Sketched Aug. 23, 2016
Four years ago, they gave Seattle its first modern Ferris wheel.
Now, the Griffith family has built another unusual attraction to bring more people down to the waterfront, which has been engulfed by construction equipment for years.
Wings over Washington, which opens to the public Thursday at Pier 57, is a full-blown Disney-style ride where visitors experience the illusion of flying over the state’s most picturesque scenery. You may be familiar with similar rides elsewhere, like Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure.
At a private screening earlier this week, I watched my feet dangle over Neah Bay, the San Juan Islands, Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Saint Helens and many other scenic locations all the way to Eastern Washington.
While nothing can match experiencing those places in real life, the virtual fly-by gives you a vantage point usually reserved for birds, drones and helicopters. And for newcomers, it’s a great introduction to the state’s wonders.
The “Wow!” that came out of my mouth at the end made Kyle Griffith optimistic about how others may receive the ride.
“WOW is for Wings Over Washington,” he said.
The Griffith family has owned Pier 57 for almost five decades.
Extensive construction inside the pier was necessary to build the “flying theater” for Wings Over Washington. It has room for 33 spectators at a time.
This sketch shows the seating platform in viewing position and one of my favorite moments of the ride, the view of Mount St. Helens.