Ferris Wheels around the world: a tribute to Ferris Wheel Day

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Oh, Ferris Wheel Day. The holiday Hallmark never talks about when February 14th rolls around. It can be hard to realize that it exists with red, white and pink invading our every dollar tree and Michael’s craft store. It is time we (er…I) shine a little light on this glorious holiday. For those who are deathly scared of heights or any natural fears that come along with riding them, you can at least appreciate their beauty right?! If not…well, this may not be the post for you because I am giving a big ole tribute to this these beauties.

What exactly is Ferris Wheel Day?

Ferris Wheel Day celebrates the birthday of George Washington Gale Ferris, the engineer who, you guessed it, invented the Ferris Wheel. You may have read about him if you ever turned the pages of the novel Devil in the White City, one that I still need to read. He was recruited to build the first one for the World’s Fair in Chicago because the Eiffel Tower made for some serious competition in a previous Fair.

George Ferris receives the ultimate credit to this invention, but others before him deserve some notice as well. Before the Ferris Wheel, was the Somers’ Wheel that was installed at Coney Island as well as two locations in New Jersey. Ferris rode on the patented “Roundabout” before designing his wheel for the Exposition to which Somers filed a lawsuit against. In the end, Ferris won his argument that his Wheel (also own as the Chicago Wheel) differed and now we all know the name Ferris.

Of courseeeee! Valentine’s Day seem to be a holiday that people either hate or love. What was once a cute elementary school holiday of handing out themed valentines eventually evolved into a celebration that requires roses, chocolate or fancy dinner. For me, I never really hated Valentines Day (I am blessed with stellar men in my life who always spoiled their daughter/sister) so I always grew to love this day.

The Galatines’ Day traditions, moms sending packages to their college kids, the boyfriend rushing to Trader Joes for some flowers or another excuse to eat chocolate or drink wine are all things that make it great. Why would we stop celebrating all things love? Love is way more than two people just romantically interested in each other (very deep, I know). In fact, one of my single, I don’t need no man Valentine’s Days I looked up other holidays that happen to land on V Day, hence where my observance of this day began.

No matter what stage of life I was in, I would always celebrate Ferris Wheel Day, and I am dragging you all (and my husband) with me! What a better way to commemorate this day then by sharing some of my favorite, iconic Ferris Wheels around the world that I have been on and those I looking forward to experiencing.

High Roller | Las Vegas, NV

Currently the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world, The High Roller will (hopefully) pleasantly surprise you. If this is your first time in a “capsule” as opposed to a swinging cabin, you will love how safe and sturdy it feels as you take in your 360 view of Las Vegas, the mountains as well as the Valley. They can claim the Guinness World Record now, but if the Ain Dubai and the New York Wheel on Staten Island are completed, Las Vegas can no longer hold the Tallest Ferris Wheel title. Looks like I will be adding two more to my list.

Singapore Flyer | Singapore

The amount of ride options on the Singapore Flyer are straight out fabulous. Why not sip a Singapore Sling WHILE riding in a giant Ferris Wheel that looks out to Merlin Park and Gardens by the Bay? We opted for the basic (yet still jaw dropping) Singapore Flight, but if you want to be super extra consider the Singapore Flyer Sky Dining Flight, Singapore Sling Flight or Premium Champagne Flight. Still one of the tallest in the world, I would 100% ride the Flyer again and if you are able to visit this beautiful place, I hope you can too, solo or with a loved one 😉

Cosmo Clock 21 | Yokohama, Japan

Located in Japan’s second largest city by the water, The Cosmo Clock is the largest Ferris Wheel with suprise, a clock.  With views of Landmark Tower, and the water it is a great way to see the city. The location is walkable to Chinatown, World Porters (eating and food options galore) Red Brick Warehouse, as well as the Cup of Noodles Museum.

The Centennial Wheel | Chicago, IL

Today I’ll be posting some of my favorites photos I’ve taken of Navy Pier on the official @navypierchicago page. Head over there to check em out.

A post shared by Alex • Chicago (@alexweeyums) on Jan 23, 2018 at 9:26am PST
Lucky for all you Chicagoans, Navy Pier, like myself loves to celebrate this glorious day andis giving a limited amount of free rides! Make sure you check their website to learn the details to be eligible and say hello to one of my favorite cities for me 🙂

Anyone else miss the memo that Chicago built a new Ferris Wheel?! At 200ft it sits 48 feet taller and $7 more expensive to ride than the last one, they designed it more bougie and elegant. New gondolas with padded seats, heat, air conditioned and with VIP rides including a glass bottom, it has come along way from the 1800s. All of you in Chicago really win the prize for all things February 14th. They are offering free rides to celebrate Ferris Wheel Day as well as “Spinning with singles” group speed dating event – could that be more perfect? Or terrifying?  Check out the Valentines day events to purchase tickets and read the rules.

Ferris wheels on my list…

London Eye, England

The London eye, to me is one of the most iconic Ferris Wheels in the world and the tallest in Europe. Formally known as the Millennium wheel, it sits beautifully on The Thames Rivet and takes 30 minutes to completely rotate. If you still want to feel the love on February 14th, the London Eye was included in National Geographic’s new book “The World’s most Romantic Destinations” so it makes for the ultimate love getaway. Make it extra special and bubbly with a champagne ride at sunset.

Melbourne Star, Australia

Since every wheel needs some sort of claim to fame, the Melbourne Star is described as “the Southern Hemisphere’s only giant observation wheel.” Even better, the Melbourne Star really LOVES love as they have three different Valentines Day packages, with the slogan “love makes the world go round.” In addition to the romantic packages, they offer a “sights and lights” package for the indecisive person to save money while riding during the day and with the lights at night.

Big O, Tokyo

桜はまだまだきれいに咲いています🌸お気に入りスポットを探してみてね⭐︎ #tokyodome #tokyodomecity#tokyodomecityattractions #tdca#amusementpark #japan #tokyo#tokyohangout #thingstodointokyo#tokyotouristattraction #ride #attraction#tokyotrip #japantrip #tokyotravel #japantravel #sakura #桜 #東京ドームシティアトラクションズ #観覧車 #ジェットコースター #夕暮れ

A post shared by 【公式】東京ドームシティアトラクションズ (@tokyodomecityattractions) on Apr 10, 2017 at 2:30am PDTAdding extra nerves to your ride, this is the world’s first centreless Ferris Wheel, complete with a roller coaster weaving through the center. The Big O resides close (and gives you a nice view) of the Tokyo Dome (for all you Tokyo Giants fans).

Why should we celebrate Ferris Wheel Day?

First, I think we forget that this was an invention that is filled with history, and the original “Chicago Wheel” has started a true trend while starting a race to the top between country’s trying to build the tallest structure. All those who helped create and design the Ferris Wheel, were truly trend setters. From your hometown country fair to souring over the Marina Bay looking out to Indonesia on a clear day – they have come a long way. Am I weird for thinking that is insanely cool? Maybe…but I am thinking instead of dinner reservations people really should be buying tickets and having champagne in a pod looking out at 360 views of their favorite city.

Did you know about Ferris Wheel Day? Are you Valentines Day for ever? Either way if you are feeling the love or love engineering feets, comment below!

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