Each year, the entire 400,000 lb. ride is overhauled and painted to
protect it from the elements of weather, wear and tear.
A full-size replica of the Wheel stands in Yokahama, Japan. The only stoppage in the history of the WONDER WHEEL was on July 13, 1977 during the Great NYC Blackout - when the entire northeast lost electrical power. Riders on the WONDER WHEEL were brought down safely because the owners handcranked the Wheel to turn it.