Soarin'

[LBAK]

I know this is going to make me sound Disney Challenged but here goes. I read these boards everyday and I still have no idea what kind of ride Soarin' is going to be. Can someone tell me?

 

[madalex]

I won't do it justice, but essentially there are several rows of seats and you get strapped into a seat with your legs dangling. The rows of seats are lifted into the air and then moved in close to a giant, somewhat bowl shaped screen. On the screen, a "movie" is shown which consists of ariel views moving through various scenes (such as over a river, through a canyon, over orange groves, etc.). While certain of the scenes are showing, scents are pumped in (such as orange scent over the orange groves) to make it seem more like you are there. It is a great ride and really does give a decent impression that you actually are experiencing the scenes you see.

 

[markºoº]

The idea of the ride is to give your the feeling of hang gliding over different parts of California. The ride is very gentle and the combination of mild movement and the large screen does give you the feeling of flying.

It is a neat ride but people should not overhype it. Soarin' is not a fantastic thrill type ride. It is a pleasant ride that I would enjoy going on again. Some, I'm sure, will be very disappointed because they expected more of a thrill. Yes, it is the most popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure but that park is not know for its fantastic rides.

 

[Bellefan66]

On the same subject, WHICH park is it supposed to be in? I'v read so much about it,but can't seem to recall where it's to be.Thanks guys!

 

[timandlesley]

It is going to be in Epcot, I can't wait.

Lesley

 

[missypie]

We rode it at DCA when DD was 7. She had been scared on some of dark rides, so her opinion was so sweet - she said "It's just so pleasant." That sums it up. Not a thrill ride. Just an extremely pleasant experience.

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

"It's just so pleasant."

That is a great analogy. Hubby calls it the Spaceship Earth of Disneyland...not because it is anything like Spaceship Earth, but because no matter what you are doing in the park, you could just be running in for a last minute souvenier, you will run over there to ride it before you leave. We do that with Spaceship Earth, whenever we are at Epcot we ride it regardless of what is going on. It is a great ride without being a "Thrill ride". I am one that gets motion sickness pretty easily and I was very hesitant the first time because it is basically the equivalent of an IMAX theater screen...but I LOVED it. Can't wait for it to open at WDW.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

For those who have done this... Are the seats hard to climb into? DGF is 87 and while I think he would enjoy the experience he has had a broken hip and cannot move as freely as he used to. If they are low enough he could just sit down no problem though. Thanks!

 

[daannzzz]

For those who have done this... Are the seats hard to climb into? DGF is 87 and while I think he would enjoy the experience he has had a broken hip and cannot move as freely as he used to. If they are low enough he could just sit down no problem though. Thanks!

He should be able to ride this. http://www.disneylandtoday.com/CaliforniaAdventure/livepics/soarinca3.jpg
Essentially you can just sit down in the seat. Unless you are very short there is no need to climb up a bit or anything.

 

[Michelle2]

No, the seats are not hard to climb into , in my opinion. They are just regular seats in a stationary position. They lift up when the ride starts. At first it just looks like normal rows of seats, and then the first row goes up the highest, the second is in the middle, and the 3rd row is on the bottom. You can look up and see the feet of the next row above you dangling. It is a very very gentle and relaxing ride, and I think if your DGF can get in and out of a normal chair ok, then he would love this easy going ride.
The music in itself is wonderful, I have bought the DCA cd just to have the soaring music!!

 

[Sister Spooky]

Is this at Epcot, or will it be soon?

 

[DissyLove]

you can take kind of a virtual tour of the ride, if you want to see how it works, on the disney web site www.disneyworld.com go to the attractions in Epcot section and click on the info of Soarin, that is how I learned about it.

 

[liveforthemagic]

So for those of us who are terrified of heights--and/or falling from high places (lol) this ride would be ok? any idea how long it is? and anybody experience it with rather dramatic 7 year DD? Not sure if she'll go for it....

Thanks!

 

[kutchyone]

Looks great, can't wait for June to get here already.

 

[daannzzz]

If you sit back and don't look down it might be okay. It is essentially mimicing a Hang Gliding trip. The seats are suspended 20-40 feet in the air in front of an Omnimax dome that is situated on its side so the picture "fills" your vision. If you lean forward a bit and look down you will see the landscape passing below you so it can feel like you are hundreds of feet up in the air even though you are no higher than 40.

 

[cmonroe]

Is this at Epcot, or will it be soon?

They are installing this at Epcot. Specifically in "The Land" building.
It is supposed to be open in May of this year.

 

[Alice28]

Pleasant is a perfect way of describing it; I could not keep the smile off of my face the whole time riding it...loved it. A very gentle experience, I guess it's kind of high, but you're really not looking down, you're looking at the screen. I don't think anyone would have a problem getting into the seats- the are low to the ground like a seat at Muppets 3-D at first; only after the ride begins to you lift up. If anyone in your group does have a problem with heights, ask a CM to put you in the row that doesn't go up the highest (I think it's the 3rd row).

 

[WheresGoofy]

It will be nice to have Soarin' at both DCA and WDW. This is one of the rides my dw has to ride multiple times. The scenery is beautiful that you see during your flight and being able to smell the oranges, the pine trees, and the other scents as you fly over increases the experience. I am looking forward to our next family get together at WDW. I want my parents to ride it. They will probably never go to DL. Just remember to store loose shoes on the launch pad or in the storage area under the seat.

 

[ganggreen4jc]

Just rode this for the umteenth time, last Friday night at DCA. Still a great attraction, but not a thrill ride.

FYI - I've gone on Soarin with Mrs. GG's friend, who is a severe acrophobic and, while she did enjoy the ride somewhat, she can't bring herself to go again because of her fear of heights.

FYI, part II - Saw an elderly gentleman with a cane go on this ride last Friday. He had no trouble at all getting on the ride and simply layed his cane on the ground in front of his seat.

FYI, part III - This is a great ride to go barefooted on!!!

 

[vicb]

Looks cool, just hope I don't get motion sick on it!