Fear of heights

[BarbaraK]

Hi:
Has anyone with a fear of heights ridden Soarin'? Did you have any problems?
My niece will be going to WDW in October and is a little apprehensive about the ride.
Any help you can give her will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Barbarak

 

[cleo]

Hello BarbaraK! My mother in law is not a big fan of heights, but she was so enthralled with the attraction that she ended up swinging her legs and laughing at the thrill of it throughout the entire attraction.

If heights are really a big issue ask a Cast Member if you can sit in the third row. The first row goes up highest, second row (obviously) is lower, and third row is not far off the ground at all. You also have the added benefit of darkness around you (not on the screen, you just don't really notice you're up high because it's dark below you). Be aware you will have the 'sensation' of height due to the nature of the attraction (you're Soarin', after all!), but if you sit in the third row you can look down and see that you are physically not far off the ground at all.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Oh Cleo.. thanks for that response. I am a big chicken when it comes to heights and was going to pass this by on our next trip, but now will be very brave in the third row and at least try it once. If I have to close my eyes, then so be it, but at least I will now try it.

 

[bytheblood]

I am one who hates heights, but I had no issue with it. It does not matter which row you sit in, the view is basically the same. If you have a fear of heights, Omni-type may not be the best attractions for you, but I was able to do it. I did close my eyes at the very beginning just for a moment, but it was okay and I immediately reopened them. The sensations are real, so even though you know you are sitting in a bench only 30 feet off the ground, the attraction itself makes you feel otherwise.

But, I think you should try it anyway and if you do not like it, close your eyes and enjoy the smells and the movements. I think that if I can do it, anybody can.

 

[bamajill]

I would say give it a try. It is SUCH a wonderful ride....I really haven't heard of anyone freaking out and saying they were terrified, like you get with some other rides (mission space, TOT, etc.)....

Soarin' is such a great ride. I told my husband I would love to have one in my back yard to relax me each evening before bedtime. It's wonderful and relaxing and exhilerating, all at the same time.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

I am afraid of everything, including heights.
I was okay with Soarin' when you first walk in and sit, you can't tell how high you are going to go.
When you go up, it is pretty dark in there, so you still can't tell how high. Then the movie starts, and it is so amazing that you don't realize the height.

I have heard some people say they really felt like they were over the Golden Gate Bridge, and had a momentary height panic, so it might be a good idea to prepare for that shot, or have your neice close her eyes for the first minute.

 

[cleo]

Mackey, give it a try! It is such a graceful, lovely attraction I think you'll really enjoy it. There are warning signs about sudden drops and sharp turns, but Simon and I couldn't for the life of us understand why Disney posted such a thing. There is no real movement with the seats and I think it might scare away people who would find, like we did, that the attraction is extremely smooth and peaceful.

Do try the third row. We did all 3 rows (a few times!) and agreed that while the second row gives the best all-around effect, the first row is likely to be most reassuring to those who have a fear of heights.

 

[rayelias]

Heights? No problem.

LONG lines and LONG periods of standing in them. BIG problem.

 

[BarbaraK]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond to my questions. I will pass all the information on the my niece.

Barbarak