• Where did the Ferris wheel originate?
    • Though the ride’s origins can be traced back to the pleasure wheel attractions of 17th century Bulgaria, the world’s first observation wheel was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. as the centerpiece of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
  • How has the Ferris wheel evolved?
    • Since then, Ferris wheels have become a staple of amusement parks and fairs throughout the world.
  • What sparked the Ferris wheel’s modern revival?
    • In the 21st century, the Ferris wheel has experienced a revival as a landmark urban attraction since the opening of the London Eye in 2000.
  • What features do modern observation wheels offer?
    • These modern observation wheels take riders to the highest heights, with many offering luxury amenities and nearby retail and dining experiences.

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1. High Roller (United States)

High Roller (United States)


The High Roller, opened in March 2014, reaches heights of 550 feet. The ride, which was designed by Arup Engineering, is operated as part of The LINQ Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the famous Vegas Strip. Twenty-eight climate-controlled cabins accommodate 40 passengers for 30-minute revolutions and offer amenities such as flat-screen televisions and iPod docks. At night, the High Roller becomes one of the Strip’s most impressive attractions thanks to its state-of-the-art LED system, which illuminates the wheel with colorful custom displays. For a VIP ride, the Happy Half Hour rides offer an in-cabin open bar experience with a personal bartender.

3535 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109, Phone: 800-634-6441

2. Singapore Flyer (Singapore)

Singapore Flyer (Singapore)


The Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in Asia, reaching a maximum height of 541 feet. Opened in April of 2008, the wheel is located along Marina Promenade and offers spectacular views of the attractions of nearby Marina Bay. Each climate-controlled capsule holds 28 passengers and presents unique FLYER 360+ multimedia experiences highlighting area history and landmarks. Post-ride experiences are offered at the wheel’s Journey of Dreams exhibit, located within the Singapore Flyer Retail Terminal, which is also home to an indoor Rainforest Discovery exhibit, a flight simulator ride, and shopping and dining options. VIP ride upgrade experiences include Singapore Sling cocktail flights, four-course menu dining flights, and premium Champagne flights with express boarding and complimentary chocolates.

30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803, Phone: +65-63-33-33-11

3. London Eye (UK)

London Eye (UK)


The London Eye’s March 2000 public opening is credited with inspiring the current revival of observation wheels as landmark urban attractions and it has since become a pop culture icon throughout the world. As Europe’s tallest observation wheel, the London Eye reaches heights of 443 feet above the River Thames and was designed to evoke the 1895 Great Wheel, constructed for the Empire of India Exhibition. The A-frame cantilevered observation wheel is the most popular commercial attraction in the United Kingdom, taking more than 3.75 annual million riders on half-hour revolutions within 32 climate-controlled ovoidal capsules. Fast track boarding and VIP ride experiences are available, along with a wide variety of public programming aboard capsules, including school discovery workshops, yoga and barre classes, and comedy performances.

Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK, Phone: +44-87-09-90-88-81

4. Redhorse Osaka Wheel (Japan)

Redhorse Osaka Wheel (Japan)


The Redhorse Osaka Wheel is the centerpiece of Lalaport EXPOCITY, a multipurpose retail and entertainment facility in Suita City, Osaka, constructed for the 1970 Japan World Exposition. Standing at a height of 403 feet, the wheel surpasses Japan’s previous observation wheel recordholder, the Sky Dream Fukuoka, by 13 feet. Seventy-two climate-controlled gondolas feature fully glassed-in floors, simulating the feeling of soaring through the air above the Osaka skyline. Two VIP gondolas are available for an upgraded ride experience, offering special seating and interior lighting features. After the 18-minute ride’s completion, visitors can spend the day exploring the other attractions of EXPOCITY, which include the Tower of the Sun, the Nifrel Aquarium, a Pokémon Expo Gym, and the 109 Cinemas Osaka IMAX Theatre.

EXPOCITY, 2-1 Senri-Banpaku-Koen, Suita City, Osaka, Japan, Phone: +81-06-61-70-32-46

5. The Orlando Eye (US)

The Orlando Eye (US)


The 400-foot Orlando Eye was opened to the public in May 2015 and is operated by Merlin Entertainments as a sister wheel to the London Eye. The wheel’s 30 climate-controlled capsules utilize a state-of-the-art rotation system that offers a smooth, stable ride experience throughout each 23-minute rotation. A full LED lighting system illuminates the wheel at night, with custom displays showcased regularly in honor of national holidays and observance months. It serves as the centerpiece of the ICON Orlando™ 360 entertainment complex, which also offers thrills aboard the StarFlyer giant swing ride and the 7D Dark Ride Adventure. After the ride, visitors can see international marine life at the SEA LFE Orlando Aquarium, spot celebrities at Madame Tussauds wax museum, and explore specimens at the SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology. Live entertainment is also offered at the dining and nightlife venues, including Tin Roof and iLounge Istanbul.

8401 International Dr #100, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-270-8644

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