San Francisco: 7D Interactive Thrill Ride at PIER 39
Location: California, United States
Country: United States
Rating: 4.5/5 (32 reviews)
Price: $13 per person
Duration: 15 minutes
Supplier: The Flyer Thrill Zone
If you’re wandering along San Francisco’s famous PIER 39, you’ll find more than just sea lions and souvenir shops. Right at the far end of the pier, next to the carousel, lies a small but mighty attraction: the 7D Ride Experience. For just $13 per person, you get a quick 15-minute dose of high-energy fun that combines the thrill of a 3D rollercoaster with the interactivity of a video game. We loved how this attraction packs multiple rides into a single compact experience, making it a perfect break from sightseeing or a fun activity for families and gamers alike.
What really caught our attention? First, the variety of five different rides means there’s something for all—whether you’re into spooky zombie battles or silly bandit-blasting in the Wild West. Second, the big screen display showing scores and photos after each game adds a friendly competitive edge and a keepsake to remember the fun. One thing to keep in mind? The rides are quite short, so if you’re craving a long adventure, you might find yourself wishing for more time. Still, it’s a value-packed, fast-paced experience ideal for those who want a quick thrill.
This attraction is best suited for families, kids, teens, and anyone with a playful spirit looking for a lively, interactive diversion. Keep in mind, all riders need to be over 40 inches tall, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with neck or back issues. If you’re after a lighthearted, energetic activity that captures the essence of modern arcade fun combined with cutting-edge visuals, this is a good fit.
Key Points
- Diverse Ride Options: Five interactive adventures from spooky to family-friendly.
- High-Tech Features: Motion seats, wind effects, and dazzling 3D visuals create an immersive experience.
- Competitive Element: Scores and photos displayed afterward add a friendly challenge.
- Accessible for Most: Suitable for children over 40 inches tall and most age groups.
- Short but Sweet: The rides last only about 3 minutes each, so plan accordingly.
- Great Value: At $13, this quick thrill offers a fun, memorable snapshot of modern amusement tech.
What to Expect at the 7D Ride Experience
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Stepping into the 7D Ride Experience, you’re immediately transported into a futuristic arcade world where the boundary between gaming and motion rides blurs. You’ll sit in a motion seat, equipped with a blaster in hand, as vibrant 3D visuals flicker on the screen, pulling you into one of five unique adventures. The combination of wind effects, seat movement, and dazzling visuals makes you feel as if you’re truly in the middle of the action.
You can choose from five different rides, each with its own theme and challenge. Whether you want to confront hordes of zombies, race through futuristic streets in “Road Fighters,” or blast mischievous robot bandits in the Wild West, each game is designed to be engaging and fast-paced. The interactive element—aiming with your blaster—adds a layer of competitiveness that makes the experience lively and a little bit noisy (but in a good way).
The post-ride experience is just as fun—scores and photos appear on a big screen, giving everyone a chance to see how they performed. “It was short but fun,” one visitor remarked, highlighting that while the rides are quick, they pack enough excitement to make a lasting impression.
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The Ride Adventures in Detail

Zombies and Haunted Carnivals
These rides lean into the spooky side, with dark visuals, creepy sound effects, and the rush of blasting hordes of zombies or haunted carnival characters. If you’re after a little scare, these rides deliver a quick adrenaline shot. They’re perfect for gamers who enjoy a challenge and for kids who love a good spooky story without the long commitment of a horror movie.
Gigamon and Road Fighters
For those craving action and speed, these rides simulate racing or battling giant monsters in futuristic settings. The motion seats and wind effects really shine here, making you feel like a true hero fighting for your life or racing through city streets at breakneck speeds.
More Great Tours NearbyLos Banditos
This ride offers a more lighthearted, family-friendly experience, where you blast robot bandits in a Western-themed setting. According to reviews, it offers hilarious moments and is perfect for younger participants or those simply looking for a less intense, more humorous ride.
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Why the Short Duration?
The main criticism from visitors is that the rides are quite brief—lasting only about three minutes each. Many appreciated the value but wished for a longer experience. This is typical for arcade-style attractions, where quick, repetitive gameplay often makes for a fun, snack-sized adventure rather than a full-length ride.
Authentic Experiences & Visitor Feedback
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Several reviewers expressed delight with the attraction. One traveler from France noted, “The children greatly appreciated…excellent…but too short all the same.” This highlights how even those with high expectations found the rides enjoyable, despite the brevity.
Another visitor from the U.S. simply called it “Awesome!!” while a German traveler described it as “fun,” emphasizing that the main draw is the entertainment value packed into a short period. A key highlight from multiple reviews is the mention of friendly staff and stunning visuals, which elevate the experience beyond just a simple arcade game.
One safety note from a review pointed out that participants weighing over 130kg may be restricted from riding, so it’s worth checking your weight if you’re on the larger side. Also, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems, given the motion involved.
Pricing & Value
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At $13, the cost is quite reasonable, especially considering the interactive quality and the technological features like 3D effects and motion seats. For a quick 15-minute thrill, it offers excellent value, especially if you’re traveling with kids or teenagers who love video games and competitive fun.
For those planning to visit multiple attractions, this ride can be a nice little filler or a lively break between sightseeing. It’s also a perfect choice if you want a fun, low-commitment activity that doesn’t require advance planning or long waits.
Who Should Consider This Experience?
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This attraction is ideal for families with children over 40 inches tall, teenagers, and adults who enjoy interactive, fast-paced fun. If you’re into video games, interactive rides, or just looking for a fun, quick diversion in San Francisco, you’ll likely get a lot of enjoyment here. It’s also a good choice for groups wanting to add a little friendly competition to their day.
However, if you’re seeking longer, more immersive rides, or if you prefer calmer experiences, you might want to explore other options nearby. Also, those with back or neck issues or pregnant should probably give this a pass.
The Sum Up
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The 7D Interactive Thrill Ride at PIER 39 offers a dynamic, visually engaging experience that’s perfect for a quick burst of fun in a famous San Francisco location. Its variety of themed rides ensures there’s something to entertain kids and teens, while the interactive scoring and photo features add a layer of excitement for all ages.
While the rides are brief, the value for money is solid, especially if you’re interested in modern gaming combined with physical motion. It’s a great option for families, groups, or anyone looking to inject some playful energy into their day without a significant time commitment.
If you love interactive technology, friendly competition, and stunning visual effects, this is a worthwhile addition to your PIER 39 visit. For a short, spirited adventure, it’s hard to beat—and it might just inspire your inner gamer.
FAQ
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How long does each ride last?
Each ride lasts about 3 minutes, making the entire experience roughly 15 minutes including the introduction and scoring.
What is the cost?
The price is $13 per person, offering good value for a fun, interactive activity.
Are there height restrictions?
Yes, all riders must be over 40 inches tall to participate.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes, kids over 40 inches tall will enjoy the family-friendly rides like Los Banditos, but very young children may find some rides too intense.
Can I see my scores and photos afterward?
Absolutely. Your scores and photos are displayed on a big screen after each ride, adding to the fun and providing keepsakes.
Is it accessible for people with back or neck issues?
It’s not recommended for individuals with back or neck problems, as the rides involve motion and physical activity.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
Is the attraction suitable for pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the motion effects.
Is there an option to reserve now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now, pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel planning.
This quick but lively adventure at PIER 39 provides a modern twist on classic arcade fun, blending technology, competition, and breathtaking visuals. Perfect for a fast-paced break or a family outing, it’s a memorable way to add some thrill to your San Francisco visit.
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