Wife didn't fare well on MS--will she handle Soarin?

[CDoobee]

UH-OH!!! I've ridden Mission Space twice, felt a little sick and goofy for a little bit afterwards (did better the second time, because I knew to keep my head still and stare straight ahead), but overall thought it was great!

Soarin doesn't spin at all. The sensation is similar to Star Tours but much much gentler. Picture being on a ferris wheel and just rocking back and forth.

The movement feels like being on an open ferris wheel at the top with the wind blowing in your face.

But, I HATE ferris wheels!!! I don't mind heights if there is something under me, as in a tall building looking out, etc. But, don't like bridges, ferris wheels etc. where I fell like I'm hanging.

I'll try it anyway, though!! After all, I rode in the tram that goes across the Royal Gorge in Colorado!! If I can do that, I can handle anything!

 

[Thea]

But, I HATE ferris wheels!!! I don't mind heights if there is something under me, as in a tall building looking out, etc. But, don't like bridges, ferris wheels etc. where I fell like I'm hanging.

I'm just like you. I have a very hard time (say panick attacs ) with ferris wheels, open ladders, open bridges etc... But I still loved Soaring when I did it last year in California. You get a feeling of flying but you look straight ahead on the ride - NOT down. Maybe that's what makes a difference


Thea
Leaving in less than a week

 

[oogieboogie]

But, I HATE ferris wheels!!! I don't mind heights if there is something under me, as in a tall building looking out, etc. But, don't like bridges, ferris wheels etc. where I fell like I'm hanging.

I too really hate ferris wheel. I hate being in a ride where there's only a pin holding the cars (in my mind at least). I don't like driving over bridges either. But Soarin' is different. It's really gentle and the swaying is minimal.

Spoiler (highlight the text to read):
towards the ending, there is a big fireworks scene and one of them goes off right in front of you and all the seats rock. That's the biggest movement of all.

 

[Debby7]

I had a near panic attack on MS, have trouble with high open spaces, freak out on chair lifts, can't bring myself to take a down escalator without someone right in front of me. That being said I was apprehensive about Soarin. Sat in the front row and ....I loved it. Enough to stand in line for 90 minutes the next day to do it again. It is a true visually treat. I say go for it!

 

[CDoobee]

HAHA I just quoted myself!

Debby7----I also have trouble with escalators! I always just thought it was because I am clumsy! I don't have to have anyone in front of me, but I always have to have a hand free to make sure I can hold on, and I have to stare at it for a few seconds to get the timing just right to get on! I'm the same way with stairs. We were at the movies yesterday and while going down the steps to exit the theater, I lost my balance a little and almost went over backwards. So, I almost fell UP the stairs while going DOWN!!

Thea----I also stay off of ladders! If I have to cross a bridge I'd rather be the one driving, though. I guess I just know that I will be paying close attention, and don't trust that my DH won't be looking out at the water!

oogieboogie----My DD13 just got home from a 3 week trip to Europe, during which she rode the London Eye!! Talk about your ferris wheels!! I almost got dizzy just looking at the pictures she had taken while up there! Thanks for the spoiler!! I'll be ready when my friend and I go in 8 weeks!!

 

[jeminni]

I was petrified before riding MS...esp when I got on and saw the barf bag. It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be but I've rode it twice now and prolly wont ride it again. Soarin' on the other hand was great! I cant wait to go back this fall and ride it again...just smelling the oranges and pine and feeling the wind as you ride is worth it. And you are well strapped in and wont fall.

 

[Fargoman2]

Wow! Lots of encouraging opinions. It sounds like all systems are GO!
Thanks everyone!

One final question: I've read some debate on these boards as to whether or not get a FastPass right away or be there at open and go straight to the ride and forget about FP. Or do both?

Thanks!

 

[jesszac610]

I did not do well at all on MS last year, and both dh and I are true "ride" people. Soarin' is very relaxing and mild. Its a wonderful experience!

 

[oogieboogie]

One final question: I've read some debate on these boards as to whether or not get a FastPass right away or be there at open and go straight to the ride and forget about FP. Or do both?

I would do both. Get there as soon as Epcot opens, grab a fastpass, then get in the standby line. That way you're guaranteed to get on 2 times.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

It sure helps to read these positive posts. I would never do MS, but I love TT and RcR and all the mountains, even though I'm not crazy about heights. My coaster lovin' neighbor once said he feels ferris wheels are the most terrifying rides on earth, lol, and I agree. When I go on ferris wheels with children, it freaks me out staring at the space between the bar, their legs, and the unforgiving ground below.

My concern (ok, fear) about riding Soarin' with my 6 yo DGS is -- What is there to stop him from slipping out the bottom? Is it the skinny flimsy "death bar" seen on ferris wheels, or what? I'm not worried about myself, mind you, just DGS. Oh, and just how high are we soarin' anyway?

Thanks,

Tink

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Good question...how high does it go !!!!!

 

[CarolB]

My concern (ok, fear) about riding Soarin' with my 6 yo DGS is -- What is there to stop him from slipping out the bottom? Is it the skinny flimsy "death bar" seen on ferris wheels, or what? I'm not worried about myself, mind you, just DGS. Oh, and just how high are we soarin' anyway?

Thanks,

Tink

When you sit in the seat, adults place the belt (like on star tours, ToT, etc) around waist. Kids, or those not reaching a "height" mark on the seat are told to thread the belt through a strap that is between your legs before locking it into the seat belt snap (think about the Swings that you ride in some parks that have the belt between the legs). That would keep him from slipping out. I even saw some adults do this....thought it was part of the "requirement" for belting. They explain it in the pre-load area, just in case you are too excited to notice when you sit down. ALso if you have on flip flops or other shoes that might fall off, they suggest you leave them right on the floor, because all you do is rise up and out a bit and then return to the same spot when finished.

I Loved Soarin' Did it at least 5 times, all but once with FP....we got there at rope drop our last day and went immediately there....there was a wait of 5 minutes at most and the CM were telling people not to bother with FP....if you have time....get a FP first, then immediately get in the stand by line....you can always use the FP later if you want to ride again...and the return time will be soon enough that it won't impact your ability to get one for TT, if needed.

 

[CarolB]

Also, the rise isn't that high, but if you have concerns, ask to be in the 3rd row...that one doesn't rise as much. It is really a giant IMAX theatre....I don't think you really move at all other than rising up (but could be wrong)....I think the rest is the illusion that the screen gives you. I can't ride ferris wheels, Body Wars, RnR, T-cups. much of anything that goes fast, around, spins, etc.....and I think Soarin' is just awesome. Every time we rode, when the ride ended, people clapped and commented how awesome it was.

As a side note, my daughter (who is 23) can ride anything (except spinning things) - she has parasailed, bunge-jumped, ridden rides that scare me just looking at them - but she has never been able to tolerate IMAX theatres. She went with me (has been working at MK since last summer, but wouldn't go on the ride)....and she didn't care for the feeling it gave her..she thinks her brain just can't process the sense of moving when you really aren't - she can really parasail, but thinking she is parasailing but not doing it doesn't work for her...so in her case, she will probably not ride again for that reason....She was glad she did it at least once, though. (Yes, she has done MS, but didn't care for it.)

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Thanks so much for the very helpful responses, CarolB.

I don't think you really move at all other than rising up (but could be wrong)....I think the rest is the illusion that the screen gives you.

Very interesting.

Tink