MONTEREY, Calif. — Visitors to Cannery Row will soon be able to experience a thrilling new attraction that will take them on a virtual flight around the world.

Encounter, a flying theatre ride similar to Soarin' at Disney's California Adventure, will be built inside the former IMAX theater building at 640 Wave St., which has been empty for more than a decade.

The ride will feature a large curved screen, motion-based seats, wind effects and scents to create an immersive sensation of flying over various landscapes and landmarks, such as the Grand Canyon, the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China.

The project is led by Encounter Entertainment, a company that specializes in creating unique attractions for tourist destinations. The company has partnered with Dynamic Attractions, the developer of the flying theatre technology, and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), which will provide educational content and footage of the local marine life.

"We are very excited to bring this cutting-edge attraction to Cannery Row and to showcase the beauty and diversity of our planet," said a spokes person for Encounter Entertainment. "We hope that Encounter will inspire people to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the world and to learn more about the conservation efforts of MBARI and other organizations."

The ride is expected to open in Spring 2024 and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets will cost $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12.