Tell me what soarin is like.

[cmputerdazed]

Is it an out door ride and are you above the park or is it a virtual thing? thanks, Jan

[Samsma]

Hi! Never been at DL, but I guess its the same at WDW. It is a simulated indoor ride in front of an IMAX screen. You get into a hangglider type ride and go up similar to being in a farris wheel, there are three rows with about 10 people in each glider sitting side by side. This is the most awesome ride ever. You can smell the different areas, such as orange groves. You feel like you are flying above the Golden Gate bridge, San Diego, and Disneyland. You will find yourself ducking away from flying objects, etc. Totally great! Not scary to most- my 6 year old loved it. No violent or sudden moves, just smooth sailing.Have fun.

[cmputerdazed]

so you are up in the air and off the ground right? How far off the ground?

[CalGal]

Not that far off ground (perhaps 10 or 20 feet) but it feels like you are further off the ground than you are. If you are afraid of heights, you might feel uncomfortable, even though you are secure in the seats. It's really quite a remarkable ride though.

[Janomi]

Just wanted to add that if you get motion sickness, the height, wind, and movement may cause you a little vertigo. It really does feel like you are flying through the air. I highly recommend the ride, one of the best at DCA (haven't been to the one at WDW).

[Albertan mom]

It is great!

And if you do feel motion sickness, or height fear, just close your eyes, and you will feel like you are just sitting in a chair. Because it is just the illusion that you are moving all over the place, when really, you barely move.

p.s. the guy driving the golf ball off the tee box is Michael Eisner.....

[lark]

so you are up in the air and off the ground right? How far off the ground?


Imagine you were in a movie theater, on the floor (not a stadium theater) about 30 feet from the screen. Then imagine your seat were lifted from above a few feet off the ground and moved to right in front of the middle of the screen. You're still sitting straight up in your seat, but your feet are dangling beneath you.

Now imagine the screen isn't perfectly flat, but curved, so it actually appears to you to be slightly below you and above you, in addition to in front of you.

That's basically it.

[AFMom]

Just wanted to add that I am absolutely terrified of ferris wheels, have to close my eyes on the drop at Splash Mtn, and get motion sick on Star Tours, but Soarin' is one of my favorite rides - never felt sick at all, and it has NEVER bothered my fear of heights. It's a very secure feeling, also very smooth and comfortable. I could ride it all day without any problems!

[cmputerdazed]

Thanks all, I am going to be brave and give it a try. Is there a highth requirement?

[Albertan mom]

My son went on it, he was 5, and around 41 inches, and he loved it, so I don't know what the height requirement is, maybe 40 inches?

I also get motion sickness easily, and was fine on it.

I wish I would have went on it again, but we discovered it the last day we were there and it was busy. Next time, I want to go on it a few times.

[DLovinFam]

My son went on it, he was 5, and around 41 inches, and he loved it, so I don't know what the height requirement is, maybe 40 inches?

I also get motion sickness easily, and was fine on it.

I wish I would have went on it again, but we discovered it the last day we were there and it was busy. Next time, I want to go on it a few times.

I think you are right.....40 in. My son, 3.5 yo, was 40 inches (w/o shoes) and was able to ride Soarin' in Aug. He loved it!

[LucyKate]

As above - it's a great ride and do not miss it.

If you feel a little sick just look around - at the ceiling, the floor, behind you etc - this will "spoil" the illusion and show your brain you really are just in a seat in a building and not flying. That will fix any motion sickness on the spot.