Passholder Preview of Soarin'

[safetymom]

Soarin in FL is going to use the DL movie. The theming at Epcot will be like you are at the airport and you are going to visit the cities that are shown in the movie.

 

[eeyore0062]

For those of you that have been on it at dL, what kind of seats does it have? Does it have a seat belt or a bar?

Have you ever been on a coaster that has the ski lift type cars that hang below the tracks. The shoulder harness lowers over your shoulders, and in the middle, down around your belly, it has a seatbelt that hooks into a clasp on the seat between your legs. Really, this is just an extra security measure, as the harness locks in place on its own. Since this seats in this are supposed to represent hangliders, the harness system does, too!

 

[eeyore0062]

It's going to start out with the California movie, then it's supposed to be something else later after they film a new movie for the ride. The strongest rumor is Soarin' over America.

I think that Soarin Over America would be GREAT! Hope they can get that movie together soon!

 

[Mom2Ashli]

That really looks like a cool ride.
Can't wait for it to open.

 

[simba2]

What is the official opening date? Not the soft opening, but the actual opening? Will it be open by 5/5 for the big celebration?

 

[LindaD]

Michelle, how long have you worked for Disney?
Have you ever known them to do anything logical in a reasonable time period? I think you'll be seeing that California film for a long time!!

 

[lulubelle]

Well, if the FL ride is half as popular as the CA ride, it will be a huge hit. It is absolutely awesome. My favorite DCA ride by a landslide. The sites, the smells, the reality of water, desert, mountains, snow, flying. Yes, it is very relaxing and convincing. And remember it appeals to all ages....children, teens, adults and older folks. We ride it at least twice each time we visit DL/DCA. I hope the FL version has a new movie, but if not, okay!

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

About the soft opening being open to everyone I disagree. Now they conduct test runs several times and they grab people out to do this. Maybe this is what you are reffering to. But like Stitch they actually broadcasted dates of the soft opening for passholders only. And you must have you pass with you to be allowed on the ride.

About the dates not being on the web site. They did the same thing with Stitch. They sent the newsletter out and told you to check the site and there was nothing there for the longest time. They finally released the dates about a month- month in a half before its soft opening. And I wouldn't expect the soft opening to be late till late April. If I was going to put a date on it. I would say April 29-May 1. With testing being conducted the 2 weeks prior to that.

 

[232271]

we rode it in California and if you are prone to motion sickeness it could make you sick. it is very realistic , like you are flying over things.

 

[Okiemom]

When you say a harness goes over your shoulders, is it like a tight fit? My husband can't handle the tight fitting kind. By the picture clip on internet, it only shows a lap belt and a bar coming down. But no shoulder harness?

 

[Micca]

We tried the attraction at DLR in late '03 and thought it was wonderful. It's hard for me to think it could induce motion sickness. The ride has a thrill element to it because of the special effects, but it is not intense or extreme.
When we exited the attraction the first time, DW and I were both exhilarated.
It is among the best any Disney park has to offer.

 

[MinnieM3]

Does it have any IMAX-like effects? Those actually make me dizzy sometimes!

 

[f16]

When you say a harness goes over your shoulders, is it like a tight fit? My husband can't handle the tight fitting kind. By the picture clip on internet, it only shows a lap belt and a bar coming down. But no shoulder harness?

I think whoever mentioned the shoulder harness was mistaken. The DCA attraction only has a seat belt.

 

[funnygarcia]

I was about to say the same.. it is just individual seat belts that go across and snaps into one side of the seat. Reminds me of the seats on Star Tours.

For effect there is a metal piece that bends down a bit over the row... it's way over your head-- makes it look more like hang glider and decreases glare/ seeing feet hanging over you.

Younger/shorter passengers will need an extra snap on belt thru middle of legs. My DH is a pooh sized man and has no problems with this ride. Not confining at all.

The first time you ride is a bit startling.. the lights dim out and suddenly the whole row rushes forward toward the screen .. I always hear a collective "gasp" in the audience when the ride starts

 

[n2mm]

Usually they have an AP or DVC only preview for a couple days before they open it up to the general public.

Correct, they usually have a couple of days for Cast Member previews, AP and DVC previews and you MUST show proof to participate in any of these. We have been to the last 3 AP or CM previews for several rides. But there are also "soft opennings". These are times when they are testing the ride and if you are at the right park on the right day, you can participate. There is usually NO warning when it will take place. Usually when you enter the park there MIGHT be a sign stating that they will be testing the ride that day. Other than that, you can usually stop by and ask a CM the status. Usually when a ride is near completion there are CMs standing guard to answer questions. I think I have it covered, with the option of AP and CM preview days, soft opennings, and the fact that we will be there for the grand openning on May 5th, I'm pretty certain I'll be "soarin" this spring.

 

[232271]

Does it have any IMAX-like effects? Those actually make me dizzy sometimes!

it is a very large screen and you are fairly close to it, my mother cannot ride this type of ride. IT reminds her of watching a movie and feeling like you are on a roller coaster ride, does that make sense? the seats move and tilt and they blow air, so you really feel like you are "soaring".

 

[Grog]

For those who are interested, there's a two minute video at this link that shows a part of the queue, the seats, and a portion of the film. There are also still photos of the ride.

***WARNING*** For those who haven't been on this ride, and don't want the surprise ruined for them, the part of the video showing the film starts at the one minute mark. You have been warned.

 

[Beca]

Depends on how tall your children are. The height restriction is 40 inches or taller.

But, doesn't DL have a "non-moving" section for people under 40" (or people who simply don't want to move). I seem to remember that.



Beca

 

[232271]

hmmm, i dont remember non moving?

 

[mrp4352]

F16 - thank you for proving to me that I'm not crazy! I didn't think there was a shoulder harness.

I don't recall seeing a non-moving section to watch the movie from. But if there were, I think it would have to be far over to one side for safety reasons.

I have to admit, if I could go on any ride at Disneyland or DCA, it would be Soarin'. And Mission Space is only ahead of it for overall favorite ride by a teensy little bit.