Soarin' Front Row

[WEDWDW]

I can't think of another attraction at WDW where the experience is so enhanced by sitting in a particular place as it is by sitting on the front row at Soarin'.I plan on asking the Cast Member on my next trip if I can wait and sit on the front row on the next flight if I am not placed there when I arrive in line.Has anyone ever done this?How did the Cast Member react?Did it seem to be something they would rather not deal with?Also,can you think of another attraction that is more dependent on seat selection than Soarin'?I can't come up with one.Thanks.

 

[Minderbinder5]

Soarin' is one of my favorite rides at DCA (haven't ridden at Epcot yet), and I've found front and center (they have 3 sections left to right) is the best possible place to sit. Sit too far to the edges, and the spherical distortion of the screen is nausiating; sit in a row further back, and you get everyone's feet dangling in your otherwise perfect view.
I have also never had any problems asking for the front on any ride. I prefer the front on the California Screemin' roller coaster in DCA, and the front of the jeep in Indiana Jones at DL. And, one of the major things that sets Disney CMs apart from other parks is their cheerful willingness and ability to handle special requests.
Side note...the first and last time I asked for the front of a vehicle at Universal Hollywood I was thoroughly lectured by the employee about how unfair and inconvenient it was for me to make such an outlandish request!

 

[Greg K.]

Two different times, two different days, we asked the CM if we could sit in the front row. We had to wait one "flight," but it is SO worth it! The CMs were more than happy to oblige.

Another tip: if you wear sandals, slip 'em off and leave 'em on the ground. Those who've done this (I haven't -- yet) say it's a startling experience -- you feel very vulnerable and free.

 

[SarahandPaul]

We always ask to sit in the front row. Sometimes we have to wait but it's worth it.


P.S.- We do it for Indiana Jones too.

 

[kpm76]

ITA...the front row seats are by far the best and enhance the experience. The first time we rode Soarin' we were in the front row and WOW...the next time we were in the middle and while it was still awesome it was not the same....we'll ask to sit in the front row again if possible....to answer your question about other seat dependent attractions, DH and I think that the 3D shows like Philharmagic are best viewed from about 5 rows from the back......

 

[Karibeth19]

Another tip: if you wear sandals, slip 'em off and leave 'em on the ground. Those who've done this (I haven't -- yet) say it's a startling experience -- you feel very vulnerable and free.

I did it in May and it was fantastic! Riding Soarin' front-row center and barefoot is the best!

 

[grinningghost]

I've only done Soarin' at DCA so far, but yes, the front row is great. Much better than watching other people's legs in front of you.

 

[disneyxo]

Okay taking note, I am going to ask to sit in the front row!

 

[Laura22]

Thanks for the tip! I have never ridden before so now I know what seat to ask for!

 

[WEDway2002]

We are madly in love with Soarin' and recently rode several times. We made requests each time and only once were met with a slight exhale and eye roll (kind of unusual). We rode in the second row center and loved it (would have loved 1st but my little guy was a bit nervous ... it's really more psychological - he's 6). Anyway, we also took our sandles off and felt like our feet were going to get wet and that we might accidently kick one of the rafters!

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... Soarin' is like a religious experience!

Dave

 

[SorcererDonald16]

We too asked to be in the front row; the CM looked a little surprised at first, but then she smiled and told us to go right ahead. She even came up to us as we were leaving and the next group was boarding to see if we enjoyed it. You shouldn't have a problem.

 

[safetymom]

I am a big fan of Soarin. Yes in the front row center is the best but I have found something different to look at no matter where I sit. If you sit on the left side you can see the people walking on the mountain. I always discover something new every time I ride. If the feet bother you just look down a little. It doesn't bother me when there is so much to see.

 

[eleanor]

I have been on a 3 levels of Soarin and each one has a plus. The lower one makes you feel as if your feet are touching the water and you see things so much closer. Trying each level is fun. What happens if 100 people all want the front row at the same time. What a backlog that will be.

 

[Minderbinder5]

I posted yesterday about how front and center was the best, but I have to agree with eleanor about the bottom row when in flight... The first time I ever rode Soarin' at DCA, I was in the bottom row, and it is absolutely exhilirating to feel like your feet are going to touch the water. Over and over during the show, I would instinctively lift my legs for fear of kicking a kayaker, or dipping into the surf! I'm gonna have to try it barefoot next time!