There's no denying that you do get lifted up into the air. That being said, the ride is very smooth and calm. There are sections of the ride that are lower than others (I know that someone on here will know which section is lowest). You could probably ask a cast member if you could be in that section.
Soarin is a great ride. You hardly even notice that you are off the ground, however the movie makes you feel that you are high up. The lowest section is the third row(furthest from the screen). You hardly even feel the lift no matter what section you are on. Just relax and enjoy.
I am terrified of heights and I've done Soarin' at both DL and WDW. I love it! You have to try it once and you can always close your eyes! If you're still nervous have a word with one of the CMs, I'm sure they can make sure you get the back row.
We also love Soarin. Since everything is dark, you don't really know how far up you are. Once the movie starts you aren't paying attention to how high you are either.
I hate heights, but I love Soarin! If you are really concerned ask to sit in the third row for the first time. It doesn't go up as high. I'm betting that you will want to go on and sit in the first row after that. It's a great ride.
I am terrified of wide open heights and let me tell you I thought I was going to faint to the ground on Soarin. Don't let anyone tell you that you hardly know you're off the ground because you absolutely do know you are. That being said, I did go on 2 times with my family (they love it) and I am very glad I experienced it. I ended up closing my eyes and was fine when I wasn't looking . Go on and try it, you'll be happy you did.
I don't like heights either, but this ride didn't bother me. One thing that made me feel better is that you are strapped in a seatbelt and you have a bar in front of you. The seatbelt made me feel really secure.
My son is afraid of heights too and he did fine. He kind of got mad at me when he realized that it would got up but after we got on the ride he was fine. It's not really that high. The movie is what makes the ride.
I don't think it really matters what row you are in when you are "soarin' over California" . It's so real, you might just as well be flying over mountains and the ocean. I saw grown men lift of their feet so they wouldn't get "wet"!!!!!
That said, coming from a big chicken, it's not scary. It's too good to miss!