Soarin' - can you wait for a front row?

[ncbyrne]

We'll be riding Soarin' for the first time a week from today. I've been reading every post I can find. Dangling feet seems to be the biggest complaint. Is it possible to wait for the front row if you weren't lucky enough to be in that spot when it's your turn to load the ride?

 

[gonemousin']

We were able to, back in May...not sure if things have changed. We did the first row, then the second row, and then waited for the first row again. Sitting in the second row would have been a big disappointment if it was my first time on it...the dangling feet are a reality and kept me from getting fully absorbed in the "magic" of the ride. So, I would definitely beg borrow and steal to sit in the front row. Oh, and the CM's tried to pretend like rows two and three weren't an issue when we asked to wait for a front row line...I gently explained, so no one could overhear us, that we'd experienced the second row and felt that it was a big disappointment. It worked for us, but then again, it was May, at opening time in the morning, and the park crowds were fairly low...not sure if they'd accomodate you during the busier park times.

Good luck - the ride is sooooo worth it!!

Lori

 

[DisneyForLife]

We asked to be in the first row also and had no problem. We just waited a bit longer. I loved all three levels but without the feet in front of me really made a difference in the feeling.

 

[miste76]

I must have been very lucky when I tried Soarin' in July... I didn't see any dangling feet in my view from the middle row. However, it could have been that I wasn't looking for them - I was completly wrapped up in the experience and the dangling feet were not part of it.

 

[eleanor]

In April during the soft opening for AP holders we did all three levels,and while the 1st row has no feet the other rows give you a different feeling and perspective. The 3rd row makes you feel as if your feet are touching the trees and dangling in the water. Very cool.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

When we were in line, someone who was in the 3rd row on a previous ride of Soarin' asked if she and her kids could wait to be in the first row this time, since they also were stuck in the 3rd row this time. The CM said no. Guess it all depends on who the CM is. We rode Soarin' 3 times, 1st row, 2nd row, and 3rd row, 1st row definetly rules!

 

[maryliz]

We did all three rows. I think what I found most difficult was when we were in the top row ... my eyes kept gazing up towards the top of the screen, where it stops. I found this harder than ignoring the dangling feet. As well, we found that you got the best "smell effect" in the middle row. They all have different advantages and we loved them all.

MaryLiz

 

[DeirdreTours]

We have never been refused front seat on any ride (although we have often had to wait for a minute or two).

 

[safetymom]

I think all the rows have a different view and it is great to see from any of them. I see something different every time I ride.

 

[LiteBrite]

When we asked for the front row last week, the CM hesitated, giving the impression that she wasn't supposed to do it, but then said, "Oh, all right", and sent us on down (we asked not only for the front row, but the center section, B1). We kind of felt like we were getting away with something!

 

[DJT]

Is the first row the one that is only 10 feet off the ground? I need that one because of fear of heights issue. Thanks!

 

[safetymom]

The 3rd row is what you want. The first row is 40 some feet off the ground.

 

[rngrblu9]

hi all! can anyone tell me if this ride has any restrictions for pregnant women? thanks!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Wow, they actually said "no" when someone asked to wait for front row? So the only option is what- not ride at all if they didn't want another row? I thought you could always ask to wait for front.. just like other rides where the line is longer in the little queues in front of the ride -for the front seats.

We went the first time and happened to get first row- it was so incredible. Since then we've ended up in 2nd or 3rd row- totally not the same... it really does make a difference if you can see feet above you and people beside you! (ie: on the end of center thing- 2nd or 3rd row) We almost asked to wait for 1st row the last time we rode it last week but decided we didn't want to bother waiting- I wish we had. We ended up in exactly my "ie" situation above- seeing the other "things" with people in them- because they are slightly more forward than you are- plus feet above you- does totally ruin it for us. I had to keep telling the kids- just look straight ahead and kinda down. LOL

 

[mtdevine615]

We rode back in April for the AP opening and did all three rows and each row has a different feel. The first row I kept looking toward the top of the screen and the bottom row I kept looking toward the bottom of the screen and the floor. I like the 2nd or middle row, I did see feet but it really didn't bother me or my DW. It felt like we were on a big hang glider with everyone else. Maine

 

[Ride Junkie]

That would be nice if you could! I'll have to try that next time. Every time I've ridden it (whether at WDW or DCA), I've NEVER been in the front row, or the middle section. Somehow I always end up in the back corner, wondering what it would be like not to see people's feet...I guess it couldn't hurt to ask!

 

[Lora]

We sat in front twice and in the 3rd row once or twice. The part I like about the front row is that you get swept up to the top whereas the 3rd row just moves you forward and up a bit. I love the lifting feeling. The view wasn't as big of a deal for me from one row to the other.

We saw some people ask for front and center and they got it. We thought of asking for front, but decided to just go where we were sent.

 

[ncbyrne]

Are the rows numbered, 1,2,3? Is row 1 the highest? How close are the feet to you? My DH is tall with long legs. Ideally, I guess it's best to sit under a child with short legs...LOL

 

[kyirish25]

The feet of most didn't bother me, but of course the person in direct eye view was one who couldn't sit still and kicked their legs the entire time. Very hard to ignore. I would like to try this again from a different perspective and know my DS will love it regardless of where we sit.

 

[Okiemom]

Does the glider have end-caps? Is it just an open bench with lap belts? I am not sure I want my kids on the end, 40 feet in the air with just a lap belt. Am I just too worried?