Las Vegas Ferris Wheel Opens, Takes Our Breath Away
It’s been two years in the making, but the High Roller Ferris wheel in Las Vegas has officially opened to the public, and this spectacular attraction promises to change the way we see the Las Vegas Strip forever.
Caesars Entertainment provided a couple of days of free rides to employees and members of the public, presumably to work out any kinks in the process of welcoming guests to the High Roller. We didn’t notice any kinks during our visit, so whatever they did worked.
There were throngs of people in The Linq shopping and entertainment district, many drawn by the 550-foot tall observation wheel.
Tickets are now available online. How much to ride, you’re asking? Finally, we know for sure. Prices have initially been set at $24.95 for daytime rides and $34.95 for rides at night. Hint: Splurge and go at night! Even better, sunset!
The High Roller will be open 365 days a year.
The whole High Roller operation appears to have been thoroughly thought through, so the waits are short, and guests are provided with various diversions (like artwork and video presentations) while they wait.
While guests can’t bring outside drinks onto the High Roller, they can bring along drinks purchased at the bar inside the attraction’s “wheelhouse.” Hey, this giant-ass wheel isn’t going to pay for itself.
The bar was hopping!
It should be noted that the High Roller Ferris wheel doesn’t have restrooms in its passenger capsules. The ride takes 30 minutes, so make sure to look for this sign before you get onto the ride!
Loading up passengers into the wheel’s cabins is an interesting feat.
The wheel doesn’t stop revolving, but moves very slowly (.89 feet per second, to be exact) so riders have the chance to enter the passenger capsules on one side while riders finishing their ride exit on the other side.
Yeah, it’s complicated, so here’s a magnificently slapped-together video that might illuminate the process, as well as giving some sense of the incredible views from the High Roller.
The views from the High Roller are sure to take your breath away. If you love the Las Vegas Strip, it’s like seeing it for the first time all over again.
A ride on the High Roller is a great way to get a peek at The Linq itself.
Our only gripe about our whole High Roller experience had very little to do with the High Roller and a lot to do with other human beings. Please, if you ride the High Roller, don’t be a window hog. We had about 30 people in our “pod,” and two delightfully oblivious people stood right in the best spot at the window and never moved an inch during the entire half-hour ride. Yes, there are 360-degree views, but certain spots are just plain better. Rude. We’re thinking these passenger pods should have been built with a eject button.
The High Roller ride is silky smooth, and the whole time you’re in this engineering wonder is a tad surreal. Because the wheel’s rim is so thin, when you stand at the sides of the passenger capsule, it’s as if you’re floating in midair.
As many surmised, there are a few minutes at the beginning and end of the ride where you’re mainly looking at the backs of buildings, but that’s maybe 10 of the 30 minutes. Otherwise, you’re getting a stunning view of the world’s most beautiful city, all in a cozy, party atmosphere.
Here’s a look at the history of the High Roller observation wheel, and we’ve got all the juicy facts you could ever need about this jaw-dropping new attraction on The Strip.
Our photo gallery may provide a small taste of what the High Roller Ferris wheel experience is like. But there’s only one real way to know. Hey, if we made it, anyone can make it. What are you waiting for?
High Roller Ferris Wheel Opens in Las Vegas
Leave your thoughts on “Las Vegas Ferris Wheel Opens, Takes Our Breath Away”
6 Comments