When we visited Seattle for the first time, I wanted to visit the Space Needle. Little did we know we would end up bungee-jumping OFF the Space needle! And that it would be much easier than any of my MS-challenges so far! Find out what happened!
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Really? You bungee-jumped off the Space Needle?
Surprisingly to us, it turns out that indeed you can VR bungee-jump off the Space Needle with the purchase of a ticket! VR as in Virtual Reality. Yeah, I hear what you are saying “That doesn’t sound REAL!”
Actually, it was a lot more real than I expected, my stomach and brain both were totally fooled. Jump vicariously with me. And then go for it yourself, you too can do it!
My Bungee-Jumping Experience
At the onset, you sit on a rotating chair and get a helmet with VR glasses. While the lobby around you vanishes, you take the elevator up, on the outside of the Space Needle.
Suddenly a bird (an Olympic gull?) flies by, you notice a plane taking of in the distance, and you go higher and higher. It is remarkably real. My breath stopped for a moment when I was standing at the top of the needle, looking around and hearing the count down to the bungee-jump. Wondering whether this really was such a great idea??
Five, four, three, two, one AND… Feeling your stomach tighten, you continue to question the wisdom of your choices, but too late to turn back now.
At ZERO, there you go! Incredibly, you can feel yourself falling and bouncing up and down. The bounces get less and less until you take off the helmet and non-virtual reality returns.
In hindsight, I would have wanted to look around a bit more before bungee-jumping, but I was at the mercy of the computer programmer. Still, it was an amazingly well-done 360-degree experience! I totally recommend doing it. Not to mention it is FREE with your Space Needle ticket. Since I am Dutch, I always go for the freebies.
The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.
Alice Morse Earle
More about the Space Needle
In 1962, the World Fair was in Seattle and they built the Space Needle. Because the theme was “The Age of Space”, the needle symbolized our space aspirations. Reaching out toward space, it stands 605 feet tall. Pretty high when you plan to bungee-jump!
The saucer shaped top floor offers a 360-degree view over Seattle, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and the mountains. Standing at the top is truly breath taking. They recently remodeled and now are home to the world’s only glass-rotating floor.
We enjoyed being on the top level observation deck for quite a while while taking in the views. Trying to find the Hilton where we stayed (for free, using Hilton Honor points). Taking in the grandeur of Puget Sound. Enjoying the giant spiders on the roof of a nearby building.
After a while, we went down to the rotating glass floor level. Yes, you walk on glass at 600 feet high. It was a unique experience for sure. Some people were not too sure about his walking on glass thing, but to me seemed solid enough.
It was interesting to see how differently people reacted to the floor. Some people stepped onto it, seemingly not giving it a second thought, just enjoying the experience of walking in the air. Others were more hesitant or totally refused to step on it, clearly in the throes of their acrophobia. (fear of heights)
Practical Info for Your Bungee-Jumping off the Space Needle
Sharing some tips to have your best experience, including for people living with disabilities.
Take the Historic Mono Rail
To get to the Space Needle, we recommend taking the Mono Rail, a fun, quick, and historic link between Westlake Center and Seattle Center. Admittedly, I knew nothing about this monorail before we got to Seattle.
Turns out that this is another “leftover” from the 1962 World Fair. In 1961, two trains were constructed which are still in service today! No wonder that this is a Historical Landmark. You too can be part of history by riding it! Imagine how futuristic this would have been in 1962.
Find out all details (including confirmation of ADA accessibility) on the Seattle Center Mono Rail web page.
Is The Space Needle Accessible for Disabilities?
Yes, the Space Needle has excellent ADA access! After we bought our tickets, I was happily surprised to find out that I wouldn’t have to walk up the spiraling ramp. With my multiple sclerosis that would be more walking than I could easily have managed.
Instead, we got a “Courtesy Guest” sticker which enabled us to use the elevator instead of stairs. Somehow “courtesy guest” sounds so much better than disabled. Throughout our visit, every attendant was courteous and helpful.
Conclusion Bungee-Jumping off the Space Needle
Although we had an amazing time bungee-jumping off the space needle, it was even more exhilarating to visit the top levels. After our Space Needle experience we visited the Chihuly exposition which was just as cool in a different way. Have you visited the Space Needle? What was your experience? Did you take the Mono Rail? Let me know in the comments!
A Few More Fun Ideas
- Consider visiting the Full Size Liberty Bell Replica in Tacoma;
- Check out the historic Washington State Capitol in Olympia;
- Take an Alaska Cruise and see glaciers before they disappear!
- Or simply take a ferry to Victoria BC and spend a few days there.
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