First Row at Soarin'

[dixiedizfan]

Hi all ... Planning to hit Soarin' first thing when we're at Epcot. I've read the first row is the one to be in to avoid seeing feet overhead. But how do we make sure to get into the first row ... do we line up in front of it, does a CM assign it to us, or what?

 

[TLC371]

A CM assigns you to a seat row, but if you don't mind waiting, you can request to sit in the first row.

 

[morecast]

If you ask nicely they will direct you to the first row. We did it all 5 times we rode Soarin.

 

[cranbiz]

A CM will place you in a row, You may be able to ask the CM for a front row. You have a better chance if one of the preboarding areas hasn't been filled with guests.

 

[safetymom]

Yes the first row is the best but any of the 3 rows will give you a good view. There is something different to be seen no matter where you sit.

 

[Princess Patti]

did any of you get motion sick or feel wierd on this ride. I usually don't like the theater in the round which I think this is

 

[Robo]

does a CM assign it to us?

Yes.

Its "luck-of-the-draw" if you are assigned ANY row.
There is no way to "line up" to get a given row as the assignments are made at the very end of the que by a CM at the pre-show area.
So you could "jockey" your position amoung the various folks waiting in line (if they don't mind your "fiddling") and still get re-assigned by the CM who is "stacking" the pre-boarding area.

If you want, you can ASK that CM (gently-GENTLY*) if she/he will place you in the front row of the NEXT loading (you'd have to stand out of the way as they continue to load for THIS flight.

It is entirely up to the CM(s) at that point.
A couple of times we got to wait a few minutes and fly "Row-1", a couple of times the CM declined our request.

*(ala Cogsworth in B&B)

 

[VistaLeigh'smommy]

I was wondering if it makes you sick as well! I get motion sickness pretty bad, but I would love to ride!

 

[pyrxtc]

I get motion sickness in the Omni theaters and like at the Science Museum but this ride was awesome. felt like a ride not like a movie that was moving for you. I think it helps that you are up in the air and not sitting with your feet on the floor.

 

[Aliki]

The CM assigns you to the row. We were lucky and got into row 1.

However, I'm sure if you ask nicely and tell them you wouldn't mind waiting, you could get assigned to row 1.

I did not experience any motion sickness like I sometimes get in big IMAX or 3-D theatres.

 

[Danthesand]

The first row is nice, but not perfect, since the top of the screen is within your field of vision. Instead of seeing hanging feet, your peripheral vision sees the the top of the screen - and because your peripheral vision is very sensitive to motion, when it sees the top of the screen it "tells" your brain you are not really moving.

As a result, the "Imax" effect of Soarin' is actually better in the second or third row. There, the screen fills your entire field of vision, and the feet above your appear to be moving with the you, so the flying effect isn't "poisoned."

 

[kmkja1]

The first row is nice, but not perfect, since the top of the screen is within your field of vision. Instead of seeing hanging feet, your peripheral vision sees the the top of the screen - and because your peripheral vision is very sensitive to motion, when it sees the top of the screen it "tells" your brain you are not really moving.

As a result, the "Imax" effect of Soarin' is actually better in the second or third row. There, the screen fills your entire field of vision, and the feet above your appear to be moving with the you, so the flying effect isn't "poisoned."

For me the 1st row was by far the best experience. I guess we all experience the ride a little differently.

 

[cara76]

I asked the CM which row was the best and he said the 1st b/c it was the highest and I asked him if he could please put me in Row 3 b/c it was the lowest and he did.

I got sick on it but I loved it and would do it again. The thing that helped me when I started feeling sick was to either close my eyes or look off to the side where I coudlnt' see the movement. This helped my brain to realize I wasn't moving and helped my stomach settle down. I had to do this a few times throughout the ride.

the feet above your appear to be moving with the you, so the flying effect isn't "poisoned."

You now I never even noticed the feet above my head.

 

[challada]

At DL, home of this ride, we have been on it at least 50 times. We always have a group of 6 to 10 and every time, I ask the CM that's queing "would it be OK if we wait for the next load so we can get the front center row?" and NEVER have I been told "no". Sometimes they will have us wait along the wall and sometimes they will just direct us straight to the front center.

We are visiting WDW in the spring (group of 8) and I completely expect to use this same strategy successfully. I can't imagine flying anywhere else!

 

[Mom2Ashli]

For me the 1st row was by far the best experience. I guess we all experience the ride a little differently.

Same thing for me. We have been in all the rows and I liked the First row the best.

 

[eblack0409]

The CM's place you in line, but I am sure if you asked to be in the front row they would try their best to put you there.

Soarin' is a great ride...DH and I rode it 3 times!

 

[Ava83]

We asked and the nice CM put us in the first row. So you can ask,also I understand if you are feeling sick just look to the side and that will help.

My MIL who gets sick on rides loved it.

ps WE all LOVED this ride.

 

[lyncruiser]

DH is very susceptible to motion sickness and didn't enjoy Soarin' at all. I love it and pay no attention to the warnings. But, those who get motion sickness should be careful. DH had to keep his eyes shut the whole time to avoid feeling very sick.

 

[Danthesand]

For me the 1st row was by far the best experience. I guess we all experience the ride a little differently.

Peripheral vision can decline (due to age, illness, etc.) I suspect that's why some of us notice the "flaw" in the front row....and some don't.

 

[Giddy Kipper]

Hi all ... Planning to hit Soarin' first thing when we're at Epcot. I've read the first row is the one to be in to avoid seeing feet overhead. But how do we make sure to get into the first row ... do we line up in front of it, does a CM assign it to us, or what?

Very advisable to do soarin first thing It was a 50 min wait when we were there last week.. we got there about 10.30 fast pass return was for 2.30