Soda & Burger

Culinary Adventures is back! Kids eat free at participating restaurants. View details.

Center Hours

People walking at Irvine Spectrum

Please Note:

On Saturday, July 4, the center will operate from 10am - 7pm.

Store hours may vary; check with stores and restaurants directly for hours

Retail, Specialty Food & Services

  • Sun - Thurs
  • 10am - 9pm
  • Fri - Sat
  • 10am - 10pm

Carousel

  • Sun - Thurs
  • 10am - 9pm
  • Fri - Sat
  • 10am - 10pm

Quick-Service Restaurants

  • Sun - Thurs
  • 11am - 9pm
  • Fri - Sat
  • 11am - 10pm

Full-Service Restaurants

  • Sun - Thurs
  • 11am - 10pm
  • Fri - Sat
  • 11am - 11pm

The Spectrum SunWheel's Set to Spin This Summer

Our New Wheel is on The Rise

After years of providing spectacular views, our beloved Giant Wheel is now closed for a major revitalization of the area.

We are excited to announce that a brand new, next-generation Wheel will be opening in Summer 2026!

We look forward to welcoming you back for an unforgettable experience in 2026 as our new Wheel brings increased height, enhanced comfort, and a refreshed lighting design.

Get a sneak peek of the new Wheel below!

Preview What's New

Before
After

The images shown are for information and illustration purposes only and are subject to change. Images may not be to scale. May not show final material and finishes.

Reveal the New Wheel

Take a virtual tour of our upcoming transformation and get a first look at how the future of Giant Wheel Court will look.

View Now

Reveal the New Wheel

Take a virtual tour of our upcoming transformation and get a first look at how the future of Giant Wheel Court will look.

View Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spectrum SunWheel?

The Spectrum SunWheel is Irvine Spectrum Center's new observation wheel. Replacing the former Giant Wheel, the Spectrum SunWheel features a taller structure, enhanced lighting, music in the gondolas, and increased rider capacity.

How tall is the Spectrum SunWheel?

The Spectrum SunWheel is 131 feet tall. It is 23 feet taller than the former Giant Wheel, which stood 108 feet tall.

Where is the Spectrum SunWheel located?

The Spectrum SunWheel is located at Irvine Spectrum Center in the same location as the former Giant Wheel.

What is new about the Spectrum SunWheel?

The Spectrum SunWheel includes enhanced LED lighting, music inside the gondolas, three additional gondolas, increased rider capacity, and improved ride operations designed to reduce wait times.

How much do Spectrum SunWheel tickets cost?

Spectrum SunWheel tickets cost $10 for General Admission and $15 for the Spectrum Speed Pass.

How long will I wait to ride the Spectrum SunWheel?

Peak wait times for the Spectrum SunWheel are expected to be approximately 45 minutes, compared to about 90 minutes on the former Giant Wheel.

Are there height or age requirements for the Spectrum SunWheel?

Guests must be at least 63 inches tall or 12 years old to ride the Spectrum SunWheel alone. Guests who do not meet these requirements must be accompanied by a responsible rider who does.

How many people fit in a Spectrum SunWheel gondola?

Each Spectrum SunWheel gondola can accommodate up to six passengers.

Experience Summer Like Never Before

Learn More