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This Soaring Simulator At Mall Of America Is Like A Disneyland Ride In Minnesota

Published: July 16, 2025

  • Attraction: FlyOver America
  • Location: 5120 Center Court, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425
  • Industry: Entertainment
  • Website: https://www.flyover-america.com/

Picture this:

You’re suspended 25 feet in the air, feet dangling freely, while rushing winds whip through your hair as you soar over the Grand Canyon. The scent of pine forests fills your nostrils as you glide through Yosemite, and ocean mist kisses your face while you cruise above the California coastline.

This isn’t a dream or an expensive cross-country trip – it’s what awaits you at FlyOver America, the jaw-dropping flight simulation experience that’s become the crown jewel of Mall of America since opening in 2015.

This isn’t your typical theme park ride. Using cutting-edge flight simulation technology that rivals Disney’s famous Soarin’ attraction, FlyOver America transports you on a breathtaking 10-minute aerial journey across more than 10,000 miles of stunning American landscapes without ever leaving Bloomington.

You’ll travel from coast to coast, valley floor to mountain peak, experiencing everything from buzzing urban skylines to pristine wilderness areas that showcase the incredible diversity of our nation.

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Best Flight Experience Highlights

The Ultimate Flying Setup: You’ll settle into suspended chairlift-style seats that lift you up to 25 feet in front of a massive four-story spherical dome screen.

Your feet dangle freely as the chair tilts and moves in perfect synchronization with the stunning visuals, creating an incredibly realistic sensation of flight that will have you gripping your armrests during the steeper drops and canyon dives.

Multi-Sensory Magic: This experience goes far beyond just visual thrills. Wind machines create authentic breezes that change intensity based on your altitude and speed. Mist sprays deliver the sensation of flying through clouds or feeling ocean spray.

Most impressively, scent machines release regional aromas that correspond to what you’re seeing – from the crisp mountain air of Alaska to the sweet fragrance of Hawaiian flowers.

Coast-to-Coast Adventure: Your journey spans the entire United States, taking you soaring over iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike. You’ll swoop through deep valleys following rushing rivers, glide peacefully over tranquil lakes, and marvel at snow-capped mountain ranges towering above.

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The film showcases both natural wonders and vibrant cityscapes, giving you an incredible bird’s-eye perspective of America’s diverse beauty.

Holiday Magic: During the winter season, FlyOver America transforms into something even more special with their North Pole experience.

You’ll help Santa search for his missing elves during an extended adventure that takes you across America before landing at Santa’s magical North Pole workshop.

The experience includes holiday decorations, festive music, twinkling lights, and the delightful scent of Mrs. Claus’s cookies wafting through the air.

Professional Film Quality: The aerial footage isn’t amateur iPhone video – it’s professionally captured content shot by expert film crews who spent over a year crisscrossing America in helicopters and jets.

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They captured more than 50 hours of digital footage that’s been distilled into a mesmerizing 10-minute highlight reel showcasing the very best of what our country has to offer.

Atmosphere & Experience Flow

Seamless Organization: The entire experience is thoughtfully orchestrated from start to finish.

You’ll begin with a fun and engaging safety briefing presented on a large screen that sets the tone with upbeat music and clear instructions. The process feels professional yet exciting, building anticipation for what’s ahead.

Theater Environment: The main theater space is genuinely impressive, featuring stadium-style seating for up to 62 guests suspended in front of the enormous curved dome screen.

The lighting dims dramatically as you’re lifted into position, creating an authentic sense of takeoff that gets your adrenaline pumping from the very first moment.

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Comfortable Duration: The entire attraction experience lasts about 30 minutes including the safety briefing and boarding process, with the actual flight lasting a perfect 10 minutes.

It’s long enough to fully immerse you in the experience without overstaying its welcome or causing motion sensitivity issues for most guests.

Family-Friendly Design: The attraction accommodates a wide age range beautifully. Children must be at least 40 inches tall to ride, and those under 48 inches or eight years old need adult supervision.

The experience delights everyone from young kids experiencing their first “flight” to grandparents reliving memories of places they’ve visited.

Other Considerations

Smart Pricing Strategy: While individual tickets represent a premium experience, you can save 10% by purchasing online in advance.

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The attraction also offers attractive bundle deals when combined with other Mall of America attractions, and same-day return rides are available at half price if you want to experience the magic again immediately.

Strategic Location Benefits: Being located inside Mall of America means you’re steps away from 520 stores, 50 restaurants, and countless other entertainment options. You can easily make FlyOver America part of a full day of shopping, dining, and fun.

The attraction sits conveniently next to Hard Rock Cafe in the southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe.

Group Accommodation: The experience works wonderfully for groups, with discounts available for parties of 15 or more when booked in advance. The theater’s capacity and regular departure schedule (every 15-20 minutes) means even larger groups won’t face excessive wait times.

Accessibility Thoughtfulness: The attraction is fully wheelchair accessible, and guests who cannot transfer to the ride seating can still enjoy the visual experience from their wheelchair on the flight deck with a dedicated team member present.

Peak Season Considerations: Wait times vary significantly based on Mall of America’s overall attendance, with holiday seasons and weekends typically being busiest. The attraction operates seven days a week with extended hours during peak periods, giving you flexibility in planning your visit.


FlyOver America
📍 5120 Center Court, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN 55425

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.