Are you too broke for a road trip this summer, but still want to explore this wonderful country? Do you have $16.95? The Mall of America just opened a brand new $23 million flight simulator called “FlyOver America,” that can take you on a tour across the United States in just ten minutes.
Located in the southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, FlyOver America opened this spring, and it’s an experience you definitely won’t regret. The first FlyOver ride was opened in June of 2013 in Vancouver, Canada before expanding to the United States with former Disney “Imagineer”, Rick Rothschild, leading the American project. Rothschild has worked on several Disney rides similar to FlyOver America, including “Star Tours” and “Soarin’ Over California.” Andrew Strang, co-founder of Flyover, said they looked at various locations around the world for the best location for their new Flyover experience before deciding on the Mall of America. ” We couldn’t imagine a better home for our first FlyOver America and are honored to launch at this world-renowned location. The appeal of feeling like you’re truly soaring over stunning landscapes in a fun environment is universal.” Minnesotans are certainly glad their wonderful state was chosen as the birthplace of FlyOver America!
This gentle ride is meant to entertain all ages, from 4-year-olds to seniors, with seats that dangle 10 to 25 feet off of the ground complete with light mist, wind and scent effects in front of a giant half-spherical screen. The images used in the simulator were captured by a camera mounted on the nose of various helicopters and jets to make the flight seem as realistic and first-hand as possible.
Your journey begins by entering the Pre-boarding Zone for your “passport picture” that also serves as a souvenir photo which you have the option of purchasing at the end of the ride. A ridiculous yet hilarious safety instruction video is displayed before entering the ride, and once it’s finished you’re escorted to one of the 60 seats inside of the “plane” to prepare for liftoff. The flight starts with a breathtakingly beautiful soar through the clouds with kisses from a light mist to make the experience seem even more real. For the next ten minutes, riders will be entranced by the amazing views of Alaska, Hawaii and every beautiful place between the coasts of the United States. In addition to the U.S. feature, seasonal shows like “Fly to the North Pole” and the original “FlyOver Canada,” will be shown throughout the year.
Interested in experiencing FlyOver America for yourself, but not quite sure how to get there? The quickest way to get to Mall of America from campus without a car is to take the light rail. Depending on where you are on campus, jump on the Green Line heading towards downtown Minneapolis on either the East Bank, West Bank or Stadium Village stops. When the train stops at the U.S. Bank Stadium stop, get off and cross the tracks to get on the Blue Line heading to Mall of America. To take a look at the route yourself, check out Metro Transit’s Trip Planner.
FlyOver America will give you a ten minute awesome, breathtaking, heart-in-your-throat experience as you soar above the 50 states. Still not sold? Watch the trailer for the simulator here. Rates for adults are $16.95 and $12.95 for children. They even offer discounted tickets for groups of 15 people or more, making this a great outing for student groups, friend gatherings or co-worker outings!
The hours of operation for FlyOver America are as follows:
Monday-Saturday: 10a.m. – 9:30p.m.
Sunday: 11a.m. – 7 p.m.
‘Merica.