Soarin'Simulator rideMinimum height to ride: 40 inches About Soarin'The newest addition to The Land pavilion at Epcot is Soarin', copied from Disney's California Adventure as a part of Disneyland's 50th Anniversary, "The Happiest Celebration on Earth." Guests are lifted 40 feet in the air over an 80-foot domed projection screen. Wind effects and gentle tilting of the seats create a simulated flying sensation totally unique to Disney. Scents released at key points during the five minute presentation enhance the experience. Eighty-seven guests can fly at a time. Two theaters double the capacity. The three rows are designed to hang in a reverse stadium seating fashion, allowing each row to get a clear view ahead and below. Some fans will argue that for the purest, unadulterated soaring experience, the front row is absolutely necessary. The attraction is a testament to the creative powers of Disney Imagineering. The ride system itself was a unique creation by Imagineer Mark Sumner, who developed the design by experimenting with his old erector set. To welcome the new ride, The Land pavilion received a major face-lift both inside and out. The new walk-up entrance features a wilderness-like design that reflects the environment theme. Inside, while the balloons still hang from the ceiling, the fountain that used to dominate the center of the floor has been removed. The biggest change is the restructuring of the Sunshine Seasons food court. New technology in the kitchens and new seating areas in the atrium gives the entire pavilion a feeling similar to that of an airport food court. In fact, most of The Land's interior rethemeing incorporated the terminal concept to reflect the flight theme behind Soarin'. The attraction entrance looks like a terminal gate entrance, complete with check-in desk. The Cast Members wear sharp red, white and blue pilot outfits. The pre-show video (featuring Patrick Warbuton) even reiterates the airline concept. Everything is themed to inspire the mind to think of traditional flight--only to totally blow away ones expectations once they finally board--and in a good way. In terms of entertainment value, Soarin' is just what Epcot's west side has been needing since Honey, I Shrunk the Audience debuted in 1994. It's an attraction the whole family can enjoy (so long as your family includes children over 40 inches tall and people without a fear of heights), inviting gentle thrills and some genuine awe-inspiring moments. Unfortunately, being a direct clone, Soarin' suffers from the same problems its parent attraction experiences, specifically the abrupt cuts between scenes. One minute you're soaring over the Golden Gate Bridge. The next minute, you're flying over a river in Yosemite National Park. The variety of scenery makes the attraction fun, but the cuts nearly interrupt the flow of the experience. A solution to this problem could be the addition of digital cloud cover between scenes. The clouds are used at the very beginning, right before the reveal of the Golden Gate Bridge. Such an addition could possibly help make the transitions less disruptive. Soarin' will run the California video for the duration of the 18-month Disneyland celebration. Rumor has it that a new video will probably be introduced at the conclusion of the celebration sometime in Fall next year. Wait times during the soft opening have run upwards of 75 minutes. Getting a FASTPASS first thing in the morning in strongly advised, although this trip will send you to the west side of Future World, far across from Mission: Space and Test Track. Soarin' will also feature a single riders entrance. Never underestimate the advantage of the single riders line, as long as you can bear to part with your loved ones. -- Last edited by Joe Lane Photos from Soarin'
Safety
Readers' Opinions
This is definitely an attraction that you get a Fast Pass for. Soarin' is a MUST ride if you go to Epcot. - Steven Lee Excellent, especially from the front row. Queues can be punishing though. - Mark Moore I’ve ridden Soarn’ 3 or 4 times now. First ride was on the bottom row. I was very bothered by how obstructive the feet and lets of the riders on the middle row were to the view from the bottom. After that experience, I decided to call the ride Borin’. I must admit that on subsequent trips, I have ridden on the top and middle rows. On these two higher rows, the visuals are much better and I really do enjoy this attraction. If you have never ridden it before, speak to the Cast Member assigning rows, and explain to them that you don’t mind waiting an additional cycle if they can put you on the top row. It will make the experience much better. - Rob McCullough Outstanding. The California theme could use reworking, and the length is short, but this is an excellent family experience. Some seem to hate it, but I think the ride is exciting and mellow simultaneously. - Joshua Counsil Great ride. Sometimes the cast members joke that you're about to go Soarin' over the Garden State instead of the Golden Sate and everyone groans. Fun stuff. - William Clark Get your Fast-Pass early as there is a large rush right when the park opens. Soarin' is a very nice, relaxing ride. - Carl Stovall
|
Search Theme Park InsiderReader Reviews, by Theme ParkUnited States/Canada Top 20 *
Other U.S. parksInternational parksWater parksTheme Park Insider on Twitter
We're debating the best food for TV watching. Votes for pizza, wings, tacos so far. Others? Hey, Orlando friends. Do something nice for the people close to you tonight. Just because. Vote of the week: Will you be visiting a theme park for the holidays? http://bit.ly/1FHOXJ Late getting to this, but this tweet made me laugh: RT @Shamu Kickboxing: Sport of the future. http://bit.ly/3oZMJV #LloydDobler Theme Park Reviews, Features, Advice
Theme Park News Archive2009Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov.
2008Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
2007Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
2006Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
2005Dec.
2004-2005Staff column archive
|
