SkyFly: Soar America

SkyFly: Soar America is a flying theater at The Island in Pigeon Forge. You'll lift off with your feet dangling and soar over the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains, feeling the wind, mist and scents along the way, without ever leaving Tennessee.

It's an immersive ride that works for nearly the whole family. Because it's indoors, it's also one of the best rainy-day plans on the Parkway. Here's what to expect, who can ride and how to make the most of your flight.

What is a flying theater?

A flying theater combines a moving ride platform with a giant wraparound screen to create the feeling of flight. On SkyFly, you take your seat, and a 50-ton ride platform lifts you into the air with your feet dangling. In front of you is a 50-foot spherical screen that fills your view.

As the film plays, the platform moves in sync with what you see, banking and tilting as you swoop over landscapes. Wind, mists and scents are timed to the film, so the flight feels like more than just something you watch.

The ride system comes from Dynamic Attractions, a company known for cutting-edge theme park rides, which SkyFly notes has also worked on Disney's Soarin'.

The story: an airship adventure

Your flight starts well before you reach your seat. SkyFly tells the story of explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter, Hannah, who have invented a steampunk airship for what they call the World's Greatest Air Adventure.

The story unfolds through an immersive, themed queue and pre-show. You'll pass through an inventor's workshop and learn about the Wilders' travels before you board the airship. By the time you reach the flight deck, you're part of the journey.

Where you'll fly

The custom film was shot with helicopters and drones over landmarks across the United States, and you can't see it anywhere else. It has since been expanded, digitally remastered and paired with all-new music. Stops on the flight include:

• The Grand Canyon in Arizona
• Niagara Falls in New York
• Yellowstone, the Tetons and Devils Tower in Wyoming
• Yosemite National Park and a sequoia grove in California
• Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
• Maui in Hawaii
• Tracy Arm Fjord and Sitka in Alaska
• The Everglades in Florida
• Chimney Rock in North Carolina
• Bristol Motor Speedway and the Great Smoky Mountains here in Tennessee

The flight also takes in city skylines and coastlines, from San Francisco to Las Vegas to Martha's Vineyard. Watch for the Smokies scene, when you'll fly over the same mountains you'll see from your cabin.

Who can ride

SkyFly is built for families, but there are a few rules to know before you go:

• Minimum height: Riders must be at least 40 inches tall.
• Riding with an adult: Riders from 40 to 55 inches tall must ride with an adult.
• Maximum height: Guests taller than 76 inches can't ride.
• Seats: There's no weight limit, but every rider must fit in the seat with the safety belt properly buckled.
• Health: Pregnant women and guests with health problems may not ride.
• Accessibility: The building is fully ADA accessible. Guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can ride if they're able to transfer to the seat and have enough upper body strength.

Not everyone has to ride to see the show. Kids under 40 inches, and guests who can't ride for other reasons, can watch the film in an alternate viewing room. Families with little ones can also do a child swap, so one adult rides while another waits with the kids, then they trade on the next cycle.

How long it takes

The flight itself lasts more than 10 minutes, and it follows a pre-show of about 15 minutes. During peak times, the queue can take up to 45 minutes. SkyFly suggests allowing 30 to 60 minutes for the whole experience once you're in line.

Tips for your flight

• Book a time slot. Tickets are sold with scheduled entry times. If you're running late, SkyFly will make every effort to get you started as soon as possible.
• Travel light. Each seat has a small storage space underneath, but umbrellas, bulky bags and large packages aren't allowed on the ride. Leave them with a non-rider or in the car.
• Measure the kids. The 40-inch minimum applies to every rider, so check heights before you buy tickets.
• Save it for a rainy day. SkyFly is indoors, so it's a great fallback when storms roll through.
• Pair it with the wheel. Ride SkyFly, then take in the real view from the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel next door.

More to do at The Island

SkyFly sits next to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island in Pigeon Forge, so it's easy to build a whole day or evening around it. The Island has shops, rides, attractions and live music, plus plenty of places to eat, including Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, Margaritaville and Mellow Mushroom.

Gamers can head to Arcade City at The Island, or walk the pedestrian bridge across the Parkway to Rockin' Raceway Arcade.

Frequently asked questions

Where is SkyFly: Soar America?

SkyFly is at The Island in Pigeon Forge, 131 The Island Drive, next to the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.

How tall do you have to be to ride SkyFly?

Riders must be at least 40 inches tall, and riders between 40 and 55 inches must ride with an adult. Guests over 76 inches can't ride.

How long is the SkyFly ride?

The flight lasts more than 10 minutes, after a pre-show of about 15 minutes. Plan on 30 to 60 minutes for the full experience.

Can little kids still watch?

Yes. Children under 40 inches can watch the film in the alternate viewing room.

Can I ride SkyFly if I'm pregnant?

No. Pregnant women and guests with health problems may not ride, but they can watch the film in the alternate viewing room.

Plan your visit

Make The Island your home base with our cabins near The Island, or find room for everyone in our family cabins.

Stay close to the Parkway with our Pigeon Forge cabins, look at Gatlinburg cabins, or browse all of our Smoky Mountain cabins. Book direct and get the Stay & Play Pass with free attraction tickets for every paid night.