About Soarin'...

[MouseEarsJenny]

Okay. Get ready to pick on my poor little ds.

Here's the thing. I want to ride Soarin' more than any other new ride I've heard about since our last visit. Really really much. And I want my kids to ride, too. From descriptions I had read/heard, it seemed like once you were on the ride, the floor just basically dropped away (A BIT!!) and the "flight" was simulated. But just recently, I saw a behind the scenes kind of thingy on History Channel. From the video I saw, that ride seat goes 30-40 FEET into the air.

My ds, 6 next week, has many many insecurities about rides. One of them is height. He loves speed, but won't ride the whirlybirds at local amusement parks cause they go up as high as my head. I am really worried, having seen how high this ride goes (yes, it's gentle and sweet, etc....) that he will panic and try to wiggle out of his seat.

So...

1. Should I take him on the ride? I really think he'd like it - he loves superheroes that fly...
2. Will I be able to hold his hand, knee, whatever during the ride?
3. Is it possible for a panicked 47 inch child to wiggle out of the harness???
4. Am I paranoid? Wait... don't answer that...

 

[belle&beast]

We took DD4 on Soarin' in January and she also does not like heights. We sat in the last row- it does not go up as high and she was not afraid at all. I held her hand and there is a strap that went between her legs so she was secure. I don't think you should force him to ride, but if he gives it a chance he may really love it.

 

[italiancapreta]

The seats are pretty snug. However, I would talk to your son about it. Tell him about the ride and and that it goes up in height abit. You can leave the part out about 40 feet.

 

[SusanWasHere]

i think he will be ok. the ride is really super gentle. you don't really notice the floor dropping out bc the screen is so amazing, you just stare at it. yes, you can hold his hand, knee, even put your arm across him. not possible to wiggle out bc they have a strap that come up between the legs and through the lap belt. my niece went on with me 5 times over xmas. she's small and skinny and was absolutely fine. a little older at just 9, but i even saw many kids smaller than her. the ride was amazing!!! i thought it was the best on property. can't wait to ride it again in sept! but get there early!!!!!!! have a great time!!!

 

[HERSEY]

Some of the seat go up higher than others. We were in the rows that didn't go up as high. Talk to the CM's at the rides enterance they should be able to direct you were to sit. But I agree if your son doesn't want to try it don't force him.

 

[momrek06]

He will be fine. I recently went on SOARIN' and there were many many youngsters in line and on the ride.

Your DS will see that as you approach THE LAND and head towards SOARIN' all the younger kids with their parents.

GOOD LUCK. You really do NOT want to miss this ride at all.

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Oh, gosh no! I would never ever force him on a ride! But I wanna do the gentle encouragement thing, cause I'm pretty sure he'd really love it!

The thing is, he's usually game for being talked into anything. Eventually, with his big sister, he even makes it up in one of those whirlybirds. But I'd hate for him to go into full on panic AFTER the ride starts. I'm VERY reassured by the fact that I can hold his hand - he's a momma's boy for sure, lol, and that will definitely help.

Can't wait to tell him about it... and the trip... MAN! Isn't it time to go YET???

Thanks so much for the quick replies!!

 

[Debbie Jean]

Okay. Get ready to pick on my poor little ds.

Here's the thing. I want to ride Soarin' more than any other new ride I've heard about since our last visit. Really really much. And I want my kids to ride, too. From descriptions I had read/heard, it seemed like once you were on the ride, the floor just basically dropped away (A BIT!!) and the "flight" was simulated. But just recently, I saw a behind the scenes kind of thingy on History Channel. From the video I saw, that ride seat goes 30-40 FEET into the air.

My ds, 6 next week, has many many insecurities about rides. One of them is height. He loves speed, but won't ride the whirlybirds at local amusement parks cause they go up as high as my head. I am really worried, having seen how high this ride goes (yes, it's gentle and sweet, etc....) that he will panic and try to wiggle out of his seat.

So...

1. Should I take him on the ride? I really think he'd like it - he loves superheroes that fly...
2. Will I be able to hold his hand, knee, whatever during the ride?
3. Is it possible for a panicked 47 inch child to wiggle out of the harness???
4. Am I paranoid? Wait... don't answer that...

Totally awesome ride and definitely not to be missed... by you or your DS

There are actually 3 rows of seats that are lifted up when the ride begins so that they are stacked one on top of the other. I have been in the top and the middle rows and both were fine. The "lift" is done in the dark... it is very smooth and quick, so you hardly notice you are moving. If you are concerned about DS and fear of heights, tell the CM that you want to sit in the lowest row.

The seat belt actually locks so you can't undo it midair. There is a special strap that children use which holds them in place... so, no, even your wiggly little one couldn't fall out

Besides the view, there are smells and a breeze that make this so life like... it's our new favorite ride

 

[isyt]

I would ask for the last row like previously stated. I also think that the straps are secure for him. As long as you keep your hands on him and explain to him about the ride I think he will be fine. The biggest fear about any ride is the unknown and after the first 15 seconds he will realize the calmness of this ride. Have a great trip!!!

 

[mommyintn]

We just got back last week and our afraid of anything fast or high 6 year old ds (didn't want to go on Dumbo!) went on Soarin' 3 times in one day and loved it. He also did test track and space mountain at MK (although he wouldn't do splash mountain). When he got of Space mountain for the 2nd time (once with dad, once with me) I told him it was a roller coaster, he had no idea because it was so dark. Then he said "Yeah I've conquered my fear!!". Also dh would ride with him first and talk to him (during soarin') the whole time, when he went with me he acted like a seasoned veteran. So in answer to your question I think he'll be fine, just talk to him and reassure him and he'll love it!

 

[Mecha Figment]

the ride lifts if total darkness. so unless the kid is able to look down once he's up he'll never know how high he really is. it also lowers in complete darkness.