Advertising |
Soarin'Simulator rideMinimum height to ride: 40 inches DescriptionThe 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 PhotosSafety
Readers' Opinions
Do yourself a favor and get a fastpass, this ride has some serious wait times and the ride's over in just a few minutes. It is however worth the wait, I rode in the top row of seats, this way you can't see feet dangling from above, that really distracts from the ride. 7/10 - John Chaffin The one ride all four of us really love equally. Very beautiful and breath-taking. Could use a longer, more involved preshow to break up the long wait. Otherwise, a must-see! - Gil Long I loved it...absolutely loved it. The movie was awesome...you really feel like you're flying. California is such a beautiful state and in Soarin', you get a whole new view of it. It's worth waiting for. It might seem tame to some people but believe me, you won't regret going on it. - Laura Daspit This ride is bound to become a classic attraction at both Epcot and all of the Walt Disney Resort. The themeing of the queue is amazing, and the ride itself is both awe-inspiring and relaxing at the same time. Everytime I come off this attraction, I feel very relaxed and refreshed....however I do recommend getting a fastpass for this attraction if you can, because this ride doesn't seem to be shorter than an hour wait throughout the entire day. - Justin Kermgard Sweet! The illusion of flight is incredible, and the combination of pumped scents and scenery creates a wonderful illusion. Fastpasses run out quickly for this one, so get there right away. - Remek Kocz Get to Soarin' as soon as the park opens, or get a Fastpass, but definitely get there. It lacks thrills, but it is an amazing ride nonetheless. - Kelly Smith GET A FASTPASS AS SOON AS YOU CAN. Cannot stress that enough. Usually by midafternoon they are all out of fastpasses. You really get the feeling of gliding through California. Be advised the young ones might get a little scared. Yet another must see at EPCOT. I still would like the option of choosing between a couple of different scenes. - P V Our families least favourite park was Epcot, however this was a great ride (as is test track), but be warned , the queues can be very long. A great ride the whole family will enjoy. - neil Jackson Soarin' is AMAZING. It not only incorporates movement and sound but ALSO adds in wind and temperature and smells such as pine and oranges. It feels so real you'll want to lift your feet up so they don't get wet in the river. Be sure you go! - Mickey Fan It is really cool! The only thing wron with this is that the line can get REALLY long! This ride also has probably the best soundtrack you will hear while you are at Epcot. Disney has done it again! - Austin Jacobs Soarin' is a very good ride that has a line that can get very long. I think that if you go to epcot that is one ride you can't miss, the whole family will love it.( please don't ride if afraid of heights) Trust me, it gets pretty high! - Katie G-Desjardins Soarin' is a very good ride that has a line that can get very long. I think that if you go to epcot that is one ride you can't miss, the whole family will love it.( please don't ride if afraid of heights) That you. - Katie G-Desjardins Soarin' is a very good ride that has a line that can get very long. I think that if you go to epcot that is one ride you can't miss, the whole family will love it.( please don't ride if afaid of heights) That you. - Katie G-Desjardins Simply put...one helluva beautiful ride, though the film footage needs to change to Florida as opposed to San Fran and California...perhaps I'm asking too much tho... - Wilfredo Alvelo |
Theme Parks ReviewedU.S./Canada Top 20 *
Other U.S. parksInternational parks
Water parksFeature Articles
Blog Flume Archive2008Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May
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.
Other Sources |
