At a Glance
Duration: 5 minutes
Look Out For: simulated flight, smell/wind effects, and being suspended up to 50 ft above-ground
Opening on February 8th, 2001, Soarin’ debuted as a truly one of a kind attraction that amazed guests with its gentle yet thrilling ride experience. So how scary is Soarin’? Let’s take a look at the ratings:
1. Ride Length
Soarin’ has a ride duration of just under 5 minutes. As a “flying” hang glider simulator, this attraction gives riders the pretty convincing illusion of soaring over the many wonders of the world.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Soarin’ has a height restriction of 40 inches. However, there are additional restraints for younger riders – so you can rest easy knowing that everyone in your party is secure.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Soarin’ ride vehicles consist of 3 rows of approximately 10 seats. This might be another good one if you’re riding with a large party. The rows swing into a vertical position when the ride starts – with a top, middle, and bottom level. Each seat comes with a seatbelt, plus that small reinforcement strip for younger riders.
4. How does Soarin’ Work?
This attraction creates the illusion of flying by seating riders in hanging rows facing a massive screen. Aside from the swinging motion of the ride vehicle, this ride also features wind effects, piped-in smells, and great sound design to make you feel like you’re actually flying.
5. Is Soarin’ Scary?
Soarin’ is not intentionally scary at all. Unless you or your loved one has a fear of heights or flying, this ride should be a breeze.
6. How High is Soarin’?
Soarin’ definitely involves heights. As a flying simulator, you are not only suspended (and lightly swinging), but you’re also given the illusion of flying several hundred feet in the air. I recommend that those made uncomfortable with heights take a moment to consider this one – even if it’s only simulated.
The seats are actually suspended in the air – between 30 and 50 feet depending on which row you’re on – so keep that in mind as well.
One important thing to note is that you can request a seat on the third row, which would put you closest to the actual ground – just ask a cast member if that might be helpful to you.
7. How Fast is Soarin’?
Soarin’ does not technically go fast. You don’t actually move forward at all, but as a hang gliding simulator – it can feel like you’re flying at various speeds throughout the ride.
8. Does Soarin’ Have Drops?
Soarin’ does not have any drops. The ride movement involves gentle swaying up and down as well as side to side.
9. Does Soarin’ Cause Motion Sickness?
Soarin’ causes motion sickness to many riders. This ride is very gentle – gliding from side to side or up and down – but even though the movement is slight, the landscape on the large screen is changing constantly. Those who may have difficulties with IMAX films or 4D effects, might want to sit this one out.
10. Is Soarin’ Claustrophobic?
Soarin’ could definitely be claustrophobic to some riders. The suspended seating does have the potential to make some riders feel trapped with no way down or off the ride. As a claustrophobic rider myself, I was worried about this initially, but once the ride began, I was so blown away by the experience that I didn’t feel trapped at all. There is also good air flow and so many smells and sensations coming at you that it’s pretty easy to forget you’re actually indoors.
Of course, not everyone’s experience will be like mine, but if you’re someone who can be easily distracted from feelings of claustrophobia, you might want to give this one a try.
11. Are There Animatronics on Soarin’?
There are no animatronics on Soarin’.
Soarin’ Queue Walkthrough
As one of the few indoor ride entrances, the queue begins inside The Land Pavilion and takes you down a neon-lit hallway. It’s arguably one of Disney World’s most boring queues. It does have a couple of interactive elements but otherwise, you can expect to wait a coupe of hours in what is essentially just a blue hallway.
It is a bit narrow with no windows, so those prone to claustrophobia might feel a bit uncomfortable in line. You’ll enter a dimly-lit showroom and watch a short instructional video (a little less than a minute long) before entering the theater.
Soarin’ Ride Walkthrough
Once you’re inside, you’ll take a seat in the front, middle, or back row, buckle in, and prepare to take off. When the ride begins, you’ll swing upwards and suddenly find yourself flying over the clouds.
In true Epcot fashion, you’ll experience a true celebration of our planet by soaring over many famous landmarks and wonders of the world. That’s pretty much all there is to this ride, but it truly is a breathtaking experience.
Just a heads up for anyone who’s not too keen on loud noises, you do get pretty close to some fireworks during the finale, but they aren’t supposed to be scary – just a little loud. In addition, the ride uses a lot of piped-in smells (all pleasant) to heighten the immersive experience, so those sensitive to that should also be aware.
When the ride is finished, the screen goes black and your row will swing back to the ground where you’ll unbuckle and exit the ride vehicle.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not – I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Soarin’? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW:
