Chicago Edition: Skydeck Chicago’s Ledge: All Hype

I couldn’t wait to walk out on the ledge.

I had seen it when it first opened to the public in July. The Skydeck was on every national and local news with all the hype about your breath being taken away as you walked out onto the thick glass bay that juts out from the 103rd floor of the former Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.

I called ahead to make arrangements with the media office as I was in Chicago for a conference with little time to spare as I had meetings all day and dinner plans at night.

I took the elevator to what I thought was where the Skydeck was. Instead I was on a floor with long lines to purchase tickets.

I got into the priority line (still long) and made my way toward the elevator. Or at least that’s what I thought. Instead it was long waiting line for a movie. Like at any Disney theme park, they keep you occupied to not realize how long you have to wait.

But I was in a rush…I was meeting friends at Avec for dinner.

I passed the movie line and got into a shorter one to the top of the Willis Tower. The thought of standing in a glass box with nothing but an inch and a half of glass between me and the pavement 103 floors below took my breath away with my stomach seemingly full of butterflies. Sadly, actually standing on the glass didn’t. What a disappointment!

The view is spectacular from 1353 feet or the highest observatory in Chicago, but would I suggest you stand in long lines to see it? Not really. 

– bonnie

Admission online for adults is $17.45 without audio, $22.45 with audio, $32.50 for a Fast Pass at $32.50, which shortens your wait as it’s express to the elevators. All online prices include a $2.50 service charge.