Ferris wheels and observation wheels have become bigger and bolder over the last few years. No longer is it cool or inventive enough to have the tallest wheel. It is almost an obligatory waterfront attraction in some of the worlds' most populous cities. Shanghai has one, so does Singapore, London and soon Dubai. New York City will welcome its own wheel on Staten Island.
As observation wheels become the must-have accessory, they are also thinking of new and unique ways to attract visitors onboard. These days, you don't just turn in a circle, you can do yoga as you soar above the cityscape or enjoy some happy hour drinks.
Ferris Wheel on the Scheveningen Pier
Most recently, Europe opened its first Ferris wheel over the sea. In The Hague, the Ferris Wheel on the Pier opened at the Scheveningen pier last month and is 40 meters high with 36 glass-enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas, including one VIP gondola that has a glass bottom. Onboard, guests have luxury seats and room for six people. Guests can go for a spin over the water but, soon, they will be able to enjoy high tea, lunch or dinner onboard.
Romance on the Wiener Riesenrad
Dining onboard is a very wheel-friendly activity and you can have a similar experience on the world's oldest wheel, the Wiener Riesenrad. Visitors can take a turn on the wheel, located in the Prater amusement park, or they can really add some romance to the occasion with a candlelit dinner in one of the wheel's gondolas. The 1 1/2-hour meal includes three courses and sparkling wine.
Yoga in the Sky
Las Vegas' High Roller at the Linq opened in March of 2014 but last spring, it announced a new attraction: High Roller Yoga. Classes take place in the gondolas during two, half-hour rotations of the wheel and are suited to everyone, from beginners to the experienced yogi. It's the perfect place to snap a selfie - don't forget to tag it #YogaInTheSky.
Santa Monica Lights Up the Night
In 2008, Santa Monica sold its famous Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier and rebuilt an identical one - but in true California style, this one runs on solar power and features 160,000 energy-efficient LED lights. At night, these lights light up the sky for a fabulous laser light show.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Take a Spin on the Top Ferris Wheels in the World [/READMORE]
Coming Soon: Ain Dubai
The Ain Dubai observation wheel is currently taking shape on Dubai's new Bluewaters Island and although construction was delayed the opening is expected to take place within the next year. At that time, the wheel will officially take the title of world's tallest Ferris wheel from Las Vegas' High Roller. The brand-new wheel will stand 689 feet tall, have 48 capsules and take 48 minutes to complete a rotation.
What will this wheel have in store for visitors? It will be over the top for sure.
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