DVC Soarin tour

[andersonsc]

have any dvc members taken the soarin' tour? I was able to get a reservation for it and want to see if it's worth it. I've read reviews for WDW but not for California adventure. Thanks for any info.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I did it in DL and I thought it was worth it. Great way to see what happened behind the scenes and to get on the ride without grabbing a fastpass. There is a thread with reviews in it on the DVC forum. Try searching for it.

 

[Nonsuch]

I did the DVC Soarin Tour last month, highly recommended

Some notes:

• This tour is for DVC members and guests, up to a party of 4.
  (tour does not need to be part of a DVC resort booking)
• Book by phone through Member Services, no online booking.
• Tours are every Wednesday at 10AM, limited to 20 guests
• DCA tour is booked 60 days in advance
• WDW tour is booked 180 days in advance
• Based on WDW tour reviews, the DCA version seems far better (see spoilers)

Spoiler: More Tour details:

• Tour starts near the Rambler
• Some information is given about the attraction
• Tour goes through a backstage entrance down to the normal loading area
  (same entrance used by VIP celebrities)
• Ride from B (center) 1 (top) or 2 (middle)
  Programming for the attraction was done from row B2
• Tour goes below the "screen" which is perforated metal
  (not part of the WDW tour)
• Watch the attraction run a full cycle, from below the screen
  (highlight of the tour )
• Tour goes to a workshop/office area
• View a copy of the Erector Set design
• Smell some of the scent canisters
• View some informative posters
• Tour exits up some stairs, to the door where the 2 regular exits meet[/SPOILER]

 

[andersonsc]

Thank you so much for the info. Couple more questions if u don't mind... how long was it? Our one son is too young so he will meet us after. Is it possible to go on the tour but not ride it. I have other son that doesn't like the ride but would find the other parts of the tour interesting. Thank you.

 

[ashley0139]

I didn't know about this but it sounds very cool! Wish I could do it.

 

[Nonsuch]

...how long was it?

around one hour.

...Is it possible to go on the tour but not ride it?

Logistically, it would be difficult to skip the actual ride.

From the DVC website:

• Guests must be at least 16 years of age to participate.
• Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.