Fear of heights & soarin'

[Zip-A-Dee-Lady]

hey i was just wonderin if i have a fear of heights should i not go on soarin'? I know its not really 40 feet above the ground... (or is it???) but i still have concerns thanx bye!

 

[Stacey2grls]

I just went on Soarin the other day. It was incredible! I too have a fear of heights, but it is differen't because you know that it is safe, it was beautiful! Good luck!

 

[cdntourguide]

I also have a fear of heights, but I tell you that this ride is fantastic.
If you ask for the third row, it is only 10ft off of the ground. But IMO opinion it is no worse than sitting through an IMAX movie.

 

[whacked]

I have friends that are terrified of heights. They think Soarin' is one of, if not the best rides in the parks.

So does everyone in my family, from the grandparents to the (at the time) 3 year old DS.

Try it, You'll be really glad you did.

 

[safetymom]

Yes the front row really is over 40 ft. off the ground. You really don't know it though because it is dark in the room. I don't like heights and I love Soarin. When the movie is playing if it seems high to you just close your eyes.

 

[shirleyb]

We rode it twice, front row the first time, third row the second time, and I would highly recommend it. I am afraid of heights, and after the first few seconds, I never even thought about it. Give it a try! You'll love it.

Shirley

 

[wfloyd]

DW is afraid of heights or at least not particularly fond of them but she had no problems with Soarin' and actually wanted to go on it again. If there is any concern, the bottom row doesn't go that far off the ground and may be the best place to try the first time.

 

[MJTinNH]

I am both afraid of heights and become motion sick easily. Neither bothered me on this ride.

I loved this ride and wish I could have done it more then once. Guess I just have to go back!

 

[Abba98]

That's good to know cuz I thought we wouldn't be able to go Soarin',but after reading these reports,it sounds like we might enjoy it after all.Thanks to all who took the time to comment on this issue!

 

[MrShiny]

The ride is so smooth and the screen so large that it's hard to notice how high up you really are. The "bottom" row is the back row of seats when they are on the ground. That one is maybe only 10 feet or so up when "in flight."

 

[jillybeans]

My DH has a fear of heights - specifically very high bridges - and guess what freaked him out in the opening scene?? Yup - the Golden Gate Bridge.... oh well, guess he is one of the few with fear of heights that this did bother. He said he'll try again next time but keep his eyes closed until the bridge is past!!!

 

[Golf4food]

My DW and I went before it was “open” in the end of March and got to test it out while they were still training the staff, etc. When we first got on and the seats slide forward and rise into the air, there was some trepidation, sure, and the first few moments we had a good grip on the handles as your feet dangle (until you all lift them up to keep from scraping the trees, then all laugh at yourselves, lol) but after a few moments, it was the coolest thing we had ever experienced at Disney and wanted to ride it again. If it was actually open, we would have gotten right back in line and gone again! It is very gentle in its movements (it’s a hang GLIDEr, not a jet!) It is now our favorite ride at Epcot and possibly our favorite of all the parks. SOARIN’ rocks.

 

[disneylandmom2]

I too have a fear of heights but Soarin' is my favorite ride at DCA. When you ride for the first time it can feel a little weird but just close your eyes for a second and you'll be fine. I just LOVE that ride!!

 

[iLoveEeyore2]

I rode it for the first time Friday. I have no problems whatsoever riding anything at WDW (Mission Space, RnRC, ToT) and Islands of Adventure, but I was SCARED on this ride! I knew it wasn't really that high, but it sure felt like it! It was an awesome ride, and I would love to try it again, but I have to admit that it got to me and I wanted it to end. I can't believe all those who experience motion sickness were not bothered by it. I rode RnRC three times in a row followed by ToT two times without any problems, but Soarin' was the thing that I was actually afraid on! Go figure.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I don't have a fear of heights, but I do have a best friend who is a *serious* ride chicken (basically wouldn't ride anything that wasn't in Fantasyland when we were in Disneyland last year). Even she *loved* Soarin'! I say go for it.

 

[vicb]

I am both afraid of heights and become motion sick easily. Neither bothered me on this ride.

I loved this ride and wish I could have done it more then once. Guess I just have to go back!

Thank you for this reassurance MJT. I too get motion sickness easily (haven't gone on MS, ST, BW etc..). I don't do well on most simulators or spinny rides but I can do roller coasters . Now I can look forward to Soarin, not dread it!

 

[AMcaptured]

We rode Soarin' two weeks ago and I must admit....I had a slight anxiety attack on it....My palms got all sweaty, I had to close my eyes and I will admit I was very happy when it was finally over. I wish I had known we were going to fly up into the sky like we did, yes we were in the first row.

I suspect the next time I rode it I would be fine, now that I know nothing really happens but I kept on feeling as if I would fall out of the "chair lift", I would also ask to sit in the third row if I rode it again.

I would think anyone who is marginally apprehensive about riding it ask for the third row, I don't think it would be nearly as bad then.

Also, I can't imagine allowing a child under 10 or so to ride it without using the safety strap between their legs, I had almost wished I had used it myself....

Good Luck


Heidi

 

[disneylandmom2]

Well everyone needs to go on it at least once! It's great!! Just close your eyes and tell yourself you are safe. Enjoy the scenery, breeze etc..

 

[iLoveEeyore2]

We rode Soarin' two weeks ago and I must admit....I had a slight anxiety attack on it....My palms got all sweaty, I had to close my eyes and I will admit I was very happy when it was finally over. I wish I had known we were going to fly up into the sky like we did, yes we were in the first row.

I suspect the next time I rode it I would be fine, now that I know nothing really happens but I kept on feeling as if I would fall out of the "chair lift", I would also ask to sit in the third row if I rode it again.

I would think anyone who is marginally apprehensive about riding it ask for the third row, I don't think it would be nearly as bad then.

Also, I can't imagine allowing a child under 10 or so to ride it without using the safety strap between their legs, I had almost wished I had used it myself....

Good Luck


Heidi

You just described my experience perfectly!!! We also were in the first row. If you are in the rows behind, can you see the people in front of you?

 

[safetymom]

You can see the feet hanging down but it isn't bad.