There’s almost always something new to see in the Smoky Mountains, and if it’s been a while since you have visited The Island in Pigeon Forge, you may be wondering about one of the newer additions, SkyFly Soar America.
This ride promises to take you to see all of the nation’s greatest landmarks, all while never having to leave the Smokies. It’s like a vacation within a vacation.
But, this brings up a commonly asked question about attractions like this one: Is it worth your vacation dollars?
Let’s take a closer look at SkyFly in Pigeon Forge and answer a few frequently asked questions.
What is the SkyFly?
SkyFly Soar America is a new ride inside The Island in Pigeon Forge.
It’s a flying theater where guests will have an immersive experience as they soar above some of the most iconic locations in the United States.
It offers riders the feeling of flight and lets them see the beauty of America in an unforgettable way.
This new attraction was reportedly a whopping $20 million investment and even includes music by Nathan Padgett, an award-winning composer.
A 70-piece orchestra recorded the soundtrack in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row at Ocean Wave Nashville Studio.
My experience on the SkyFly in Pigeon Forge
I had the opportunity to be one of the very first people to ride SkyFly when it opened in Pigeon Forge.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect at the time. The outside is beautiful, but in my experience, standalone rides are typically a little cheesy and underwhelming.
However, I was genuinely impressed.
It is true that The Island itself is one of the newer attractions in the Smokies, and it’s a beautiful area that includes many modern features.
But stepping into SkyFly feels kind of like being transported to the newest, biggest attraction at Universal Studios or Disney World for the day.
It’s genuinely a fun attraction that stands out from many of the area’s other standalone rides. Lookin’ at you, Jungle Boat Ride.
Read Also: Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride Pigeon Forge: Tourist trap or beloved icon?
Is SkyFly like Soarin?
SkyFly is a completely unique experience that is one-of-a-kind … Okay, yes, it is like Soarin’ at EPCOT.
Still, it’s pretty neat that we have a Disney-level attraction in the middle of Pigeon Forge. The inside of SkyFly is absolutely gorgeous, with intricate detail throughout. This cutting-edge attraction truly did transport me to another place from the moment I walked in.
As you begin, you have a few videos to watch as you wait in line to get you excited for your adventure.
And when you’re ready to step on the ride itself, the kind staff will tell you several times that “every seat is a front seat” – and that’s definitely accurate.
After you’re safely strapped in, the floor beneath you disappears, and suddenly, it’s as if you’re actually flying.
As you ride, you can’t see anything else in the room. You forget where you are as you soak in the views and fly through the air like a bird, feeling the wind (and even some mist) on your face throughout the journey.
Does the ride move?
The ride is not too intense, and it is suitable for all ages. But yes, it does move. You’ll experience the sights, sounds, wind, mists, scents and more in this immersive flight.
It’s like a modern-day Thunder Road from Dollywood back in the day, or rather, the ride that took its place — the Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure.
But instead of a mountain theme, the special effects take you to famous places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls. There are a total of 20 locations that were filmed exclusively for this ride.
However, saying that it’s like Thunder Road is a bit too simple. This is a ride that delivers what those rides couldn’t. It’s clearly far more immersive and advanced, a product of modern art technologies that others before attempted, but couldn’t quite achieve.
How much does SkyFly cost?
At the time of this writing, an adult ticket for SkyFly is $22.99 per person plus tax. Children age 11 and under can fly for $17.99, and seniors can fly for only $19.99.
You can buy tickets online and reserve a time slot in advance.
The ride itself, including the pre-ride videos, takes only about 10 minutes or so to experience, as a rough estimate.
However, I’d recommend setting aside a healthy amount of time if you plan on including this adventure in your day. If it’s busy, the line could take up to 45 minutes of wait time.
Does SkyFly Pigeon Forge have a weight limit?
The ride does not have a weight limit. However, guests need to be able to fit comfortably in the seat.
According to the attraction’s website, most guests with a waist size up to 52 inches are able to ride comfortably.
The seats are 18 inches wide with armrests and the seatbelt is 72 inches long. Guests who are unable to ride can still experience the film in a viewing area.
Is SkyFly open in Pigeon Forge?
SkyFly is now open in Pigeon Forge.
Rides can be booked online in 15-minute increments between 10 am and 11:45 pm. Times and availability are subject to change.
Where is SkyFly located in Pigeon Forge?
The new SkyFly attraction is located next to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel inside The Island.
The Island is famous for the Ferris Wheel, its multi-million dollar show fountain and shopping and dining opportunities.
The Island is home to many shops and restaurants, including Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Island Hotel.
Read Also: How much is the Ferris Wheel in Pigeon Forge?
This area is free to enter and offers free parking. It is located at 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Have you ridden this one-of-a-kind adventure in Pigeon Forge? Let us know in the comments!
For more information, visit SkyFly.com.
Is there a weight limit for this ride?
Is this similar to soarin at Epcot center?
Is this similar to Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World? Also, I read somewhere else that it’s about a 30 minute experience. Thanks!
It’s most similar to Soarin’ at Epcot at Disney World. I would say the ENTIRE experience (from medium sized line, to video instructions, to actual ride) might be about 30 minutes. From the “time travel” room to the actual “ride” we would estimate 10-15.
This was AWESOME!! My husband an I rode this at the Island in Pigeon Forge first day it opened. so much fun!
Here in line now. I will let you know how it goes.
Did the Sky Fly two days ago thought i would be floating through the clouds boy did i get a shock. Heights and speed are intense kept reminding myself that this was a computer generated visual experience. It is amazingly done and worth every cent. One man said he had white knuckles the whole way through. The sensation of the seat moving made it all the more real. My fear of heights and speed is not cured but i deserve a medal for bravery and not throwing up!
The 15 min period waiting to enter the ride was useless and waste of time. Made no sense. The large screen was blurry and difficult to enjoy. Should have been in HD. With the cost of the ticket I expected the ride to last longer than 5 minutes. Would loved it so much more if it last longer and the screen was not blurry. Sitting on the front roll the black cover blocked too much of the screen.