Exhibit Statictics:
Building cost: 26,250 dollars
Price of Admission- 25 cents
Exhibition Profit- 86,432.38 dollars
Under and Over the Sea was an Jules Verne-style concession ride that took visitors to Paris in a submarine,
then brought back to the fairgrounds via airship.
The ride started when visitors entered a miniature harbor, where they boarded a submarine that was docked in water. Hatches at battened down, and the boat sinks below the water.
The illusion suggested that the craft seemed to descend as viewers looked through the 5' by 7' portholes at underwater panoramas, sea monsters, a variety of fish, etc. As they `arrived,' in Paris, riders exited the other side of the submarine when they took an elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where they could see an illuminated Paris skyline. patrons could take their time viewing or buy souvenirs at the various stands.
As the riders exited into a room, they were led into the front half of a dirigible. Riders could seat or stand and view the French landscape beneath the clouds. The ride continued as the scenery below changed slowly from the harbor of Brest, Brussels, Berlin and the night sky of London.
Upon crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the airship encountered a huge storm; lightening and rain poured down on the rocking craft.
Upon dawn, the craft flew over New York harbor. After flying over the eastern half of the United States, and upon sighting Eads Bridge in St. Louis, the room shook to suggest a landing.
The attraction opened May 25 and could handle 250 riders at one time and ran every half hour.
