Nick Weisenberger is the author of Coasters 101: An Engineer’s Guide to Roller Coaster Design. Q: What is the goal of The 50 Biggest Ferris Wheels Ever Built and why are you interested in observation wheels? Nick: The goal of this book and my website, Observation Wheel Directory, is to create a database of the world’s largest observation wheels with detailed information including statistics, pictures, and videos on each one. I’ve always been a fan of roller coasters and amusement parks so I believe my interest in observation wheels is just an extension of that. I have no affiliation or connection with any observation wheels, I’m simply a fan who wanted to know more. When I saw there was no one site that had all the information I craved I decided to create one myself. While there are clubs and organizations for roller coaster, carousels, and dark rides, no such organization currently exists for Ferris wheels. Q: What’s the charm of a Ferris wheel? Nick: I think Ferris wheels have a lasting appeal for several reasons. Even the largest Ferris wheel is physically less intense than a roller coaster (even though the largest wheel is 100 feet taller than the tallest coaster). The entire family, from toddlers to grandparents, can ride an observation wheel in one luxurious cabin together - a true family ride. People generally like to be scared in a safe environment; we crave experiences that seem risky but really aren’t. It seems like humans have always been attracted to climbing to high places in order to view our world from above. Observation wheels have better capacity and are more efficient than skyscrapers or hot air balloons. There’s also the romantic angle - getting stopped at the very top while riding with your significant other is a special moment, no doubt resulting in thousands of marriage proposals made on wheels. I occasionally get emails from guys who mistake my website as being the official website for the Ferris wheel they are visiting requesting I stop the wheel while they’re at the top so they can propose.