Soarin' over California? What's it like--scary for a 4 yr old?

[imjen]

One of my dd's will be almost four when we go in April and most likely will be 40" or taller. (She was just over 39" a couple weeks ago when I measured & I'm thinking she may be tall enough by then). If she's tall enough, is this a scary roller-coaster type ride? Will she feel secure in the seat? Even though she will be tall enough for Splash & BTMRR I think she may be too nervous to do those. She's pretty timid and gets nervous easily. How does this ride compare and what's it like? Thanks!

BTW, I've been to DL several times so know what those rides are like, but haven't been to CA yet.

 

[suz72]

My DD5 liked Soarin'. It isn't like a roller coaster, more like Star Tours, but not bumpy. We described it to my daughter as a swing, b/c your feet dangle and that you are watching a movie of California. When the ride started, she was a little nervous, so I told her to look at the people next to us. Then she knew that it just felt like we were flying (we were more like...suspended in midair).

Hope this helps.
BTW, she went again immediately with her dad.

Susan

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The ride simulates handgliding and is very smooth. You're riding over various beautiful scenes in California. There are about 10 seats in a row, and everyone wears a seatbelt. They also have a strap that goes between the legs & you run the seatbelt through it so your little one will be secure.

The rows are lifted up. If you want to be on the row closest to the ground, then sit in the back row. After she goes on it & realizes what fun it is, & will probably want to go again, try the front row for a better view.

 

[PryncessChrysty]

Hi,

I just wanted to suggest that you may want to sit in the last row if you decide to take your DD on Soarin'. That way when the ride starts, you won't be up as high and it may not be as scary for her that way. I've seen many people request the last row, and the CM's have always been helpful and understanding.

Have a great time on your trip!!

 

[PryncessChrysty]

LOL, Mary Jo, we must have posted just seconds apart...GMTA!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

I was thinking the same thing when I saw your post.

 

[imjen]

Thank you everyone! That was very helpful. It sounds like a lot of fun so I hope she grows a little & is tall enough!

 

[jlmarr]

And be sure to tell her you can smell things as you soar through different scenes. That might help keep her mind occupied on the ride. (I don't want to spoil it by describing it any further.)

 

[daannzzz]

Here is how the seats look. There are three rows acros and three rows deep. As has been said before the row in the back doesn't go as high. The front row lifts up about 30-40 feet.
http://membres.lycos.fr/cineparcs/soarin2.jpg

 

[LucyKate]

My 6 year old daughter loved it and did it 3 times - as descibed above it's not scary or bumpy. Remember, the height is measured with shoes one, if she's not quite there make her wear shoes with thick soles - as long as her head comes above that line she's on!

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

I first took my niece on this when she had just turned 5. (She's 8 1/2 now). She liked it fine except for the very end...I don't want to ruin it but you may want to warn her because this part scared my niece...and that is when you seemed to fly into fireworks. She really screamed at that point, but loved the rest of it. Now when we do it she's fine.

 

[MrShiny]

My oldest (who was 7 at the time) loved it, even though she's a ride chicken in general (hates loud noises, fast rides, won't even think of the Haunted Mansion or Pirates). My youngest (6 when she first rode) seemed to like it, but was startled by the fireworks at the end and hasn't wanted to go on it since. She has no problem with Pirates or Haunted Mansion, but too is a little skittish of fast rides.

Overall, unlessthe child is really afraid of heights (neither of mine are), then it should be fine. If they could ride a typical carnival ferris wheel then they can handle this ride.

 

[MateasMom]

Soarin is my girls FAVORITE ride! They're 5 and barely 4YO. My oldest daughter was 4 the first time she went on it, my youngest was 3. They're both total fraid-ee cats, but I showed them what the ride would be like before getting on and made sure to sit in the bottom row...both loved it instantly. We go to DL often and it's the first thing they ask to go on.