Mon Apr 28 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Wheel of Fortune Contestant’s Costly Mistake Sends Opponent to Disney World with $67,000
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – A heartbreaking moment unfolded on Friday’s episode of Wheel of Fortune, leaving one contestant with a missed Disney World trip and his opponent celebrating a massive win. James Mulaney, a New York drag entertainer playing in honor of his recently deceased grandmother, came agonizingly close to victory but a crucial error in the Prize Puzzle cost him dearly.
Mulaney, despite several bankrupt spins, finally landed on the board in the “Fun & Games” category, tackling the puzzle ” _L_ING ON A MAGIC CARPET.” With only two letters remaining, he guessed “B,” a letter not present in the solution. This blunder allowed Elsie Pierce, a game show enthusiast from New Jersey, to swoop in and solve the puzzle (“FLYING ON A MAGIC CARPET”), claiming a trip to Walt Disney World.
Mulaney’s misfortune didn’t end there. While he managed to win $3,000 in the final puzzle, Pierce’s lead was insurmountable. She advanced to the Bonus Round with $27,427 and a Wild Card, where she successfully solved the puzzle “Floundering About,” adding a further $40,000 to her winnings. Her grand total? A staggering $67,427.
The audience and viewers online reacted with a mixture of sympathy for Mulaney and disbelief at his near-miss. Pierce, overcome with emotion, celebrated her win with tears of joy and a hug from host Ryan Seacrest. Aerial Turner, the third contestant, left with $6,450. The episode highlighted both the excitement and the agonizing heartbreak inherent in the popular game show.
First Piper 