from this epic vantage point.
But hold on, there’s more to this photo-friendly ride! Each gondola comes with some fancy UV-resistant glass, meaning you’ll get those picture-perfect shots without any pesky solar glare getting in your way. It’s like Mother Nature’s photography studio up there!
#2 Weather
Okay, folks, let’s talk comfort because that’s a big deal, right? Those gondolas on the Niagara SkyWheel? Well, they’ve got you covered. We’re talking climate-controlled goodness, which means you’ll never be too chilly or too toasty up there. Say goodbye to shivers and sweats—it’s just right.
And here’s the best part: no getting soaked or feeling like you’re in a wind tunnel. Nope, these gondolas are fully enclosed and kept in tip-top shape, so you can savor the ride without any wild thrills.
Now, here’s the fine print: if Mother Nature decides to throw a lightning party nearby, the Niagara SkyWheel takes a rain check. It’s got this nifty weather system that’s always keeping an eye on things. As soon as the lightning show is over, guess what? The wheel’s back in action, ready for your next round of sky-high fun.”
#3 Affordability
Alright, let’s talk money, folks! Now, you might think a first-class view like this would cost an arm and a leg, but guess what? It won’t break the bank. In fact, it’s super affordable. Just $15.00+HST for the grown-ups and a mere $7.00+HST for the kiddos. And guess what’s even better? Infants always ride for free. Yep, you read that right—free!
Got a big gang of adventurers? No problemo! There are group rates waiting for you if you roll in with 15 or more of your crew. So, whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole gang, the Niagara SkyWheel has you covered without putting a dent in your wallet.
Print a coupon here to get $1 off for up to 6 people per transaction by printing of a coupon here.
#4 Accommodating
Okay, let’s talk about making this an event to remember, folks! The SkyWheel crew knows how to roll when it comes to groups. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday bash, organizing a school outing, popping the big question, or just wrangling the whole extended family together, they’ve got your back.
They’ll whip up customized rates and packages tailored to your crew’s needs. And the best part? They get you loaded up pronto, no fuss. So, whether you’re rocking Canadian loonies, American bucks, or swiping those credit and debit cards (yep, they take Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, and Discover), it’s a breeze.
Got big plans? Call ’em up at 1-800-801-8557 or click here for all your Group Tour/School Group questions. They’ll make sure your crew’s adventure is a total hit!
#5 Duration
Alright, let’s talk about getting you up in the air, pronto! The Niagara SkyWheel keeps things moving like a well-oiled machine. Here’s the deal: it runs continuously, and you’ll be up there enjoying the view every 8-12 minutes. On average, you’ll wait just around 10 minutes. Not too shabby, right?
Now, even on those crazy busy holiday days, no need to stress. They’ve got a fleet of 42 gondolas and six loading docks, so you’ll breeze through in no time.
But guess what? If it’s a bit of a slow day and you’re flying solo (or with your crew), they won’t make you wait around. Nope, they’ll fire it up just for you! On average, you’ll get three full rotations.
And here’s a cool tidbit—no need to cozy up with strangers in your gondola. You and your gang get your very own ride. So, relax, snap those pics, and enjoy the view—it’s all about your comfort up there!”
#6 Accessibility
Alright, let’s chat about accessibility because everyone’s invited to the party! The SkyWheel doesn’t mess around when it comes to making sure everyone can join in on the fun. They’ve got not one, but two wheelchair-accessible gondolas that can fit up to eight folks. So, roll on in, and let’s go for a ride!
Now, if you’ve got a stroller in tow, no sweat. Just park it in the handy “stroller parking” spot near the turnstile. It’s close by, and you can keep an eye on it while you soar above the falls. And hey, if you’ve got a little one in a car seat, that’s cool too—bring it along! The more, the merrier!
#7 Safety
Alright, let’s talk safety because that’s a big deal, right? Before the ride cranks into action, they give it the once-over, checking every single nook and cranny to make sure everything’s shipshape. And they don’t stop there—the place gets a good scrubbing throughout the day. So, you’re in safe and clean hands!
Now, here’s the kicker: they don’t rely on some shaky power source. Nope, it runs on a trusty generator, so you won’t ever find yourself stuck and twiddling your thumbs. And just in case something unexpected pops up, don’t worry. If there’s an emergency and you need to hop off, just give that help button a tap. They’ll get you down safely once the ride’s done its thing. Safety first, always!
#8 Staff
Let’s talk about the crew because they’re the real MVPs here. Got questions about the ride? They’ve got answers. And let me tell you, they’re not just friendly; they’re like a walking encyclopedia of all things SkyWheel. You’re their top priority, so don’t hesitate to fire away with those questions.
Now, if you’re looking for more than just a ride, the cashiers have your back. They’re not just there to take your ticket—they’re like your personal tour guides. Got touristy questions? They’ve got you covered. And hold onto your hats because they’ll even hook you up with sweet deals, like the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. You can snag these gems right there on the spot or go high-tech and get ’em online.
Oh, and here’s the inside scoop: if you’re rolling with a big crew, definitely check out their group deals. They’re like your ticket to serious savings. So, do a little digging, and you might just score some epic discounts.
#9 Romance
Alright, time for a little romance talk because the Niagara SkyWheel has seen its fair share of love stories. Ever since it kicked off, folks have been dropping to one knee and popping the question. I mean, can you blame them? The view up there is like a love potion, and it’s perfect for snuggling up with your special someone.
Picture this: you’re at the tippy-top of that 175-foot beauty, the sun’s sinking low on the horizon, and well, let’s just say it’s pretty much impossible not to steal a kiss. If you’re looking for a seriously swoon-worthy moment, this is it.
#10 Reputation
Alright, let’s spill the beans on the power of good old word of mouth because, trust me, it’s a game-changer. Now, when it comes to the Niagara SkyWheel, it’s like a universal hit. Seriously, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone—whether they’re young, old, or somewhere in between—who’s not head over heels for this ride.
Even those brave souls who were a tad jittery about the sky-high height? Yep, they hopped on board and ended up grinning from ear to ear. I mean, just check out the rave reviews on sites like Google (Ranking 4.6/5 with over 15,500 reviews) and TripAdvisor (4.5/5 with over 6,300 reviews), and you’ll see why the Niagara SkyWheel is the rockstar of Niagara Tourism. It’s not just popular; it’s practically the heart and soul of the place!
