When Constantinos Dionysios Vourderis-better known as “Deno”-bought the Wonder Wheel in the early 1980’s, he fulfilled a longtime promise to his wife: he vowed, on more than one occasion, to purchase the Ferris wheel for her as a wedding present so that everyone could see how much he loved her. What a special gift! The Wonder Wheel has stood next to the boardwalk longer than the Cyclone, having been built back in the 1920’s. An estimated 200,000 people take the ride each year when it opens in early May, closing in late October.