What is Soarin' like??

[All Aboard]

Could someone describe Soarin' Over California to me? Where do you sit/stand? Where is the film projected (in front of you, or 360, or like back to the future, or something else?) What moves? Just like to get a good idea of what it is like since there is a new rumor that it MAY be coming to the Studios. Thanks.

 

[daannzzz]

Take an IMAX dome style theater and put it on its side so the dome is perpendicular to the ground instead of above. Take a large crane like arm with rows of bench like seats (with backs and and overhead wing like cover) tiered in three rows. Duplicate that two more times so there are three of these sets of seats next to eachotehr. All seats start out on the same level like a theater. Once everyone is strapped in the lights dim to darness and with alarming speed ( the best part of the ride) the giant arm lifts up and moves forward into the dome movie screen. The tiers hang with the front row closest to the screen and highest from the floor. The seats tilt forward and back a bit and raise and lower a bit depending on what is on the screen.
Is that right guys?

 

[renknt]

Originally posted by daannzzz
The seats tilt forward and back a bit and raise and lower a bit depending on what is on the screen.
Is that right guys?

Yes it is, but you forgot the "view block" that lowers so you can't see the feet of the tier above you and holds the misters that give you the scents of the areas you soar through.

If this comes to WDW it will be great. this is the only ride I have ever been on that the guest break into applause at the end.

Also the walk into the ride is wonderful if you are an aviation buff Lots of history and some great photos.

 

[daannzzz]

Yeah. I forgot to mention that the cover shaped like a wing does lower down a bit to control your view.
I rode Soarin' 4 times on my trip in March. It is a very pleasent ride though not an E-ticket in my opinion. Someparts of the movie were just okay while others were fairly spectacular. I truly enjoyed the take off and landing and was fascinated by the apperatus that held the seats. Unfortunately you don't get a good long look at the mechanics of it.

 

[Another Voice]

The descriptions here are all very accurate. The first time you see this attraction, demand to be put in Row 1, Gate B (first row of the middle section). This attraction has very pronounced “good seats” and “bad seats” – and third row offers mostly views of dangling tennis shoes.

The attraction works by accentuating the queasy feeling people used to get in CircleVision. The natural sense of movement you get is helped by the movement of the seats (the movements rather limited actually). And having your feet dangle 90 feet off the ground makes everything seem off balance to start with. Theses forces combined add up to a fairly good simulator effect.

The success of the show system is really dependent on the film. Fortunately, ‘Soaring over California’ maximizes the flying effects. Flying over the Sierras around Lake Tahoe is great. As a travelogue, it leaves a little to be desired. Without captions or a narration, most out-of-staters just see a lot of pretty pictures of coastlines, deserts and trees. The show ends with a fireworks display over Disneyland itself (violating a maxim of moviemaking), which everyone recognizes.

The queue line is extremely disappointing, yet another victim of budget cuts. The exterior line is nothing but switch-backs under the monorail track. Inside one hall is decorated with photographs and text signage about California’s impact on aviation. Then more blank hallways.

In short – this is a good, solid D-Ticket attraction.

 

[renknt]

Originally posted by Another Voice
demand to be put in Row 1, Gate B (first row of the middle section). This attraction has very pronounced “good seats” and “bad seats” – and third row offers mostly views of dangling tennis shoes.
(snip)

The queue line is extremely disappointing, yet another victim of budget cuts. The exterior line is nothing but switch-backs under the monorail track. Inside one hall is decorated with photographs and text signage about California’s impact on aviation. Then more blank hallways.

In short – this is a good, solid D-Ticket attraction.

AV
I have never noticed the dangeling tennis shoes but you are right that row 1 gate B is the best.

 

[Sarangel]

Another good Soarin' tip is to try the single rider line (after you've experienced it for the 1st time front & center). Your party will almost always be broken up, but it sure beats waiting 3 hours in line.

Sarangel

ps. Single rider line *not* recommended for those with young children...