Even though Chinese New Year was Feb. 8, Vancouverites can still experience the celebrations with Fly Over Canada’s Flight of the Dragon ride at Canada Place. The attraction gives riders a bird’s eye view of China’s landscapes, cities and vistas, soaring 10 to 25 feet above the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the bustling city of Shanghai.
The special effects of mist, wind and scents of grass, trees and smoke also give riders the full experience of China. Riders sit in a specialized chair suspended in the air as they move in sync with the film on a four storey, 20-metre-wide screen.
“We wanted to show this ride because the Chinese New Year is an important part of the West Coast culture here and we wanted to bring in that celebration of the Chinese New Year,” says Candace Schroeter, marketing and sales coordinator of Soaring Attractions LP, a themed entertainment company that creates attractions for Vancouver, including Fly Over Canada.
Originally, Flight of the Dragon was an attraction at a Shanghai theme park, and with the help of Los Angeles studio Super 78 Productions, the ride came to Vancouver.
“We are the only attraction in North America like this. It’s a very unique setting and we are the only ones capable of showing a film ride anywhere in the world outside of Shanghai,” added Schroeter.
Not only will attendees have a chance to celebrate Chinese New Year through Flight of the Dragon, but they will also be able to experience a traditional Chinese dance by lion dancers and a visit by the fortune god. The Year of the Monkey will be honored through scenery and décor outside and inside the attraction and in the pre-show room.
Schroeter says the attraction has gotten positive feedback so far and she hopes this enthusiasm means a return of the Flight of the Dragon next year.
“It’s definitely been anticipated, and guests have been very eager to see it. We actually have guests coming in from LA that want to come and see this experience, it’s a very unique experience.”
Flight of the Dragon runs until March 6 at Canada Place.
@katrinatrask
