By Lani Gering

For anyone who has been reading this column for very long, you all know how much I love the Capital Wheel and the Spirit Park Carousel! It’s hard to believe that they have been around for over ten years now. Also, sort of amazing to think that the Harbor is celebrating 17 years this month. Even though I don’t live in the Harbor anymore, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss it.

Over the years, I have taken many a visitor for a spin on both the wheel and the carousel. I even treated my entire 70^th birthday party guests to a spin on the wheel in the summer of 2023. Many of them have become “regulars” and make a visit to the Harbor and the wheel a part of their out of town visitor’s trips to the DMV.

The Carousel isn’t just for kids in my opinion. There is something special about this one in that it was a dream come true for National Harbor’s founder, Milt Peterson. It is a 36-foot American themed carousel with 28 hand-painted wooden fantastical creatures and animals (my favorite is the hummingbird) plus two chariots to ride in. It is now open for the season.

April is a great month for a visit since the cherry blossoms along the water front are in full bloom and there are lots of “cherry” themed promotions taking place in many of the shops and restaurants there – including the Wheel.

The Wheel shines brighter than ever as it unveiled its new state-of-the-art lighting package last month.  After significant technological upgrades, the observation wheel relaunched with a dynamic new light show, featuring high-speed animations, custom messages, and vibrant displays that elevate the guest experience.

“For a decade, The Capital Wheel has been a must-see attraction, offering stunning views and unforgettable moments,” said Derek Lovato, Vice President and General Manager of The Capital Wheel. “Now, with our upgraded lighting technology, we bring a whole new level of excitement to National Harbor. From personalized messages and gender reveals to corporate logos and sporting celebrations, the possibilities are endless.”

The advanced lighting system now operates at 40+ frames per second, allowing for animations, sharper graphics, and a more immersive visual experience. Guests will enjoy dazzling themed light shows, interactive displays, and even the chance to see their own messages and designs illuminated high above the Potomac River.

“The Capital Wheel is not only a National Harbor landmark it has become a part of the greater D.C. skyline. This new lighting technology takes the illumination to another level and is the only observation wheel in the world with this technology,” said Kent Digby, EVP, Asset Management, Operations & Marketing for National Harbor. “With brighter, faster, and more dynamic displays, we are enhancing the visual experience for our guests and creating new opportunities for celebrations, events, and special moments.”

To mark the relaunch, they are hosting special lighting ceremonies, introducing a brand-new gender reveal experience for expectant parents, customized patriotic shows, and a spectacular Cherry Blossom season celebration that was released on March 27th during peak blossoming and will run through the mid-month with their “Pretty In Pink” promo. I tried my best to get a great photo of the cherry blossom image on the wheel but to no avail since a still photo just doesn’t capture all of the tricks it does. You really need to see it in person to get the full experience.

For detailed information on this and other amazing promotions, log on to their website at thecapitalwheel.com.

About The Capital Wheel

Perched at the end of a pier overlooking the Potomac River at National Harbor, The Capital Wheel is a large-scale observation wheel standing 180 feet high, featuring 42 climate-controlled gondolas that offer unparalleled views of Washington, D.C., and beyond. Celebrating 10 years of #wheelfun in 2024, The Capital Wheel continues to be a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.