Deno’s Wonder Wheel Coney Island

Hey everyone, welcome back to *Brooklyn Echoes*, the podcast that keeps the borough’s legends and memories alive. I’m your host, Robert Henriksen.

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up to the timeless thrill of Coney Island! Today, we’re embarking on a spin through the story of Deno’s Wonder Wheel—a towering marvel that’s been delighting riders for over a century. Perched on the edge of Brooklyn’s iconic boardwalk, this 150-foot-tall eccentric Ferris wheel isn’t just a ride; it’s a living piece of American amusement history, blending gentle views with heart-racing swings. If you’ve ever gazed at its colorful cars against the Atlantic skyline, you know the magic. But let’s rewind the wheel and uncover its origins, mechanics, adventures, and why it still spins strong in 2025.

Picture Coney Island in the Roaring Twenties—a bustling playground of thrills, where entrepreneurs dreamed big amid the salt air and crashing waves. The Wonder Wheel was the brainchild of inventor Charles Hermann, who sought to revolutionize the standard Ferris wheel. Tired of the predictable up-and-down, Hermann designed an “eccentric” version where some cars would slide and swing for added excitement. Commissioned by Herman J. Garms Sr. and his son Fred, it was constructed between 1918 and 1920 by the aptly named Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company. Using 100% Bethlehem steel—forged right on the Coney Island beach—the massive structure weighed in at 200 tons, or 400,000 pounds. It opened to the public on Memorial Day, May 30, 1920, originally dubbed the “Dip-the-Dip” for its promise of combining the thrills of a scenic railway, Ferris wheel, and chute-the-chutes. Riders paid a nickel back then for a taste of the future.

The Garms family operated it for six decades, steering it through turbulent times. In 1933, a fire ravaged parts of Coney Island, but the steel giant stood unscathed. During World War II, blackouts dimmed the lights, yet the wheel kept turning for morale-boosting rides. Post-war, it hit peak popularity: On July 4, 1947, it set a single-day record with 14,506 riders queuing up for panoramic views of the beach and beyond. By 1952, it had given 10 million rides; that number doubled to 20 million by the 1970s. Even as Coney Island faced urban decay in the mid-20th century—with parks closing and crowds thinning—the Wonder Wheel endured, a symbol of resilience.

A pivotal turn came in 1983 when Greek immigrant Denos D. Vourderis purchased it from Fred Garms for $250,000. Vourderis, who had fallen in love with the wheel during a 1948 date with his future wife Lula (proposing he’d buy it for her if she married him), made good on his romantic vow. The family invested another $250,000 in restorations, renaming it Deno’s Wonder Wheel and integrating it into their newly acquired amusement park. Denos passed in 1994, but his sons Dennis and Steve continue the legacy, making it the last family-operated park in Coney Island. They’ve refused multimillion-dollar offers to sell, preserving it amid modern redevelopments like Luna Park.

What makes this wheel so wondrous? It’s no ordinary Ferris wheel. Standing as tall as a 15-story building, it’s powered by a 40-horsepower motor and completes a full rotation in about 10 minutes. There are 24 passenger cars: 8 stationary ones (painted blue) that offer a smooth, traditional ride with stunning vistas of the ocean, boardwalk, and Brooklyn skyline; and 16 swinging cars (red) that slide along serpentine tracks toward the hub and back out to the rim, creating a thrilling pendulum motion without flipping upside down. Each car seats up to 6 people, for a total capacity of 144 riders per cycle. No height restrictions apply, making it family-friendly, though the swinging cars pack more punch—perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Safety is paramount: The wheel boasts a perfect record over 104 years, with no major incidents. It’s overhauled annually—disassembled, inspected, and repainted to battle the salty sea air. In emergencies, like the 1977 New York City blackout (its only unscheduled stop), crews can hand-crank it down. Today, rides cost 10 credits (about $10, since credits are $1 each), with separate lines for stationary and swinging options. It attracts around 200,000 riders yearly, pushing the lifetime total beyond 35 million.

Through the years, the Wonder Wheel has weathered literal storms too. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused minor damage—mostly flooding—but after repairs, it reopened in 2013 with new solar-powered LED lights for eco-friendly nighttime glows. The 2020 centennial celebration was delayed by COVID-19, shutting operations for the year, but it bounced back in April 2021. Just this year, on September 29, 2025, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park was added to New York’s Historic Business Preservation Registry, honoring its role in Brooklyn’s heritage—a fitting tribute for Coney Island’s oldest continuously operating ride.

Culturally, this wheel is woven into the fabric of pop culture. It’s inspired replicas, like the Pixar Pal-A-Round at Disney’s California Adventure (opened 2001) and one at Yokohama Dreamland in Japan. On screen, it’s starred in films like 1979’s *The Warriors* (where gangs evade foes near it), 1985’s *Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins*, and Woody Allen’s 2017 *Wonder Wheel*, named in its honor. TV spots include *Mr. Robot* and *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*. Musically, Dan Zanes penned a song called “Wonder Wheel,” and The Klezmatics released an album of the same name with Woody Guthrie lyrics. It’s even a hotspot for proposals and weddings—echoing Denos Vourderis’s own love story. As a New York City landmark since 1989, it symbolizes Coney Island’s golden age, resilience, and joy.

In 2025, under the Vourderis family’s watchful eye, the Wonder Wheel remains a must-ride at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, bordered by West 12th Street, the Bowery, Luna Park, and the Riegelmann Boardwalk. Whether you’re in a stationary car soaking up the sunset or swinging wildly in a red one, it offers unbeatable thrills and views. It’s more than steel and spokes—it’s a testament to innovation, family legacy, and the enduring spirit of Coney Island. Next time you’re there, take a spin and feel the history whirl around you. Thanks for joining this ride—now go make your own memories!

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