Are you ready to experience a world like no other? Welcome to Las Vegas, the city that defies reality and takes you on a magical journey. From the moment you step foot in this vibrant oasis, you'll be transported to a realm where dreams come true and every desire is within reach. Las Vegas is a place where ordinary becomes extraordinary. With its dazzling lights, towering casinos, and world-class entertainment, it has earned its title as the Entertainment Capital of the World. Whether you're a high roller looking to hit the jackpot or a thrill-seeker in search of the ultimate adrenaline rush, Las Vegas has something for everyone. Step into one of the iconic resorts that line the famous Las Vegas Strip and you'll find yourself surrounded by luxury and opulence.
"What you're seeing are real locations," he said, adding there's little CGI work. "We strongly believe that nature is an extraordinary thing that needs to be viewed and enjoyed, and by understanding it, we are doing our part to help people realize the responsibility that we all have to help maintain these places."
Using state-of-the-art technology, FlyOver has created the magic of flight through an immersive experience that lets you dip, dive and glide over awe-inspiring landscapes, all without leaving The Strip. 5-foot-wide spherical screen while the film, shown in stunning 8K high definition, whisks you away on an exhilarating journey across land, sea and sky all set to a captivating musical score.
Step into one of the iconic resorts that line the famous Las Vegas Strip and you'll find yourself surrounded by luxury and opulence. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the casino floor, where the sound of slot machines and the cheers of winners fill the air. Try your luck at one of the many table games, where fortunes can change in an instant.
Former Disney Imagineer brings Soarin' experience to Las Vegas
There was always something captivating watching Peter Pan, Wendy and the other children fly through the air, Rothschild said.
What You Need To Know
- A former longtime Disney Imagineer helped develop FlyOver Las Vegas, a $40 million attraction on the Las Vegas Strip
- Like Soarin' Around the World at Disney theme parks, FlyOver Las Vegas takes visitors to landmarks and iconic scenes in the American West
- Rick Rothschild served as a creative executive at Disney for more than 30 years. He helped oversee the development of 50 attractions, including the original Soarin' Over California
- FlyOver Las Vegas is the fourth FlyOver attraction that Rothschild helped develop since leaving Disney in 2009
When Rothschild grew up, he gave people that sense of flying wonder.
Rothschild, who lives in Newhall, is a former longtime Walt Disney Imagineer and the original creative director of Disney California Adventure's Soarin' Over California attraction.
Rothschild left Disney more than 10 years ago. But as the creative director of his own themed entertainment company called FAR Out!, he's helped develop other Soarin’-type experiences in Canada, Minnesota and Iceland.
Most recently, he launched a new flying simulator attraction on the Las Vegas Strip.
FlyOver Las Vegas is a new flight simulator ride that takes visitors on a ride vehicle with their feet dangling in the air inside an enclosed dome in front of a 52-foot spherical screen and glides over iconic Western destinations, including parts of the Las Vegas Strip.
"I honestly believe people like to fly," said Rothschild to Spectrum News. "In our dreams, a lot of us like to do that."
The $40 million ride, which opened in September, is the newest attraction from Viad Corp's Pursuit division on the Las Vegas Strip. The attraction took over the former United Artists movie theater next to the Hard Rock Cafe on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Like Soarin' Over California and Soarin' Around the World at Disney theme parks, FlyOver Las Vegas is a multisensory and immersive experience.
But unlike Disney's Soarin', FlyOver Las Vegas has a different and upgraded ride system that allows them to make more moves during the ride and a higher definition screen.
The theme of the ride at FlyOver Las Vegas is the Real Wild West, Rothschild said.
Before riders go on the actual ride, there's a bar area that serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic themed western drinks and a multimedia pre-show where they can learn about the west.
Once the show is over, visitors will hop on a ride vehicle where it will transport them to scenes in 22 locations across 10 Western states.
Some scenes include watching stallions ride in Yellowstone National Park, water skiers surrounded by snow-capped mountains at Cascade Lake near Lake Tahoe, the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, fly fishing in Colorado and surfers riding six-story high waves at Mavericks in Northern California. And, of course, the Las Vegas strip is prominently displayed.
As riders glide through and watch the scenes, Rothschild said they'll experience other special effects, like wind, mist and smells of the outdoors.
For example, Rothschild said, tiny drops of mist will gently fall when riders pass through a cloud or a waterfall.
The ride can accommodate up to 46 riders per show.
The whole experience is about 30 minutes. Tickets for adults are $34 and kids $24. Along with Flyover Las Vegas, visitors can also watch the FlyOver Iceland film.
"It's a great way to decompress from the Strip," said Rothschild.
Rothschild said it took about a year and a half to film and develop the scenes for FlyOver Las Vegas.
Rothschild and a co-director specializing in sports action photography sat inside a helicopter with a high-resolution camera and directed every scene seen in the film.
FlyOver Las Vegas is Rothschild's fourth FlyOver attraction since leaving Disney after 30 years in 2009. His Disney resume is stacked.
He was part of the idea team and led the Soarin' Over California project as the director of the movie and the creative director. He doesn't like taking all of the credit.
"It takes a village," he said, adding that he was part of the team that oversaw the development of more than 50 attractions at Disney Parks worldwide.
When he left Disney, Rothschild helped develop and design FlyOver Canada in Vancouver, FlyOver Iceland in Reykjavik and FlyOver America at the Mall of America in Minneapolis.
During the conversation with Spectrum News, Rothschild was on a shoot in Canada to develop another FlyOver experience.
Rothschild said creating these types of FlyOver attractions makes him appreciate the beauty of the world. Sitting inside a helicopter, he has a bird's-eye view of the wonders of nature and loves that he gets to share it with the world.
"What you're seeing are real locations," he said, adding there's little CGI work. "We strongly believe that nature is an extraordinary thing that needs to be viewed and enjoyed, and by understanding it, we are doing our part to help people realize the responsibility that we all have to help maintain these places."
The ride can accommodate up to 46 riders per show.
But Las Vegas isn't just about gambling – it's also a haven for food lovers, with world-renowned chefs from around the globe serving up culinary masterpieces in every corner of the city. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and indulge in a world-class show. Las Vegas is home to some of the most spectacular productions in the world, featuring acrobats, dancers, magicians, and musicians who will leave you in awe. From the gravity-defying stunts of Cirque du Soleil to the iconic performances of legendary artists, the entertainment options are endless. But Las Vegas isn't just about the glitz and glamour – it's also a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Just a short drive away, you'll find yourself in the midst of the stunning landscapes of the Mojave Desert, where you can hike through rugged canyons, explore hidden caves, or simply marvel at the beauty of nature. And if you're looking for a truly otherworldly experience, a visit to the nearby Grand Canyon is a must. Soar above reality with the magic of Las Vegas. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this city has it all. Lose yourself in the enchantment of the Las Vegas Strip, indulge in world-class cuisine, and witness performances that will leave you breathless. And when you're ready to escape the bright lights, the natural wonders of the desert are waiting to be discovered. Las Vegas is a place where fantasies become reality – are you ready to take flight?.
Reviews for "Elevate Your Senses: Immersing in the Magic of Las Vegas"
- Sarah - 2 stars - Soar above reality with the magic of Las Vegas? More like plummet back to Earth with disappointment. This show promised magic and excitement but delivered nothing but cliched tricks and over-the-top performances. The performers seemed more interested in showing off their costumes than actually wowing the audience with their skills. Save your money and skip this mediocre experience.
- John - 1 star - I've seen a lot of shows in Las Vegas, and this one was by far the worst. The performances were lackluster and the illusions felt outdated. It seemed like the performers were just going through the motions without any real passion or creativity. The only thing that soared was my boredom-level. Definitely not worth the time or money.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Soar above reality with the magic of Las Vegas," but sadly they were not met. The production felt poorly executed and the acts were unimpressive. The show lacked innovation and failed to deliver the awe and wonder that it promised. The only thing that soared was my disappointment. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for an exciting and magical experience in Las Vegas.