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‘Wings Over Washington,’ New Disney-Like Attraction Opens This Month In Seattle

By Jeffrey Totey
Published on: 10:14 PST, Aug 15, 2016

Kyle Griffith, vice president of Great Western Attractions and co-owner of Miners Landing at Pier 57 in Seattle, Washington announced today that Wings Over Washington, a new “flying theater,” will be ready for excursions next week in a new press release.

Wings Over Washington is a new state-of-the-art Disney-like ride similar to the “Soarin'” attractions found at Disney’s California Adventure and Epcot theme parks. It is the newest addition to Miners Landing since the opening of Seattle’s Great Wheel. The theater uses 6K cameras, art laser projection and surround sound systems. It even uses drones for image capture and makes good use of Mushroom VR, which, according to its website, “brings together media with 3D architectural spaces, practical scenic elements, and live show effects.”

“Once you are strapped into your theater seat, you will experience an amazing journey as a “spirit eagle” sweeps you upward into flight across the state of Washington,” says the Wings Over Washington” website.

“You will see amazing sights as you dive down the seaside cliffs through the morning mists of the Olympic National Forest and Mt. Rainier to the San Juan Islands and on to the spectacular beauty of the Cascades and the awe-inspiring Snoqualmie Falls to the wild whitewater of the Tieton River and the kaleidoscopic wonder of the Walla Walla Valley Balloon Stampede then back to Elliot Bay to bank around the Seattle Great Wheel as a sensational fireworks display begins and then slowly landing back to where the journey all began.”

Kyle Griffith has overseen the Wings Over Washington project from the initial concept and has worked with some of Washington’s best including Brent Young (producer), Antonio Di lorio (music composer), David Sabee (orchestra conductor), Northwest Sinfonia and the Native American vocal and percussion group, Sacred Water Canoe Family. He has even created a companion book as well that features photos from many of the scenes highlighted in the movie.

“We are thrilled to offer both tourists and residents an unforgettable experience to the many wonders of our great state. This ranges from not only a scenic perspective but an historical, cultural, and educational one as well. We also want to thank the incredible artists, craftsman, technology gurus, and expert construction teams who made our dream into a reality,” says Griffith.

Including the pre-show, Wings Over Washington is almost a full 20-minute presentation done in a truly unique way. “Flying theaters” are rare. In addition to the Disney theme parks, similar rides are currently being presented in Vancouver B.C. and Europe. Wings Over Washington’s maiden voyage for the public will be shown on Thursday, August 25 at 8:00 p.m. at Miners Landing.

Located on Pier 57 in Seattle, Miner’s Landing was originally a shipping terminal and then used as a fish processing spot before being purchased by the Port of Seattle. In the early 1980’s, the Griffith family took ownership of the pier, which has gone through numerous changes over the years.

Seattle’s Great Wheel was added to Miner’s Landing on June 29, 2012. Kyle’s father, Hal, had dreamed of having a ferris wheel built in Seattle for some 30 years before it became a reality. Built in less than a year, the Great Wheel is the largest observation wheel on the west coast and stands 175 feet tall. The 42 gondolas can hold over 300 people. All of them are enclosed, but #42 is the most special. The VIP cabin features leather bucket seats, a stereo system and a glass bottom floor.

Miner’s Landing also includes two restaurants; the Crab Pot and The Fishersmans Restaurant and Bar.

[Photo by iStock]

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