This one has all the ingredients of a great review. I took the plunge and rode Pixar Pal-A-Round... you know, that giant 120-foot Mickey Ferris wheel that you can see from practically everywhere in the park. I'd walked by it countless times, but I could never convince my wife or my son to ride it with me. Turns out... they may have known something I didn't. I figured, "How bad can a Ferris wheel be?" Famous last words. As I'm getting ready to board, there are babies crying and little kids looking nervous. That probably should've been my first clue. Then I thought I'd at least be riding with another group. Nope. Disney looked at me and said, "You're flying solo, buddy." The wheel slowly climbs higher and higher until you're staring over all of California Adventure. Beautiful views... for about five seconds. Then the swinging gondola reaches the top, rolls off the track, and suddenly launches forward and backward like it just remembered it had somewhere to be! I was hanging on for dear life. I came looking for a little thrill, but this thing scared the shit out of me. If my wife or son had been with me, I probably would've tried to make the gondola swing even harder just to mess with them but all alone? I was busy reevaluating every life decision that brought me to that seat. The ride itself was spotless, the Cast Members were friendly, and the atmosphere around the pier was awesome. It's definitely a classic Disney experience. Scare factor? On a scale of 1 to 10... scary as shit. Would I ride it again? Absolutely... right after I forget how terrified I was the first time. Just don't let the word "Ferris wheel" fool you. This thing has a personality read more

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Always go swinging unless you want a picture than go non swinging! Swinging goes around twice! Very fun relaxing You fill get that fuzzy feeling in your tummy read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Waiting for the swinging line - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Of course, we have to go on the swinging one. Yes we are the ones that are trying to make the gondola shake more than it needs to. I tell you we're just a bunch of hooligans five stars. read more

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I was in awe at the long line for the swinging gondolas. I could only do the non-swinging gondolas and luckily, there was only a 20 minute wait time for the non-swinging gondolas on a Wednesday afternoon, end of June. I ended up going on this ride during the daytime, but I bet it's spectacular at night! This ride is a Ferris wheel and it goes high above Pixar Pier. You can pretty much see the entire Disney California Adventure park! This ride does shut down early, around 7:30 P.M for the World of Color show. The Pixar Pal-A-Round will lift you over 150 feet into the air with amazing views! The swinging ones will sway forward and backward. If you get motion sickness easily, I'd recommend avoiding the swinging ones, but the non-swinging ones are perfect! Each Gondola is themed too based on a different Disney or Pixar character! Next time, I'll have to try to ride the Pixar Pal-A-Round during the evening in November or December to catch all of the beautiful theme park lights! read more

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The iconic wheel that's in every ca adventure family picture overlooking the water. The fun ride is appealing for the views that you're able to have from inside as it ascends. Staff are helpful and courteous. Great memories and fun times. The entrance is close to Toy Story. Swinging or fixed. If you get motion sickness maybe opt for the fixed cart. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

This is a fun one but I refuse to go on the swinging gondolas. I fear it will make me ill with the constant swinging. The Pixar Pal-A-Round-Non-Swinging ride is at Disney California Adventure Park located in Pixar Pier. It can be busy so pack your patience. Any height and any age can enjoy this slow ride. This Ferris wheel ride is a whirl of fun and there's so many great views of Disney California. I suggest you check this one out if you want a relaxing ride to go on that is high where you can see so many things. read more

That swinging gondola was high and against my better judgement I did get on..I asked if I could get on one that didn't slide from side to side while up sky high and he said yes of course ..the line was to the left...Ugh ..I was committed ...the most gorgeous view and I did get a bit dizzy but it was worth it.. read more

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Updating my prior review of Pixar Pal-A-Round to note that the non-swinging gondolas are more enjoyable than the swinging ones, which are kind of intense without being especially fun. We rode the non-swinging twice on our last visit to California Adventure, and it was one of my four-year-old's favorite rides of the weekend. One unforeseen downside of the non-swinging: there's only one of them for every two swinging gondolas, so the line moves at half the pace. Thankfully, the kids were excited to ride the ferris wheel and waited patiently enough. I like the Pixar Pal-A-Round, but it's not the most interesting ride in the parks. I'll keep taking my kids as long as they're into it, but I'm not sure I'd suffer a line to go on without them. read more

I call it the Mickey wheel... Who is this ride not good for? - Anyone with a fear of heights -Anyone with motion sickness -Anyone that get disoriented easily (lightheaded, vertigo, dizziness) Who is this ride good for? -Anyone wanting a thrill -Anyone wanting a view of DCA from the top If you can stomach this ride, it is lots of fun. The views are really something. Great ride to get some air and feel like you are flying or floating rather. If you struggle with anxiety or get disoriented easily, I'd suggest picking the non-swinging cart. If you are a wild child, then go for the swinging cart! lol read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Mickey wheel - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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I don't know what it is about a Ferris wheel, but when I see one I have two thoughts go through my head. First thought is 'my god that looks boring.' Second thought 'I must go on it.' And I do. I know that there isn't much you can say about a wheel that hasn't already been said. I remember when they were freshly putting this park together and seeing photos and videos of this that a Ferris Wheel was going to be a prominent part of it. Back then, I have no idea why I thought this, I though it was a stupid thing for a Disney park to include a Ferris Wheel. Like...why? But, hey, it is an amusement park and a lot of the amusement parks we grew up with have one of these and we never question that. When we approached we decided to get in the line for the gondolas that slid back and forth. If I'm doing this wheel, there was no way I was going to just sit in a regular one. I wanted that little razzle dazzle on the ride. To note, for those, the lines are a bit longer and if you time it just right, you might be very near the front of the line. When we entered the line there weren't many people in line and as we were boarding our gondola the line had at least triple the people in it than when we entered line. Entering and exiting the gondolas is easy, just watch your step. Then you are off on your rotations. Great views from this when you reach the top and just going around. Being in one of the sliding cars makes it a bit more fun and keeps you on your toes. I was enjoying this, but my one friend was not as much. She did get a bit of motion sickness from the motion of the gondola. Take that into consideration when you opt to ride this and what type of gondola you select. It's obviously a no frills ride and it kind of is a place to recharge for a bit. It also gets you out of the sun, and if you are lucky a breeze will be going through as you are on this ride. read more

This was my first time on this ride with the whole family in one non-moving gondola. Pretty fun but it only goes around full circle once. Boo. read more

What happens when you cross a Pirate ship style ride with a ferris wheel? The answer is Pixar Pal Around. I was excited to try this ride especially when I watched how the swinging cars would follow a U shaped track depending upon its height. My husband wanted to ride the non swinging car and I went with the swinging car. Oddly enough although both lines were long we managed to get on at the same time with his car being in front of me. I sat on one side with two women who offered to take my picture on the ride. There isn't anything to strap you in but once you get going you actually do swing up and back much like the Pirate ship. Hang on for the time of your life. Another interesting observation was since I was in the swinging car I never knew when we reached the top as our car dipped downward. I had no idea how many loops we took but before we knew it the ride was over. I asked my husband how he enjoyed the non swinging car and he told me it was like a traditional Ferris wheel where you can get good sights of the park and the area surrounding it. The choice is yours-take the non swinging car and ride like a Ferris Wheel or take the swinging car and have the time of your life. Located in Pixar Pier in CA Adventure. read more

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Mickey's Fun Wheel is a massive iconic Ferris wheel on Pixar Pier in the California Adventure Park. If you are afraid of heights or prone to motion sickness, this ain't for you. I enjoyed the ride so much that I rode it twice. Once in the swinging and the other in the non-swinging gondola. The swinging gondola was a hoot. Felt like sitting in a big rocking chair suspended in the sky. But I wished I would have ridden this at night. Ohhh I bet that view would have been even more spectacular. There are two separate lines. The swinging gondola queues are towards the right side. The line is always longer for those. They have 16 swinging and 8 stationary gondolas with each seating. They are open air with caged screens.There are no seat restraints. You can move about freely in the gondola. For the swinging gondolas, go nuts and move about in it to make it swing. It swings a bit on its own (sliding back and forth towards the center of the wheel). It is on rollers on an U shaped track. The ride goes around twice. Fun facts: 160 feet tall. No height requirements so the tater tots can get in on this action. The ride was inspired from the 1920s Wonder Wheel at Coney Island, New York. The wheel is lite up at night and is the focal point of the Pier. read more

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It doesn't look like much but the swinging gondolas are no joke! The screams you hear are real! I think it's one of the most thrilling rides! Lol Located in Disney California Adventure Park, this huge ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas seat up to 6 adults comfortably. It has bench seats on both sides. I'd make sure to balance the gondola so not everyone is on one side and empty on the other as it will swing more. You will definitely get great views of the park and neighborhood as you can see far away with how high you are above the park. There are 2 separate lines for the ride - swinging and nonswinging. The wait can get long, but goes pretty quickly as they don't stop getting people on and off. They load 3 gondolas as a time - 2 swinging and 1 nonswinging. The swinging line goes faster. I usually go on the nonswinging side as I like my relaxed ride around the wheel. It goes around twice per ride. It's exhilarating being at the top! The feel of being in the swinging gondolas are like you are about to fly out! It's the wildest feeling. Different than other rides because it feels less controlled. Your always moving even when the wheel has stopped. The scariest is at the 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30 positions. The 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions have less swing. Definitely recommended! read more

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Located in Disney California Adventure Park. It is a Ferris wheel ride with a twist depending on which cart cage you choose the swinging or non swinging. The swinging one swings forward and backwards each time the wheel is moving and the non swinging one doesn't. One of the best things about this ride is the view you can see all of DCA and it's surroundings especially at night seeing all the lighted up city. Overall a fun ride indeed. read more

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Okay, I have to admit I was on baby duty for this one. When you walk up to this massive structure with Cages that rotate as the wheel moves the first thought is nah. I am never going to do that but then you see that about 25 percent of the cages are not on the crazy tracks and are stationary around one poll. So if you are looking at this from a distance do not sorry if you want you can get a stationary cage for the ride. They family had a blast and a huge smile on their face when they were done and my 2 year old went on with no problem. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

We got in the wrong line and ended up in the swinging gondolas... Big Mistake! The swinging is NO JOKE! I almost gagged! FYI, there are barf bags inside the gondola. We were stuck at the top for awhile because someone couldn't hold it in, Oops! The amount it swings depends on who you're sitting with. We sat across from two girls and they were up in the air and about to fall on top of us! They were holding on to dear life. It was hilarious! The other gondolas weren't swinging as much as ours. Would I ride it again? NOPE! Once was enough! read more

For me this was a no go!!! I went because kids wanted me to go but if your afraid of heights and get motion sickness easy this is not a ride for you. We choose the non swinging cart but was still moving while up in the air. The wind was really hitting the cart too. It was very cold so make sure to have your little ones in a jacket around this time of year. Staff were nice and everything but the ride it self was horrible for me. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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I put this review be because when I went to Disneyland a very long time ago I went on this ride and I went on the swinging ones and it was kind of scary but it was also pretty cool read more

Somehow I remember the swinging gondolas to be much more terrifying in my childhood, but going back as an adult, it's not too bad! Went during the cast member preview +1 and I was able to just walk on the ride, no wait and no one in front of me whatsoever. The fun wheel cycles around twice and you don't really swing so much until you get to the halfway/ 3/4 point where you get the most momentum in movement. I was by myself on the ride, but I can see how it would be much more fun if you had some of your friends be absolute goons and swing the gondola around. Definitely a fun way to see over the entire park. PS. I always find it super funny that there are barf bags on the ride as well. read more

Welp, we got in line for this ride not knowing there was a choice of swinging or non-swinging gondolas. Once we boarded, my husband pointed out the motion sickness bags--what? I thought this was just a big Ferris wheel with Mickey's big face on it. Once the ride started, I realized my error--our gondola was sliding back and forth and not just a little. You actually swing enough that you're almost perpendicular to the ground and there's nothing to hold onto--make sure your bags or anything you have with you are secured so as not to be flung around as you swing. That's when I noticed the gondola next to us wasn't swinging. Soooo, when you get in line, just know that there is a choice--to swing or not to swing. Other than that, you get great views of CA Adventure and Disneyland. I really did start to get a little nauseated, but not enough to need a motion sickness bag. read more

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Looks beautiful from afar, especially at night, but the Pixar Pal-A- Round is a real of waste of anyone's precious Disney time. It's really not a Ferris Wheel, at least not in the sense you'd expect a Ferris Wheel to work. Sure it goes around. Sort of. More stops than starts. You can choose the non-swinging option... but why? That option is surely only for those who enjoy stop and go LA traffic. The swinging version at least gives you a little bit of (occasional) movement. This is a beautiful big wheel that has great views and so much potential, but the way it is operated (no one car gets to move a full 360 degrees in one rotation) doesn't make for a good or satisfying ride. My advice, just take pictures and don't be taken for a ride.. read more

the Pixar pal-a-round carries you to some of the best views of Anaheim :) used to be called the fun-wheel

AKA Mickey's death wheel. If you're afraid of heights, this is NOT for you. There is no part of this that I am ok with. A cage that is being held onto metal bars by two relatively small (from my standpoint when I stare at them) wheels that swing you back and forth to the point where your stuff is flying. Oh! Did I mention you're not wearing seatbelts or any sort of harness in case you fall to your death? YouTube Mickey's fun wheel reactions and that is basically me the entire time. It feels like they want you to go around the wheel like 20 times (I'm exaggerating) but it is the longest 10 minutes of my life. Great concept. Only for those who can handle it. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Caged cell during the ride - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

This review is for the non-swinging gondolas. I never sit in the swinging gondolas because not only do I have a fear of heights but combining that with my motion sickness issues could lead to some serious problems! I'm usually at the park by myself and they typically just let me ride solo. That's really not an effective way to move the line so I had an opportunity to ride with a nice family and their excited youngster. As we took in the sights from high atop the ferris wheel, I noticed that it really didn't seem as high as I thought. This illusion is perfect for people that have acrophobia! You can see the parking lot, people squirming and screaming their heads off as they hit that big drop on California Screamin', and even the Matterhorn! You are secured within your gondola and it is rather sturdy. Forget about taking unobstructed pictures throughout your journey because the metal webbing that protects your from falling out and dying impedes your ability to capture a great shot of the park. You can still snap your photos but they won't be as awesome! The non-swinging line is always shorter than the swinging gondola line. Therefore, I'm inclined to believe that the swinging gondolas must be a lot more fun to ride! I'll take everyone's word on that one! It's a nice smooth ride and I've never had any issues with this breaking down (knock on wood). read more

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I agree with the other Yelpers. The swinging gondolas can be fun, but a bit frustrating when you're in a group of 3 or less and have to be paired off with complete strangers. Even with the pairing off of strangers for the smaller groups, you still end up waiting at least an average of 30 to 45 minutes. It's also a little frustrating that the ride goes by so quickly after that seemingly long wait. Sometimes it even feels like you only make one full revolution with all the stopping of loading and unloading of guests. On the flip side, the Fun Wheel is absolutely beautiful at night. The wheel changes different colors and photographs beautifully. I like how they incorporate the wheel into their World of Color Show as well. read more

Okay, Mickey's "Fun Wheel" is not so fun for me! We had an unforeseen glitch with a four-year-old in line ahead of us with some bladder issues that increased our wait time significantly. Just bad timing I guess... peeeeeee! The ride itself is NOT for those that don't like heights or are prone to motion sickness. I get seasick in smaller boats... up and down... side to side... a couple minutes of that and I'm ready to upchuck my meal and coat the people inline below. And you know what, I don't want to do that to anyone or waste a meal I probably Yelped about and spent good money for! (Sorry to end the sentence in a preposition) I'm still glad I mustered up the intentional fortitude and went on the ride. At least the 3 year old girl across from me enjoyed it. I kid you not, she was absolutely in heaven as our caged-cart (gondola) sped and tilted along the rails. I haven't seen a kid laugh that hard with sheer enjoyment and pleasure!! It was the best part of the experience! read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - This is how I felt on the ride! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Really cool Ferris wheel style ride with the added bonus of 2/3 of the cars ride on these interior rails that make them swing wildly depending on the part of the circle you're on. Ride slowly loads up all the cars and spins once and gen unloads. They load and unload 3 cars at a time, so it goes fast. 2 different cars had people who got sick just while we were standing there, so motion sickies beware. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Swinging gondolas. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

When is a ferris wheel different then other ferris wheels? When half of the gondolas swing back and forth... and there's a barf bag inside (that I almost had to use). Mickey's Fun Wheel is one of the big landmarks of Disney California Adventure; it also plays a part during the World of Color show at night when video images are broadcast on the side of the wheel. Also, if you have a smartphone, there's a little game you can play prior to the show where if you win, you can actually control the lights on the wheel for 30 seconds (good luck finding a strong wi-fi signal, though)! Anyway, it was my girlfriend's birthday, and she REALLY wanted to go on one of the swinging gondolas; we were paired with a grandfather taking his granddaughters up for the ride. When they saw me trying not to look down, one of the girls asked me, "Mister, are you afraid of heights?" A bit embarrassed, I said, "Yes. Yes, I am." (To be fair, the granddad said, "See, this is what men do for their women.") And yes, you do go up pretty far and get great views of the park... but once the gondola starts swinging on the full ferris wheel rotation, prepare for some screams and your stomach leaping into your throat. Even Kathy was a bit freaked out - she didn't expect the gondola to swing back that high! Mickey's Fun Wheel is definitely to be experienced... but I think next time we'll ride on the non-swinging gondolas, thankyouverymuch! read more

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Formally known as Mickey's fun wheel, Pixar pal-a-round is the same exact ride as before with minor detail changes. The gondolas are now Pixar themed and the seats inside are somewhat divided. Instead of a full bench it's like a two seater next to a one seater. This is on both sides of the gondola. There are still non swinging and swinging gondolas as well. I love the swinging gondolas just for that extra rush. This ride is an oldie but goodie. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

I have to say, I'm pretty sad. Mickey's Fun Wheel Is changing to a Pixar themed attraction. It closed earlier this month and I'm not sure when she it will reopen. The whole goal of Disney's California Adventure Park was to make it a California themed park; now it seems like the whole park is changing to a Pixar themed park. :( Mickey's Fun Wheel will still feature Mickey's face on the side but I heard that the individual gondolas will have Pixar characters on it instead of the original Disney gang of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. I am very lucky to have had the luxury of riding this attraction in its original design; who knows if they will even change the name of the ride? We'll see. Mickey's Fun Wheel was divided into two sections- stationary non moving gondolas and swinging gondolas. I never dared to ride the swinging gondolas because I am a bit of a chicken so I always rode the stationary non moving gondolas. The gondolas reach high levels of elevation and move in a circle about two times. This attraction allows you to see the entire park (and even parts of Disneyland's Magic Kingdom!) when you ride it. I have a fear of heights but I do love this attraction because it is very peaceful and serene and it allows you to take some amazing selfies and gorgeous photos in the air. I recommend to ride this attraction at least once while visiting the park. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Mickey's Fun Wheel in its original design - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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I ain't gonna lie but this ferris wheel is hella scary!! I got on the swinging gondola and I was screaming and holding on to my dear life! Ferris wheels are seriously not supposed to swing like that!! At first glance, the wheel looks nice and innocent but looks can be deceiving! It's a possessed ferries wheel!! The wheel at night time is sooooooooo pretty! read more

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Pixar Pal-A-Round - Swinging (California Adventure Park) The line and wait for the ride aren't too long, which is always a plus at an amusement park. I do have to point out that this ride has two options...swinging gondola or non-swinging gondola. Before getting in line, we missed these signs and boarded the swinging gondola. This was a big mistake for us. Either we are no longer the daredevils that we used to be, or we just can't handle it. This is the perfect ride at California Adventure if you just want to chill and see the park from above. Or, it's the worst ride ever if you're afraid of heights and easily get motion sickness. read more

This looks like an epic ride, rising up far above the clouds to see a spectacular view of Disneys great parks, . I'm sure it would be a thrill to ride it during the fireworks displays, and the water show. But for me, I had to pass on this ride. Being up high scared the bejeebees out of me. I'm leaving this ride for those brave souls who enjoy flying high. Have fun! read more

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I'm surprised by some of the reviews on here! It really wasn't THAT scary! It was pretty fun I thought. Really people? Worth it to stand in line for the swinging gondolas. No there's no seatbelts. Something about something that Newton laws of physics could explain to me that I don't know. Yes it's swingy but it's fun. Good views too. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Our group wanted to go into one of the swinging gondolas, but we accidentally ended up in line for the non-swinging ones. I alerted one of the staff members, and they let my group switch to the swinging gondola! That was very nice of them. I think it was also because by the time we got in line, they had to close off the ride to everyone because they had to shut down by 8:00 to prepare for the World of Color show. We were lucky to be among the last ones to make it in line. While not as thrilling as roller coasters, it's a bit unnerving to be in a swinging gondola at first, especially since you're going back and forth, and you get glorious views of the park from the sky. You either feel serene because you get to take in such beautiful views, or you're scared brainless because of the realization of how high you are. The ferris wheels also makes several stops to let rides on and off, so there will be times when you're just sitting there, in the gondola, waiting for the wheel to move again. You go on the ferris wheel in two rounds, and get the hang of being in a swinging gondola. We had a lot of fun on this! A nice ride to go onto when you're a bit tired of the faster rides, but don't want something too slow. read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

Walt Disney never wanted a Ferris Wheel in his park. Based on that fact alone, I am not a huge fan of Mickey's Fun Wheel. Yes it's much better than it used to be back when it was the Sun Wheel...it has much more character, but Ferris Wheels always see a little on the gimmicky side to me. Just like many people know there are two separate ways to ride the wheel...the swinging gondola and the stationary gondola. There are two separate corresponding lines for the two ways to ride. The swinging variety always has twice the line that the non-swinging ones do so if you really feel like riding you can save yourself some time. The one thing that the wheel can be great for is pictures of the resort from up on high. Its also an amazing part of the World of Color show. At least it's got Mickey in the middle...that makes it a-ok in my book. :0) read more

Pixar Pal-A-Round - The wheel at night... - Amusement Parks Near Me - Anaheim, California

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At first we didn't swing very much, we went around one time and thought it was a bit lackluster. But the second revolution, was much more like what I was expecting. It was quite a bit of swing, and I think we both left feeling a bit woosy, but in a good way haha. The views are great and we liked the fact the two of us had a car/cage to ourselves. I think this would be a bit more fun to do in the evening to really take it all in at night, but the daytime still served well. The line took about 20 minutes and was worth the wait. If it was longer than that I'd say move on to another ride. But for that, it was fun. read more

You can get on either the swinging or non-swinging version of this ride. I prefer the swinging version. It's really not that bad. However if you do get sick, don't worry... they have barf bags in each car. Each car seats up to 6 people comfortably. If you're by yourself, don't worry... they'll pair you up with another group so you don't ride solo. I think this ride is a great way to pass time as you wait for your next Fast Pass to become active. It's currently closed as they change the area from Paradise Pier into Pixar Pier. read more

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Sit back, rest your feet, relax, and take in the park. My kids love the swinging gondola, I prefer the non-swinging because I'm old and I am bit "concerned" about heights. Not scared just concerned. The waiting time can range from 20 minutes up to an hour. Plan accordingly and look periodically throughout the day for short lines. I especially enjoy this ride before the sun begins to set. It makes for a good photo opportunity of the park. My family and I total 5, no sharing the gondola with strangers for me. read more