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Coney Island's "Wheely Big Wheel" Is Back

coney island skywheel
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SkyWheel will live at Coney Island for six weeks only, beginning May 26 through July 8.

America's largest mobile Ferris wheel-style ride comes back to Coney Island when the park kicks off its Opening Weekend Saturday, May 26. 

For six weeks only, Coney Island will house the SkyWheel, a 216 person ride that ascends 155 feet above the park, offering passengers views of the Ohio River and beyond. Each ride takes about 10 minutes, with the wheel making four rotations per session. At night, the wheel is lit up with more than 500,000 LED lights. 

coney island skywheel at night
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At night, the ride's 500,000 LED lights can be seen for miles.

"The Coney Island SkyWheel is an extraordinary structure, taking family playtime to new heights with state-of-the-art technology," Coney Island Marketing Director Sally Derrick said in a statement. "It is the tallest ride of its kind in Ohio and is a great way to launch an exciting 2018 season while putting the wintertime Ohio River issues behind us." 

The SkyWheel will be in operation until July 8, and will be located near the park's Sunlite Water Adventure area, near the Riverbend Music Center. Cost per rider is $5. 

Jennifer Merritt brings 20 years of "tra-digital" journalism experience to WVXU.