Has anyone been on the London Eye

[gordie1]

Hi there I am going to London in November for a few days and I am thinking of taking the London Eye only problem is I am claustrophobic is there a lot of room in the pods? And what would happen if you take a panic attack how would you get off?

[factor-fiction]

They are pretty big- much bigger than a lift, for example.

[Psybbo]

Yes, plenty of room and you'll soon forget when you take in the breathtaking views

[factor-fiction]

http://www.londoneye-...s.co.uk/technical.htm
8m x 4m. Each pod holds 40 people. It's a little bigger than the upper deck of a London bus

[excelsior-1]

i've been.

the pods are enormous. one could pack 20 people in - but that never happens. i was in there with nine others.
also. lots of glass, affording superb panoramic views, so there is no feeling of being enclosed.

you've nothing to be apprehensive about

[excelsior-1]

well done factor. your research is better than my six year old memories

[Buenchico]

You could hold a small party inside one of the pods!

While I'm sure that there are procedures for emergencies, the wheel has a fixed speed - so getting someone off in a hurry could present problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Uh4tsdAagg

[gness]

Gordie I`m not good in enclosed spaces but love The Eye. No problem at all.
Spacious and you are looked after well.
I went on a sunny day and it was wonderful. The second time was in a downpour and a bit of a waste.
If you did have a panic attack I think you would just have to lie down and wait. No way off in a hurry.

[jomifl]

I don't think claustrophobia will be a problem. There is no way of getting you off until you pod gets back to ground level so panic is not an option. It is in fact very relaxing. If you want to just turn up then get there early ie. before 10 am. Later in the day it is booked up by coach trips and tours.

[Hymie]

Hopefully over the few days that you are in London, there will be at least one clear day – the views are spectacular. But on a rainy/cloudy day you will not get your monies worth.
I have heard that the view at night is impressive, but I have not seen it for myself.
The 3D experience (included in the price of the ticket) is worth taking in – although most seem not to bother.

[237SJ]

I`ve been on it quite a few times. Last time, I was with a friend who was claustrophobic. She didn`t mind small spaces but what she couldn`t stand was being in confined spaces with lots of other people. For example, I couldn`t get her into a packed tube train. I got her onto the Eye though with no problems because she could see out from all sides. The pods are never packed and there is not a feeling of being in a confined space.

[Psybbo]

I typed this before but it got lost in the ether, try to go just before dusk then you get London by day and by night

[Old_Geezer]

If you have a panic attack you scream and cower in the corner until the pod finally gets to the bottom again when you can get off. That said, as all say, the pods are large and have lots of room. They also move rather slowly.

[Dee Sa]

Pod moves ever so slowly you hardly know you are moving at all. There is a big bench/seat in the middle of the pod which you could sit down if you so want to do so, its quite spacious inside and I am sure you will be fine.Good luck enjoy your trip.