The Rio recently agreed to move forward with negotiations with Voyager Entertainment International to build the world's tallest observation wheel.

The 600-foot structure -- 150 feet taller than the hotel's Masquerade Tower -- will feature 30 cabins and a 20,000-square-foot nightclub. It will on the southeast side of the Rio parking lot, visible from the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15.

Larger than the famed London Eye Ferris wheel, the new attraction will be a little more than half the height of the Stratosphere Tower and will loom large over most of the hotels in the area.

Hotel officials said that the wheel will provide a panoramic view of the Strip, since it will be set back from the area a bit.

Each "orbiter" cabin on the wheel will hold at least 20 passengers. Each will also contain its own restrooms and fully stocked bar and galley. One full wheel rotation lasts approximately 27 minutes, and the hours of operation are slated to be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. The wheel could handle 22,200 passengers each day.

The observation wheel will also be used for special events. Cabins may be booked for a variety of celebrations and activities, including wedding parties, office retreats, corporate meetings and individual sight-seeing.

An on-board navigator, part entertainer and part steward, will deliver personalized service to every passenger. The average ticket price will be $18 a person.

The project plans to break ground during the first quarter, 2004, with an estimated opening date in July 2005.

Developers looking at the site currently occupied by Wet 'n' Wild on the north end of the Strip have also talked about building a large Ferris wheel.

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