In the middle of Disney’s California Adventure Paradise Pier, along the bustling boardwalk, you can’t miss Mickey’s Fun Wheel. From a distance, the harmless Ferris wheel looks like a perfect relaxing way to catch some beautiful views of California Adventure. But don’t be fooled; this is no ordinary Ferris wheel. It’s an eccentric wheel, or sliding wheel that’s much different than a traditional Ferris wheel.
Before you board one of the 24 colorful gondolas (carrying up to 8 people), you’ll need to make a critical decision. Eight of the gondolas, the Mickey Mouse themed gondolas are “Stationary” and provide a Ferris wheel like experience. These are perfect for the little ones, offering a 150 foot scenic view of Disney California Adventure as well as views of Disneyland. While the other 16 themed to Goofy, Minnie, Pluto and Donald are considered “Swinging Gondolas”. The swinging gondolas glide on interior rails and sway during the trip, creating a sometimes dizzying experience. By definition, an eccentric wheel offers some passenger cars that are not fixed to the rim of the wheel but slide on rails between the rim and the hub as the wheel rotates. The results are a more intense experience than what you might expect from a Ferris wheel. Motion sickness bags are located inside each of the swinging vehicles, just in case.
If you’re familiar with Coney Island in New York, the concept may sound familiar. Mickey’s Fun Wheel is one of only 2 “wonder wheel” type Ferris wheels operating in the United States. Coney Islands’ original 1920 “Wonder Wheel” was the design inspiration for Mickey’s Fun Wheel.
Prior to the 2008 Disney California Adventure massive renovation, Mickey’s Fun Wheel was the opening day “Sun Wheel” featuring a massive “Sun” in the center of the wheel where the Mickey is today. The color scheme was also changed from yellow to the mostly red you see today, with each gondola being themed to one of the fab five characters as an effort to extend the introduction of Classic Disney characters into the park. In 2013, additional lights were installed to showcase the wheel as a part of the World of Color nighttime show. For more on Disney California Adventure “World of Color” be sure to check out the original and World of Color Celebrate
For More from Disney California Adventure: Blue 13 Dance Company, Holiday Toy Drummers, Avengers Campus Opening, Mariachi Espectacular, Blue Sky Cellar Pixar Pier, The Grand Opening Special, The Tale of the Lion King, Pixarmonic Orchestra, Red Car News Boys, Five & Dime, Viva Navidad, Mickey’s Fun Wheel, World of Color, Disney Grand California from the Travel Channel, California Screamin, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure.
