Willis Tower Skydeck

07/30/09

Never again

by giraf007xx at Citysearch

I expected the long wait (almost 2 hrs even though the sign said the wait would be 1 hour) and the high cost ($50 for family of 4) but after the wait & cost, I did not expect to be CRAMMED into the elevator like sardines. My 77yr old mother was with me and was being smashed. It was ridiculous. The attendant kept asking us to "take a baby step back". I finally yelled back at her that there was no more room and maybe some people needed to wait for the next elevator. I am a Chicago native and have visited the skydeck before but I will never go again. There was also no one there who could tell me how to address my concerns with the Skydeck management.

• Pros: Great views
• Cons: Customer service

12/17/08

Cool Experience

by GoldenAsh at Citysearch

Sears Tower is absolutely one of my favorite places in Chicago. I know it is quite a ways to the top of it, where the Skydeck is so keep your eyes close if you're afraid of heights (at least until you get off the elevator). You have to pay a minimal amount to go up there but the view is amazing!

08/29/05

Great view, but...

by bluehensfan at Citysearch

Good view (not suprirising) but the view seemed just as good at the John Hancock tower likely due to the proximity of Lake Michigan. The problem with the Sears Tower Observatory is they try to make the whole experience Disney-esque by subjecting you to a 15-minute movie on Chicago prior to boarding the elevator. Make sure to sit up front and to the left when watching the movie because the doors open to the elevator there. Prior to going up, you get your picture taken and can get the photo (along with other souvenirs) after you return to ground level.

08/27/04

Nice View

by rovers at Citysearch

It has a good view but if you have to choose between the Sears tower and the Hancock Building I would take the later. Another option is to do what we did the first time we went. We did the John Hancock building during the day (beautiful views of the Lake) and the Sears tower at night for a totally different look.

• Pros: great view

02/13/04

Sears Tower and Skydeck

by carigee at Citysearch

I recently traveled to Chicago and HAD to visit the Sears Tower Skydeck. After all, it's the tallest building in the US. BUT, after purchasing the Chicago CityPass, I visited the John Hancock Building Observatory. The view is more spectacular than at Sears. "Big John" also has an outside terrace where you can feel the Chicago cold, as well as hear all the Chicago sounds. The best part is a 'take your own photo' set of Washing the Windows at Big John. My friends and I had a blast just acting silly. It was one of our favorite souvenirs of our Chicago trip.

When visiting definitely visit Big John!

• Pros: inexpensive, history