The Wonder Wheel is the world’s best Ferris Wheel.
And it may also be one of the most famous.
This century-old attraction is not only a New York City Landmark, but it also has an
entire amusement park named after it.
The Wonder Wheel is the heart and soul of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park and in this video,
I will explain why it’s so special.
The Wonder Wheel opened in 1920.
Coney Island had several Ferris Wheels, but none like the Wonder Wheel.
This would be a special eccentric Ferris Wheel.
The outside rim has 8 stationary cars like a traditional wheel, but the inside rim has
16 swinging cars that roll along a track.
This design was only replicated two other times.
Most famously at Disney’s California Adventure on the Pixar Pal-Around and also on the now-defunct
wheel at Yokohama Dreamland in Japan.
The scarcity of this design is what makes it special.
The Wonder Wheel also has a special mystique.
While much of Coney Island has been overhauled, the Wonder Wheel has been a constant just
like the Cyclone.
The wheel was owned by the Gams family from 1920 until 1983.
At that point, it was purchased by the Vourderis family, who made it the focal point of the
newly named Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park and have owned it ever since.
The Wonder Wheel has operated every single year since 1920 except for 2020 when it was
closed due to the pandemic.
This attraction has been enjoyed by generation after generation of New Yorkers.
That cultural significance is why it was named an official city landmark in 1989.
Most Ferris Wheels have a pedestrian white appearance, but the Wonder Wheel has a distinctive
teal frame with red, white, and blue gondolas.
And then at night, the wheel has a simple but beautiful lighting package.
A ride on the Wonder Wheel costs $10 as of 2021, but it’s well-worth it for this icon.
When you go to ride this attraction, there are two separate lines.
One for stationary cars and one for swinging cars.
Since there are double the amount of swinging cars that line moves twice as fast, but it’s
also more popular.
That being said, the ride usually has a minimal wait due to the park’s pricey pay-per-ride
structure.
Each gondola has two rows.
Usually each party gets their own gondola, but smaller groups can be paired on busier
days.
Which side you choose comes down to personal preference.
I think you have to experience the swinging side.
That is what makes this wheel unique.
However, the stationary cars are better for photography and videography since it isn’t
disrupted by the sudden swinging.
On that note, the views from this wheel are stunning.
The Wonder Wheel stands 150 feet or 46 meters tall, so it’s one of the larger Ferris Wheels
on its own.
But it’s location is picture perfect.
It offers amazing aerial views of all of Coney Island’s amusements.
Then you also get gorgeous views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
Then in the distance, you can see New York City’s famous skyline.
Wonder Wheel produces one of the best views of any attraction without a doubt.
But the most impressive visual is when you careen down the track on the swinging cars.
While the Wonder Wheel has a flawless safety record, you can’t help but listen to the
way this wheel creeks and acknowledge the ride’s age.
Every swing feels like it could be your last.
But I live for that type of thrill.
The swinging isn’t particularly forceful- you have no restraint after all- but it doesn’t
need to be for this ride to be sufficiently thrilling.
The swinging has a slight shimmy to it, but it’s perfectly comfortable.
The swinging starts when you’re at the halfway point on the wheel- both when you’re going
up and down.
And each ride comes with 2 complete rotations.
So what would I rate the Wonder Wheel?
This amazing ride and piece of history earns a perfect 10 out of 10.
This is the world’s best Ferris wheel.
Between the unique ride system and stunning views, you can’t beat the Wonder Wheel.
This is a Coney Island staple and is a must for anyone.
So those are my thoughts on the Wonder Wheel?
What are your thoughts on this incredible Ferris wheel?
Do you prefer the swinging or stationary cars?
I would love to hear your thoughts down in the comments.
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