I recently learned that a Ferris wheel is not a Ferris wheel if it is a giant observation wheel. Yes, you heard me right a Giant Observation Wheel. Personally, I think its just a term to help distinguish and market the 4 Giant Observation Wheels worldwide that claim this title. These four wheels are located in Australia, Singapore, England and The United States of America. Can you guess the name of these wheels? So what is the difference you may ask between a Ferris Wheel and a Giant Observation Wheel? The below table sets out what separates a mere Ferris Wheel from a Giant Observation Wheel.

So who invented the Ferris Wheel you might ask? The original Ferris wheel was designed and constructed by the company Ferris. This wheel debuted for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The term Ferris wheel is used for all such structures. The Ferris Wheel is the most common type of amusement at fairs, carnivals and shows worldwide.

Ferris Wheel or Observation Wheel explained!

Now getting back to these four Giant Observation Wheels, The four are The Melbourne Star, The Singapore Flyer, The London Eye and The Las Vegas High Flyer. I have asked 3 other outstanding bloggers who have taken a trip on the Flyer, The Eye and the High Roller to tell us about their experience. I will complete the foursome with our experience on the Melbourne Star.

The Singapore Flyer by Marianne from Mum on the Move

The Singapore Ferris wheel provides amazing views

The wheel turns at a leisurely 0.21m per second, giving you plenty of opportunities to take in the unparalleled 360° views over the city and across to the surrounding islands during the 30-minute journey.

I know people can be sceptical that going around in a circle can be much fun, but my kids had a blast. They loved being able to spot all the places they knew, and the higher we climbed, the more excited they became!                                           On a clear day, it is possible to see 45km away from the top of the wheel which is 3km longer than the whole of Singapore. Please drop by and check out Mum on the Move

The  High Roller Vegas by Leslie at Trips with Tykes

Standing at 550 feet high, Las Vegas’s High Roller is the world’s largest observation wheel. It towers over the Strip at the LINQ Hotel, making a single revolution every half hour. It is slow enough for riders to hop into one of 28 fully-enclosed pod cabins as each one passes by the loading area. The bright lights visible along the Strip are breathtaking at night. This is definitely why the attraction charges increased fees after sunset. The good news for family travellers, however, is that kids 12 and under ride free at any hour.

The Las Vegas High Roller is the world’s largest Ferris Wheel

Because it’s in Vegas, there’s certainly a party scene available for those that seek it out, but most of the cabins offer a family-friendly atmosphere even after dark. On my family’s visit with a 6-year-old and 18 months old, most of our fellow passengers were families with kids. The children made fast friends and turned the ride on the High Roller observation wheel into an impromptu dance party while enjoying the music pumped into the cabin. Stop by Trips with Tykes for great articles on family travel

The London Eye by Karen from Mini Travellers

The London Ferris wheel sits on the bank of the Thames

The Melbourne Star

The Giant Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is 120 metres high. The wheel has 7 spokes which represent the seven stars on the Australian flag.The Star comprises of more than 7.5 kilometres of steel tubing, weighing over 1736 tonnes. A trip on the Melbourne Star takes 30 minutes for a full journey around the wheel. The Melbourne Star is a located in the Docklands district of the city of Melbourne Australia. We visited The Melbourne Star on a very blustery Sunday. The kids had a mixed look of excitement and fear all rolled into one of their faces but once we were on the Star excitement took over!

The Melbourne Star observation wheel was great fun

The staff on the boarding deck were extremely friendly and helpful with instructions and able to answer questions about your ride on the giant wheel. A nice touch is the P.A system that informs you of a monument, building or landmark to look for. The P.A gives you a rundown on the history of Melbourne. Information about the Star itself is featured during your journey. The Star is positioned so that you get a view of the bay area for the first half of the journey. The second half brings into view the Melbourne CBD.  The Star is not cheap that’s for sure with a family ticket going for around $90 AUD. The smart move is to check Living Social and Scoupon for specials that often come up.

So there you go, what’re your thoughts Ferris Wheel or Giant Observation Wheel?. I think Ferris Wheel.