FlyRide® Redefines Flying Theaters
SimEx-Iwerks FlyRide® Delivers Thrills
FlyRide® is our state-of-the-art flying theater, delivering a signature experience that thrills guests while supporting operational efficiency.
We spoke with Sal Agosta, Senior Vice President of Architecture & Design, who led the creative design and technical realization behind FlyRide.
Q: What inspired the current FlyRide design?
Sal Agosta: When we designed FlyRide, our goal was to create the best flying theater experience on the market. We focused on what would resonate with guests, what sparks lasting memories and keeps them coming back. Maintaining the “magic” was essential. From the moment guests enter, fully themed pre-show spaces build anticipation & excitement. Boarding the ride is designed to feel like a natural extension of that immersion, carrying the story forward in a seamless, unforgettable way.
Q: How does FlyRide stand apart from other flying theaters?
SA: Many flying theaters offer a similar formula but with FlyRide, we wanted to push the boundaries.
Our patented seat surge & reveal door system creates a dramatic moment as guests emerge from darkness immediately into flight. Our seats & motion platforms are unlike any other on the market, capable of high velocity & accelerations, which gives that incredible feeling of flight. The combination of motion programming, multi-sensory effects, audio cues, and stunning film content delivers a deep level of immersion.
The daily operation of the theater was important to us because we know it is important to our clients. That stacked design allows sections to be closed during off-peak seasons, as needed. We ensured our FlyRide design is efficient, reliable, and engineered for high throughput without sacrificing the quality of the guest journey.
Q: What design features were most important to you and your team?
SA: We looked at every detail of the design from a variety of perspectives. We designed the FlyRide with stacked rows of seating. This gives our attraction a very slim profile, allowing us to fit into existing spaces more easily.
Q: Why should venues consider FlyRide as their next headline attraction?
SA: Simply put, it’s a proven crowd-pleaser. FlyRide delivers a big impact guest experience. It’s scalable, reliable, and built to last. Most importantly, it creates that iconic, high-profile experience that can drive visitation and anchor a destination’s marketing strategy.