Flyover Chicago opens at Navy Pier: Go inside the $40 million flying attraction
Just under a year ago, we took you inside what was once home to the IMAX theater at Navy Pier. The space had been completed gutted and crews were hard at work constructing what was coming next – Flyover Chicago, a $40 million flying attraction that takes riders soaring through a simulated flight around the city.
Today, we were able to enter the space and see the attraction in its completed form. There are three stages to the experience.
In the first room, guests will experience the different characters and locations of Chicagoland in an immersive gallery.
The second section is a pre-show theater where guests learn about the fabric of the city and the people who live here. And the third? That’s all about the ride.
60 guests at a time will enter the ride space and strap into seats that soar into the air. A 9-minute film plays on a 65-foot spherical screen. The seats move along with the action and other effects like wind, mist and scents will make you feel like you are flying throughout the city. The film features locations like Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, the Joffrey Ballet and more.
The experience is nothing short of spectacular. The Flyover production crew captured breathtaking images of the Chicago skyline and found creative ways to get you from place to place. The transitions are creative and seamless, even bringing you inside some classic Chicago landmarks.
Working in this city every day, it’s easy to take its beauty for granted. Flyover Chicago reminded me about just how stunning Chicago truly is. I have more thoughts in the video above along with a few short highlights from the experience.
Tickets can be purchased on the official Flyover website, they cost $24.96 for people aged 14 and up, kids 13 and under are $14.95, military members are $19.95. Children must be at least 40″ tall to ride and those 13 and under have to be accompanied by an adult.
You can watch our stories on the construction process here:
5/23 – Flyover Chicago coming to Navy Pier
11/23 – Flyover Chicago screen is installed at Navy Pier
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