Nov. 30, 2024

Mechanics of Magic: The Ferris Wheel & the Carousel (Ep 13)

Mechanics of Magic: The Ferris Wheel & the Carousel (Ep 13)
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In the thirteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about the origins of two theme park favorites; how the very first carousels & Ferris Wheels were developed & constructed.


Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: 


  • What do knights have to do with the creation of the very first carousel

  • What’s the main difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round

  • How did amusement park operators compel customers to ride the outermost ring of horses on a carousel (which traditionally did not move up & down like the inner circle of horses)

  • How can the very first Ferris Wheel be traced back to the Columbian Exposition

How were Pleasure Wheels (i.e., the predecessor of the Ferris Wheel) powered