Soarin Phobia

[edingerc]

There is no "front row," all of the rows are stacked one on top of the other. I think the last row is the one that stays closest to the ground, but even that one pulls up so that the ground isn't a part of your experience. I don't remember any times that we were pushed forward at all. The default is sitting straight up, but often times you get pushed back to "soar over the trees." This is actually a very tame ride, with a very large screen, fans and scent machines giving you a very fun experience.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

After reading a few of these Soarin' threads, I have a question about the drop below. What exactly would you be falling out on top of? In other words, are we talking a 40 foot drop onto a movie screen or what? Thanks!

Tink

 

[mitros]

Somebody out ther must have photos. How 'bout it folks?

 

[edingerc]

No, if I remember correctly, the "hangliders" each hold 7 and there are three, stacked one on top of the other, side by side with another set, all in front of a movie screen that gently curves to fill your peripheral vision. If my memory is correct, then each seating in Soarin can accomodate 42 people (and I think WDW has two theaters).

 

[peter11435]

Here's a question. With as many people who have ridden it so far, has anyone fallen out yet? I don't remember hearing anything. I've heard nothing but rave reviews from people I know that have ridden, multiple times. This is definitely a phobia and if you dont' want to ride, have your wife ride alone. I've ridden the teacups alone (my dh hates the spinning) and a couple of others because I like them and my family didn't.

NO, because as long as you meet the height requirement. It is physically impossible to fall out unless you try. And even then you will have a hard time. The ride has been running for 4 1/2 years in California, and 4 months in Epcot, and not one person has ever fallen out.

 

[peter11435]

No, if I remember correctly, the "hangliders" each hold 7 and there are three, stacked one on top of the other, side by side with another set, all in front of a movie screen that gently curves to fill your peripheral vision. If my memory is correct, then each seating in Soarin can accomodate 42 people (and I think WDW has two theaters).

Each seating can accomodate 87 people the rows are set up like this.

SCREEN
10-11-10
10-11-10
7-11-7

 

[peter11435]

You would fall to a cement floor. However that is irrelevent as it is impossible to fall out unless you don't follow directions.

 

[Minnie]

As someone with a great fear of heights and how gets very ill on simulators I was very worried about this ride.... I love it!!!!!!!!

There is a strap that you can put your seatbelt through so there is no chance of falling out of the chair not that you would anyway. As a scardy cat I used this strap (it is there for children under a certain height) and did just fine.

BTW - My DM is a Pooh sized lady and did just fine on this ride. No problem at all.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

You would fall to a cement floor. However that is irrelevent as it is impossible to fall out unless you don't follow directions.

Nothing is "impossible".

It is quite conceivable that someone could slip under the seat belt, even following directions. Likely? Maybe not. But the laws of physics can't be beaten.

N.E.D.

 

[Memph1s]

One thing you can do to make yourself feel safer is after you fasten your seatbelt pull it tight across your lap by pulling down on the side where it retracts and it will tighten and stay tight. Being able to feel that the belt it tight makes me feel safer.

 

[HappyMommy2]

Can someone help me understand the seatbelt? (I ask because I have a 3.5-year-old who should just meet the height requirement when we travel in a couple of months). He is mature enough to not try to unbuckle the seatbelt but I can imagine him sliding under a lap belt--is this "child loop" people are referring to a strap that goes between the legs that the main seatbelt passes through? That would make me feel much better!

Also, can you clarify--is the main seatbelt a car-type fastening seatbelt like in Star Tours or is it a loop-over-hook type belt like on Dumbo?

Not wanting to obsess over this but since DS is so young I want to be extra careful.

 

[maliboomer]

is this "child loop" people are referring to a strap that goes between the legs that the main seatbelt passes through? That would make me feel much better!

You got it in one, thats exactly what it's like.

 

[disboy21086]

Nope, not alone at all.

I understand it's "safe", but I just didn't feel safe. And I love everything - much rougher rides than Soarin'. I can ride RnR over and over until I'm blue in the face - doesn't phase me in the least.

Soarin' would be a wonderful experience for me if we had a lap bar or some other restraint. A fabric belt that I could concievably slip under does not make me feel safe. The extra, optional loop you can put the belt through is sized for children, not adults.

It's a shame, because it is an amazing ride. Just doesn't feel safe to me. Perhaps it's because I have a long torso and shorter legs, but I wish there was a more secure option for riding.

N.E.D.

I agree about the lap bar. i had the same expereience on Spalsh Mountain w/ a friend of mine, he said "where are the seat belts on this thing" lol

 

[alicenwonder99]

We rode this a few years ago at DCA. I also felt like I was going to fall out. I don't have a fear of heights, but this ride made me feel unsafe. My family thinks I'm nuts...lol! I rode this ride with 2 teenagers and my dh waited outside with our little ones. I came off the ride telling him no way could our 4 year old go on it. My teen said I was crazy and the 4 year old would be fine. Dh took dd4 on the ride. I worried so much about her while she was on the ride with dh. They came out and she LOVED it.

I'm taking my 2 youngest to WDW in December (just me), and they both want to ride Soarin'. They will be 5 and 7, and I guess I'll just have to be brave! lol!!!

I think I'll ask to sit in the lowest level.

Mary

 

[peter11435]

Nothing is "impossible".

It is quite conceivable that someone could slip under the seat belt, even following directions. Likely? Maybe not. But the laws of physics can't be beaten.

N.E.D.

Yes and the laws of physics would prove that a person of height x can NOT slip under the seat belt. The seat belt does not budge once you buckle it. Thus unless you are stupid it will be tight to your waist. Thus a person tall enough to ride could not fall out unless he tried to.

I challenge you to put your car seat belt on in its lockes position (if it has one) and try to slip out. You won't be able to without trying very very hard, if you can at all.

P.S. Many things are impossible. Also the word impossible does not only apply to things that are incapable of being done, but by definition also can apply to things felt to be impossible.

 

[peter11435]

Can someone help me understand the seatbelt? (I ask because I have a 3.5-year-old who should just meet the height requirement when we travel in a couple of months). He is mature enough to not try to unbuckle the seatbelt but I can imagine him sliding under a lap belt--is this "child loop" people are referring to a strap that goes between the legs that the main seatbelt passes through? That would make me feel much better!

Also, can you clarify--is the main seatbelt a car-type fastening seatbelt like in Star Tours or is it a loop-over-hook type belt like on Dumbo?

Not wanting to obsess over this but since DS is so young I want to be extra careful.

The seat belt is like Star Tours, and yes the loop goes between his legs. With the loop you would have nothing to worry about. Also it is impossible to unbuckle your seatbelt. Just like it is impossible to unbuckle your seat belt on any other WDW attraction while in motion.