New York City, a sprawling metropolis of over eight million souls, presents an overwhelming tapestry of experiences. A single visit, regardless of its duration, inevitably necessitates compromises. Perhaps a coveted Broadway performance is missed, or a towering architectural marvel remains unexplored. But imagine a scenario where you could encapsulate the essence of New York City, albeit not in its entirety, within a captivating hour. Soar Over NYC at RiseNY, Featuring the Northeast’s First Flying Theater makes this imaginative prospect a reality.
Conceived by Running Subway, a New York-based entertainment production powerhouse, RiseNY is an innovative attraction that seamlessly blends a meticulously curated mini-museum with a breathtaking virtual reality-esque flying theater experience. It is designed to offer visitors an immersive journey through the city’s vibrant culture and iconic landmarks.
Located in the heart of Times Square on 45th Street, RiseNY’s unassuming facade belies the extraordinary adventure that awaits within. Upon entering, guests are ushered upstairs to a pre-show area where the sounds of the attraction begin to tantalize the senses. The anticipation builds as a curtain is drawn back, revealing a meticulously recreated replica of an early 20th-century subway station. From the weathered wooden benches to the authentic tilework adorning the walls, the attention to detail is remarkable. This nostalgic setting serves as the stage for a captivating short film, narrated by the distinctive voice of Jeff Goldblum, which chronicles the evolution of New York City from its humble beginnings to its present-day status as a global icon.
As the film concludes, the screen transforms into a realistic depiction of a subway tunnel, complete with the approaching headlights and rumbling sounds of an oncoming train. The train seemingly comes to a halt just to the left, and as the doors slide open, the wall itself recedes, revealing the entrance to a simulated subway car. Stepping through the "car," guests find themselves at the threshold of the museum portion of the RiseNY experience.
The museum unfolds as a series of seven distinct themed galleries, each dedicated to a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural identity: finance, skyline, TV and radio, fashion, music, Broadway, and film. These galleries showcase the city’s monumental contributions to each respective field, offering a multifaceted portrait of its influence on the world stage.
In the finance section, visitors encounter a wealth of information about the New York Stock Exchange and the bustling energy of Wall Street. The skyline gallery presents scaled replicas of some of the city’s most recognizable buildings, capturing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Manhattan skyline. The TV and radio section pays homage to the city’s broadcasting legacy, showcasing vintage radios and a recreation of the iconic black and white "Honeymooners" kitchen set.
The fashion section presents a vibrant retrospective of New York City fashion through the ages, while the music section celebrates the city’s diverse musical heritage. A striking mural of Notorious B.I.G. commands attention, while a Cardi B bodysuit and Bob Dylan’s guitar are among the noteworthy artifacts on display. The Broadway gallery showcases elaborate costumes from celebrated stage productions, including the dazzling genie suit from "Aladdin." Finally, the film section offers a curated montage of iconic New York City movies, capturing the city’s cinematic allure.
While the museum section is engaging and provides excellent photo opportunities, it can be explored in under 45 minutes. For those deeply familiar with the city, some of the information may already be known, but the immersive presentation and visual displays make it a worthwhile experience for all.
As the museum tour concludes, guests are ushered into a room where a host welcomes them to a simulated New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. This immersive prelude sets the stage for the grand finale: the flying theater experience. Visitors are then guided into an "elevator" that transports them to a "control" room, where they participate in a countdown before being escorted to the ride itself.
The centerpiece of RiseNY is the 46-seat flying theater, the first of its kind in the Northeast. This state-of-the-art attraction provides a truly breathtaking experience, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a first-time visitor. Once seated, guests are lifted approximately 30 feet into the air, embarking on a simulated flight above the iconic landmarks of New York City.
The experience is further enhanced by a massive 180-degree, 40-foot projection dome that displays stunning 8K aerial footage, creating the illusion of soaring through the city. Special effects, such as wind, water mist, and synchronized seat movements, further heighten the sense of realism, as you swoop past the Statue of Liberty, skim across the Hudson River, and even seemingly crash through the windows of towering skyscrapers.
The ride is a multisensory experience, engaging not just sight, but also sound, touch, and even smell. The wind rushes past your face as you fly over Central Park, the spray of the river cools your skin, and the aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air as you soar over Little Italy. This attention to detail creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
James Sanna, president and CEO of Running Subway, expressed his hope that "RiseNY will help remind New Yorkers why they love New York and will, hopefully, delight and inspire all visitors as they journey through some of the city’s most iconic sites and moments." His sentiment accurately captures the essence of the attraction. Even for those who consider themselves New York City experts or are not particularly fond of museums, Soar Over NYC at RiseNY, Featuring the Northeast’s First Flying Theater is an attraction that warrants a visit.
Soar Over NYC at RiseNY, Featuring the Northeast’s First Flying Theater is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays (excluding Tuesdays) and Sundays, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets, which start at $21 for adults, can be purchased on the RiseNY website. Please note that riders must be at least 40 inches tall. The ride is not recommended for individuals with sensory sensitivities or those who are pregnant.
In conclusion, RiseNY offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the magic of New York City. From its immersive museum exhibits to its groundbreaking flying theater, this attraction is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. Soar Over NYC at RiseNY, Featuring the Northeast’s First Flying Theater is an innovative tribute to the city that never sleeps.
