The once 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel was a Times Square staple for years, but it now serves a very different purpose
When Toys “R” Us closed the doors of its flagship store in New York’s Times Square in 2015, children of all ages missed not only the toys, but the Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel.
After all, the toys weren’t the only attraction in the 110,000-square-foot building. Visitors marveled at the 34-foot animatronic T-Rex, huge Lego figures and life-size Barbie Dreamhouse. But the biggest draw was the 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel, with colorful cars featuring iconic toys and characters.
The Ferris wheel boarding area was on the first floor. Since the store’s main level was actually the second floor, visitors had to take an escalator down to await their turn on one of the 14 themed cars, including Pokemon, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Toy Story … and Geoffrey the Giraffe himself.
But when the Times Square store closed its doors in December 2015, that was it for the Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel.
Or was it?
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A surprising new home for the Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel
Before we tell you what happened to the Toys “R” Us Ferris Wheel, let us share a little story from The Sunshine State.
Every Thursday, excited kids and their parents line the streets of Give Kids the World Village in Orlando, Florida, a magical nonprofit resort where severely ill children and their families get to experience a week of theme park visits and vacation joy. Everyone is waiting for the Winter Wonderland parade to start. It’s the festive culmination of the Winter Carnival, a weekly party that combines a month’s worth of December holiday fun into one exciting “winter” day, regardless of the season or weather (think “Christmas in July”).
Rolling down the street, you’ll spot volunteers dressed as joyful elves, beautiful snow princesses and prancing gingerbread men. Santa, of course, is a highlight, as are the fabulous parade floats occupied by well-known toys.
There’s one float with Toy Story favorites including Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and Woody. Another hosts a posse of My Little Pony characters. A different float holds Stellar the Star Fairy, a special character who lives at the Village.
And there, near the front, is Geoffrey the Giraffe.
A second turn for the Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel
You might not know it from looking at them now, but these parade floats were indeed part of the Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel in Times Square.
When the store closed its doors in 2015, Toys “R” Us donated the whimsical ride cars from its indoor Ferris wheel to the Village. They also pledged $1 million, provided by the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund (TRUCF), to help support this very special resort that depends on donations to stay open. And they committed to providing monthly product donations to the children staying at the Village as well.
Many of the toys make it to Santa’s special party where the children and their siblings meet the jolly old elf and get to choose presents. Throughout the day there’s a dance party, carols, special decorations, cookie decorating, “snow,” winter-themed games and activities—and, of course, the parade.
Giving hope to children and their families
Although the Winter Wonderland parade isn’t open to the public, Give Kids The World Village depends on volunteers to help with all of their activities, including the Winter Carnival and parade. Other volunteer opportunities include assisting with meet-and-greets with the Village’s resident rabbit mascot, Mayor Clayton.
The 79-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort is located near Central Florida’s most popular theme parks. Adding a few hours to their itinerary to assist is a highlight of many visitors’ vacations.
The Village makes wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families by treating them to week-long, cost-free vacations, including park tickets, where they can reconnect and relax away from doctor visits and hospital stays. Founded 30 years ago, the nonprofit has hosted more than 150,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries.
And although visitors to Times Square might still miss the iconic Toys “R” Us Ferris wheel, they can take comfort knowing it is being enjoyed and put to even better use in Orlando.
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Sources:
- Defunctland: “The History of Toys “R” Us Times Square”
- Planet Attractions: “Remembering the Toys R Us flagship store in New York’s Times Square”
- Give Kids The World Village: “For the Bravest Kids and Their Families”
