Soarin Over California--how high?

[Alison Wonderland]

I may be the only person who is scared to go on Soarin. I hate roller coasters and any jerky type of ride and I am afraid that Soarin is going to be jerky or high or make me have motion sickness. For instance, I cannot stand Star Tours or Back to the Future. If I don't like these types of rides, is it possible that I would like Soarin. I want to experience it but only if it is not too rough.

 

[dletz]

Soarin is not jerky, it is a smooth parasailing simulation ride. You do a lot of swaying side to side motion, and a little tilt up and back motion.

It does goes go up pretty high, However there are 3 rows. The front row goes to the top (row 1), the middle row is the middle (row 2) and the last row is on the bottom (row 3). Request row 3 if you are worried. I doubt they will give you any problems (as most people want center section row 1) if they say no explain to them you are afraid of hieghts and would prefer being as low as possible. I can't imagine they won't accomidate you.

We were talking to a lady in line who kept passing it up for the very same reasons. We assured her she would be fine while in line, and she sat next to my sister. When she got off she thanked us for talking her into it (she was about to bail when we were almost through the line) and she really enjoyed it.

Donna

 

[funnygarcia]

Soaring is a very smooth ride.

If you are afraid of heights then it might not be the best ride for you.

You sit in long rows, individual belt across your lap, your feet will dangle when the ride starts.

The first time you ride is a bit of a suprise.. the lights dim to dark and then you lift up off floor and the whole row moves forward in a great rush to the screen in front of you.
It's very gentle and smooth movement but I always hear a collective gasp from the audience when the ride starts.

As soon as the ride ends, the screen darkens and you are brought in a woosh backwards and down to the floor again. Another time to hear a gasp from the audience

No jerky movements, just a slight sway from one side to another based on what you are viewing..

 

[iceskatejen]

It's extremely smooth--they let pregnant women on this thing. Fear of heights might be a problem. I've sat next to people who were afraid of heights and couldn't look at the screen. Motion sickness should not be a problem.

 

[weluvdizknee]

I don’t think it’s comparable to ST or BTtF, it’s like nothing else I’ve ever been on. It’s a nice enjoyable floating feeling. No jerky movements or fast stops. You get so involved with the sights and the sounds and the awesome smells, that you really do forget that your feet are not on the ground.

I’m one that has a hard time getting on ANY ride the first time, because I hate the unknown. I have to convince myself to get on the entire time I’m in line. Then I have to watch the track the entire ride, because I really hate surprises, and unknown dips, etc. Once I’ve ridden something once, I usually run and get back in line and enjoy the actual ride, sights, and all the Disney magic, because then there’s never any more unknown factors.

Soaring is a ride you will have to force yourself to do the first time, and then it will be on your top 3 ride list! MAKE YOURSELF DO IT!! YOU’LL BE JUST FINE!!

 

[maci]

When we were there in June...I had to talk my mom into going on it. She is afraid of heights, and claustrophobic.....she LOVED it!!

It such a great ride...just do it!!! You WONT get motion sick for sure!

 

[challada]

Similarly in July we took my aunt who will NOT ride coasters, heights, etc on Soarin' and she LOVED it (we were front center). Yes, that row does go the highest, but you get the most realistic view and feel from there (no feet in your face while you are hangliding).

Honestly, until I saw the model of it and write up in Disney magazine last month, I did not know how high the front row goes (and I've ridden it at least 10 times).

 

[starwood]

I'm afraid of heights and get motion sickness. Whenever I started to feel a little quezy or uneasy about the height I closed my eyes and I was fine. It is an amazing ride and you should try it once. If you have any problems just close your eyes and it passes.

 

[SomeSayImGoofy]

Soarin' is BY FAR the best ride in the whole park (IMHO). Go for it! You'll not be disappointed!

Kevin

 

[only1mouse]

I love this ride, but the first two times I was on it I insisted on sitting on an outer wall. If I got nervous, I could look to the left and see that I really wasn't up that high. I'm now able to ride it in the front row, middle section. It's an awesome ride and you shouldn't miss it.

 

[Alison Wonderland]

THanks for those great descriptions. I am going to ride it next time I go to Disneyland. I think I'll be able to handle that but if not at least I know I can just do like I do in Back to the Future--close my eyes.

 

[BridgetteBardot]

The ride is WONDERFUL, but the front row does travel pretty high up in the air, but has the best view in the house!

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

I am one that gets motion sickness and I am afraid of heights BUT This is the best ride ever!! I absolutely LOVE it more than any other !!!! I had to ride it over and over again.

And I was thrilled to learn when i returned from my trip that WDW is putting a "Soarin over California" in Epcot at WDW

 

[Alison Wonderland]

I think the first time I will make sure I am in the back and then I am sure once the "unknown" is over, I will be able to graduate to the front row after I ride it the first time.

 

[Amy&Dan]

My husband gets queasy on Star Tours but never on SOC. I think one thing that helps is that the ride is well ventilated. It is usually quite chilly in there with a lot of air circulating which can really help if you are feeling closed in on those simulator type rides. My mother is afraid of heights and when we take her in December she is going on it (I know she will love it) if I have to drag her!

 

[madcoco]

It's our favorite ride in the park. Breathtaking. Should be a big hit when it opens in Epcot. Wide open with plenty of ventilation. Hope you enjoy it!