Giant Wheel Heads to Philadelphia for Upgrades
Morey's Piers Giant Wheel moves to Philadelphia for mechanical and safety upgrades
Giant Wheel Moves to Philly for Refurbishment
The Giant Wheel from Morey's Piers in Wildwood is temporarily relocating to Philadelphia for refurbishment, amusement park officials said. The iconic ferris wheel will undergo maintenance and upgrades designed to ensure safe operation for future visitors. The specific Philadelphia location where the wheel will be placed wasn't disclosed by the company.
Background on the Attraction
The Giant Wheel has been a signature attraction at Morey's Piers, which operates three amusement piers and two waterparks along the Wildwood boardwalk. The family-owned company, founded in 1969, features over 100 rides and attractions across its properties. Amusement ride refurbishment is standard industry practice to extend operational life and maintain safety standards, according to the amusement park operator. Officials didn't provide details about the wheel's original installation date or how long it's been operating at the Jersey Shore location.
Project Scope and Details
Officials outlined the general purpose of the relocation but didn't provide detailed specifications about the refurbishment work. The maintenance project will include necessary upgrades to the ride's mechanical and safety systems, though specific technical details weren't available. The cost of the refurbishment project wasn't disclosed. It's also unclear whether the Giant Wheel will be operational and accessible to Philadelphia residents during its stay in the city, or if it'll remain closed throughout the maintenance period.
Timeline and Return Plans
The wheel's relocation is underway in early 2025, officials confirmed, though a specific completion date for the refurbishment wasn't provided. Morey's Piers hasn't announced when the Giant Wheel will return to its Wildwood location or how long it'll remain in Philadelphia. The company typically operates its attractions seasonally along the Jersey Shore, with peak operations during summer months.
What Visitors Should Know
The temporary relocation means Wildwood visitors won't be able to ride the Giant Wheel during the 2025 season's early months, though officials haven't said whether it'll return before peak summer season. Philadelphia residents may get an unexpected opportunity to see the iconic boardwalk attraction up close, depending on its location and public accessibility. Morey's Piers officials weren't available for additional comment at publication time. Visitors planning trips to either Wildwood or Philadelphia can check Moovit for transit connections to boardwalk and waterfront areas.
