The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
4.5
Full view
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,085 reviews
Excellent
661
Very good
270
Average
108
Poor
21
Terrible
25
Veronique
Knoxville, TN793 contributions
Mar 2021
We took the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel ride on a Sunday afternoon and it provided some wonderful views of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains in the distance. I think that it is a little pricey at $15 per person for one ride (they have a dual day and nighttime ticket for a little more), but there is a $2 off coupon in some of the local travel guides. Kathy T. took our payment at the Tickets window while blasting her voice through the loudspeaker, right in our ears, ordering guests to proceed to the next available window. She definitely lacked hospitality, patience and grace. The staff was much nicer at the ride itself. I would say this ride is really the highlight of the Island and it’s not a bad walk from the parking lot, which is free, by the way.
The line went down relatively quickly considering everyone seems to go around the wheel at least 3 times. With regard to COVID, there are clearly marked areas on the ground to encourage social distancing and the wheel staff was wearing masks, but I did find it kind of funny when I saw one of them spray, what I assume is a disinfectant after guests exited the cabins, for all of 2 seconds. Not sure that does a whole lot of good and I can’t say that I’d be comfortable removing my mask while in the cabin even with the ceiling vents at full blast. But, it’s a lovely view and ride and we would do it again, but we’d ride it in the evening because I’m sure the views at nighttime are even more wonderful.
The line went down relatively quickly considering everyone seems to go around the wheel at least 3 times. With regard to COVID, there are clearly marked areas on the ground to encourage social distancing and the wheel staff was wearing masks, but I did find it kind of funny when I saw one of them spray, what I assume is a disinfectant after guests exited the cabins, for all of 2 seconds. Not sure that does a whole lot of good and I can’t say that I’d be comfortable removing my mask while in the cabin even with the ceiling vents at full blast. But, it’s a lovely view and ride and we would do it again, but we’d ride it in the evening because I’m sure the views at nighttime are even more wonderful.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crystal S
Portage, MI129 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The Ferris wheel is very pretty, especially lit up at night. The seats are self contained with air conditioning and tinted windows. It’s included in the unlimited passes you can buy for the rides at the Island. I also saw $2 coupons everywhere for it.
The line was long when we were there over spring break. If half the queue is full, it took an hour and 15 minutes to wait and ride. The ride was three times around.
They are disinfecting the pods between users so they were only filling up half the pods with each load which may have lent itself to the longer wait.
The line was long when we were there over spring break. If half the queue is full, it took an hour and 15 minutes to wait and ride. The ride was three times around.
They are disinfecting the pods between users so they were only filling up half the pods with each load which may have lent itself to the longer wait.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SharonB231
Toledo, OH1,138 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
There are $2.00 off coupons in most brochures, area guides for this ride. It lasts about 10 minutes and you go around five times. Ride is smooth. Ferris wheel is smaller than the one in Vegas but is cool. Cabins are enclosed and air conditioned. It is located at The Island.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Archrn
Chicago, Illinois50 contributions
Sep 2020
The wheel is a very smooth ride, is air conditioned and very pricey. You go around 4 or 5 times for $14.00 a person. Look for discounts to make this a better value. The views looking west toward the strip are better than to the east towards the shopping center! The best time to ride is early evening when the sun starts to set, the island lights are all on outside, the fountain waters are "dancing" and there are lots of people on the island mulling about.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
david w
Dinwiddie, VA88 contributions
Sep 2021
What was good about it was that there was very little wait time [on a monday afternoon in mid september]. It had great views of the city and mountains. And they give you a decent amount of time on it. However $15 per person is a little over priced.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily M
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were waiting in line and started talking to the attendants who were super nice. They asked us about our trip and we told them how we had just gotten married in the Smokies a couple days ago, how my now husband proposed on the the Smoky Mountain Wheel and how much we love it there. After a few minutes If talking the black VIP car stops in front of us and they tell us to get in. Michelle had upgraded us to the VIP car for free so we could celebrate!! She and everyone else were so sweet, it really made our night. Thanks again Michelle!
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Merrie N
Burnsville, NC354 contributions
Dec 2021
This was the first time we went on the wheel and we had a fun time. The Christmas lights were a true sight to see and it was beautiful at night. We felt the price was a little expensive, $40.00 for two adults and one child, but we went anyway. Gotta go at least once!
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gemini76
Kenner, LA155 contributions
Jun 2021
We bought a day/night ticket for 3 adults. The guy at the ticket both would not honor my $2 off coupon because he said the day/night ticket was already discounted. Price was a bit steep, $20/person, but we paid it because we were on vacation and wanted to experience this attraction. The ride itself was fine and the gondola was comfortable. The day and night views were both spectacular, but we will likely not do this again due to the price. If you are afraid of heights and closed in spaces, you may want to avoid this attraction because they stop you at the top frequently.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wdwjoel
Braselton, GA39 contributions
Jul 2021
No trip to The Island at Pigeon Forge is complete without a ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Great views of The Smoky Mountains as well as all of Pigeon Forge. You will experience at least 3 full rotations of the wheel in an air-conditioned cabin. Very Relaxing and Very Beautiful!
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle H
Harrisburg, PA94 contributions
Sep 2020
There are coupons on the Island website or in many of the coupon books. We got the day/night pass for $20 that the coupon doesn't apply (it is $14 for one ride). You go around a total of 5 times. It was nice to escape the heat in the air conditioned cabin. The views are amazing. The ladies that were in charge the day we were there were all great. It's worth the trip. I had hoped to do this on 2 prior trips. The third time was the charm and it was well worth the wait. Take your camera because you will get an opportunity to get wonderful photos. Well worth it!
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
spikesmomma
Trenton, OH8 contributions
Is this wheelchair accessible?
Karen S
Williamsport, MD20 contributions
They do have a VIP chair on the wheel that is bigger than the others but I can't say for sure if it's wheel chair accessible. It may be but you should call someone there and ask. (865) 286-0119
Mimi413_13
Ferrum, VA1 contribution
better in daylight or night
Patricia B
Reynoldsburg, OH19 contributions
Either way. Night is beautiful when it's all lit up. Daytime will be busier of course.
HLP
Louisville, KY94 contributions
Does the line move fast
chickiebabie
Manassas, VA179 contributions
Yes
How long does it take to go around the whole thing?
Arlene F
Maryville, TN292 contributions
It takes about 3 minutes or so for one turn. The ride lasts about 10 minutes for 3 turns. The wheel is huge and the gondolas hold 4 people comfortably or 6 smaller people.
snspayne1
Conyers, GA
We will have 4 adults and 3 kids all under 3 years old. What would the cost be?
VA2TN
Martinsburg, WV146 contributions
Kids under 3 are free. Adults are $14 plus tax. Seniors over 60 are $12 plus tax. There are a TON of $2 off coupons around town in the coupon booklets and brochures at hotels, restaurants etc.
My family and I are planning a trip this fall. I have a 2 y/o and a 4mo old. Would they be able to ride? Try to find things for my 2y/o to enjoy! Thanks in advance!
John H
Summerville, GA294 contributions
Absolutely. We took our 2yo and he loved it. You're enclosed, no risk of falling out or swinging or anything like that so the baby will be fine too. The view is spectacular. It's really more like a glass elevator than a Ferris wheel, as far as the "feel" of the ride. With your 2 yo also check out Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Parrot Mountain. Our 2yo LOVED those 2 places.
THESailorJC
Safety Harbor, FL31 contributions
What is the cost of the ferris wheel ride. We have a family of 6.
bhb74
Florence, AL18 contributions
I believe it was about $30 (without discounts) for my daughter and son to ride. It's about a 10 minute ride which is about 4-5 full rotations around. I didn't feel like 4-5 rotations was much of a ride for the cost incurred but they thoroughly enjoyed it which made it worth the cost for me. They were so excited to share all you could see from a top the wheel. If you shop around you should be able to find discount coupons to help with cost.
catcher4938
Colonia, NJ1 contribution
How long was the ride?
Sarah H
20 contributions
We went around four full rotations
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (Pigeon Forge) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
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