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.
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 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
The London Eye by Karen from Mini Travellers
The London Ferris wheel sits on the bank of the Thames
London Eye Tickets.
At 135 meters, the Coca-Cola London Eye is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, offering breathtaking views of London and its famous landmarks. Your ticket includes new interactive guides powered by Samsung Galaxy Tab and an entry to the London Eye 4D Experience, an inspiring journey of discovery that brings London to life through multisensory special effects.
Book your tickets HERE.
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 run down 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.
Melbourne Star Tickets
Experience a single 30-minute flight in a fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin that will take you 120 meters above Melbourne. The Melbourne Star Observation wheel is the only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere.
Book your tickets HERE.
So there you go, what’re your thoughts Ferris Wheel or Giant Observation Wheel?. I think Ferris Wheel.
I had no idea about the difference.
So now I know that I visited one Observation Wheel (England) and went on rides on may Ferris Wheels 🙂
I guess I’d never really thought about it, but the structure and purpose of an “observation wheel” IS pretty different from a standard ferris wheel! We have an observation wheel like this in Orlando, which debuted last year and stands about 400 feet tall. It’s about the same height as the one your family rode in Melbourne.
I’m so glad you wrote this. We have an “observation wheel” here in Orlando, the Orlando Eye, modeled after London’s and everyone is always correcting me when I call it a ferris wheel lol.
I had no idea the term observation wheel even existed! I like the infographic explaining the differences between the two of them. Now, I must add “observation wheel experience” to the bucket list.
I like some of the taller wheels in the large cities but at this point far to many cites have wheels so it has lost a little of the unique aspect. I loved the London Eye though. They view is amazing for there.
haha, didn’t realize that it made much of a difference but I will honor the proper terms. Hell, I get upset when someone calls the Street Cars in New Orleans a trolley car…ITS A DAMN STREET CAR!!
So I like riding ferris/observation wheels but it was never a big bucket list item for me, however with that said, I will be riding The High Roller in February and The London Eye at the end of April next year! So I will share with you the fun!
No matter what it is called, ferris wheel or observation wheel, I love it very much! It is so attractive, especially in the evening! I can not describe the ferris wheel or observation wheel in my own wheel! When I am on the giant wheel, everything is my eye! It is so amazing!
I have learned a lot from your post I do not know in the past! Thanks for your sharing! 🙂
Amanda no matter what they call them i still call them all Ferris Wheels lol
Thanks for your replying, Mark Wyld!
I want to say I also call it ferris wheel! and I love it very much！
Thanks, Mark Wyld!
I learn a lot from your post!
And I really love ths London Eye!
I hope I can go there to ride on it one day!