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Great Smoky Mountain Wheel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Big Wheels
Take a spin above it all—stunning views from iconic observation wheels.
By Maria Lenhart
Whether called “eyes,” “sky wheels,” “great wheels” or observation wheels,” these giant circular amusement rides are a familiar sight in a growing number of cities. Ensconced in gondolas, passengers are treated to dazzling panoramas of cityscapes and countrysides while the wondrous wheels make revolutions to and from 200 feet or more in the air.
While the rides recall the classic Ferris wheel, the first of which delighted crowds at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, the concept actually goes back several centuries when “pleasure wheels” with chairs suspended from large wooden rings turned by strong men were all the rage in Eastern Europe. Since then, the rides have evolved into sophisticated and multifaceted venues, many offering premium experiences during which passengers can toast anniversaries with champagne, enjoy a gourmet dinner or even practice yoga in the sky.
Enjoy some of the most popular wheels around the United States.
SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Opened in 2011 at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, the SkyWheel is purportedly the first of the new generation of wheel rides in America. Standing nearly 200 feet or 20 stories tall, the ride features 42 climate-controlled, glass-enclosed gondolas that hold six passengers in each and afford sweeping views of the ocean, coastline and Myrtle Beach skyline. Among the many specialty experiences offered is the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach Sunrise Flight, which features views at dawn with coffee and pastries included for the 30-minute flight. The SkyWheel is just one of many family-friendly attractions along the Boardwalk, appreciated for its casual eateries, shops and arcades.
SkyWheel, Panama City Beach, Florida
Like its sister wheel in Myrtle Beach, SkyWheel Panama City soars to heights of 200 feet and offers climate-controlled gondolas with glass windows and doors for optimal photography. Featuring views over the Gulf of Mexico, the SkyWheel comes with customized VIP packages that allow passengers to skip the lines and celebrate engagements, birthdays and other special events. There’s even a Gender Reveal package that illuminates the SkyWheel in pink or blue lighting. An 18-hole miniature golf course and ropes course are part of the many attractions nearby.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
THE ISLAND PIGEON FORGE
The centerpiece of The Island in Pigeon Forge amusement park, the Wheel—rotating 200 feet in the air—affords views of nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Passengers ride in glass-enclosed gondolas holding up to eight people. A companion attraction to the Wheel is the Island Show Fountain, a multitiered fountain that presents a water dance and light show choregraphed to 14 pieces of music. The island’s many other diversions include a ropes course, Arcade City and the new SkyFly Soar America, a flying theater attraction where visitors virtually soar over iconic U.S. attractions.
SkyStar Wheel, San Francisco, California
SkyStar Wheel Fisherman’s Wharf
San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf is the bustling setting for SkyStar Wheel, standing higher than 150 feet tall and boasting jaw-dropping bay views of Treasure Island, Alcatraz, the Marin Headlines and the city skyline from Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge. Passengers can reserve VIP experiences with extended rides in a special luxury gondola. Afterward, visitors can take a bay cruise or explore nearby attractions, like the San Francisco Maritime Museum or Pier 39 with its unique shops, seafood restaurants and dozens of barking sea lions lolling on the docks.
High Roller, Las Vegas, Nevada
Many attractions in Vegas are bigger and more over-the-top than those anywhere else and the High Roller outside the Linq Hotel is no exception. At 550 feet tall, it’s the second-tallest wheel in the world, eclipsed only by the 820-foot Ain Dubai in United Arab Emirates. The High Roller’s super-size dimensions extend to its 40-passenger gondolas available for corporate events, yoga classes and other gatherings. There’s even a “happy hour” gondola equipped with a cocktail bar. The daytime rides showcase the surrounding mountains and desert, but it’s the nighttime rides over the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip that are most spectacular.
The Orlando Eye at Icon Park, Orlando, Florida
The 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye, one of the tallest observation wheels in the world, makes revolutions above Orlando in the midst of Icon Park. The spectacular views are augmented by some 64,000 LED lights creating color-changing light shows during the 20-minute rides. The Eye is just one of dozens of attractions at the amusement park, which also include the Sea Life Aquarium, with its 360-degree tunnel showcasing tropical fish, and Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, with its replicas of A-list celebrities. Live music, shows, dining and shopping are also part of the fun.
SkyView Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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Located at the south end of Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the SkyView soars 200 feet above the ground, taking in sights of the city and environs as far afield as Kennesaw Mountain and the Mercedes Benz Stadium. The attraction, with its 42 six-passenger gondolas, partners with local schools to provide “spinning classrooms” on field trips that emphasize education on a variety of subjects, including the local landmarks on view during the rides. The program includes study guides and lesson plans for teachers and students to download and use before and after their visits.
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SkyViews Miami Observation Wheel, Miami, Florida
For sunset views of Biscayne Bay, Bayfront Park and the downtown Miami skyline, there’s no place like SkyViews Miami, the 176-foot-tall wheel ride at Bayfront Park. The attraction, with its enclosed gondolas, is adjacent to the outdoor Back Patio cafe. Additional eateries, as well as shopping, entertainment and recreation, are near the park and Bayfront Marketplace.
Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle, Washington
Located on Seattle’s vibrant waterfront not far from the iconic Pike Place Market, the Great Wheel, the tallest on the West Coast, is most spectacular on weekend nights, holidays and game days when it’s the focus of customized light shows. Also on weekends, parties of two or four can arrange for special dining experiences, which feature a four-course, pre-set dinner enjoyed in a private gondola.
Centennial Wheel, Chicago, Illinois
NAVY PIER
Located in the city where the first Ferris wheel made its inaugural spin more than a century ago, Centennial Wheel soars high above Navy Pier, taking in the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the Magnificent Mile and the grand architecture of downtown Chicago. Its 42 eight-passenger gondolas are built to withstand whatever the Windy City’s weather can bring, enabling the ride to be open year-round. Close at hand are prime attractions, such as the Children’s Museum, Tall Ship Windy and Millennium Park.
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