After being delayed due to a national helium shortage, officials with WonderWorks announced Monday that helium has been acquired and Wonders of Flight, its newest iconic attraction, is scheduled to open to the public on Friday, Sept. 21.

The Wonders of Flight balloon is scheduled to be inflated on either Thursday, Sept. 13 or Friday, Sept. 14, weather permitting, in preparation of the grand opening.

Guests to the Great Smoky Mountains will be able to view the area in a completely new way – from up to 400 feet in the air – all while letting their imaginations soar to exciting heights with Wonders of Flight.    

Different from any other Pigeon Forge attraction, guests will board a gondola beneath the giant blue and green helium-filled balloon located on a landing platform situated behind WonderWorks. The 72-foot diameter balloon will hold up to 30 guests in the gondola at one time.

One of only two attractions of its kind in the Southeast, the Wonders of Flight balloon (the Aero30NG) was manufactured in France by Aerophile, the world leader in tethered gas balloons. The Southeast’s other tethered balloon is located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., while others are featured in some of the world’s biggest amusement parks including China’s Oct East Amusement Park and France’s Disneyland or in world-famous cities such as Berlin, Istanbul and Paris.

According to Jérôme Giacomoni, Aerophile president, the open air gondola will allow guests to experience the sensation of being on a flying balcony. “The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unmatched, 360-degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains,” said Mr. Giacomoni. “In one single gaze, the entire breathtaking view can be seen from exceptional heights including a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves.”

Mr. Giacomoni explains that the Wonders of Flight balloon is environmentally friendly and totally silent thanks to its permanently inflated helium envelope and a hydro-electric winch. “The system consumes no more energy than an elevator and is completely noiseless."

According to Ed Shaffer, general manager of WonderWorks, Wonders of Flight will provide guests with a unique and affordable experience at a special opening rate of $15.99 (plus tax) for adults and $9.99 (plus tax) for children ages 12 and under. Children 36-inches and under will be admitted for free. The 10 minute flight experience is offered daily, with daytime and evening hours, weather permitting. Additionally, Wonders of Flight is an ideal attraction for groups, weddings and adventurers of all ages. 

“Especially those couples looking for an intimate and truly one-of-a-kind wedding should consider Wonders of Flight as it creates a romantic, storybook setting overlooking the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains,” said Mr. Shaffer.

For more information, visit www.wondersofflight.com or call 865 868-1800.