Pixar Pal-A-Round and the History of the Ferris Wheel

How did a 19th-century engineering marvel become one of the most surprising thrill rides at a Disney park?In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Kevin takes us on a journey from the invention of the wheel in ancient Mesopotamia to the massive Chicago World’s Fair Ferris Wheel of 1893 — and all the way to the swinging gondolas of the Pixar Pal-A-Round at Disney California Adventure.We explore:• The origin of the Ferris Wheel and George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.• The engineering rivalry to outshine the Eiffel Tower• The rise of Coney Island’s Wonder Wheel and the eccentric sliding gondola design• Disneyland’s early (and short-lived) Ferris Wheel experiments• Why Pixar Pal-A-Round is technically not a traditional Ferris Wheel• How Disney California Adventure’s version became one of the most thrilling attractions at any Disney parkFrom World’s Fair innovation to seaside amusement parks to Pixar Pier, this episode uncovers how history, engineering, and theme park design all come together 160 feet above Paradise Bay.Whether you ride swinging or non-swinging… you’ll never look at this wheel the same way again.👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com, and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure!👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com, and use code WITPDIGITAL👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereintheparkFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereintheparkTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereintheparkYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark