Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel to Be Removed for Major Refurbishment
One of the most iconic sights on the Wildwood Boardwalk, the Giant Wheel at Morey’s Piers, will soon be coming down, BUT not for good.
Morey’s Piers has confirmed to the Wildwood Video Archive that the massive Ferris wheel on Mariner’s Pier will be fully disassembled this offseason for an extensive refurbishment project aimed at preserving the landmark for future generations.
Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel to Be Removed for Major Refurbishment
With Morey’s Piers, safety has always been their number one priority. What many visitors don’t realize is just how much work goes on behind the scenes each winter to ensure their favorite rides are in perfect condition for summer.
From the roller coasters to the classic carousels, each attraction is inspected, repaired, and certified before it ever takes a spin.
The Wildwood Video Archive stopped by Morey’s last winter to film a video of how some of this work is done. You can learn about that by clicking the link below.
Behind-The-Scenes at Morey’s Piers
Now, after nearly four decades of exposure to salt air, sea breezes, and countless sunsets, the Ferris wheel will be carefully taken apart piece by piece. Each section will undergo inspection, maintenance, and restoration before being reassembled in time for next season.
At the center of this project is “the hub.” The hub is the central core or axle of a Ferris wheel, essentially the heart of the entire structure.
It’s the massive round component located at the center of the wheel that connects to the main support axle and holds all of the spokes in place, much like the hub of a bicycle wheel. Morey’s Piers’ hub is hidden by the giant LED circle, which we call the sun. (more on that later)
When the Ferris wheel turns, it’s the hub that rotates around the main axle, driving the entire motion of the wheel. It’s typically supported by large bearings that allow it to spin smoothly, despite the enormous weight it carries.
On large wheels like the Morey’s Piers Giant Wheel, the hub supports hundreds of thousands of pounds, including the steel frame, gondolas, and the people riding in them. Because of that, the hub requires extensive maintenance and periodic inspection to ensure the wheel turns safely and evenly.
In order to get to the hub, the entirety of the wheel, not including the main supports, will be removed. The hub will then be lifted out of place and sent to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where crews will refurbish it before it gets replaced in the spring.
The process of getting to the hub is already underway as crews have removed all of the lighting on the giant wheel and are now in the process of removing the gondolas.
Crews will then bring in a crane to remove the spokes of the wheel until all thats left is the hub.
A Wildwood Landmark
The Giant Wheel has towered over Mariner’s Pier since 1985, when it was installed by the Dutch manufacturer Vekoma. Standing approximately 156 feet tall, it instantly became a defining feature of the Wildwood skyline and one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the East Coast.
The attraction has offered visitors sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the boardwalk, and Cape May County from enclosed gondolas that rotate gracefully above the pier.
Over the years, the Giant Wheel has become much more than a ride. From family photos during sunset rides to the park’s famed Breakfast in the Sky dining experience, which let guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast while rotating high above the boardwalk, the wheel has symbolized summer memories for generations. (yes, we wish they still had that as well)
Morey’s Ferris Wheel Getting A Face-Lift
A History of Upgrades and Maintenance
The wheel has seen several upgrades throughout its life. In 2012, Morey’s installed a modern LED lighting system, giving the ride a stunning nighttime glow that became a highlight of the Wildwood skyline. Behind the scenes, Morey’s Piers is known for its rigorous maintenance culture. Every off-season, 10 gondolas are removed and refurbished.
This year, that tradition will continue.
Back in 2023, Morey’s Piers removed all the lights and the gondolas so that they could be painted.
This year’s full disassembly will allow engineers to perform an even deeper inspection and restore any elements affected by decades of wind, humidity, and sea salt.
The refurbishment will not feature any new lighting packages, though we are told that ‘the sun’ will be rewired so that it will be re-lit for next season.
Looking Ahead
The refurbishment is expected to continue throughout the winter months, with the wheel slated to return before the start of the 2026 season. This means no Christmas show displayed on the wheel.
When it does reopen, visitors can expect the same breathtaking views and perhaps some new surprises.
For now, the Wildwood skyline will look a little emptier this offseason.
But when the Giant Wheel returns, it will once again serve as the shining centerpiece of the boardwalk, a timeless reminder of Wildwood’s blend of history, engineering, and summertime magic.
Below, we filmed a video on-site to show you the progress.
Before you watch, please do consider subscribing, as we will be bringing you updates on this project as part of our monthly “Wildwoods Construction Update” videos.