Just around the corner from Disneyland, in an unassuming strip mall, lies Flightdeck+Rogue Racing, an immersive racing and flight simulation experience. With an impressive 8 race car simulators, 8 fighter jet simulators, and a 737 Boeing simulator to top it off, this place has something for everyone. Last month, we were lucky enough to try the Racing + Fox 1 combo which allows you to do both the race car simulator and the fighter jet simulator across 90 minutes.
The day began with Rogue Racing, which felt like an elevated arcade racing simulator brought to life. The setup places you in a semi-open environment alongside other guests, so instead of racing alone, you’re very much competing in real time against fellow patrons. While this added an exciting competitive edge, it also made the experience a bit more intense – especially for someone like me who doesn’t actually drive.
The controls required quick reflexes and a solid sense of timing, making the course challenging but undeniably fun once I settled into the rhythm. We competed in two types of cars, the MX-5 Cup Car and the F1. Our instructor was also there the whole time commentating on the race – which didn’t lessen the pressure as I was lapped by my competitors time and time again. Though it’s not a full-on virtual reality experience with VR headsets, the immersive screens and movement within the seats does make it feel pretty real at times – especially when you crash as much as I did.
The second half of the combo was the fighter jet simulator, and I’ll admit I approached it with mixed feelings. Given the current political climate, climbing into a mock fighter jet to engage in virtual aerial combat felt slightly uneasy at first. Still, the staff presented everything with a focus on aviation skills rather than glorifying combat, which helped me relax into the experience. We were given a full briefing of the equipment we were going to use, along with tips on how to take off, turn and land safely. They also give you the option of wearing a flightsuit which is a fun way to make the experience even more interactive.
This simulator was much more immersive than Rogue Racing, placing you in a cockpit that looks alarmingly real, though there was no movement within the cockpit area. You can communicate with the instructor, or your fellow competitors via headset, just how you would if you were in flight. You start by attempting a take-off, and once airborne, the “dogfight” begins. Again, our instructor was there commenting on the fight, which didn’t calm my nerves, to say the least. I was surprised though, that I actually did better than I thought I would. Certainly better than the F1 racing.
I particularly enjoyed the technical aspects: learning how to take off, steady the aircraft, and land with precision. Those moments were far more satisfying to me than the “dogfight”. As someone who obeys the traffic laws in Grand Theft Auto, I quickly realized the Boeing 737 simulator may have been more my speed. Something to try next time!
If you’re a fan of video games, aviation and racing, this is the experience for you. For visitors seeking excitement and fun with a side of aviation education, it’s a destination well worth exploring, especially being so close to the Disney park. I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary when in Anaheim.
Flightdeck + Rogue Racing is located in the STC Anaheim GardenWalk, just minutes from Disneyland in Anaheim, California. For more details and to book your experience, head to their official website.
The author experienced as a guest of Flightdeck + Rogue Racing, with the support of Anaheim Tourism. While in Anaheim we stayed at the Hilton Anaheim. Photos by the author.
