Polar Express Experience Questions

[abh218]

Has anyone seen any updated info on the Polar Express Experience? All searches lead me to last years info.
The SW site shows that it is scheduled to open on 11/14 and they will have "more information SOON". But there haven't been any updates!

Also, can someone give me a good comparison on the two versions of the ride? What Disney ride would you use as a comparison?

TIA

 

[Jason71]

As I recall, last year it went down right after Halloween. Haven't heard official word, but guessing November 2 might be the last day for the usual ride this year.

Either version of the ride is comparable to Star Tours (or actually Body Wars, if you remember that one, a bit rougher than Star Tours). You stare at a TV screen and go up and down and side to side. As Wild Arctic, the theming is minimal, but there is a bit more as Polar Express (at least there was last year). Still, no one is going to confuse it with a Disney or Universal ride.

Worth doing once if you enjoyed the movie or want to see the polar bear exhibit after the ride.

 

[abh218]

Thanks - that gives me a good comparison!

 

[Charleyann]

This attraction is awesome!!!!


Charleyann

 

[TanCharLeo]

Let me tell you, I was not expecting the amount of theming that they DID put into the ride and exhibit! It was above and beyond. I was shocked. They also have a nice photo option with Santa as you enter the exhibit and the line was not too long when I went last year. I do not think it is up yet. I know they are preparing for it though!

 

[abh218]

Let me tell you, I was not expecting the amount of theming that they DID put into the ride and exhibit! It was above and beyond. I was shocked. They also have a nice photo option with Santa as you enter the exhibit and the line was not too long when I went last year. I do not think it is up yet. I know they are preparing for it though!

I can't wait!!! One more question - is he a "real-bearded" Santa?

 

[Jason71]

I can't wait!!! One more question - is he a "real-bearded" Santa?

Wasn't last year--tho according to several female employees, both Santas were amazingly good-looing when "clean-shaven"!

 

[TanCharLeo]

I plan on going to the special preview next week and I will let you know how it looks this year. They have been working on it for the past month getting everything together and there is even a different Shamu Christmas show...I'm looking forward to it.

 

[2002Disneybride]

Is there a height restriction for the Polar Express Experience? My younder DS would love it, but he is only 22 months old...

 

[Charleyann]

Is there a height restriction for the Polar Express Experience? My younder DS would love it, but he is only 22 months old...

I am pretty sure there were no restrictions on height.

Enjoy your first cruise! We are taking our first cruise in 21 days and then off to Disney until Dec 29th!!!!!

Charleyann

 

[TanCharLeo]

Is there a height restriction for the Polar Express Experience? My younder DS would love it, but he is only 22 months old...

Yes, there is a height restriction for the motion simulator and it is 42". However, you can do the non-motion with no restrictions.

 

[2002Disneybride]

Thank you! I have read reports that it is over hyped--is it worth the trip?

 

[TanCharLeo]

Well I was supposed to go the employee preview on Monday but instead I got stuck in a hospital for six days after a severe allergic reaction...no fun! I liked it last year but I wouldn't make a trip just for it you know as the whole park is something to be enjoyed but I love SeaWorld

 

[2002Disneybride]

Thanks! I hope you've recovered...allergic reactions are awful and scary!

We are going to SW for 1 1/2 days when we first arrive in Orlando next Friday.

 

[safetymom]

The non motion side is just watching a bit of the movie. That side had a 20 min wait, the motion side had a 45 min wait today.

I wasn't impressed with the non motion side.

 

[Jason71]

The non motion side is just watching a bit of the movie. That side had a 20 min wait, the motion side had a 45 min wait today.

I wasn't impressed with the non motion side.

The motion side just has scenes from the movie, as well--there was no new footage last year. It was kind of jarring, actually--the point-of-view keeps changing (one minute you're inside the train, the next you're watching it from outside), which kind of ruins the illusion.

I love the polar bears, but not sure I'd wait 45 minutes for that ride in either incarnation.

 

[teacherme]

We went today and we walked right on to the motion side of the ride. It was okay. We went when the first show of Believe was taking place. As soon as we were finished, it was obvious that Believe had let up because there was a 50 minute wait. I enjoyed the walking part of the tour. The Santa was a good looking one. He looked real. The polar bear was sleeping.

 

[NADLV817]

I don't normally get motion sickness...BUT...the last time I rode this thing I was 5 seconds from losing my lunch!

 

[abh218]

We went on 11/29 and had about a 20 minute wait for the motion side. For a motion simulator ride, it was mild. The multi-sensory items were a nice touch - the pine smell before the ride, the hot cocoa smell during & after.

As for the Santa, my children are still in the "want to believe" mode we weren't their for an "eye candy" Santa - they were not impressed by the Santa and, thus, we bypassed him. (The real-beard thing is an issue when you have children who visit one like that each year. His routine is so good that he can even make cynical adults believe.)

I was disappointed at the minimal number of animals...one snoozing polar bear just didn't cut it. A friend who was there the weekend before had a similar opinion.

SO - my final take - it's a cute concept, but no where near as great as I was expecting...if I were to go to Sea World again during the holidays, I would probably bypass this attraction.

 

[ShamuDude]

End son jan 4th already went shamu christmas miracle is a MUST SEE!