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Forget about run-of-the-mill amusement park rides. For the ultimate bird’s eye view, hop aboard these larger-than-life Ferris wheels that beckon you to go big before you go home.

Related: Check out the world’s scariest water slides

1. London Eye: Crooners have sung about “A Foggy Day (in London Town)”, but you’ll hope for clear skies across London, England, as you soar nearly 450 feet above the river Thames. There are all sorts of add-ons available, from the Day and Night Experience that lets you take in the view twice, to the Champagne Experience that adds bubbly to make the adventure even more exhilarating.

Aitor Escauriaza/Flickr.

London Eye. Credit AitorEscauriaza/Flickr.

2. Singapore Flyer: This towering landmark gives new meaning to the phrase “high tea.” The meal, served in a private capsule, is just one of the offerings available 525 feet above Singapore. Others include cocktail hours, private birthday parties and even a four-course dinner with butler service. When you come back to earth, save time to check out the restaurants, shops and entertainment at the base of the ferris wheel, including the interactive Journey of Dreams attraction, a multimedia display depicting the history of Singapore and the Flyer.

Singapore Flyer. Wikimedia Commons.

Singapore Flyer. Credit Wikimedia Commons.

3. Orlando Eye: Daredevil Nik Wallenda walked atop the outside of the new Orlando, Florida, attraction before it debuted this spring. But we mere mortals can get a thrill by riding inside one of its capsules 400 feet above some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. Once you’re back on solid ground, check out the adjacent amusements along International Drive, including Orlando Premium Outlets, restaurants, nightlife and the new Madame Tussauds Orlando.

Orlando Eye. Credit Julie Fletcher for VISIT FLORIDA.

Orlando Eye. Credit Julie Fletcher for VISIT FLORIDA.

4. High Roller: What happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas, if you take advantage of the wedding package from this observation wheel 550 feet above the glittering Las Vegas Strip. Other, less permanent, offerings include the kid-friendly Family Hour Package and the Happy Half Hour cabin — an adults-only ride with an open bar for the ultimate cocktail party in the sky (each cabin holds 40 passengers!). No matter which package you choose, up the ante by checking out the limited-engagement exhibition of photographer Denise Truscello, who documented the construction of the High Roller.

High Roller. Michael Bentley/Flickr.

High Roller. Credit Michael Bentley/Flickr.

5. Wheel of Brisbane: Sydney has the iconic Opera House, and Brisbane, Australia, boasts this 197-foot-tall treasure. Kick back as the audio system points out landmarks such as the Brisbane River, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and historic Queensland Government Treasury Building. Or spring for the VIP cabin, with extra-comfy seats, tinted windows and your choice of music. During holidays, special food and photo packages are available.

Wheel of Brisbane. Credit Wikipedia/Flickr.

Wheel of Brisbane. Credit Wikipedia/Flickr.

 

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Tagged: Destinations, Europe, Family time, Florida, Las Vegas

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Dalia Colon

Dalia Colon

Dalia is a multimedia journalist in Tampa and the Smart Travel Insider for VISIT FLORIDA. Follow her on Twitter @daliacolon.

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