When the first images of the long-rumored LEGO Creator Ferris Wheel 10247 set leaked out over the weekend, I knew it was going to be sooner rather than later that the official, grand reveal of the set would take place. And sure enough, over a month before the public release of the 10247 Ferris Wheel, LEGO has finally dropped the motherlode of hi-res photos, specs and pricing details for the hottest non-licensed set of summer 2015!

UPDATE 5/13/2015: The LEGO Ferris Wheel set is now available for order!

There was a time, not that long ago, when Ferris Wheels were my absolute favorite amusement park ride in the world. I’m not into high speeds and drops, so I have a natural disinclination for any kind of roller coasters. But the slow-moving, beautiful views you can get from a Ferris Wheel? Yeah–those are more my style.

Unfortunately, a few years ago I was coerced into riding on the swinging version of Mickey’s Fun Wheel at Disneyland (which I now lovingly refer to as “Mickey’s Death Wheel”), and after screaming louder and longer than at any other point in my life, I have never ridden a Ferris Wheel again. But hey–while I may never ride a Ferris Wheel again, I have no problems building one!

As far as non-licensed sets go, the LEGO 10247 Ferris Wheel set is easily one of the crown jewels of 2015. While this isn’t the first Ferris Wheel that has ever been released, it’s absolutely the largest: it measures over 23” (60cm) high, 21” (55cm) wide and 14” (38cm) deep!

Unlike the Power Functions Ferris Wheel released a few years ago, this time the Ferris Wheel is actually in minifigure scale! In fact, we get a whopping ten minifigures with the set! They’re not the most unique minifigures you’ll ever see, mind you–they’re just ten normal folks–but hey, it’s a start, right?

Also unlike the Power Function iteration, the gondolas are multi-colored this time out, with purple, green and yellow varieties! I love the colors of this set, as they really make the ride pop!

The LEGO Creator Ferris Wheel does not come out of the box with any kind of electronic features–you have to turn a crank in order to move the ride. However, although many fans were worried that there would be no way to add electronic features to the set, the specs released today confirm that the Ferris Wheel can be motorized with the Power Functions 8883 medium motor and 88000 AAA battery box. Phew!

That poor guy above looks pretty nervous! He must have also rode Mickey’s Death Wheel at California Adventure!

And while the ride itself is obviously the main attraction here, that doesn’t mean that there’s not stuff for the minifigs to hang out and do when they’re not actively riding the Ferris Wheel. There’s a really cute little ice cream stand set up where a vendor is selling (no doubt overpriced) ice cream cones to the kiddos!

And there’s even a spot for young sweethearts to hang out and bask in their adoration for each other. AWWWWWWW!!

Other elements included with this Creator Expert set include a brick-built ticket kiosk, flowers, trees, ramps, a working boarding platform, opening doors on the gondolas, pretzels, balloons and ice cream cones!

And just in case all these hi-res photos aren’t enough to get you licking your lips in anticipation of this set, the official LEGO Designer Video for the set has now been posted, which shows just how humongous and awe-inspiring the Creator Expert Ferris Wheel really is!

I know some people were hoping for the $159.99 price-tag that we’ve become accustomed to for modular buildings, but as I predicted, this set is a tad more expensive. Even, so, you are really getting your money’s worth with this set, which gives you 2,464 pieces for just $199.99! That’s still only 8 cents per piece, which is an excellent price for such an elaborate set that includes ten minifigures!

The 10247 LEGO Ferris Wheel set will be available exclusively online and in the official LEGO Stores beginning May 13th 2015 for LEGO VIPs and June 1st 2015 for the general public. I have no doubt that this set is going to be far more in-demand than last year’s great Fairground Mixer set, so be prepared for this item to go on back-order very quickly after it goes up for sale.

Now that you’ve seen the hi-res photos and learned the price and specs, what’s your verdict on the Ferris Wheel, brick fans? Is this set near the top of your wish list for 2015, or are you unimpressed with the largest amusement park set that LEGO has ever released?