Soarin DL vs. WDW?

[jlh512]

My wife and I are planning our first trip to DL. We have been to WDW tons of times.

My question is about Soarin in DL. The fastpasses for Soarin in WDW "sell out" quick and when waiting in line it never seems to move. Is this the same for Soarin in DL? I am just trying to plan our day. Thanks ahead for the advice.

 

[oc_tony]

Soarin' FPs do not run out nearly as fast as they do at WDW. We are always amazed at the "Soarin' Stampede" when we visit Epcot. At DCA, they are often available at least into the early afternoon, so get one when you arrive at the park (at least by midday). They will still let you use it, even if your time window has passed.

The FP line moves along at a reasonable pace. They also have single-rider available, but know that your party will likely not sit near each other or possibly even for the same "showing." If you are coming during spring break time (until the end of April), get your FP sooner than later. The parks have busy recently.

BTW, the ride is exactly the same as at WDW, but the queue is different.

 

[kikiq]

The mad rush for FPs at DCA is for WOC. TSMM doesn't have FPs, so people rush to the back of the park to ride TSMM. We went yesterday at 5 pm. There was a 60 minute wait for Soarin' and still FPs for 9:25 pm.

I agree with the PP, the Soarin' queue at DCA is different. The outside part wraps the hanger building in Condor Flats, once inside, the walls review California aviation history and the pilots that made significant contributions, a very diverse group of men and women. There are also artifacts from various California rural air fields.

Have you read Hydroguy's thread A DLR guide for WDW vets? Very useful info
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

 

[HydroGuy]

I agree with the PP, the Soarin' queue at DCA is different. The outside part wraps the hanger building in Condor Flats, once inside, the walls review California aviation history and the pilots that made significant contributions, a very diverse group of men and women. There are also artifacts from various California rural air fields.

Just back from WDW and we did the Soarin FP rush last Monday. As others have said DCA is different. Partly it is because DCA offers a stronger lienup of rides than Epcot so many people head to TSMM, some to ToT, others to Grizzly River Run and then some to California Screamin.

So think about putting the mad Soarin rush at Epcot in the same park as the made TSMM rush from DHS. It splits the crowds.

As for Soarin, I agree with OCT and Kiki. The ride is the same but the experience is so much better at DCA. The whole Condor Flats has the aviation theme going on and it just feels right for the ride. I can barely tolerate the queue at Epcot. It does affect how you feel about the ride.

Another thing that affects me at DCA as compared to Epcot is that Soarin belongs in California. I was born in California and Soarin hits me down deep. But it feels awkward at Epcot with a California film in Florida.

 

[disneymom23]

Another thing that affects me at DCA as compared to Epcot is that Soarin belongs in California. I was born in California and Soarin hits me down deep. But it feels awkward at Epcot with a California film in Florida.

I moved to CA 4 years ago. I love Soarin so much more now that I live here and have visited some of the places. I also love the music in the queue. I called DL the other day to make my summer reservations. The music was playing while I was on hold. It made me so happy just to hear the music. It made me happy!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

The Land at WDW always reminds me of a mall. I like the Soarin experience at DL better. I'm surprised how deserted Soarin is in the evening. Go during WOC and you will practically have the ride to yourself. We rode twice in a row one night. The CM just made us move from the first row to the third. We probably could have rode it again, had we asked.

 

[jlh512]

Thanks for the info. and the links. They were very helpful!