Question about Soarin'

[nmudisneyfan]

Was anyone else not impressed with Soarin'?
I was not impressed at all. I mean it was an ok ride, but now the greatest. I most certainly would not have waited in a long line to ride it (the wait got up to 95 minutes when we were there). Luckily, my family got fast passes, so we didn't wait. My dad, sister, and I ended up riding the ride and when we got off my mom asked how we liked it. None of us were that impressed.

 

[Worfthedog]

I know what you mean it's not quite got that 'Disney Magic' feeling about it and it's not as technical as say Mission Space.

Not to say I didn't like it though, it also depends on where you sit the back rows particulary on A & B are just terrible.

I've said it before on another thread ask the cast member if it is possible to sit 'front row B' even if you have to wait longer!

 

[mantysk8coach]

I loved it, but thought that there was room to do even more with the special effects besides the pine forest smell. How about a mist of water when you're going over the ocean, a blast of cold air when going through the snow, hot air when going through the desert, etc.

Like I said, I thought it was awesome, but maybe could have done a little more to distinguish it from similar IMAX theater movies.

Just my opinion!

 

[JoannaOhio]

ask the cast member if it is possible to sit 'front row B' even if you have to wait longer!

What's the difference between 'A' and 'B'?

 

[Worfthedog]

The seats are in 3 blocks each with 3 rows. Block B is the central block so is centre screen, the 3rd row in each block is not lifted as high off the ground and you can miss quite a large park of the screen, and have to sit watching row 2's feet during the ride.

Don't get me wrong though any seat is better than no seat at Disney!

Paul.

 

[Tink0513]

We were there last Tues, got a fast pass and came back cause they wait was 110 minutes! We got to sit in the front and it was amazing! I couldn't even imagine sitting in the back rows! I do agree with the poster that said more could be done though!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

We rode it on 5/13 (NO wait, walked right on! )and thought it was AWESOME!!! We were in the first row. I would wait for the first row next time. I don't know how you weren't impressed with it?!?

 

[bridget]

I don't like rides like the body one at epcot- when you are closed in, and it is very jerky. Is this one like that?

Thanks!

 

[lovethattink]

It wasn't what I had expected, but I thought it was really nice. I would not wait in a line that's over 30 minutes to ride it.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

We just returned from our trip and we rode Soarin twice and absolutely loved it!! I guess not everyone likes the same attractions - this one was a definate must do for us and even though we did use Fast Pass for both rides after the first time I would have waited in line for this one.

 

[bcoyoh]

We just rode it for the first time last week. I really liked the ride but my husband complained that it wasn't in high definition. He thought alot of it was out of focus. I have to agree with that too. Also, I was in the front row and I could see the top of the screen. Didn't like that. I also agree with another poster that they could have done more with special effects, like the water spray or hot and cold air blasts. But it was a great ride anyway.

 

[kikipug]

My DD11 absolutely LOVED it, while I thought it was OK, but not 'spectacular'. Honestly, I think its because I have gone skydiving before, which gives you a similar 'view' to hang gliding (what Soarin' is trying to emulate) but a feeling that you can't get through a simulator of any kind.

I would definitely ride it again, but wouldn't stand in a ridiculous line for it.

 

[PamNC]

We were in awe - and totally impressed. I would give the attraction a 10. We rode it for the first time 2 weeks ago in CA @ DL. Going to WDW 7/2 and can't wait to ride it again. Are you afraid of heights? Maybe that's why you didn't like it. We were absolutely "blown away" - excuse the pun.

PamNC

 

[seashoreCM]

The seats are in 3 blocks each with 3 rows. Block B is the central block so is centre screen, the 3rd row in each block is not lifted as high off the ground and you can miss quite a large park of the screen, and have to sit watching row 2's feet during the ride.

Most of the show is down below. In the lowest row you have the feeling of almost kicking the treetops or the people in the rafts, etc. This may be to some riders a funny feeling but not the feeling of an obstructed or inferior view.

Hoods are lowered over all three rows and this blocks the overhead view of the top row of seats somewhat also.

I loved it, but thought that there was room to do even more with the special effects besides the pine forest smell. How about a mist of water when you're going over the ocean, a blast of cold air when going through the snow, hot air when going through the desert, etc.

Oh. A sprinkle of water, just like that in Honey I Shrunk the Audience (MGM Studios) when the dog shakes himself. Everybody's heart jumps and everyone screams. Maybe some of these things may be added.

(I didn't notice the pine forest smell.)

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

All the important action can be seen from all seats. Because the view does differ from seat to seat, something has to be put in the areas outside the important action area so people in those seats don't see a black void. Due to the shape of the screen, material way off to the sides is distorted, some IMAX theater screens are the same way. I could launch into a whole OT litany about "pan and scan" and "letterbox" and "black bars" and "losing half the movie" and the black hole directly above that riders in the top row can lean forward and see, but here is not the place.

 

[mattr555]

I didnt think it was that great either. Its not as inovative as MS. It was ok but I wouldnt consider it a headliner. We rode it a couple of days before it officially opened and walked on at about 10:30. I would have been disapointed to have queued longer than 30mins. A good thing about it is that it isnt rough so the whole family can ride it.

 

[mansionfan]

I thought the ride was fantastic! Only rode it once, but glad I did. Just get the fast pass, then you don't have to worry about the long lines.

 

[AladdinsPrincess]

I think it might have been a little overhyped because I was expecting more. I thought maybe the ride itself would move around a little more or the "movie" would be a little more exciting or have more of a storyline. Even though we're clearly in the minority, I'm glad to know that we weren't the only ones a little disappointed! Still though, it was fun enough, and it's nice to have something new to do at Epcot!

 

[nmudisneyfan]

I think it might have been a little overhyped because I was expecting more. I thought maybe the ride itself would move around a little more or the "movie" would be a little more exciting or have more of a storyline. Even though we're clearly in the minority, I'm glad to know that we weren't the only ones a little disappointed! Still though, it was fun enough, and it's nice to have something new to do at Epcot!

Now that I think about it, maybe it was because it was a little overhyped. I definately was expecting more. After we got lowered back down, my dad, sister and I looked at each other with the looks of "that's it?"

 

[darlene9947]

We just got back Sunday and Soarin' is my new favorite ride!!! I loved it!! Rode it 3 times. Went back to Epcot on Saturday just to ride it one more time and lucked out and got B1!!! Top row in the center. Awesome!!! And if Disney could add more of the special effects already mentioned, that would be the icing on the cake!!!

 

[tci1212]

I rode it twice this week and loved it. I thought I smelled the Ocean water while we rode towards the surfers. Did anyone else? I also thought it would be neat if water splashed as you were gliding toward the Ocean waves. We used fast pass so there was not much of a wait. There was no wait for single riders while we were on it. My Mom who is 88 yrs old went on it and she loved it.