Soarin'

[2Pirates_1Princess]

I know this is a stupid paranoid mommy question but How good are the seatbelts/safety bar or whatever? My 4 yo meets hight req, but just worried going that high and not being in the seat securely?

Not a stupid Mommy question. We are going in June and I am already having night sweats about some of the rides. I have DD4, DS7, and DS9. I am terrified of them trying to get off a ride because they are scared and not being able to stop them. It was a question I was going to ask myself.

 

[LilGMom]

I too am afraid of heights but love this ride! I've been in the front 'glider' and as long as I wasn't trying to look down at the ground and lost myself in the ride I was fine. My five yr. old reached over and held my hand the first time and told me "You'll be fine" (he had just ridden it with dh).

 

[LilGMom]

Not a stupid Mommy question. We are going in June and I am already having night sweats about some of the rides. I have DD4, DS7, and DS9. I am terrified of them trying to get off a ride because they are scared and not being able to stop them. It was a question I was going to ask myself.

You wear a seatbelt and if the rider isn't taller than a marked line on the back of the seat you are instructed to thread the lap belt through another strap that goes up between the legs. Once that belt is latched and tight you aren't moving. My five yr. old rode it and I think I checked his belt a half dozen times before we went up.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The preshow stresses that the little kids should wear the harness strap provided, but anyone can wear it if they want. I'm not scared of heights, but hey, I'm all for being more secure. If you're at all concerned you can use it. I also think for your first ride it wouldn't hurt to aks for the third row. The first row is the best, IMHO, but if you're timid then the third row would be best for you. You will clearly be able to see the feet of the people above you, so that helps to break the illusion of height, so to speak.

 

[TinkerKim]

Soarin is my all time favorite ride!!!!!!!!!! Just like hang gliding!!

 

[ForeverDance]

I think it totally depends on the person.

My DH is terrible on heights (refused to go on Expedition Everest) but agreed to give Soarin' a try. He loved it! He said anytime he felt himself getting nervous he would just look to the side of the theatre which eliminates the feeling of flying over the landscapes.

On the other side my DS12 as far as we knew was only a little "apprehensive" of heights (went on and loved Expedition Everest). He had a full out panic attack on Soarin'. When he got off he was shaking and crying (we are talking a 12 year old boy out in public). He has asthma so of course he also had an asthma attack which I'm sure did not help either.

 

[boysmom5150]

Not a stupid Mommy question. We are going in June and I am already having night sweats about some of the rides. I have DD4, DS7, and DS9. I am terrified of them trying to get off a ride because they are scared and not being able to stop them. It was a question I was going to ask myself.

Thanks for mommy confidence boost, even though one of us will be with him all the time(we have to do baby swap also have DS1) he isnt afraid of heights or really anything but he is 4 so you just dont know what goes through their little minds, maybe he would squirm and slide out of the seat.Thanks again

You wear a seatbelt and if the rider isn't taller than a marked line on the back of the seat you are instructed to thread the lap belt through another strap that goes up between the legs. Once that belt is latched and tight you aren't moving. My five yr. old rode it and I think I checked his belt a half dozen times before we went up.

Thanks for the info, I feel much better that there is a stap between the legs.

 

[boysmom5150]

sorry double post

 

[fonsy]

Do you get to choose where you want to be seated (bottom or top), or is it random?

 

[NU2WDW]

I read in my two guide books that the hang gliders lift 45 feet off the ground,is that true?

Thanks=)

45 feet?!?!?!

I thought this was just like an Imax show, where you "felt" like you were lifted, I didn't know you ACTUALLY got lifted. Ooooh boy.... looks like another ride old height-phobia Mom is gonna chicken out of!

 

[DeadHead]

I'm another that is scared to death of heights, but I had no problem with Soarin, have ridden it on all three levels and never had a problem. Great experience, do it!

 

[WindFlower]

I got really nervous right before we went on it. I was shaking a bit and getting really sweaty! It was ok- I feel like you are pretty high up there. After about half way through I got comfortable and enjoyed it, but I can see how someone can get really really panicky on it if they are afraid of heights.

 

[kribit]

We loved Soarin. We sat in the front row, but I'd be very surprised if it lifted 45 ft off the ground. I'd be curious to know if this is accurate, but it certainly didn't feel like 45 ft.

My 4yo dd, who doesn't typically like Thrill Rides loved it. It wasn't scary at all.

 

[skier_pete]

OK, I have to admit, I can ride any ride at Disney, and the only one that bothers me at all is Soarin', as I am a afraid of heights. (As you can see by my name, I am a skier, but I also hate chairlifts...go figure.) Anyways, simple piece of advice, when you go on the ride, tell the CM that sorts you that you you are afraid of heights and would prefer to be in the back/bottom row of seats. They will take care of you. I was in the top/front row on the end the first time, and could not fully enjoy the ride looking down. It is not 45 feet down, but probably about 20 feet, which is the same difference if you fell. The second time I was in the back/bottom row, and it was only about 6 feet down, MUCH BETTER. The top row gives a slightly better effect in that you don't have a dozen pairs of sneakers hanging down in front of you, but it isn't enough difference if it freaks you out.

So, in short, ride it, but ask for the back/bottom row...I'm sure they will accomadate you.

SkierPete

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I was extremely nervous to ride it. I have a very uncontrollable laugh when I am nervous and it came out loud and clear the first time. I closed my eyes every so often and clung on to my DH. I lifted my feet even knowing that I wasn't going to hit anything. BUT......after it was over we turned around and did it again because it is now my favorite attraction!

 

[LilGMom]

On the other side my DS12 as far as we knew was only a little "apprehensive" of heights (went on and loved Expedition Everest). He had a full out panic attack on Soarin'. When he got off he was shaking and crying (we are talking a 12 year old boy out in public). He has asthma so of course he also had an asthma attack which I'm sure did not help either.

Did he by chance have an asthma attack from the scents that get sprayed? I have read of a few people having their asthma (sorry I'm not sure what the correct terminology is) flare up because of the scents. And I'm not trying to downplay any few of heights that he has at all, I hope that I'm wording what I'm trying to say right.

According to AllEarsNet the top tier goes about 40 feet up in the air and the bottom tier goes up about 10 feet.

 

[Sparkled]

I am absolutely terrified of heights! And yet I love that ride.

 

[gayles]

Can a 4 1/2 Pregnant women ride Soarin . She has been on a ride before so is aware of how it feels??

 

[Vemnox]

Can a 4 1/2 Pregnant women ride Soarin . She has been on a ride before so is aware of how it feels??

Soarin' is safe for pregnant women. There is no safety posting against it.

 

[2Pirates_1Princess]

Thanks for all the great information. I will make sure that my DD4 has the extra strap even if she dosn't need it. I will try to controll my own hysteria and remember to breath and I am sure everything will be fine.