Soarin' "preview"?

[BelleCat]

Hi All,
I have a family member who is a bit claustrophobic & somewhat "concerned" about heights, and will not ride Soarin' for fear of having a panic attack. (More afraid of the unknown, I believe). Anyway... My question is: Could he be permitted to see a theater loaded up and the cars lift up so he can decide once he sees what it involves?
Thanks! BelleCat

 

[anniemae]

I'm not sure if they would allow that, but I suppose he could ask. I would request the bottom row so its not so high.

 

[Anonny]

My husband's first time, he was buckled in and realized the bench was going to raise up. He bolted! Before I could reassure him, he was to the exit door and out just in the nick of time. I don't think he could have stood by the door and watch the seats go up and watch the movie from the side, but that would be cool.

A year later, he did do the full ride. Could be because we were with friends and the peer pressure / support helped bolster his courage. He says now that he would do it again.

 

[Robo]

Hi All,
I have a family member who is a bit claustrophobic & somewhat "concerned" about heights, and will not ride Soarin' for fear of having a panic attack. (More afraid of the unknown, I believe). Anyway... My question is: Could he be permitted to see a theater loaded up and the cars lift up so he can decide once he sees what it involves?
Thanks! BelleCat

Safety regulations do not allow anyone not in the seats to be in the seating area of the theater as the show begins, or during the show.
(There is a cast member in the theater, but not in the area under where the seats fly and land.)

 

[HopperFan]

No.

DD worked there.

CM will be in the tower, control area by screen where they can watch everyone on monitors.

No one is permitted in glider path area.

I'm afraid of heights, I hate that part of the ride. If they actually have panic attacks (DS does) no way the ride is worth that. They should skip it.

 

[DisneyOma]

You could find some videos on YouTube. They had some footage of the making of Soarin' at one time. You can see the ride mechanism that way.

 

[ElsieAstronaut]

I agree watching videos of the ride, and especially if you can find behind the scenes/making of the ride, would be a great start.

I do have to say, I can't imagine there would be an issue with the claustrophobia aspect. It feels very open and airy, with a nice breeze. I would think it would be the perceived height that could be an issue.

 

[aretha30]

I would have them watch videos of the ride. All of us have a huge fear of heights and we love Soarin'. Our 8yr old who won't ride anything else because of heights and drops says this is his favorite ride.

 

[JayRee]

I have a fear of heights along with a touch of Vertigo. I really wanted to try this ride, however I too had a fear of the unknown. I took my wrist bands (the type you get for motion sickness) and tried it. For me it wasn't that bad. I stayed focus on the sights, tried not to look down and when I got a touch of motion I stared at a fixed point until it subsided. I was in the middle section. I can't wait to go again on this trip and have a fast pass for it. I will request the bottom row. I agree with one of the posts regarding Youtube. I did view a "behind the scenes" video before my last trip and it reassured me.

 

[a742246]

If you are able to convince your family member to ride soaring, I would ask the CM to seat you on the lowest level. I believe the lowest level only raises about 10 feet off the ground.

 

[dburg30]

That was my suggestion, dont know if they will work with you or not, but there is no 'perceived' height on the highest one, you are up there pretty good. The lowest one would be much lower, but still off the ground. I'll agree claustrophobia I dont think would be a concern. But heights could be.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Well, claustrophobia is an irrational fear of confined spaces... if you think of the seat belt as creating a "confined space", I can see where this might feel like claustrophobia. I do know that for some people once that belt locks, you can certainly feel like you have lost any sense of "control" and can't "escape". This could definitely precipitate a panic attack.... and don't ask me how I know that

Soarin' is one of my favorite rides... biofeedback can be your friend.

 

[BrianL]

If you are able to convince your family member to ride soaring, I would ask the CM to seat you on the lowest level. I believe the lowest level only raises about 10 feet off the ground.

Yes, try to get the back row as it doesn't raise nearly as high as the top row. I had been on Soarin' many times before one time I looked down and noticed just how high that top row actually is from the floor. It's really up there! Now, if you just stare at the screen, you won't notice it at all, so if they try to get the back row and don't look down, that will be the best for them should they decide to try it.