Soarin...very disappointing

[qman6975]

One of our favorite attractions has always been Soarin. We were disappointed when it was closed for update during our 2016 trip and very much looked forward to seeing it during our most recent trip. Man, what a bummer...

Where to start, even though I’ve never been to Paris I’m quite sure the Eiffel Tower does not bend at a 30 degree angle at the top! I understand the limits of the technology and curbed screens but it just looks terrible. Also, why include the Taj Mahal when you aren’t allowed to film it, the CGI is so phony to the point of distraction. Speaking of CGI, many of the scene transitions seem a bit forced and a little too convenient.

On the positive the nature scenes are still beautiful and the preshow with Patrick is a classic.

It is no longer the ride that gets a round of applause at the end.

 

[FCDub]

Sorry you didn't enjoy it!

 

[randumb0]

I'm with you. I think they went way overboard with the cgi. The scene in Fiji where the guys are rowing doesn't look realistic either.

 

[Iowamomof4]

I feel the same. We loved it the first time we rode when it was Soarin' over California. How they could spend all that money and end up with a worse ride is really beyond me. So disappointing!

 

[andy117]

I don't understand why Soarin only has one flight. There should be a bunch of different ones similar to the way Star Tours has a bunch of variety.

 

[TIME4DIZ]

You shouldn’t have to, but requesting B1 is an easy way to improve the experience.
You may not love it, but it’s better.

 

[qman6975]

The center is definitely better...Taj Mahal still looks bad.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Awww...I'm disappointed now. My son and I were looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

 

[Shanti]

I like the new version better than the old one. The old version had obviously old footage, and was limited to California. This one has crisper visuals and shows sights from the whole world.

 

[qman6975]

Awww...I'm disappointed now. My son and I were looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

It’s still worth seeing, it just could be better.

 

[qman6975]

I like the new version better than the old one. The old version had obviously old footage, and was limited to California. This one has crisper visuals and shows sights from the whole world.

Agreed but the bent Eiffel Tower and the CGI Taj Mahal weight down the whole attraction.

 

[DavidNYC]

Some good stuff but to me to open the ride without having figured out the warping is pretty unforgivable especially for Disney. I always wait for the center section for that reason.

 

[Kingdome8]

Awww...I'm disappointed now. My son and I were looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

You will love it. It’s a great ride. The smells and all are fun

 

[Tiggerlover91]

It’s still worth seeing, it just could be better.

Ok! We'll still give it a try!

You will love it. It’s a great ride. The smells and all are fun

I will keep it on our to do list!

 

[MommaBerd]

Ok! We'll still give it a try!



I will keep it on our to do list!

And as a PP suggested, ask to be in section B (the center). You may possibly have to wait for the next flight, but it’s worth it, especially if it’s your first time seeing it.

 

[richmo]

I think I have to agree that I prefer the older version better. While there was definitely some trickery on the old version (Mickey on the golf ball, etc.), the constant forced transitions, extensive CGI and distortion from sections A and C take away from any concept of reality on the new one. The older one still had that.

That said, its still a "must do" for me at Epcot and I'll make every effort to see it anytime I'm there.

Going forward, I would love to see different experiences at Soarin', similar to how Star Tours operates...so you wouldn't even know which experience out of several you would see. I'm not sure how difficult it is to match the "erector set" movement to the film...depends on how they programmed it. If its strictly mechanical and not really matched to the film via software, worst case they could create films that match the existing movement. (Of course an added level of complexity is the smells...)