Thursday, September 04, 2008

Coney Island: The Wonder Wheel

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey

Did you guess our next stop correctly? The Wonder Wheel! Built in 1920 this 150-foot ferris wheel has been an icon for Coney Island since its inception. It towers over everything else and is visible from everywhere you go.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


As we approached it was obvious that some of the cars were doing a lot of swinging back and forth and I didn’t think I was going to like that very much. That’s because this ferris wheel is unique. The cars on the inside track of the wheel are each on their own track and the movement of the wheel makes them slide forward and backward wildly, kind of like a miniature roller coaster. The cars on the outside (which there are fewer of) remain stationary.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey

 

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


Rick knew instinctively that I wasn’t going to like the roller-coaster like ones, (he knows me so well!) so he said he really wanted to be on the outside at the highest point for the best view. Bless him. We stood in the stationary line. The couple in front of us saw one of the stationary cars go past them with two buckets and a sleeping dog inside it. I guess he didn’t like the swinging cars either. We figured he was the ballast.


Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


We went around once, stopping and starting as all the cars were filled, then when everyone was on board we went all the way around without stopping. Here are the views in each direction.

Looking behind us at the rest of the amusement park.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


Looking at the beach.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


Looking toward Manhattan.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


And looking straight in front of us.

Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


It was a pleasant and smooth ride, and as the cars above and below us swung crazily, I was glad we were in our stationary car at the top of the world.


Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


Lynne Robinson, Hewitt, New Jersey


Where to next ... ?

Comments:

wow, what a beautiful day you had for it!  so different from our trip

your pictures are great

Sweet, never been to Coney Island myself.  As for what’s next, hmm…the Hamptons? Maybe the Poconos.

Wow! What beautiful pics!

I’m terrified of ferris wheels and ... well ... every kind of carnival ride. But the views look amazing.

If you go to the Hamptons next, say hello to Not Plain Jane, please?

In all of the many trips I’ve taken to NYC, I’ve never gone to Coney Island.  After seeing all of your fantastic photos I’m definitely going to try to go there ASAP!

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