Ride Statistics
Location: London, England
Architects: David Marks and Julia Barfield.
Year Opened: 2000
Height: 135 meters (450feet)
Number of Enclosed Capsules: 32
Capacity: 25 people per capsule, 1,500 visitors an hour
Ride Time: 30 minutes
Notes: Largest observation wheel in the world.
Fourth tallest structure in London.
Tallest observation point in London.
With a height of 135 meters(450 feet) and a ride time of 30 minutes, The London Eye ranks taller and longer than any roller coaster standing, and definetly more popular!
The British Airways London Eye is one of the most famous of all of London's Millennium projects, and is perhaps one the most ideal location; on an embankment across the River Thames from the Parliament Buildings and the famous clock tower, St. Stephen's, more commonly known for it's clock Big Ben.
Another fascinating part of the London Eye is the fact that it was constucted horizontally over the River Thames (right), and was later hoisted up to it's current 90 degree angle, a remarkable accomplishment for modern-day engineering.
The London Eye is in fact, so huge, that it is classified as a new type of ride. Although it may look like a ferris wheel, it's owners disagree and believe a ferris wheel is only for children, unlike the London Eye, which is for people of all ages. Therefore, because of the remarkable view from the top of the London Eye, it has been referred to as an observation wheel, but is still classified as the world's tallest ferris wheel.
Unfortunately, not everything went according to plan for this observation wheel. The ride was meant to open on December 31st 1999 to celebrate the year 2000, however, due to failed safety tests and mechanical problems, the ride was closed for New Year's Eve. The London Eye finally opened in March of 2000
When the ride finally opened it gave one of the greatest views of London, and had the longest range of view on any ferris/observation wheel, a distance of 25 km can be seen in each direction by an observer when a capsule reaches the top of the 450 foot high structure.
The toal ride time people will enjoy in the sleek modern capsules is an astonishing 30 minutes, much longer than any roller coaster!
Overall the London Eye has already proven itself one of London's greatest landmarks, and just months after it's official opening, one can only imagine what else London has planned for both it's residents and admirers across the globe.
