SkyFly: Soar America - person in red parachute under cloudy sky during daytime
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SkyFly: Soar America

4.5
·980 reviews·Pigeon Forge, United States

Experience a breathtaking flight across America's most iconic landscapes in this thrilling, multi-sensory flying theater attraction.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
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SkyFly: Soar America - person in red parachute under cloudy sky during daytime

SkyFly: Soar America

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a breathtaking flight across America's most iconic landscapes in this thrilling, multi-sensory flying theater attraction.

4.5
(980 reviews)

"It's a great way to beat the heat, is kid-friendly, and it is solo travel friendly!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your SkyFly tickets in advance online.

💨 Prepare for Sensory Effects

The ride includes wind, mist, and scents for an immersive experience. Embrace the sensations!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soar Over America

Soar Over America

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Experience a breathtaking flight across iconic American landscapes, complete with sensory effects.

Sensory Immersion

Sensory Immersion

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Feel the wind, mist, and scents as you virtually travel through diverse terrains and cities.

Family-Friendly Adventure

Family-Friendly Adventure

The Island in Pigeon Forge

A thrilling yet gentle ride suitable for all ages, from kids to seniors, making it a great group activity.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

SkyFly: Soar America is a fantastic indoor attraction, perfect for escaping Pigeon Forge's summer heat or winter chill. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking tickets online can save time and potentially money.

Manage Expectations for the Ride

While SkyFly: Soar America is a thrilling experience, some reviews suggest the video quality isn't as sharp as similar attractions, and the pre-ride presentation can feel lengthy. Consider this when evaluating the price versus the experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Beat the heat, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Minimal wait times
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ever wanted to try skydiving but don’t want to jump out of a plane? 🤪Introducing iFly, Melbourne’s first indoor skydiving centre where you can have a free-fall experience indoors! #melbournethingstodo #melbourneactivities #skydiving #ifly #indoorskydiving #melbourne
@biancainmelbourne
26K likes • 1M views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your SkyFly tickets in advance online. Reddit

💨 Prepare for Sensory Effects

The ride includes wind, mist, and scents for an immersive experience. Embrace the sensations! Reddit

Have you ridden this flying theater? #pigeonforge #skyfly #soarin #soaramerica #flyingtheater #theislandpigeonforge #smokies #gatlinburg #skyflysoaramerica @My Pigeon Forge @TheIslandPF @
@brittanyinthesmokies
19.1K likes • 449K views
Check out one of the newest attractions in Pigeon Forge… SkyFly: Soar America! 💛 This is a great new addition to The Island in Pigeon Forge, TN! SkyFly is a great way to beat the heat, is kid-friendly, and it is solo travel friendly! I did this experience by myself and I had a great time! 😊🙌🏻 @skyflypf #skyfly #skyflysoaramerica #pigeonforge #travel #vacation #solotravel #vacationrecommendations ...
_itsbrittknee
27 likes • 841 views

💺 Seat Selection Matters (Sort Of)

While all seats offer a great view, the middle sections are often recommended for the best overall experience. Reddit

⏳ Pre-Ride Presentation

The introductory video can be lengthy; try to enjoy it as part of the themed experience. TikTok

Soar across the country without ever leaving The Island in Pigeon Forge 🛩️🌄 SkyFly: Soar America is seriously such a cool ride. The new scenes they just added make it even better. If you’re in town - add it to your list! 📋☑️ #pigeonforge #smokymountains #pigeonforgetn #theislandpf #skyfly #soar #thingstodo #visittennessee
pigeonforgetn
209 likes • 7.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your SkyFly tickets in advance online. Reddit

💨 Prepare for Sensory Effects

The ride includes wind, mist, and scents for an immersive experience. Embrace the sensations! Reddit

💺 Seat Selection Matters (Sort Of)

While all seats offer a great view, the middle sections are often recommended for the best overall experience. Reddit

⏳ Pre-Ride Presentation

The introductory video can be lengthy; try to enjoy it as part of the themed experience. TikTok

🎒 Secure Your Belongings

There are under-seat compartments for purses, hats, and small souvenirs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(980 reviews)

Reviews Summary

SkyFly: Soar America is praised for its immersive flying experience and appeal to all ages, with many enjoying the sensory effects and unique perspective of American landscapes. However, some visitors find the ride duration short for the price and note that the video quality could be improved, with the pre-ride presentation sometimes feeling lengthy.

"My parents & I LOVE this ride! My mom is not a big ride person at all, but she is obsessed with this! The 3 of us rode it on Thanksgiving day in 2023 & fell so in love with it, we came back for a 2nd ride the same day! My mom & I were back at The Island a couple weeks ago & couldn't resist! My dad was totally jealous! This time, they added more places to the experience, which made it even more exciting! I have sat on both the front & middle rows, so I can attest that they're right when they say it's all a front row seat & it truly doesn't matter where you sit! (If you haven't been there, it rotates before the ride starts so the floor turns into the back wall & the 3 rows are stacked on top of each other. I don't necessarily like the initial takeoff, since I have a weak stomach, but it's really not that bad & only lasts a second or 2. Then it's a nice, smooth, easygoing ride... though they make you feel like you're about to kick some bikers' heads, crash into mountains, etc. That's part of the charm & some of the most fun parts! It's so cool how you can see the little details of the natural formations, the native animals, & the people visiting these places! My favorite parts are the extra-sensory parts, but I don't want to say too much for those who haven't ridden yet! The views are beautiful & the ride is enjoyable for kids, adults, seniors, thrill-seekers, people who only like calm rides, & even those who don't usually do rides! It is definitely for everyone! Also, my mom has always ridden her scooter into there & they are great about taking us through a slightly different entrance to avoid extra twists & turns. (There are ramps you have to turn on, so larger scooters/wheelchairs do require multi-point turns to maneuver through.) Then they reserve us seats on the end of the row of our choosing, so she can scoot right up to the exit to park her scooter. There are large basket-like compartments under the seats on the ride for purses, hats, & souvenirs. The only thing I would change would be to shorten the video crap at the beginning before the actual ride. The steampunk inventor dude & his daughter kind of talk & goof off forever & a day. It's cute at first, then a little annoying because you just want to get to the ride! LOL! They are pretty funny/silly though!"

Laura Arnold

"We went to "The Island," in Pigeon Forge where this exciting attraction is located. My friend works at Dollywood and treated me on a "park exchange" program. However, the manager, Jesse, regretted to inform us that DW does NOT HONOR this attraction as part of the park exchange program. Shame on you, Dollywood, as this was 100% worth the admission price. We experienced places on earth we'd never see otherwise-- in a drone like/ birds flight perspective. It gave me chills to "soar" over the grand canyon, the islands, the ocean and so much more. The technology is pretty awesome with no special glasses or VR needed. Your seat lifts and gently tilts to match the soaring perspective, with some clever surprises as well! I will say that the videos you watch beforehand are a bit monotonous but it's well worth putting up with once you get into the ride and seated!! I'd go again & again...."

TM Gleason

"There was no line. We signed up for a 10:00 ride. We had to stand in a room and listen to an insufferable British dude and an annoying woman yap about the dumbest things for 30 minutes. The room was hot and everyone was clear miserable. At 10:30 we FINALLY got to sit down. I thought here is where it gets better. Oh how wrong I was. The ride itself is fine, but the quality of the screen is SOOOO bad it’ll make you sick. It looks like if I were to go without my glasses for a day. And trust me I am very blind. Looking past that. It right was pretty mid. I mean I didn’t laugh a couple times. But once’s I learned to like the ride, it was over. I had a timer. It lasted 11 minutes with the time it takes to buckle up. My dad was so excited and he was sick to the stomach with the cost vs what we got by the end of it. In the end it is 100% NOT WORTH IT.

Here’s so photos of the quality. Picture took on my iPhone 16 with motion steady record, so don’t think the fuzziness is from the recording with the very little moving we did on this ride."

Sierra Cook

What People Like

Immersive flying experience
Engaging sensory effects
Suitable for all ages

What People Dislike

Short ride duration
Video quality concerns
Lengthy pre-ride show

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

SkyFly: Soar America is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, a popular entertainment complex. You can easily access it by car, with ample parking available at The Island. It's also a common stop for trolley tours in the Pigeon Forge area. TikTok

Yes, the attraction is generally accessible. They have specific entrances and seating arrangements to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, though larger ones might require multi-point turns. Reddit

The Island offers a large, free parking lot. During peak times, it can get busy, so arriving earlier is recommended. TikTok

Yes, the Pigeon Forge Trolley has stops at The Island, making it a convenient option for transportation if you're staying along the trolley route. TikTok

SkyFly is located in Pigeon Forge, which is a short drive from Gatlinburg. Many visitors combine a trip to both areas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets online through the official SkyFly website or in person at the attraction's ticket counter at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Booking online is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially find deals. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's a significant investment. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing information. Some visitors felt the price was high for the ride's duration. Reddit

While specific coupons aren't always advertised, checking the official website or local Pigeon Forge tourism sites might reveal seasonal promotions or package deals. TikTok

Operating hours typically align with The Island's general hours, but it's always best to check the SkyFly website or The Island's schedule for the most up-to-date information, as they can vary seasonally. TikTok

The actual ride is relatively short, around 6 minutes, but the entire experience, including the pre-ride presentation and boarding, can take longer. Some visitors found the pre-ride portion to be quite lengthy. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

It's a flying theater attraction where your seat lifts and tilts to simulate flight over various American landscapes. It uses advanced technology for an immersive experience without VR headsets. Instagram+1

Yes, it's designed to be enjoyable for all ages, including children, adults, and seniors. It's considered a family-friendly attraction. InstagramReddit

Some reviews mention that the screen resolution is not as high as comparable attractions, which can affect the realism for some viewers. Reddit

While it simulates flight, it's generally a smooth and easygoing ride. It's not a high-thrill roller coaster but offers an exciting visual and sensory experience. Reddit

These are the elements that engage senses beyond sight, such as wind, mist, and scents, enhancing the feeling of flight and immersion. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

SkyFly is located at The Island in Pigeon Forge, which offers a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants. You won't go hungry after your flight! TikTok

Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the attraction. There are plenty of places to eat before or after your ride at The Island. TikTok

The Island features a diverse range of restaurants, including American cuisine, pizza, burgers, and more, catering to various tastes and budgets. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the ride to ensure the safety of all guests and to prevent disruption to the experience. Instagram

The best photo opportunities are typically in the queue area or outside the attraction, capturing the theming and the excitement of other guests. Instagram

Information on photo packages is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter if you're interested in professional photos of your experience. Instagram

While you can't take photos during the ride, if you're taking photos of the attraction itself, the lighting and theming provide good opportunities for memorable shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

SkyFly: Soar America is a fantastic choice for families, as it's designed to be enjoyable for all ages. The simulated flight experience is thrilling without being overly intense, making it suitable even for younger children and those who are hesitant about traditional rides. Instagram The sensory effects like wind and mist add an extra layer of fun that kids often love. Reddit

Parents will appreciate that The Island in Pigeon Forge, where SkyFly is located, offers plenty of other family-friendly activities and dining options. This makes it easy to plan a full day of entertainment. Remember to secure belongings in the under-seat compartments, and be aware that the pre-ride presentation might test the patience of very young children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While SkyFly: Soar America is an attraction with an admission fee, some travelers find it to be a worthwhile splurge, especially when considering the unique experience it offers. Reddit To maximize value, look for online ticket deals or consider purchasing a package that includes other attractions at The Island. TikTok

To save money on food, consider packing snacks or eating at more casual, budget-friendly eateries at The Island or nearby. Prioritizing SkyFly as one of your main paid attractions can help manage overall trip costs while still enjoying a memorable experience. TikTok

💑 Couples

SkyFly: Soar America offers a unique and memorable shared experience for couples. The immersive flight simulation provides a sense of adventure and wonder that can be enjoyed together. Instagram It's a great way to create lasting memories and enjoy a break from the typical Pigeon Forge attractions. Instagram

Consider booking your tickets for a weekday evening to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. After your flight, The Island offers numerous dining options perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal together. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The SkyFly Experience: More Than Just a Ride

SkyFly: Soar America aims to replicate the thrill of freefall and flight without the inherent risks of skydiving or the heights of traditional theme park rides. The attraction utilizes a large, spherical screen and a motion-based ride system that lifts and tilts seats to simulate soaring over diverse American landscapes. This technology creates a highly immersive experience, engaging multiple senses with wind, mist, and even scents, making it feel as though you are truly flying. Instagram+1

Many visitors compare SkyFly to Disney's 'Soarin'' attraction, and while the concept is similar, SkyFly has introduced new scenes and enhanced its sensory elements. The ride is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including those who might not typically enjoy thrill rides. The pre-ride presentation, while sometimes criticized for its length, adds to the steampunk-inspired theming and builds anticipation for the main event. InstagramReddit

Despite some critiques regarding video resolution and ride duration relative to cost, the overall sentiment is that SkyFly offers a unique and enjoyable adventure. It's a popular choice for families and solo travelers looking for an engaging indoor activity in Pigeon Forge, especially as a way to escape the weather or enjoy a break from other attractions. TikTokReddit

Navigating The Island in Pigeon Forge

SkyFly: Soar America is a key attraction within 'The Island,' a sprawling entertainment complex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Island offers a wide array of activities, dining, and shopping, making it a destination in itself. Visitors can enjoy attractions like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a ropes course, numerous shops, and a variety of restaurants, creating a full day of entertainment. TikTok

Parking at The Island is generally free and plentiful, though it can become crowded during peak seasons. The complex is designed to be walkable, with SkyFly conveniently located among the other attractions. Many visitors find it easy to spend several hours or even a full day exploring everything The Island has to offer, with SkyFly serving as a memorable highlight. TikTok

For those looking to combine their SkyFly experience with other activities, The Island offers numerous dining options, from casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, ensuring you can refuel after your flight. The accessibility of The Island, coupled with its diverse offerings, makes it a central hub for tourism in Pigeon Forge. TikTok

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