Curious about Soarin

[franw]

Have I been out of the loop or has there been very little press about Soarin opening up this spring at WDW? What exactly is Soarin? I will be at WDW April 15 & 16 and have an AP. Does that mean I will be able to go on the attraction?

 

[maliboomer]

Here is an entire recount of the ride at DCA, including queue.
Warning: I don't feel it does but it may have spoilers.

Queue:
After entering the building there is a pigpen that is reasonbly narrow (about 3 lanes) and slopes down gently. Once you reach the end of this you are at a 'T' junction were you either go left or right for the two different theatres. Supposing you go left you go down that corridor which branches to the right at the end. Once you reach there the group is devided into three sections and you continue down the corridor to the right until you reach your assigned group (1,2,3). There you are directed into three lines (note these are the rows). The preshow is shown in screens infront of these lines then lights flash and you enter the theatre through a door on your right. You walk down the isle that seprerates you from the other groups and go to your row and sit down. You have a simple lap seat belt and a compartment to store items under your seat. Do NOT leave items on the ground.

Ride:
Once everyone is seated the panel above your head lowers in quite a dramatic way and the lights dim until it is completely dark and you feel yourself being lifted up arther quickly.You stop and suddenly the screen turns on to clouds and you are looking at nothing but the screen infront of you and you are so close you are sure you could touch it. During the rest of the film pleasant scents are released, you feel light breezes on your face and the seat you are sitting on moves slightly to the side and tilts up and down. The only time you feel anything more then a slight turn is when you seem to suddenly rise above a tree.

Overall, this is an amazingly pleasant expirence that is realistic and wonderful. The only reasons I wouldn't take anyone on it is if:
They didn't like being high up (you don't actually feel high up sitting there,its just the film, so closing their eyes will help)
They don't like even infrequent loud noices (imo, it is a tad loud in some scenes (fireworks mostly) but nothing severe).

I'm sorry about the long post lol!

 

[safetymom]

If you do a search on the DIS you will find lots of threads about Soarin. It is a fantastic ride. I can't wait to ride it at WDW.

 

[suevee]

Thank you for your post. I am one of those people who don't deal well with unexpected surprises. No TOT for me. Now that I know what to expect I will go on this ride.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Thanks for the info maliboomer!

I had to remove the picture however. We can't link to photos without written permission from the photographer, and a copyright notice below it.

 

[mickeyluv]

Thanks maliboomer!!! I think me and my DD may be able to go on this ride now.

 

[BeckyH]

Grandma is coming with us this summer and she has a very bad back. Are there any back and neck warnings like on other rides? Is this something she can ride? I hope so but it's not worth any further injuries. Thanks!

 

[hygienejean]

What is the age or height that a child may ride? MY DS will be 5 but my DD will be 3....sounds like it may be scary for the little set....??? What do you all think?

 

[maliboomer]

Grandma is coming with us this summer and she has a very bad back. Are there any back and neck warnings like on other rides? Is this something she can ride? I hope so but it's not worth any further injuries. Thanks!

There is no jerkiness and the whole expirence is VERY smooth so she should have no problem. The only thing I would say may trigger pain is if it hurts if she is pushed a bit against the back of her seat breifly. The seats themself should be fine and they are firm and comfortable.
The only thing the warning board advises against is people afraid of being high up.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Has anyone who uses a wheelchair had a good experience on Soarin'? I'm afraid my niece (who doesn't have leg control) will slide out of the chair from the looks at it. Do they have any sort of optional strap for little ones or those who need it otherwise?

N.E.D.

 

[AC7179]

if the kids or short or in a situation like your nieces they have a between the legs strap.........or they do at DL, so I would assume the same at WDW.

 

[Krispe]

Hey guys I found this great site: www.visionsfantastic.com
They have a SOC ride video on there that you could check out. You'll find it under DCA then under the Golden State.

BeckyH: Grandma should have no problem with Soarin'. It's totally smooth!

You guys are all gonna LOVE Soarin! By far one of our all time favorite rides of all time!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

if the kids or short or in a situation like your nieces they have a between the legs strap.........or they do at DL, so I would assume the same at WDW.

Awesome. I thought I had read about something to that effect, but never had confirmation. I'm sure they will have them at WDW as well, if they do at DL.

Thanks!

N.E.D.