At a Glance
Duration: 12 minutes
Look Out For: some aerial shots in a Circle-Vision 360-degree view that could potentially aggravate a fear of heights
Opening on May 22, 2003, Reflections of China is a sweeping 360-degree film exploring the wonders of China. But how scary is Reflections of China? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Reflections of China has a ride duration of only 12 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
Reflections of China 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 Reflections of China theater contains no seats or ride restraints of any kind. Instead, this attraction utilizes several rows of handrails for guests to lean against while enjoying the 360-degree film. 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.
4. How Does it Work?
Reflections of China works like any standard stage show or film. The film is played on a large Circle-Vision 360-degree screen, giving viewers a fully immersive perspective of the scenery.
5. Is it Scary?
Reflections of China 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 12-minute film involves simple narration over sweeping shots of China’s natural splendor and scenes of its people.
6. How High is it?
Reflections of China does not directly involve heights. As a standard stage show, you 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 360-degree 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?
Reflections of China does not go fast. In fact, there is no movement whatsoever on this attraction.
8. Does it Have Drops?
Reflections of China does not have drops. As a standard stage show and film, you yourself will not move.
9. Does it Cause Motion Sickness?
Reflections of China should not cause motion sickness to most guests. While there is a large 360-degree screen with moving visuals, it is a slow-paced presentation with no seat movement or 4D effects.
10. Is it Claustrophobic?
Reflections of China should not be claustrophobic for most guests. While it is a 12 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 Reflections of China.
Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the China 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 benches and 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.
Show Walkthrough
Like other World Showcase films, this attraction is fairly straightforward. After entering the theater, the show will begin with many beautiful shots of China and its many wonders projected on a huge 360-degree Circle-Vision screen. There is poetic narration throughout, but the entire film consists only of scenic footage with Chinese classical music played over it. After 12 minutes of experiencing the wonders of China, 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? How scary is Reflections of China? 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 WDW News Today:
