Planned MOA ride gives new meaning to flyover land

People travel from all over the world to experience the Mall of America, and in spring 2016 those visitors can experience some of the most incredible places in the United States without even leaving the mall.

Mall officials said Thursday they'll be adding a new virtual tour called FlyOver America to its mini-amusement park, Nickelodeon Universe.

The new attraction will allow riders to see, feel and even smell some of the country's landmarks in a virtual tour, the mall said in a news release.

Riders will sit 10 to 25 feet above ground facing a massive half-spherical screen.

When the ride starts, they will move in tandem with a film of various regions and spend about 25 minutes feeling sensations, such as wind and mist, that they'd feel if they were actually there.

Officials aren't sure yet which landmarks will be included in the film, as FlyOver crews are still making the video, but mall spokeswoman Sarah Schmidt said Minnesota sights will be included.

Schmidt said the FlyOver feature won't displace other rides, but it will replace an event space in the southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe.

The extravagant attraction is a spin­off of the wildly successful FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, according to the Mall of America. Former Disney "Imagineer" Rick Rothschild, who helped design Disneyland's Soarin' Over California ride, is at work on the new attraction.

The ride, made for people ages 4 and up, is expected to open in spring 2016.

Though a precise cost for riders isn't yet available, Schmidt said tickets will be under $20 per person and will be separate from Nickelodeon Universe admission.

Anne Millerbernd is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.

Anne Millerbernd • 651-308-7126