At a Glance
Duration: 18 minutes
Look Out For: some aerial shots in a 200-degree widescreen view that could potentially aggravate a fear of heights
Opening on October 1st, 1982, Impressions de France is a cinematic tour through the many wonders of France set to classical music. But how scary is Impressions de France? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Impressions de France has a ride duration of 18 minutes. While you may be in the theater for a bit longer due to slight delays or the time it takes to have everyone seated, it will never be more than a few minutes.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Impressions de France has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. In fact, as an educational film and minor attraction, it could be perfect for even the most sensitive of guests.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Impressions de France theater actually contains seats – unlike the other films found in Epcot’s World Showcase. While I was unable to find the exact theater capacity, this attraction is almost never filled to capacity – allowing for some space between your party and the others around you. In addition, there are no restraints of any kind.
4. How Does It Work?
Impressions de France works like any standard stage show or film, seating guests in stationary seats facing a stage. The film is played on a large 200-degree widescreen, giving viewers a much broader perspective of the scenery.
5. Is It Scary?
Impressions de France is not intentionally scary whatsoever. As a family-friendly, educational film, you’ll experience what is essentially a presentation right out of the Travel channel. The 18-minute film involves a few scattered lines of narration over sweeping shots of France’s natural splendor and scenes of its people.
6. How High is It?
Impressions de France does not directly involve heights. As a standard stage show, you and your seat will remain on the ground at all times.
However, it’s important to note that many of the scenes are aerial shots, giving the perspective of flying high over various landmarks and scenery (think Soarin’). While this show is in no way a simulator or purposefully wants you to feel like you’re flying, you may still want to be aware that the extremely wide screen can feel pretty immersive at times. If you have no trouble with “flying” shots in an Imax theater or something similar, you should have no problem with this attraction.
7. How Fast is It?
Impressions de France does not go fast. In fact, there is no movement whatsoever on this attraction.
8. Does It Have Drops?
Impressions de France does not have drops. As a standard stage show and film, your seat will not move.
9. Does it Cause Motion Sickness?
Impressions de France should not cause motion sickness to most guests. While there is a large 200-degree widescreen with moving visuals, it is a slow-paced presentation with no seat movement or 4D effects.
10. Is It Claustrophobic?
Impressions de France should not be claustrophobic for most guests. While it is an 18 minute film, you can always see a cast member and exit at any time. In addition, the theater is large and rarely filled to capacity, making it a much more palatable theater experience, in my opinion.
11. Are There Animatronics?
There are no animatronics on Impressions de France.
Impressions de France Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the France Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase. As a minor attraction film that is not often filled to capacity, it really doesn’t have a queue at all. You will enter the lobby and simply wait (in the delicious AC) for the next show to begin. There are educational displays for you to look at, making it a great and relaxing place to escape the heat and rest your feet for a while.
Impressions de France Show Walkthrough
Like other World Showcase films, this attraction is fairly straightforward. After taking a seat in the theater, the show will begin with many beautiful shots of France and its many wonders projected on a huge 200-degree widescreen. There are a few lines of narration throughout, but most of the film consists only of scenic footage with classical music played over it. After 18 minutes of experiencing France, the film will come to an end and you will exit the theater.
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? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the show, be sure to check out this video from smartypants:
