Waiting for top row on Soarin'

[cinderkelli]

So everyone always says the top row on Soarin is the best right? So I am wondering if it is usually a lot longer wait for the top row. If it is, is it worth the wait? Also, we plan on using fastpass for this so can we get to the top row faster if we have FP?

I have never ridden before so I want the best experience possible!!

 

[Julylady]

The person collecting the Fast Passes is not the same person that determines your row, so using a FP will make no difference.

In my experience, the top row is definitely better and worth waiting for.

One caution. Last week I (politely) asked the CM if we could wait for the first row. She made it clear that she was NOT HAPPY about the request although she did let us wait. I don't know if her reaction is typical or if she was just having a bad day.

 

[LiteBrite]

The person collecting the Fast Passes is not the same person that determines your row, so using a FP will make no difference.

In my experience, the top row is definitely better and worth waiting for.

One caution. Last week I (politely) asked the CM if we could wait for the first row. She made it clear that she was NOT HAPPY about the request although she did let us wait. I don't know if her reaction is typical or if she was just having a bad day.

We've had that same reaction from the Soarin CMs more than once - they make it very clear by their attitude and tone of voice that they don't like it one bit, but then they go ahead and let us do it.

 

[Leash]

We always ask for the top. Usually we get sent to the next waiting area to stand in the line for the front. However if they are all full we just stand to the side and wait till they start letting people in for the next show. We have only had to wait about an extra 5 min.

 

[challada]

Of the hundreds of times we have been on Soarin' in DCA, only once did we not ride in the front center row...we ALWAYS as "Would it be OK if we wait for the next cuing to get the front center row?" and have NEVER been told "no". We make it clear every time that we want to wait an extra cuing and the CMs always send us to stand along the wall by the center section until they cue up the next load...then they send us to the front center.

In WDW last week, we asked the exact same question as we always do in CA and got "well, you know you would have to wait for the next cue". I explained to him that it was exactly what we WANTED to do and he was fine w/that. Had us wait against a pillar instead of wall, but then cued us into the next cuing group. I got the impression that not alot of folks ask this in WDW compared to how many of us are used to asking in DCA.

Anyway, my advice is to always ask by saying you would gladly wait for the next cuing of the ride and they will accommodate you.

 

[larryhog]

My son and I were there in early December last year. It was not very busy, and we asked to wait for the first row. The CM was very rude and told us all the seats were the same, and we could not wait for the first row. The second time we rode it we asked and the CM was very nice and put us in the front row for the next ride. I guess alot depends on who is working when you ask. However, that was the first time I can remember in all the times we been to WDW and Universal someone not letting us wait to get in the front row of a ride.

 

[kirbsam]

i dont think you should have a problem doing this, but really besides seeing a couple of feet, if you concentrate on the screen you dont even notice the others above you and when you swoop down near the water and over the orange groves it looks like you are closer to the action on the bottom, just another opinion.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

The CM was very rude and told us all the seats were the same, and we could not wait for the first row. .

Should have told him you wanted to see a supervisor...He would have let you go!!

It cracks me up that CM's think after paying the $$$ you do to go to Disney, they can tell the customer what they can and can't do.

 

[keishashadow]

We've sat in every row & as long as you concentrate the view is about the same.

I will admit that the front row is better but, conversely, the cars on the end also have limitations.

This ride loads fast. I've observed parties demanding to be seated in the front row when others are obviously in place for that spot...pretty rude IMO.

If you really think it's imperative that you have the front row, ask the CM if you can step aside until the next batch of folk are ushered into place.

Enjoy the magic.

 

[debbiepump]

Just get on the ride!!!! After waiting for up to 70 minutes for a ride, I'd be happy to sit anywhere. Can you imagine how long the waits would be if ALL of us picked and chose our seats??!!?? These poor CM's, the patience they have. I can guarantee you they don't get paid enough.

 

[Deweysgirl]

My DD has a strange foot phobe (please don't ask! ) She was so grossed out by seeing everyone's feet dangling that she didn't even want to ride it ever again. Now that I know there may be an option to avoid the foot problem, I will request it next time we go. I will gladly wait, I love Soarin' and I would like for her to enjoy it too, rather than focusing on people's feet!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Deweysgirl - there's actually a name for that: briophobia!

As for the front row, I've ridden in every row in sections A and B (never C, for whatever reason, not that the view would be that different ). California Adventure is WAY better at granting this request than Florida - when I've asked for the front row in Epcot, I've been told since I'm using an ECV I can't have it. Not for any safety reason - simply because the ECV will only fit in the queue for Row 3... uh huh... anyway, at DCA, sometimes I've asked (the worst that can happen is they say no) and sometimes I've just been placed in the first row!

 

[safetymom]

I don't think there is a bad seat on Soarin. Yes the first row doesn't have feet in front of you but that never bothered me. You see something different every time you ride. If it was going to be awhile I would take whatever row they put me in.

 

[cvjw]

I have ridden on all three rows, and definately think row 1 is the best. Everytime I have asked for row 1, the CM has accomodated the request. After riding in Row 1, it is hard to ride in row 2 or 3. The ride is great from all rows, but being in Row 1 is almost magical.

 

[garada3]

Which row goes the highest up in the air?

I have a DS that does not like heights. He wants to ride but is hoping that one row doesn't go up as high.

What is the restraint systme like? Belts? Bars? Over the shoulder bars?

Thanks

Lisa

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

Which row goes the highest up in the air?

I have a DS that does not like heights. He wants to ride but is hoping that one row doesn't go up as high.

What is the restraint systme like? Belts? Bars? Over the shoulder bars?

Thanks

Lisa

Row 1 goes the highest. That's why you don't see feet!!
(I also like row 1 the best, but the rest are fine too.... just happy to be able to ride!!!)

Oh, and the ride has a seatbelt. Little ones get an extra belt that goes between their legs and through the seatbelt.

 

[Barbday62]

Seeing the feet isnt the problem. Its the dangle that gets me. Next time you ride watch how many feet dangle back and forth the entire ride. Ill bet most of us do it too. The front is worth waiting to do once but the dangle feet are not enough to make me want to wait everytime.

 

[buzz2400]

We always ask for the front row and are accomodated but we always end up at the end of the screen. This upcoming trip I am going to ask for the middle screen and not care what row I am in.