New, Thrilling Flight Simulator Ride to Open in NYC this Month

Get ready for an experience that's part ride, part museum. See museum galleries, experience the ultimate feeling of flight, and soar virtually above New York City with RiseNY, a new city-focused attraction opening in Manhattan on Dec. 15. 

The centerpiece of RiseNY is a 46-seat soaring theme park-style ride that gives visitors of all ages a bird's-eye view of the Big Apple. Once on board and lifted 30 feet into the air, guests will hang suspended as they virtually glide over NYC's iconic skyline and landmarks while inside a 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome featuring 8K aerial footage that creates the sensation of flight. This will be the city's first-ever flight simulation ride and is described as a “state-of-the-art flying theater,” according to RiseNY. Effects include wind, mist, and scents to enhance the experience. 

The attraction was created and produced by Running Subway, a New York-based entertainment production company, along with several local cultural institutions and individuals such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of American Finance, the Museum of Broadcast Communications & Radio Hall of Fame, and more. 

“I was inspired after riding ‘Soarin’ Over California’ in Disneyland with my son, and always thought, wouldn’t it be amazing to fly over and around NYC?” said James Sanna, president and CEO of Running Subway. “And, now, over a decade later, we’ve been able to tap into the latest technology and advancements to create an experience unique to the city I love.”

RiseNY will donate a portion of proceeds from ticket sales to partner institutions. 

What You’ll Experience at the RiseNY Attraction 

The RiseNY experience begins with a film by documentarians Ric Burns and James Sanders, narrated by actor Jeff Goldblum. The film showcases NYC's history with a focus on Times Square and its global impact. Visitors start their journey in a re-creation of the city's first subway station at City Hall in 1904 as they are in a fully immersive theater with visual and special effects. When the film ends, a present-day subway car virtually transports guests to museum galleries.