Soaring Epcot

[toyota631]

Has anyone been able to watch the screen from the side. My son can not sit in a regular seat, he has to stay in his wheelchair. He would like to see the show.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's not possible to watch from the side; at least no one has ever posted about doing it and someone who asked about doing it was told no.
Even if they would allow it, I'm not sure how much could be seen. The 3 rows of hang glider seats would probably almost completely block the view.

Also, I thought I would post this slide about Soarin' that shows the seats. I don't know what your son's disability is, but some people who are not able to sit in a regular ride seat have been able to go in Soarin'.

 

[toyota631]

Thanks Sue The info is great. I guess we will do parent swap.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

Cast Members request that you park by the pole and walk (or are carried) the few feet to your seat. They will allow you to park right next to the seat and move your chair if you request it. Since I have breathing problems, I pulled the seatbelt all the way out looped it around the armrest (a tip I got from the Pooh sized thread). I was completely secure. The second time I rode a cast member made me unloop the seatbelt but I left it slack and was fine. I also used the strap between the legs for extra security. Grandma held my right arm and Dad was on my left with an arm in front and an arm in back. I was very secure-no problems-and I cannot sit up in any chair or surface (besides my wheelchair) without being held up. DO NOT ask if you can have a family member support you on the ride (made this mistake at DL).

 

[SueM in MN]

Cast Members request that you park by the pole and walk (or are carried) the few feet to your seat. They will allow you to park right next to the seat and move your chair if you request it. Since I have breathing problems, I pulled the seatbelt all the way out looped it around the armrest (a tip I got from the Pooh sized thread). I was completely secure. The second time I rode a cast member made me unloop the seatbelt but I left it slack and was fine. I also used the strap between the legs for extra security. Grandma held my right arm and Dad was on my left with an arm in front and an arm in back. I was very secure-no problems-and I cannot sit up in any chair or surface (besides my wheelchair) without being held up. DO NOT ask if you can have a family member support you on the ride (made this mistake at DL).

Thanks, I was hoping you would post. You were who I was thinking of.

We have never been asked to park DD's wheelchair in any specific place for the transfer. I can transfer her on Soarin' all by myself. I park her wheelchair next to the seat, actually touching the seat. Then I stand her up and just lift her the short distance into the seat, sort of slide her over or (if she's having a good day) have her stand and pivot her over to get into the seat. Then I unlock the wheelchair and usually a CM takes it over by the post. After riding, we do the same.
When DH is with, he parks the wheelchair about 5 feet away, lifts her out and carries her to the seat.
We also us the small strap that goes between the legs. It does give a better feeling of security. When the ride is in action, the seats actually tilt up in the front a little bit. That makes the back of the chair go down a little so that you are a tiny bit reclined. It doesn't really show well in the pictures, but the seats are a mesh material that gives a little with your weight, providing a little bit of a cradle effect - that also makes you feel more secure.

PS - for the OP
In her signature, there is a link to eternaldisneyfan's excellent trip report. Since she and her sister can't sit in a chair or surface without being held up, you might find some very helpful information in that thread.
If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is also a link to that thread in post #3.

 

[silvergoldberry]

We did a full transfer with Jack at Soarin a couple weeks ago. We brought the power wheelchair right up to the seat at 90 degrees and it took two of us to pivot him into the ride seat.

The cast members were great and didn't rush us at all either getting him into or out of the seat.

Jack has trouble sitting up by himself, too. but was OK in the seats at Soarin. I think it was his favorite ride because he can't ride roller coasters anymore.