Soarin' Over California

[Olaf]

This is probably old news to most of you, but maybe not. I'm just back from Disneyland and one of the cast members at this ride told me that they're going to be opening one up at WDW in 2006. Pretty good, eh? ::yes::

[KNWVIKING]

Actually...I think spring of '05 has been a rumored opening date.

[Sarangel]

Those of us up in the cheap seats would be a lot happier if it were to open with a different film.:smooth:

Sarangel

[KNWVIKING]

Sara, would you rather DCA have a different film or WDW not get the Cal film ?

[Sarangel]

I'd rather that Epcot got their own film. It's a different story, and I'm not thrilled that they chose to tell it with a re-hash of the DCA story. The fact that I think the DCA story needs more elements is a different discussion.

I don't mind re-using ride elements, but I think that Disney has gotten out of the habit of telling stories and into the habit of bulding theme park rides. Does that make sense? It's all part of the general trend away from what we love about Disney and towards the "hey, this park isn't drawing enough attendance, let's build another --------------- (Tower of Terror is the current fav.)"

Sarangel

[KNWVIKING]

I was just wondering if left coasters who've been on Soarin' have a "big deal, I live in Ca, show me something else" attitude. Personally I wouldn't want a Soarin' over Jersey ride ( ooooh, smell the landfill, wow,flew under the power lines) but I did love Soarin' or Cal because it was all new to me.

I've inquired in the past if anyone knew the approx cost of the film portion of the ride. If it wasn't outragously high, I'd like to see them make three or four films and show them randomly. This way it would be like having four different attractions in one building.

[Sarangel]

I'm pretty sure the film cost a moderate amount (tho' I doubt we'll ever know the number). They shot it at 48 frames/second as opposed to the standard 24/sec for resolution. Add that to the helecoptors, special permissions, actors, effects (can you say golf ball?), etc. They way Disney is currently spending money, I'd bet on it being a long time before we get a second film, much less several films for a single ride.

Not that I think it's a bad idea, but look how long they've been kicking around a second Star Tours film idea (and yes, I know that that has copyright issues, but still...)

Sarangel

[Olaf]

According to this cast member I spoke to, the film was very expensive to make. IMAX made the film and it took 18 months. Now this is the same cast member who told me that it would be opening in 2006, so take it with a grain of salt.

I was thinking an East Coast version would be cool. Starting at Maine and moving down, Boston, NY, DC, maybe Williamsburg, Charleston, Atlanta, St Augustine, et.

[Chuck S]

I think a version that flys from WDW to DL would be cool. Maybe start in Maine, fly down to FL, then across the South antibellum areas, across the Rocky Mtns. and Grand Canyon...over Las Vegas at night then San Francisco, LA and into Disneyland. With a little editing, they could "reverse" the film to start in DL for a west coast version.

But, until they do something like that, I'll be happy to have the DCA version at WDW...it is certainly a lot better to have something than "nothing".

[foodrocksluver]

How about we dont have it at all. BRING BACK FOOD ROCKS BABY!!! I will NEVER ride SOC. Thats all I have to say, criticize me if you must.

[KNWVIKING]

...Your loss.

[flyinglizard]

Geeze, foodrocksluver- you look pretty young to be a Disney World Dinosaur. They are the ones who lament every time an attraction is pulled. Like me... I have never seen the inside of the Pooh ride.

Please keep in mind, that Food Rocks was not getting attendance during the last few years. I still miss Horizons, but that wasn't getting visitors either.

Soarin is a great attraction. Conceived by Tony Baxter himself! Original thinking was that Soarin would get full funding for all four parks and that each park would have a custom, regional storyline (movie). I would not be surprised if budget cuts resulted in the California version of the film being used at all parks. Hopefully, TB has the power to persuade the bean counters to complete the projects as planned.

I understand you are upset that your favorite attraction has ended, but please do try Soarin at least once.

I do, however, agree with all those who suggest a "Soarin over America"- that would be fantastic!

[DancingBear]

To heck with Food Rocks, let's bring back Kitchen Kabaret!!

I think they open with the CA film because it's cheaper and will still be a big attraction (I assume the vast majority of WDW visitors haven't seen the DL version), and then use the occasion of a new film to boost the attraction after the initial novelty wears off.

[Mooobooks]

The attraction at Epcot is currently called "Soarin," NOT "Soarin over California." There may be a reason for this ...

The rumors have been that the film will be "Soarin over America." We'll just have to wait until the end of this year when they start testing and some word leaks out.

[WDWHound]

Originally posted by Mooobooks
The attraction at Epcot is currently called "Soarin," NOT "Soarin over California." There may be a reason for this ...

The rumors have been that the film will be "Soarin over America." We'll just have to wait until the end of this year when they start testing and some word leaks out.
Actually, word pretty much has leaked out. Yes, they are changing the name because a California attraction makes no sense in Future World, but there are no plans for a new film.

[Planogirl]

But what does California in its current state have to do with a Future World located in Florida? Just wondering...

[mitros]

I'm wondering if it really will be open as planned in 2005. We were there last week and I took a sneak peak behind the wall "cast members only" sign and all, and got a close up look, and so far there isn't anything inside, just a really HUGE shell of a building . I was only back there long enough to get a peek inside. Didn't run into any CMs, only a construction worker who said he was told they were behind schedule. I realize that is not necessarily gospel, but that's what he said. I wonder if I would have been thrown off the property if a security person saw me. :eek:

[KNWVIKING]

***"But what does California in its current state have to do with a Future World located in Florida?"***

Well.....the boards are slow everywhere so I'll bite on this.

I'll assume we can all agree that Soarin is a great ride experience. It was our favorite ride at DL/DCA. So now it comes down to where to put a ride that will 1) provide the biggest bang for the buck and 2) "fit in" with the theme of wherever it's put.

Attendance wise, MK doesn't need a "Soarin". It will draw guests simply because it is MK. Also, I don't think there is room for a ride this size in MK without going outside its existing borders. I'm not against that, just don't know if it's physically possible. Lastly, what "land" would it go in ?

For many obvious reasons it shouldn't go in MGM. I'll just stop there as far as MGM goes.

EPCOT: EPCOT has needed help for a long time. Its gotten stale, even with the addition of M:S & TT. The whole west side needs serious upgrading. Will Soarin' get people over to the west side-absolutely. Does it fit perfectly with The Land & Future World ? Well, IMO it fits with The Land but the Future is a stretch to say the least. But where else in EPCOT could it go ? Possibly in WS with a film where you fly over various countries..... maybe.

But if blowing out birthday candles really worked, I'd be wishing it went into AK with a Soarin' Safari film. Not just of Africa, but all Eco systems including a CGI dino flight to open the film.

Who's next ?

[iceskatejen]

Actually, not a lot needs to go into the buildings--in DCA it's a couple hallways in a T shape--the crossbar on the T are the hallways you go down to each of the theaters. Each of those turns of into the area where they put you in your ride section. Then it's 2 great big rooms on either side of the T where the ride actually is. So from your description, it sounds to me like all they might need to do is put the screen walls (and maybe a couple others) up and the ride vehicles/mechanism.

[KittyKitty]

The 1st time I rode SOC I wanted to shake the hand of the imagineer who created it. Everyone clapped after the show. It is one of the best all ages ride Disney has. I was totally immersed, actually lifted my feet so they wouldn't get wet going over the river.

If it comes quicker to Epcot by keeping the same film, so be it.

One thing I've learned as I get older, Never say never.

Susan

[WDWguru]

I think it fits in the area, though I'd like a film that showcases the world. If you think about it, it's kind of the "air" pavilion over by the land and sea.

Word is this will open officially during the big press event the first week in May 2005. One could probably expect soft openings a month or so prior to that. The press event is for DL's 50th, but there will be things going on at WDW for it, too.

[crusader]

But what does California in its current state have to do with a Future World located in Florida?

Nothing. Same as Kitchen Cabaret and Honey I Shrunk the Audience to name a few.

But it does fit into the theme of The Land.

[Keggy]

I think it would be cool if they did a Soarin over the Disney Theme Parks and showed arial views from over all of the parks.

Just an idea...

[PirateGirl]

Went on 'Soarin over California' in CA last year & thought it was excellent. Am in WDW in April 2005 & HOPE it's open by then!! But as I'm from England I'm easily pleased.

Think the concept is amazing & you could make a 'soarin' over anywhere: India, Egypt, Italy - imagine the smells on those!pirate:

[Luv2Roam]

I would imagine anything needing built or repair in FL will be behind for at least a year.

[peter11435]

Originally posted by PirateGirl
Went on 'Soarin over California' in CA last year & thought it was excellent. Am in WDW in April 2005 & HOPE it's open by then!! But as I'm from England I'm easily pleased.

Think the concept is amazing & you could make a 'soarin' over anywhere: India, Egypt, Italy - imagine the smells on those!pirate:

It should be open by the end of March 2005. It is actualy ahead of schedule.

[Disney01]

I hope what you're saying is true...Even though it might be ready by March, might they not delay the opening until the May event? What about the new car stunt show-Any chance that would be open by April 2005?

[raidermatt]

Soarin is a great attraction. Conceived by Tony Baxter himself! Original thinking was that Soarin would get full funding for all four parks and that each park would have a custom, regional storyline (movie). I would not be surprised if budget cuts resulted in the California version of the film being used at all parks. Hopefully, TB has the power to persuade the bean counters to complete the projects as planned.

Well, rumor has it that many of the show elements were cut from the DCA version, which does not bode well for them sticking to the original concept.

I agree that SoC is a great ride, but it does not have the story/show elements around it to make it a great attraction, which is a shame.

We were told that the WDW version would not be as "stripped down", so hopefully it will be a true attraction, instead of just a ride.

However, there's no way anyone can say that using the DCA film is a better "show" than creating a new film that BETTER fits.

I understand the "its better than nothing" philosophy, but geez, isn't it unfortunate that its come to that?

[DWatWDW]

Originally posted by DancingBear
To heck with Food Rocks, let's bring back Kitchen Kabaret!!

I second that!! I loved that "Veggie, veggie, fruit fruit" song as a kid!

I think the theme of The Land, and how it pertains to Future World, is supposed to be something like we need to conserve the world for future generations. Along these lines, EPCOT is very enviro-friendly park, with some high tech stuff environmental stuff that I can't think of right now and will have to look up later. Anyways, I have not been to DL and not seen SOC, but they could have a conservation theme to it, and it would fit that theme.

[Haley Whippet]

Originally posted by KittyKitty
The 1st time I rode SOC I wanted to shake the hand of the imagineer who created it. Everyone clapped after the show. It is one of the best all ages ride Disney has. I was totally immersed, actually lifted my feet so they wouldn't get wet going over the river.

If it comes quicker to Epcot by keeping the same film, so be it.

One thing I've learned as I get older, Never say never.

Susan

I hope it opens in May!
I will be there the first week of May and would LOVE to ride it!
Loved the one at DL :Pinkbounc

PLEASE OPEN THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY:earseek:
Haley

[crusader]

Well, rumor has it that many of the show elements were cut from the DCA version, which does not bode well for them sticking to the original concept.

What were those elements they cut?

I don't consider this attraction simply a ride. It's a great show.

[PirateGirl]

Hope they havn't cut too much; original isn't very long........

[darkcircles]

Although I enjoyed the ride, I wouldn't say it is one of my favourites.

[Tooneric]

Has anyone heard how they will make Soarin' blend in behind Canada? I've seen pics that show the huge white building behind the Canada Pavillian. I'm looking forward to the ride. I just hope they Disneyfy the building...

[JimB.]

.Has anyone heard how they will make Soarin' blend in behind Canada?



The alleged adverse impact the Soarin' facility has on the Canada Pavilion is, IMHO, extremely exaggerated. Inside the park it is simply not noticeable unless one looks for it. Hard.

I've seen a couple of pics that suggest it dominates Canada, but I think those were shot at long range with a deep depth of field telephoto lens. This will exaggerate the size of objects in the background as compared to those in the foreground