Boardwalk adds new 65’ tall Ferris wheel after six-year absence
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 3, 2023
Contact: Kris Reyes
[email protected]
Santa Cruz, CA – The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has announced the arrival of two new rides for the 2024 season including a 65’ foot Ferris wheel named Dream Wheel.
The Dream Wheel, manufactured by Chance Rides in Wichita, Kansas, is a modern take on a quintessential seaside amusement park Ferris wheel. Standing just under 65’ tall, this family friendly ride contains 15 colorful gondolas each capable of seating 4 adults or 6 children. The ride is suitable for riders with a low thrill-seeking threshold and will provide stunning views of the Boardwalk, Monterey Bay, downtown Santa Cruz, and the majestic coastline. The ride is tentatively scheduled to open around spring break although an exact opening date has not been announced.
The second ride arriving in 2024 is named Surge. Seating up to 24 people, this unique spin on a classic thrill ride will provide Boardwalk guests with 360 degrees of adrenaline-packed excitement. Surge is also manufactured by Chance Rides and is tentatively scheduled to open at the Boardwalk around Memorial Day weekend.
“Ferris wheels are as much a part of a classic seaside amusement park experience as wooden roller coasters, carousels, and cotton candy,” said Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes. “We are thrilled to add Dream Wheel to our lineup of amazing rides, and I know our guests will love the stunning views.”
Ferris wheels have been a part of the Boardwalk’s rich history dating back to 1925 when the first wheel was installed. In 1945, a small kiddie wheel opened for operations and thrilled young visitors until it was removed in 1970. The Boardwalk’s previous Ferris wheel opened in 1959 near the location of the Pirate Ship ride. The wheel was moved to the Boardwalk’s lower end in time for the 1984 season where it operated until it was removed at the end of the 2017 summer season.
About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Opened in 1907, the family-owned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park featuring the historic 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, the 1911 Looff Carousel, dozens of family-friendly rides and midway games, indoor arcades, and mini golf.
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