Ferris Wheel

[suzanne]

Has anyone been on the new ferris wheel yet? I was thinking about going next weekend, but wasn’t sure how long the lines have been. If the line has been really long, I may wait and do it later on this summer.

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[Jiggers]

I just walked by it this afternoon and it was in operation loading riders.

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[celeste17]

Probably will depend on the day and what else is going on in downtown Seattle.

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[WSB]

Two people have sent long accounts of riding it and I advised both to post here … guess they haven’t yet unless there’s a different thread. Both positive reviews.

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[Kevin]

Not in West Seattle, but I had out of town friends who wanted to ride the new wheel. It provides a unique view of Seattle. They load six cars at a time.

The line stretched from the street to the end of the dock at Pier 57 and yet the wait was less than 45 minutes. You get about 3 revolutions for $13. Total ride time is probably about 20 minutes including the loading and unloading times until the continuous 3 revolutions. Very slow and smooth, complete with a recorded narrative.

The only downside was being able to take pictures in only one direction depending on which side of the car you were seated. Minor issue. Come back in October or later and you will likely have a car all to yourself!

The owner, Hal Griffith was there supervising the second day of operation, and was extremely approachable. I walked up to him at the exit and said “you are the same guy I saw in the news, right?” and proceeded to thank him for a wonderful experience. He was very interested in hearing feedback of folks reactions.

Right now – mid week when none of the cruise ships are in town is probably the best time to go.

This attraction is a definite thumbs up! After your ride, consider a meal at the restaurant next door, where you can sit outside if you wish and continue to watch the wheel operate as you dine.

Check out these links for my pictures from 06/30/12

http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2120656

http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2121018

.

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[Diane]

I rode several times opening night (Friday) to experience different temp/lighting, etc; and enjoy opening celebration; the first ride was to be one of the 1st, at 5:30pm; they were still working out kinks with loading/unloading, so I don’t think we got our fair amount of time; it was like going up in an elevator and stopping at every floor; then we only got 1 full/slow rotation; still great to experience, and views you can’t get anywhere else; planes can’t go that low; and you can see straight down through the side curved windows; it was also hot inside 1st time; we couldn’t get any air via the ceiling vents; and it’s surprisingly VERY quiet inside; rode with very nice couple from Guam; there was quite a mix in the crowd of locals and visitors; some who came specifically to see the wheel, many were tourists and didn’t know this was new, just saw it in the skyline and came down to see; just as the owners predicted (who I got the chance to meet and thank), this is a wonderful attraction/amenity for our city, beautiful addition to out waterfront

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2nd ride was 7:30pm; with a family with 2 young kids, and full 3 revolutions; very fun; and much cooler/pleasant inside; very smooth; you could literally sleep in it

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it started drizzling about 9pm; people kept coming; line went nearly out to street continuously

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3rd ride was at 10:30pm; with all the lights; much better to face city; facing the water is mostly just dark/nothing; the air vents were working well; rode with 2 couples, 30’s-ish; one local; one from Vancouver

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they stayed open til 1am, and said that’s the plan; we’ll see

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just like the Space Needle, it’s worth doing at least once, just for the experience, and views

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brought my camera, but didn’t take any pics; just wanted to enjoy it all

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questions I got:

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“how long is the line?”; if you buy tickets online and bring your printout, you get to skip the long line out to the street, and go into the line waiting to board; probably about ½ the wait time; there was not clear signage about this; most were waiting in long line to buy at ticket booth, then another wait in next line to board; up to an hour wait

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“how long is the ride?”; depends on where you are in the lineup for load/unload; if you’re one of the first, it’s mostly sitting/moving one, repeat, for long time; then you’re supposed to get 3 full revolutions; maybe average 15-20 mins

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the ride was much slower than I expected; and REALLY quiet; no music; no narrative; just chatting with the others in the gondola

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there was wonderful/fun 50’s, 60’s, 70’s music while waiting in line

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@ Kevin; what “recorded narrative”? there was nothing/no sound inside on first day

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the whole Griffith family was there Friday night; was great to meet them, and thank them for bringing such a wonderful amenity to our waterfront

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I mingled with the crowd and heard many reactions of folks de-boarding; some loved it; some thought it was waste of money; some children loved it, were very excited; some kids were so afraid/refused to go on; most adults are clear that they either love this kind of thing (like me) or afraid of heights/no interest in going up; but kids really don’t get the full concept until they’re there, so parents may want to consider this before buying tickets; at least one family asked for a refund because their kids were too scared

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[Kevin]

@Diane,

According to Hal Griffith, the recorded narrative was just plugged in as of Saturday morning.

Nothing that any Seattle resident really needs to hear. :) You did not miss anything. “Our area is home to Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon, etc”

The narrative repeated three times during my ride, which is one of the questions that Mr. Griffith asked me after my ride.

.

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[Diane]

oh jeez; is there an option to turn it off?

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[Kevin]

Mr. Griffith said they were considering using personal headsets.

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[suzanne]

Thanks for the great info!

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