Soarin Question, please help

[timandlesley]

Hi, a friend of mine will be visiting Disney next week and wants to do Soarin' with her kids, but is afraid due to her motion sickness. She said she could handle it if it's just "soarin'" but wanted me to ask here if there are any sudden drops, etc. that would be included in the ride. For those of you who have ridden this can you help?
Thanks,
Lesley

 

[KilleriMac17]

it is mostly visual, the seats do a gentle swing back and forth(like a rocking chair), but only at certain times, I personnally didnt think the ride was anything to write home about, but if she starts to feel weird, just close your eyes for a few seconds and you will be fine. but there are no sudden drops.

 

[safetymom]

Soarin is an awesome ride. No big dips or anything. When you are going over the mountain it seems a little high so I just closed my eyes the first time.

 

[MdmMim]

For my first ride, I was in row A and did feel some motion sickness. The second time, I was in row B and felt very little illness. It wasn't actual motion from the seat that bothered me, but it was what I saw on the screen that got my stomach going (you feel like you're really moving!) Fortunately, I could close my eyes for a bit and things got better. I can't wait to go again, so it isn't really bad at all!

 

[ncbyrne]

For my first ride, I was in row A and did feel some motion sickness. The second time, I was in row B and felt very little illness.

How many rows are there, and which row is at the top? My BIL was there last week and since he is afraid to fly, he didn't go on Soarin'. Do you get the feeling as if you are flying in an open plane - or the sensation that you could fall out? I'm concerned about motion sickness for myself, but also the height factor.

 

[DanceRC28]

There are 3 rows in each "car". IMO, the first row is the the best because there are no feet dangling in front of you. The rows are put at different heights to try to alleviate this problem, but I still found the feet somewhat distracting. The ride is spectacular though and not one to be missed. It's very gentle and smooth! Have fun!

Renee

 

[safetymom]

There are 3 rows. The first row is great but there isn't a bad seat. It simulates hang gliding where you feel like you are really doing it.

 

[BelleM77]

My husband is afraid of heights and LOVES Soarin'. He HAS to go on it everytime we go to DL.

RE: motion sickness, I get motion sickness REALLY easily and I have never gotten sick on it. I can't ride Star Tours but for some reason, I'm totally fine on Soarin' no matter where I sit.

 

[PamNC]

I get motion sick and it did not make me sick at all. It does "dip" a little and turn but I wouldn't call it sudden drops.

PamNC

 

[Luv4Disney]

It's so gentle and relaxing! I doubt there should be a problem. It's a very calming experience. However, do get the first row, even if you wait a couple of extra minutes. There's a big difference between the 2nd and 3rd rows and the first.

 

[mill4023]

My wife is prone to motion sickness. She loved Soarin. The scene where you fly over the city at night made her stomach just a tiny bit uneasy but it wasn't a big deal.

 

[marriedmarylander]

Think of it like an Imax film... That's all it is basically except you are elevated. You don't go anywhere.

 

[qtwns]

Take it from the Queen of Motion Sickness, Soarin' is great! Just a smooth rocking motion. The CM for one of our rides told us that there was one swoop that would be more noticable than the others, but we couldn't tell at all. Also, there is a cool "breeze" blowing on your face the whole time, so that may help to ward off any ill effects. Enjoy!!

 

[ReninDetroit]

How many rows are there, and which row is at the top? My BIL was there last week and since he is afraid to fly, he didn't go on Soarin'. Do you get the feeling as if you are flying in an open plane - or the sensation that you could fall out? I'm concerned about motion sickness for myself, but also the height factor.

You wouldn't even know you were up high if they didn't physically lift you. Unless you look down, you don't feel "high".

You definately don't feel like you're going to fall out, the seats are VERY sturdy. When I rode in DCA I was worried about this but it's not bad at all. They're very solid, you're not going to fall out and you don't feel like you will.

As for "open plane" - I'm not sure what this feels like, but basically you don't feel anything on Soarin' if you close your eyes. It's all visual. No sudden drops, no sharp turns. Just gentle turning, probably no more than 20 degrees. Not bad at all. I believe there is one portion where the camera angle looks down and the chairs tip forward just ever so slighly, but the camera makes you feel like you're going down, even though you're definately still level. (And even if you weren't the restraints wouldn't let you fall out if you were upside down lol.)

I hate roller coasters and I have virtual rides, but Soarin' is my absolute favorite Disney ride. I can't handle Star Tours, Body Wars, or any of the rollercoasters except Goofy's Barnstormer, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Soarin'.

 

[ReninDetroit]

Think of it like an Imax film... That's all it is basically except you are elevated. You don't go anywhere.

Yep. That's basically it.

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks, we'll be there in a week and personally I can't wait (no motion sickness problems here). I will share all of this with her and she will be thrilled. Thanks for all of the great feedback.

Disney here we come!!! (4 more days baby!)

Lesley