ONE of the world’s biggest waterfalls is getting a brand new “breathtaking” £18million ride.
Thrill-seekers will be soon be able to undergo an experience like no other at one of the world’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Landmark waterfall gets new attraction
The new ride will offer visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to soar just inches away from Niagara Falls.
Niagara Takes Flight promises an epic birds‘-eye view of the famed landmark.
The $25million attraction is based at Niagara Parks’ Table Rock Centre, at the edge of the Horseshoe Falls.
The experience will be open to the public from August 29, and promises a spectacular journey that covers 56 kilometres of the Niagara region.
With the use of advanced drone technology , high-tech motion seats, and a range of sensory effects such as wind, mist and scent, riders will feel as if they’re soaring through the sky – all while staying firmly on the ground.
The attraction is also complete with a huge 17-metre-wide screen.
Niagara Takes Flight filmed the region over a period of six months.
Through the use of custom-built drones , the ride captures all four seasons, shifting from day to night throughout the flight.
Visitors will simply take their seats in the gondola-style chairs, where they will then be suspended in the air with their legs dangling, as they “fly” through the sky.
A tour of the waterfall’s rich history
As well as this, guests will also walk through four themed storytelling rooms that explore 13,000 years of Niagara history , in the build up to the ride.
The rich history spans from the last ice age right up to present day.
The Ancestors Room displays original Indigenous artwork by Turtle Clan.
Mohawk Nation artist Sarah General is also featured throughout the animation, as her work tells the story of Turtle Island.
Meanwhile, the Waterfall Room includes filmmaker James Cameron ‘s powerful narration of the history of Niagara Falls, highlighting key developments and cultural milestones.
The Titanic director said of the project: “It was a pleasure and honour to lend my voice to a project that celebrates the falls and the city I grew up in.
“My first job at the age of 16 was working for the Niagara Parks Commission, so this closed that loop, 55 years later.”
Excitement ahead of grand opening
The construction was spearheaded by former Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild, who took on the role of Creative Director, and Brogent Technologies.
Chih-Hung Ouyang, chairman and CEO, Brogent Technologies, told The MailOnline : “This project merges technology and storytelling to deepen the emotional connection that people have with one of the world’s most celebrated destinations.”
While Bob Gale, Chair of Niagara Parks added: “This $25 million investment, fully paid for by our operating revenue, supports the pursuit of our vision to be one of the most spectacular parks in the world, while driving tourism and supporting the local economy”
He went on to express his excitement to share the attraction with guests for the first time.
The ride will be open daily from 9am to 10pm from August 29 on the top floor of Table Rock Centre.
Tickets are on sale now for $29 (£21.60) for adults and $19 (£14.15) for children.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
