Soarin' reviews
Theme Park Insider readers offer their ratings and reviews for Soarin', a simulator ride in Future World - The Land at Epcot. (The minimum height to ride is 40 inches.)
Written by Joseph Thomas Guests are lifted between 30 and 50 feet in the air into 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 in the middle section 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 flight attendant costumes. 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. Wait times are usually fairly high all day and even during the dead season and not unusual to see a 45 minute wait at its least busiest times. Getting a FASTPASS first thing in the morning in strongly advised. FASTPASSES will usually run out between 3:00 and 5:00 in the dead season and can run out as early as 10:00am in the peak seasons especially Christmas and New Years. If attending on New Years, Easter, or Fourth of July, don't be surprised to see a 5 hour wait (300 Minutes)! NOTE: Contrary to the rumors there is no scheduled movie change and there have been no official talks to change from the california themeing. NOTE: There is no single rider line at this attraction due to the failed experimentation.
Readers' rating:
While in desperate need of a redo, this is still one of my favorite rides. I love the sensation of flying it gives you and the score always makes me cry. Holds a special place in my heart bc a cast member surprised my family and I with "First Class" tickets. 8/10 - Christopher Sturniolo An overrated ride. It's a low quality film, and I even see black spots! Not to mention this ride has ridiculous lines! 6/10 - Eric Cartman Great ride. Terrible queue. I hope they can work on that. As for the griping about Soarin' being an advertisement for California? Of course it is! I don't think people want to be flown over the glorious swamps and urban sprawl of central florida. No offense, but California just has far more recognizable views/locales. That's a no-brainer. - Gabe Spece The ride is awesome, but what happened to the waiting queue and the location? There is no theming at all, it looks terrible! It really feels like they shipped this attraction in from DL, and then realised that they didnt have any room for it, so they tucked it away in this basement. Lets just hope it will get a real good permanent place soon. - A. P. I Love this ride when I first rodet it was the first week of opening so the line was about 3 hours - Giovanny Cruz Its ok but dont que if the que is over 40mins you will be left feeling very dissapointed - Tom Cunningham Its very good if you sit right at the front in the middle. If you're in the third row on the end, it makes the experience less interesting. If your sitting facing the edge, with a bunch of feet dangling in front of you, it makes the experience a little less spectacular. If at the front, most probably the best simulator i have been on - James McGee Soarin' needs a major overhaul by someone who understands how to edit a movie. The harsh cuts from scene to scene destroy any chance of giving in to the sensation. The projector really needs a clean and as for the subject matter - I'm in Florida, why do I want to fly over California? - Tony Valente Soarin' is a spectacular addition to Epcot giving riders the feeling they are gliding over California. The theme by Jerry Goldsmith is beautiful and the views they capture do a pretty good job of selling the golden state. A few little touches add to the experience such as the smells and the fans that blow wind into your face. There are issues. It all depends upon where you sit. My favourite seat is middle top. You get the best view and no feet above ruining it. Queue - The queue is all indoors but it can be long and is too wide. If there are just two of you people can easily push past. Even the fastpass is pretty slow. - Mark Williams amazing, best ride in epcot, sets the bar for all other simulators - travis traymoore Great smooth ride, for all the family. - steven boudreault The queue is always long for this ride, which speaks volumes for the awesomeness of this attraction. In true Disney style, the queue entertains both adults and children alike with their interactive big-screen games. As for the ride itself, its the closet thing you'll get to gliding over California without going to Calfornia and getting in a glider!! - Ben Price Great ride the first time you get on it. It gets worse and worse each time and they need to clean the projector! Why do I go to Florida when I can go to DisnyLand in California. It loses 2 marks for being just a major advertisement for California and was very lazy of them to not make one for florida. 8/10 - D H More attraction and restaurant ratings:
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