Soarin' has smells for every scene - at least a few - like the ocean, the oranges, and the pine trees for sure. I have a really strong sense of smell - my husband used to call me "the nose" (especially when pregnant). The oranges are pretty strong - I've been on Soarin' a bunch of times (and still duck when the darn golfball comes!). You don't get wet - but the sensory overload really could make your mind think so!
I am on the pages in the 50's and loving your report! Many of my trips with my kids I took without my DH (he is part burned out on Disney and also has to work, so I took them alone starting at ages 4 and 6). My DD is the opposite - although at 4 she would wear a sundress when it's hot, she has never really gotten into the princesses (even though at 2 I got her the cutest princess gown with accessories on Halloween, she couldn't wait to get out of it, rather she loved being Pooh!). Super tomboy. Oh well.
Anyway, Soarin' has lots of smells - next time you'll see for sure! It could have been less being off to the side!