Maleficent's Dad
Married to the Red Head
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
- Messages
- 329
We just did the DVC Soarin’ tour yesterday morning, so I can attempt to clear up a few things.
1. There were 16 people on our tour. There would’ve been more, but 2 other groups were no-shows. Apparently there are frequently groups that blow it off. Speculation was that since it’s ”free,” no one feels compelled to get there.
2. When reservations are made, the CM will heavily emphasize the need to be at Guest Services by 7 A.M. Everyone was there by 7, but they didn’t take us until closer to 7:30.
3. You must meet at the front of the park. Definitely no IG. And you have to get there on your own (drive your car or ride share) as no buses are running that early. Also, the Epcot parking lot is not yet opened at that time, so there’s a security guard telling you that you cannot enter yet. So just explain that you’re on the DVC Soarin’ tour.
4. Once you’re parked/dropped off, walk to the main entrance area. Security will definitely stop you there, and then you wait for the tour guide.
5, You need a park pass & ressie to Epcot that day as they do scan your band.
6. You pass through the same security as if you were entering normally.
7, They check everyone in, give you a name tag and listening device (like a smaller Walkman on a lanyard). An ear piece plugs in and goes around your ear.
8, The CM walks you over to Soarin’ through an empty Epcot. She gave us a brief history of all things Disney, sticking strictly to the company line(s).
9. I learned 2 things on this tour - one was about the land pavilion’s design (actually learned several things about the design), and one cool tidbit about who the original chief flight attendant was supposed to be (not Patrick!).
10. You briefly go backstage between The Land and Soarin’.
11. You enter the Soarin’ staging area (A, B, & C) from a side door, then ride.
12. The guide is at the exit at ride’s end. She slowly walks you to The Land main concourse, chatting and answering questions. You will not be free to go until 8:30 when EMH has already started. There are no keepsakes offered.
The tour is 1 hour or less, so the 7 A.M. time gives a huge buffer.
All in all a good experience, but by no means a game changer. Glad I got to do it, but I won’t be looking to do it again. DW and I thought we’d get a lot more on Soarin’, see more machinery and backstage ops. It was more of an oral history of Disney, leading to Epcot, throw in a good piece of Soarin’ history, then go on a ride. I’m not bashing it, I was just hoping to see/learn more.
1. There were 16 people on our tour. There would’ve been more, but 2 other groups were no-shows. Apparently there are frequently groups that blow it off. Speculation was that since it’s ”free,” no one feels compelled to get there.
2. When reservations are made, the CM will heavily emphasize the need to be at Guest Services by 7 A.M. Everyone was there by 7, but they didn’t take us until closer to 7:30.
3. You must meet at the front of the park. Definitely no IG. And you have to get there on your own (drive your car or ride share) as no buses are running that early. Also, the Epcot parking lot is not yet opened at that time, so there’s a security guard telling you that you cannot enter yet. So just explain that you’re on the DVC Soarin’ tour.
4. Once you’re parked/dropped off, walk to the main entrance area. Security will definitely stop you there, and then you wait for the tour guide.
5, You need a park pass & ressie to Epcot that day as they do scan your band.
6. You pass through the same security as if you were entering normally.
7, They check everyone in, give you a name tag and listening device (like a smaller Walkman on a lanyard). An ear piece plugs in and goes around your ear.
8, The CM walks you over to Soarin’ through an empty Epcot. She gave us a brief history of all things Disney, sticking strictly to the company line(s).
9. I learned 2 things on this tour - one was about the land pavilion’s design (actually learned several things about the design), and one cool tidbit about who the original chief flight attendant was supposed to be (not Patrick!).
10. You briefly go backstage between The Land and Soarin’.
11. You enter the Soarin’ staging area (A, B, & C) from a side door, then ride.
12. The guide is at the exit at ride’s end. She slowly walks you to The Land main concourse, chatting and answering questions. You will not be free to go until 8:30 when EMH has already started. There are no keepsakes offered.
The tour is 1 hour or less, so the 7 A.M. time gives a huge buffer.
All in all a good experience, but by no means a game changer. Glad I got to do it, but I won’t be looking to do it again. DW and I thought we’d get a lot more on Soarin’, see more machinery and backstage ops. It was more of an oral history of Disney, leading to Epcot, throw in a good piece of Soarin’ history, then go on a ride. I’m not bashing it, I was just hoping to see/learn more.
Can’t win ‘em all
