Soarin' for those scared of heights...

[Tina]

Well I guess I'm the exception here. I am terrified of heights. I was petrified on this ride. We were in the 3rd row, but I could not see the floor. I was so worried about how high we were, that I kept my eyes closed through 95% of the ride.

 

[spiceycat]

I didn't like the first time.

but mother loves this thing - so I have ridden probably 4 more times....

it definitely grows on you.

I really, really hate the long wait after the fass passes run out.... hours we have waited for this thing.

but mother does love it....

 

[goofie4goofy]

I am afraid of heights and I did not like Soarin'. I know I am in the minority, but I really felt the height and I was not high up. I had my eyes closed for most of the ride, but at least I tried it.

Even though I am afraid of heights, I do not feel heights when I am in a ski lift or on roller coasters...but I can't go 3 steps on a step ladder - go figure!

I know that I would FREAK OUT on a hot air balloon!

 

[darlene9947]

I'm very much the big baby when it comes to heights. Grip the steering wheel while driving over high rise bridges, try not to think about high-rise elevators LOL But I had been hearing the soarin' theme song on live365 radio and I just had to experience it for myself. I had seen on one of the Travel Channel shows where they were talking to one of the imagineers who described the ride mechanisms itself, so I knew it would only go so many feet in the air. The first time I rode it, in May 2005, I was in the middle row. Honestly, I was so excited to actually be able to see it, that I didn't even realize how far up it was. I LOVED IT!!! The next time I rode, I asked the CM to sit in the first row, middle section. I had to wait for the next ride, but it was awesome!! I rode it 4 times that trip and went back to EPCOT on the day we were leaving to ride it one last time!!
In December, I went on a surprise for me trip with my son, DIL, and grandson. My grandson was with us in May, but was not tall enough to ride then. He grew during the summer and we rode it 3 times!! He loved it, especially the jets!! I'm going again in Aug. and Dec. this year and cannot wait to ride it again.
If you're thinking about not trying because of height, please give it a try. Its fantastic!

 

[vhoffman]

How long does the ride last? Can you do "kid swap"? My ds9 is somewhat timid and he might "chicken out" at the last minute. My dh had to carry him on the plane last trip!

Also, what are the seats like? Could a disabled person use them? I don't use a wheelchair, but have arthritis and use a cane. Steps are difficult for me to handle. Also, is it one of those continuous loading rides? I really can't handle those, my balance isn't that good. Looks like a great ride, thanks for the tip about FastPass!

 

[mmmears]

About motion sickness -- I get sick VERY easily and didn't try this ride on either of 2 trips to Disneyland a few years ago. I kept hearing how great the ride is so I finally tried it last Summer (at DL). It was fantastic. I closed my eyes for one tiny part of it, but didn't feel sick. My family and I rode it 4 more times and the only time I didn't feel well is the time I tried it in the morning after the evening I went on Grizzly River Rapids (like Kali) and the spinning made me too dizzy to tour the rest of the evening. After that, everything was making me kinda sick the next day, even Pooh. I would try it, you can always close your eyes if you start feeling sick. The seats barely move, but it is really hard not to watch because the movie is so beautiful.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kae]

I have problems with IMAX & had no problem on Soarin' My mom who hates heights said soarin was great even with one eye closed.

Kae

 

[lindseesmom]

I did not do well on Soarin and it did go fast but I was a nervous wreck the whole time. My family told me I would enjoy it and I did NOT! So once on Soarin for this gal is it!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, what are the seats like? Could a disabled person use them? I don't use a wheelchair, but have arthritis and use a cane. Steps are difficult for me to handle. Also, is it one of those continuous loading rides? I really can't handle those, my balance isn't that good. Looks like a great ride, thanks for the tip about FastPass!

My DD uses a wheelchair. She can't walk or stand unless someone holds her because she has little balance. She went on Soarin' a number of times during our recent trip and we found it to be a very easy transfer.

There are no steps anywhere in the line or getting on the ride. There are some ramps going up and down in the queue, but no steps at all.
There is a picture on this page that shows the seats. They are 3 rows in each section; there are 3 sections in the theater. You are lined up before going into the theater and then follow the CM into the theater when it's time to go in (the first row follows the CM directly, the people in the second row follow the first row, etc).
The seats are steady when you get into them and the seat is about the same distance from the ground as a regular chair. The seats look hard in the picture, but are made of a thick mesh and feel sort of like lawn chairs. They are upright when you are getting in and out (like the picture shows), but the whole row tips back a bit as it rises up to the ride position, so that you ride in a bit of a recline.
You would be able to keep your cane to get into the ride car, then either have someone else in your party just lay it on the ground or give it to the CM. You have quite a bit of time to get into your seat and get settled and the CM walks along each row before your "trip" begins to make sure everyone is in OK and has seat belts fastened correctly. We never felt hurried getting on or off.
You will come back to exactly the same place at the end of the ride - in fact, some people with sandals will be leaving their shoes right there on the floor under their seats.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

You guys have made me feel better. I was a little hesitant but I am going for it!!

 

[vhoffman]

Thanks, SueM!

Your attention to details, as always, gives me the information I need to plan my rides. Thanks again -- and it certainly sounds like something I can handle!

 

[ugadog99]

Anyone ever notice the Hidden Mickey on the golf ball?

And just in case you really, really miss the ride:

http://www.ninjabynight.com/soarin.wmv

Thanks for that amazing video!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks, SueM!

Your attention to details, as always, gives me the information I need to plan my rides. Thanks again -- and it certainly sounds like something I can handle!

you're welcome. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I'm really afraid of heights and it took a long time for my DH to talk me into going on SOURIN but he did and I am so happy he did. I love that ride, it's my favorite.

Michele