Matthew U.
Yelp
The one thing I wanted to do while in Chicago the last time was to make my way to Willis Tower and go to the Skydeck. But that wasn't in the books back then, but I made sure to do it right this time. I booked my visit ahead of time so that way I didn't have to mess around with getting a ticket when I arrived. We can circle back around to this a bit later, there is so much more to say.
When I arrived, I was so confused as to where to go. GPS only takes you so far and I was so lost when I got to the tower. I followed the signs around the building and literally ended up a half block from where I started. Then inside I just kind of guessed where I had to go by following people around me. Then there is the entrance area, it was so confusing. Do I do the kiosk or not? There really is not signage to tell you what to do and on top of that, there was no one around to ask. I just say screw it and headed to the next area.
Checking in was easy. I was early but they allowed me to enter. See, no one was really around here this time of day and I think that they just didn't really care at that point. Before heading up to the Skydeck you are treated to a brief history of Chicago, surrounding area, the tower, and a few other things. Think mini museum. Once you make your way through the many turns and exhibits that are meant to thin out the crowd to no overwhelm the upper portion, you make it to the elevator line.
Have fun on there, you never know who you might be with on the elevator. My luck, going up, I was on with a whole family who were visiting. I think I may have made their elevator up picture a bit awkward. But, hey, no one said you had to take a group family picture in the elevator. The elevator ride, even though it wasn't as long as I expected it to be, was intriguing. I was really impressed by the amount of thought put into this. And it totally tricked my mind into thinking that I was flying through the air at one point.
Then you get up to the top and finally get to see the whole entirety of Chicago. I was floored by the views. You basically get a 360 of the area. Such great views, get scenery, and depending on the time of day you visit, the best picture you will take in Chicago. I went as the sun was setting and it allowed for a great array of pictures. The one I got looking out over the lake even had a rainbow in it. The one looking towards the sunset was almost postcard worthy.
Now, the Skydeck itself is an amazing feeling. You feel as if you are suspended in the air overlooking the city yourself. I've done this also in Paris and London where you are high up and walking on glass. It's a bit intimidating here as you are much higher up than most places. You can get lost in the moment and definitely take all the selfies you can while here.
Now, the circling back. The pricing here is what really nagged at me. I knew there was going to be a price, but it felt a little steep for all that this is. A very small museum, an elevator ride, and a view of the city. Not only that, but they also seemed to think that you would part with your money on top of paying an admission fee. When you make your way through the museum they want to take one of those gimmicky tourist photos. Then when you finally do get to one of the Skydeck pods they try to get you again with another gimmicky photo there. Listen, we are living in a world where people are not going to pay for your photos, especially when you have not only a camera, but a video camera, in your phone.
I did enjoy this, as I doubt I would be back in Chicago any time soon. But I felt a bit underwhelmed with it all. I got my photos, I took in the view, I learned something new, but it just felt underwhelming. To top it off, check out the gift shop on your way out.