The London Eye has been an iconic part of the London skyline for over 25 years, visible almost anywhere along the river. It originally opened as the Millennium Wheel (opening on 12/31/99) and was the tallest wheel at the time it opened at 443 feet. It has since been surpassed by the Star of Nanchang in China at 525 feet, but still hold the the record for largest cantilevered observation wheel (supported solely by an A-frame on one side). However, did you know it was actually owned and operated by Merlin Entertainments, owner of the Popular LEGOLAND parks? The website calls it “The World’s Most Iconic Ride”, so having it owned by a theme park company seems appropriate.

The attraction has changed ownership a few times. Architects Marks Barfield, the Tussauds Group and British Airways were all cooperatively the original owners of the wheel. The Tussauds Group may be best known for their wax museums who carry their name, but they were a full entertainment company who owned several theme parks in the United Kingdom. In 2005 and 2006 Tussauds Group bought out the other partners, becoming the sole owner. The Tussauds Group then merged with Merlin Entertainments in May 2007, making them the owner of the wheel.

Some of these companies own a more diverse set of properties than you might first guess. For example Herschend Family Entertainment, owners of Dollywood and Silver Dollar City, also own a group of aquariums, Callaway Gardens and the Harlem Globetrotters. ERP Properties, owner of Enchanted Parks, own 346 total locations including several Top Golf facilities and movie theaters. Even Merlin Entertainments array of properties include locations such a as Cadbury World, Wax Museums, aquariums and “The Dungeons” horror attractions in the UK. These aren’t just theme park companies, but entertainment companies, so you might be surprised at some of the attractions they own!