See full version: Setting a dream into motion in Seattle
Hal was leasing Pier 57 from the Port of Seattle to operate several restaurants but had bigger dreams of how to revitalize Seattle’s downtown waterfront, including building a Ferris wheel to entice visitors. The city turned down his application, so he focused on building other ventures on the pier in addition to the restaurants, including a carousel, an ice cream shop, and a bakery.
The Great Wheel is a bright addition to the Seattle skyline, a 175-foot Ferris wheel on Pier 57 overlooking scenic Elliott Bay. But years ago, it was only Hal Griffith’s dream.
A Ferris wheel on Pier 57 seemed like a long shot — until the right family found the right time and the right financing.
Wells Fargo’s Brian Bilanski says, “We were able to make the Griffiths’ dream a reality by working closely with them and coming up with a strategic plan. By looking at their existing financial assets, which included restaurants and properties in Washington and California, we could support the financing both in the short term and long term. Many banks took a very narrow approach that focused exclusively on the valuation of just the Ferris wheel.” more
We do not allow food or drinks on the wheel. Drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. We also ask that you leave large bags, suitcases, strollers and car seats in the area near our loading dock while you are on the wheel. An attendant is always standing close by to ensure that your items are safe.
You can also browse our product catalog if you'd like to imprint your picture on other fun items, like magnets, mementos, mugs, etc. Additional costs apply. here
Yes! If you purchase a regular ticket online or at the pier and decide later that you want the VIP experience, you can pay the difference in price to upgrade your ticket at the ticket booth on the pier. more
Click on the link below to access the picture viewer website https://www.myfunmoments.com/miners-landing.
For additional Photo Booth queries, email: GreatWheel@pier57seattle.com
Fill out the required information and then enter the 10-digit ode found above the QR barcode on the photo ticket you were handed after you took your picture(s). Any image(s) associated with that code will pop up. Click on an image to make a purchase. Our product catalog will show you what we have to offer including digital downloads, fun gifts, keepsakes, and mementos.
You can also browse our product catalog if you'd like to imprint your picture on other fun items, like magnets, mementos, mugs, etc. Additional costs apply. here
You can access your digital download by entering the 5-digit code on your photo booth paper receipt ; or by enter the 10-digit code found above the QR barcode on the photo ticket you were handed after you took your pictures. When your images appear, move the cursor over the picture and click on the download icon. more
Click on the link below to access the picture viewer website https://www.myfunmoments.com/miners-landing.
Keep in mind: Images are archived for two weeks from date of visit, then automatically purged. The free digital download is available ONLY for the picture you purchased in person.
Click on the link below to access the picture viewer website https://www.myfunmoments.com/miners-landing.
6. When you glimpse the rooftop terraces and deluxe balconies of Seattle’s affluent downtown residents, your entire life will feel dull.
3. After you’ve waited for all the pods to load with new passengers, the wheel will turn continuously a total of four times. Prepare yourself: you will hear the same fact repeated 1,000 times leading up to and during the ride. Ferris wheel riders are obsessed with turns per capita. here
2. The air conditioning inside those pods is more powerful than any currently offered in Seattle. Bring a sweater. more
1. If there are only two people in your party, you will probably have to share a pod with strangers. Hopefully you will get paired with a nice, socially competent couple from Mukilteo (like I did). Otherwise, congratulations! You just paid to join a cruel social experiment: Seattle strangers trapped in a glass bubble and forced to make small talk. Don’t bother trying to escape, they lock the doors from the outside.
4. If you can’t see the Olympic Mountains, your view of Elliott Bay will feel sort of dull.
5. If you can’t see the twinkly lights of the night skyline, your view of the Olympic Mountains will feel sort of dull.