Amazing! I have never experienced anything like this! wish i could ride it again and again! it was truly more than i could have imagined and truly an amazing ride and experience! great for the whole family... my 6 year old and 18 year old both loved it just as much as my husband and I did. a multisensory experience that gives a new meaning to virtual reality read more

An Epcot must! I really enjoyed this experience. It's similar to California Soarin' but this one is all over the world - absolutely amazing! Get your fast pass as early as possible. I heard you can book them a month or two ahead of time. read more

I have been on this ride many times. Two things that stand out to me. The initial ooohs and aaahs at the very beginning of the ride and how often the people applaud at the end. That is the kind of emotion that I expect a great Disney ride to bring out - mission accomplished. The updated video resolution makes the ride more immersive but the abrupt scene changes can sometimes be a bit startling. Overall this is such a great ride and even if you don't have a fastpass you won't feel like you wasted your time waiting. read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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This is a must ride for EPCOT. I have ridden this often both before and after COVID. It is located in the Land pavilion at EPCOT. GO early as it is a very popular ride and fills up early. It is one of the best rides in the whole park. There is a long walk down the concourse to get to the ride but it is low stress and very enjoyable. You are seated in three rows of chairs about 10 chairs wide. They have added dividers for covid spacing both in the waiting areas and in between the seats. You sit down, buckle in and then the seat move so that the row 1 is at the top, row 2 is in the midle and row 3 is at the bottom facing a large screen. Your feet are dangling and you are transported to various places across the world that are absolutely beautiful and breathtaking. Once complete, the seat return to the ground and you exit. It is a wonderful must-see ride for anyone wanting a pleasant experience. read more

Soarin' - The concourse - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Only a few words here Are needed. Really fantastic. My favorite ride at Epcot. 5 star.

How can you not like Soarin'. It's great for grandparents to tots. The feeling like you are actually gliding over these locations is just great. And the fact that they upgraded it to include world locations is a huge benefit. I will say that the Avatar ride in Animal Kingdom puts Soarin to shame but it's still a great ride read more

Soarin' was first in the company's California park and they brought it to Orlando. For years the movie was about California but a few years back they updated it to include scenes from around the world. This is a must do for my family every trip. In fact, we usually ride it multiple times. It's not a scary ride, but you do fly over many sites and enjoy the sites and smells from each area. If you sit in rows 2-4, you'll see peoples feet/shoes in addition to the movie. I'd suggest asking to sit in row 1 so all you see is the movie. read more

Soarin is located inside the land pavilion at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Apart from one sign out front, you may not even realize it's inside. It's on the first floor and in the back corner. It is probably my favorite ride Disney has and I'm assuming others feel the same because it always has at least an hour wait. During busy times it can get up to 2-3 hours. Soarin is basically a flight simulator that takes you across California. It's a big room but at the present time there are only two rooms. (More are being built) You get seated in row 1, 2, or 3. I always ask for row 1 because that means you end up at the top of the screen. The seats are very comfortable with just a seatbelt. There is a 40 inch height requirement. Once the ride starts you feel like you are actually flying over different areas of California. From the orange groves, Napa valley, the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, LA and even a quick trip to Disneyland. They push smells at you along the way which just makes it more realistic. I have a fear of heights so I do get nervous, I just can't look down. You are up pretty high but it's just so wonderful to see it all. This is definitely one of my favorites and I always make sure I get on it. read more

I smiled the entire ride!!! THIS was the place I felt like a giddy kid at Disney World! What a joy! Oooooo. Ahhhhhhh. I originally rode Sorin' at Disneyland in California, but this latest incarnation at Epoct in Orlando, is where its at! It is a simple concept.... you are strapped into an elevated chair, with a expansive view of a massive HD screen, and wind gently blows your hair to simulate the sense of lightly floating over some of the most amazing landscapes and scenes in the world. Soft scents and gentle mists are all part of making you really feel like you are a part of the amazing scenery you are treated to. Make sure to get a FastPass, or go later in the evening after the families have all headed home for the night. But whatever you do, DON'T MISS IT!!! read more

I first had the pleasure of this amazing attraction at Disney's California Adventure in Disneyland, where it was easily one of my favorites. Many year's later I returned to Walt Disney World after a long hiatus and was so thrilled to get the opportunity to experience one of my favorite rides from Anaheim. Soarin' is a really unique experience which was devised when an Imagineer dusted off his old erector set and designed the ride vehicle which sends riders on an incredible adventure flying over California. The ride itself is very calm and serene, and the excitement really comes from the incredible vistas portrayed on the screen, along with movements of the seats, scents, and so much more to really get riders in the zone. One of the most popular rides at Disney, Soarin' is actually in the midst of an expansion, where it will get a third theater and a more interactive line experience. This should cut down a bit on the wait. Additionally, Disney has been putting together a new movie for Soarin' using scenes from around the world. I don't know too many details yet, and I'm not sure when this will be replacing the old movie, but I'm both excited and sad by this change. I absolutely love the original experience, but would love the chance to Soar over other landmarks too. I wonder if there is a way they can keep both, but I'm imagining not and perhaps I will later get to re-experience the California movie if I ever visit Disneyland again. Time will tell! read more

Soarin' - The Land Pavilion with Soarin entrance - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I had been waiting YEARS to go on this ride for the first time! My last visit to WDW had been 15 years ago and when I visited Disney California Adventure in 2016, this ride was closed for refurbishment. This ride is a dated and tamer version of Flight of Passage, but I still love it. Fortunately I did go on this a few months before the Animal Kingdom ride, so I appreciated this one a lot. I walked out in complete awe! This is a great ride for those who are seeking out something mellow, my mom is in her 60's and she LOVED this ride! She enjoyed seeing some of the places she had visited around the world. This ride is peaceful and zen. It's definitely some amazing Disney imagineering, I especially like the various scents you experience as you fly through the various countries. If you don't have a fast pass for this, I recommend coming right at rope drop. read more

This ride is a great one for all ages! This is a hot ticket at Epcot, so if you are planning on going either get a fast pass or head to the ride right when the park opens for a shorter wait. It is inside a large building with Living with the Land and some dining options. The line moves pretty quickly and they have random trivia projected on the walls for some entertainment. Once you get to the entrance doors-- you are put in one of 3 rows. The first is the best row..you can view the ride without peoples feet dangling in your view. You can ask to be placed in the first row. The ride itself tilts and raises, but most of it is visual. It takes you on a visual tour all over the word and gives you the feeling of flying. You can actually smell different scents as you fly over the beach or orange fields. Be careful if you get dizzy easily, I have seen several employees cleaning up vomit on the way out of the ride... I try to ride this every time we come into Epcot, even if we are only stopping by for a while. Definitely give this ride a shot! read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Epcot has a tiered FastPass system. Guests may reserve slots for 3 different attractions, but only one of those can be in Group A. Soarin', along with Frozen Ever After, IllumiNations, and Test Track are the other rides in Group A. Although this is one of the most popular ride, I feel like the wait time is generally shorter than Test Track or Frozen. If you want to ride this and Test Track, I would recommend doing standby for Soarin'. OR get a FP for Soarin' and go on the single ride for Test Track. Either way, if you only have one day at Epcot, this is a ride not to be missed. It takes you on flight stimulator to landmarks across the world and appeals to your senses, including scent. There are three rows of seating, if you're in the 2nd or 3rd row you'll see hanging feet. Lol. I'm afraid of heights but I loved this ride, so if you are as well, don't let it stop you from riding one of the best rides at WDW. read more

One of the few absolute MUST DO rides in Epcot. While most rides in this park are slower and more on the informative side, this one has a bit of an edge and several surprises. I would recommend you try to get a fast pass for this one as it usually has a bit of a wait - think around 45 minutes to an hour. There aren't many rides in Epcot, so it's worth using the pass on this one. If you do go in to the regular line, the have a fun trivia game you can play, so be sure to note the televisions on the walls and play along to help kill the time. Once you arrive at the beginning of the ride, you'll be segmented into rows which will correspond to the seats you have on the ride itself. There is a brief safety pre-show, around 1 minute. Then you're ushered inside in order of lines so they can keep groups organized. The seats are mock "gliders" that have drop down harnesses. Buckle in! When the ride starts up the whole row of seats rises up and moves forward towards the screen. You'll be whisked away to several scenic views and there are some scents and air gushes to enhance the ride features. Definitely a fun experience! Overall: A Super fun ride in Epcot - grab a fast pass - enjoy! read more

This is a fun ride, and we went on it twice this trip. I had been on it this past summer, when I was at Disney for one day, and also at Disneyland a few years ago. You can usually get a FastPass on the app that day or the day before, just depends if it's a weekend or if the day is busy. There is no single rider line for this ride. The ride makes you feel like you are in the landscapes that it goes through, which is pretty cool. You get a different experience based on where you are sitting each time, as well. This is one of the better rides at Epcot and I always look forward to riding it. read more

I usually only ride this with my friends at the end of the night as our last ride when we're done eating around the World Showcase. There's usually a very short wait or no line at all around that time. It's a nice relaxing ride where you get to tour around the world on a virtual glider to several different popular landmarks. The tour comes to a nice ending with fireworks when you return back to Walt Disney World. read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I must admit I LOVE soarin'. It's simply amazing. I loved seeing the world. My 4 year old rode the ride with me and claimed she was scared at the end, but I think she secretly loved it. Soarin' is a MUST when you are visiting Epcot. I highly recommend this ride. read more

Get a Fast Pass for Soarin' Around The World We have loved this ride since we took our first fantastic trip around California at Disneyland. Now, you can "travel" the globe at EPCOT. "Visit" The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Iguazu Falls, the Sydney Harbor and more as you soar from a Birdseye vantage point. Best seats are in the middle. Technology is the similar to Flight of Passage in Avatar. We grabbed our fast passes after using our first three of the day. Enjoy the journey! read more

Since its opening, this ride continues to be a gem and a very popular attraction at Epcot. With standby lines at about 130 minutes you'll want to get a fastpass. If you can hold off until the evening hours the wait time dwindles significantly! :-) During the long standby times the queue becomes interactive and presents patrons with lots of group games on the big screens to the right. This ride is a wonderful experience. If you're afraid of heights this is not the ride for you; thougg I do suggest you suck it up because it's such a wonderful experience! I am mortified of heights and find that if you do not look down and I mean really DO NOT look down you'll have a nice time. The images in the screen will make you feel as though you are closer to the ground ;-) Take off might be a bit scary for those afraid of heights because although it's a bit in the dark the ride smoothly and swiftly ascends you. But the descend is so nice and smooth that you can't notice it too badly. It's really not that bad and the ride moves smoothly and subtly throughout. I won't spoil the experience but there are quite a few hidden Mickey. If you are lucky to sit in section B, Row 1 you'll have one of the best seats in the house. Actually if you're on row 1 in any section you'll have Feet - free views. If you are on rows 2 or 3 you'll still enjoy the ride but you can see the row in front of you's feet by your peripherals. For my yelpers wearing flip flops, your sandals will be very sad because they won't be able to fly with you. They get to wait on the boring runway until your flight returns. Don't worry they won't walk away ;-) but flying barefoot is quite nice hehehe. Take a wiff of those oranges and sea breeze! It's a delightful and quite relaxing experience. read more

Soarin' - My flip flops, sad because they can't fly with me and have to wait on the runway. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

I'm a traveler with an insatiable wanderlust. Each year I find my bucket list increasing rather than decreasing, so much so that I would need 5 more lifetime to experience all that I have my heart set on seeing someday. So imagine my surprise when I experienced the world on what felt like a magic carpet ride across the globe. Simply put, Soarin' was so wonderful that I was sad when it ended. I wanted to see more and didn't want to leave. It was at that moment I thought of a new idea for Disney. Instead of just having the free fast passes, maybe they could offer a bracelet that lets you stay on a ride for two or maybe three consecutive turns for a small fee! Because if it were at all possible, I would have road Soarin' multiple times back to back to back! Fly over the Golden Gate bridge, through the jungles of South America, fly high with a field of hot air balloons or over the mountains, waterfalls and domes of Yosemite! Ride the Great Wall of China and crest Victoria Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all the world. Swing by the Taj Mahal or the Eifel Tower, and get a bird's eye view of the pyramids of Egypt! Check out the Sydney Australia harbor, a herd of elepahants on the plains near Mount Kilimanjaro and experience the wonder of a glacier as a Polar Bear mom trains her cub! The ride was a heart pounding adventure that left me speechless! The waiting line was cool too, as they offered geography based trivia for you to answer as you waited. It was here we connected with another family and spent the rest of our time in line conversing with them... which made the time go by fast! FINAL THOUGHTS Soarin' is my absolute favorite attraction @ Walt Disney World! That is, until Pandora opens to take me on a whole different type of adventure!!! 2017/77 read more

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Surprisingly pleasant experience! I was wowed by the engineering of the ride as well as all of the smells that were sprayed as we were travelling the world. I highly recommend going on this ride, dont miss out. It was a 'wow' experience. read more

My favorite ride in Disney. I was there in February 2017. The ride has been updated and the scene changed. This is a super fun ride that hits your senses. There can be long lines but it is worth it to me. Fast Pass is the way to go for this ride. read more

Super happy they changed the video. About a year ago they added more slides and scents to the experience. It was quite noticeable which is a good thing. Soarin brings you that flight experience with a way of your stomach dropping without noticing. It's not an intense ride, just uneasy for people who hate heights. After being picked up in front of the screen you soar through scenes of Disney and nature while hitting all your other sense. All around a classic ride if you are in Epcot. Always a long wait so fast pass this ride and you can see more of the park instead of standing for 60 minutes plus. read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Soarin' Around the World, I wish there was more to this attraction, feels short and ends abruptly. The attraction could easily feature some more dips and turns to make the attraction more enjoyable. Maybe make 2 zones like what Mission: SPACE has? One that has this basic movement, then another that's more intense that has the more turns and dips. A small complaint would be the screens. When we were on it parts of the screen had dead pixels (shown black pixels). Either from loose objects that hit the screen or just because of lack of maintenance. Overall it's a decent ride to show you the world on a glider. Though it's not worth waiting an hour plus for this. read more

Nice leisurely ride. Might not be the best for people with a fear of heights. It's very whimsical with the added scents to further put you into to feel of each location. The best seat is section 2 row 2. I was in section 3 row 3 and the edge was visible and you could see the curve with some things like the Eiffel tower. read more

It's hard not to love this ride that takes you on a hang-gliding trip around the world! The effects of this ride are unreal - you legit feel like you are soaring around all of the famous wonders of the world. For some of the scenes, they pump in scents to make the immersion even more believable. This is such a soothing, enjoyable ride that you get off wishing it could have been twice as long (although it is a decently long ride already). This one is well worth the wait - we either head here first thing when the park opens or immediately after Test Track (which we would do first thing when the park opens). So basically, make this your first or second ride of the day or plan to get a Fast Pass! read more

Brief Description: Simple in conception, but very difficult to execute, Soarin' gives you the feeling of flying through God's gorgeous creation while you simply sit in a Herman Miller Aeron-style chair. Attached to a massive, moving rig. That tilts. And leans. And squirts fragrance around you. And sticks you in front of a concave screen that rivals (and far surpasses) any IMAX theater. And, the result is incredible. You strap in for a five minute "ride" throughout some of the most picturesque and beautiful lands and scenes on Planet Earth. Pros: Even though it makes you feel as though you are literally flying, you are only a few feet above ground, strapped into a comfy chair, and thus, really anyone can ride. The execution on this ride is flawless - bar none. Let me put it this way: Epcot is my favorite park within the WDW complex in Florida, and I would spend my day experiencing this ride over and over and over again if they'd let me. It's stunning. Cons: The experience isn't seven hours long....and I really, REALLY wish it was. Well, and the line can be long. VERY long. Ride rating: 5/5 Experience rating: 6/5 (Yes, that says six out of five.) read more

Soarin' is a great ride. The smells, sounds, sights, what else am I forgetting... Oh right! Feels, tastes. JK! But really, though, this ride is one of the best in all four parks. Go check it out if you have the time. read more

Being from California this has always been my absolute favourite ride in the park. It has always been a great ride, but since the update and you are now "soarin" in your hang glider over various famous locations worldwide, it is now epic. View a projected presentation on an 80 ft concave 180-degree dome screen, piped in scents and wind help simulate a hang gliding flight across six continents around the world. The piped in smells makes the experience spectacular. There are 3 rows of seats with capacity for 87 people. A cantilever system lifts the chairs forward and into the air, guests feet are dangling down, so if you are wearing flip flops it is suggested that you leave them on the floor in front of you when you buckle in. Don't worry the ride brings you right back to them. The locations you will experience are: Matterhorn in Switzerland Isfjord, Greenland Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany Kilimanjaro National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania The Great Wall of China in China The Great Pyramids in Egypt Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, India West and East Mitten Buttes in Monument Valley, Arizona, United States Lau Islands, Fiji Iguazu Falls, Argentina Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and Epcot in Orlando, Florida. If you experience this ride in another park such as China or California the final scene will match that parks location. Riders must be 40 inches tall to ride this ride. The seats have a lap belt just like a car seat belt, little riders have a center strap that can come between their legs and the lap belt will go thru the loop before buckling it in on your right side. Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs must be able to transfer to the seat, the cast members will park your wheels nearby. If you have a fear of heights you will want to ask for the 3rd row which is the lowest of the three levels. Thrill seekers and those wanting an unobstructed (dangling feet) view of the screen will want the 1st row. The most desirable sectionwill be the center section as the two flanking sections have a skewed view, a VERY leaning Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and Pyramids. I believe the highest row is 40 ft, 2nd around 30ft and the 3rd around 30ft high in the air. The ride is safe and secure and in general most people will not notice that you have risen so high up. I highly recommend getting a fast pass for this ride as it is one of the longest ride lines in Epcot, Frozen is the other longest. Bring a phone battery and you and your family can play along to interactive games, competing with other waiting riders to keep yourself and the little ones entertained while you wait. Its also cool and a/c works well so if you dont mind having your lunch while you stand, this is a great way to keep kids busy and not have to have a long downtime stop to eat. If you happen to be a DVC member you can ride Soarin before anyone else by doing a behind the scenes tour in the early AM. read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Weeee...yahoo....wow....(laughing and smiling uncontrollably). What an incredible ride this is! While this was my 2nd visit to Epcot, and I had "glided" on the Soarin' Over California at California Adventure a handful of times, THIS was the best by far! Soarin' Around the World allowed you to visit magnificent locations and landmarks that many will never get to experience up close and personal. To be able to look down at The Great Wall of China, stare wide-eyed at the Taj Mahal, and see animals in Africa was sincerely enjoyable. To make the experience even more pleasureable was for them to add a breeze like you're flying, mist when you get "splashed," and the scent of fresh grass over the plains. There are certain moments where you become startled, which surprises you because it's just a screen you're watching! They include an erratic kite, a whale jumping out of the ocean, and a sea plane. You'll want to secure a Fastpass for this attraction, days ahead of time (off peak) and weeks to two months during peak season. read more

Soarin' - Amusement Parks Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Whenever I have visited Epcot since Soarin' was installed, it's one that we HAVE to see. Warning: it typically has an extremely long "line" so the wait time is crazy so this should be one of your FastPass choices. The way the waiting area is designed, there isn't really a line, more like a crowd standing slowly moving forward around every 15 minutes which could cause some issues with aggressive groups that keep crowding forward (but maybe they were simply hungry, tired and/or hot). Having some type of snack with you or water helps though if you have a little one, and nature calls, it's pretty long to go back for the restroom though there is one at the entrance. Soarin' also has interactive or interesting info activities to do when you get closer to the ride along the wall so stay toward the right side. And why not take this waiting time to get to know your neighbors that you'll be with, as chances are, they are from a different state or even country than you. It's part of the magic of Epcot, how welcoming and international it is and as a result the guests who come to experience it. Be a wonderful representative of your country, or better yet, the human race ;) The real warning is, if you are afraid of heights, you will certainly feel your anxiety rise. We had a one day park-hopper pass to Disney since we were in Orlando for meetings but HAD to do Epcot, by far our fave park out of all of them. It's because of the innovation (we are geeks), the showcase of different countries and their foods that we find we would never be bored. It was late and we knew we wanted to go to Land showcase; it's on the right side of Epcot park if you are walking from the park entrance and pass Spaceship Earth. Unfortunately, Land was closed BUT we were shocked to see only a 10 minute wait line for Soarin' and that's probably because we had to walk through what would have been crowd of folks. So hint if you really want to see Soarin' but without taking your time in line, go when most are outside to watch the Illuminations (though we heard that will be eliminated) read more

I love the new Soarin' ride! The cuts between the scenes are nice and add continuity to the experience instead of how choppy it used to be. The light smells of flowers, grass, and other fragrances grace your nostrils; it's just enough and not overpowering. Ask to sit in the top row. If you're in the middle or bottom you won't have the same experience. One of the few decent rides at Epcot. Get yourself a fast-pass! read more

That orange smell, though... I first rode Soarin in California not too long after its debut. Seriously, the smell of fresh oranges stuck with me for YEARS. Yes, I know the fields probably don't really smell like that, but a girl can dream. Right? Since then, I've been a huge fan of this ride and am so happy it's a little closer to home at Epcot. Like most rides around the behemoth that is Disney World, you're best off getting a Fast Pass. Once you scan your handy dandy wristband (these weren't around 15 years ago), you have a bit of a hike to the main attraction so, yeah. Once you're strapped in, get ready for a journey that takes you all around California! Don't do what a lot of us did and strap yourself using the child's strap. That's just unnecessary. Now, I'm not scared of roller coasters but this journey is definitely my ideal ride. You are literally SOARING over the beautiful landscapes of California and can briefly escape the heat, crying children, workers in costumes, and the soon to be Frozen exhibit in Norway. Ya know, just in case you're looking for that. All in all, just do it. read more

I can't stress this enough. You MUST get a "fast pass" as soon as you get in the park. Many times they sell out around noon to early afternoon and then you will not get to experience this terrific ride. Even though I have been on this ride many times I never, ever get tired of it. Soarin' is just too good. The majesty of the landscapes as you glide over them. The smell of the pine trees in the forest, the ocean, and the orange groves thrills your aromatic senses. The majestic music playing as you soar over California is exhilarating. It's always fun to almost hit the top of the trees with your feet, and see that golf ball fly at you. If you have a fear of heights try to bury it to ride this. You are basically on a hydraulic lift and set into the middle of a large round screen that projects images of the west coast as you glide over them. Yes, you are only about 40 feet in the air but really feel like you are up in the clouds. It is so real feeling. Best bet is to get there right when the park opens, get your fast pass, and then get on the ride before the crowds make it a nightmare wait. This way you get to ride it twice! Again, a MUST ride when at EPCOT! read more

For my 300th review (yay!!!) I wanted to review something extra special and I think Soarin' fits the bill! I experienced this ride for the first time last October; it was closed on our previous trip in April. This was after it was changed from Soarin' Over California to Soarin' Around The World, so I can't compare the new experience to the original, but I can tell you how much I enjoyed the ride. First, I highly recommend booking a fastpass - the lines we walked by were super long, and we were able to ride twice (within 2 days) after booking a fastpass last minute. When I made our 60 days out fastpass selections, this ride was in the same category as Frozen Ever After and Test Track, so we selected the Frozen ride and crossed our fingers that Soarin' would be available. Keep checking the My Disney Experience App throughout the day, you might get lucky like we did. Soarin' is located in the bottom part of The Land pavilion near Sunshine Seasons and Living with the Land. From the pavilion entrance, you go downstairs and walk down a hallway to get to the queue. Fastpass on the left, standby on the right. You get down to a checkpoint where a cast member will point you in the direction of your ride theater, and from there you have a short wait in a hallway until you get to the area where they assign you a row and section, and play the safety video starring Patrick Warburton. My favorite part of that video is when he talks about removing your mouse ears. You're led into the theater in groups by a cast member and guided to your assigned row. You store your belongings under the seat, unless they're too big then they can go on the floor, click in your seatbelts, and you're ready for takeoff! Our first ride was row 1 in the middle section (section B). Best seats ever!!! There are 3 sections: A, B, and C - our second ride was in section C (still row 1) which was good but you could definitely tell where the screen curves. Middle section is the best, just trust me. You are seat-belted in, but there isn't much to hold onto except your neighbor and the skinny handles near your knees. My husband thought it was so funny that I held onto those handles super tight on the first ride. He's the one that's afraid of heights and he was totally fine. It's a very gentle ride, with no jarring movements, but the visuals are so real. You really feel like you're gliding over mountain tops and swooping over water. I won't post any spoilers, but the visuals and smells on this ride are fantastic! We will be back to experience this attraction time and time again, and hope we can go on the DVC member behind the scenes tour on our next trip! read more

I'll start by admitting I am terrified of heights. Yet, this ride was pretty awesome. Felt safe because I knew it wasn't "real" and I was harnessed in - yet got my heart going - because, well it felt real to me still! It reminded me a bit of the old school Back to the Future ride at Universal. But 10000 times better. Basically you are soaring (great name!) through various areas, cruising through fields, mountains and even San Francisco. My favorite part was the orange field - It SMELLS LIKE ORANGES! Pretty awesome. The ride is pretty realistic, it feels like you are actually on a glider - it moves up and down, you fill the wind in your face, it shifts side to side....great effects. That and the fact you are basically in front of a GIANT screen, it all feels pretty real. We luckily had fast passes so we didn't have to wait too long - the board the ride by groups. The regular line seemed a little long, but I'm not sure how long the wait was. The good thing is they load a TON of people on at once. Remember to take off your flip flops/loose shows before you board - your feet do dangle. read more

This is an awesome ride for anyone! You get to sit and watch a screen and feel as if you're soarin around the world.

Can't believe I have not reviewed this attraction in the past. We make a real effort to hit Soarin every trip to Epcot, and there have been quite a few. Thank goodness for FastPasses. This was our second time on the "new & improved" version of the ride. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed after our first ride, but I can now say that this new version has certainly grown on me. At first I thought the cuts between scenes were too abrupt and jumpy, but after reading about the story behind the ride, it made a lot more sense. The photography was brilliant (as always, but I will miss a few of my favorite scenes from the "domestic" version), and I can now see the how this "international" version flows, and I love it! read more

Soarin' officially opened inside The Land pavilion on May 5, 2005. Its cast members wear costumes that resemble flight attendant costumes, whereas the Disney California Adventure version uses airfield crew costumes. The idea is that guests are taking flights to California, rather than already being there. This is further reinforced in the theming that you are loaded into "gates" and with airport-themed spiels which include that you are aboard "Flight 5505" which is a homage to the opening day of the attraction. The attraction, which lasts about four minutes and 40 seconds, takes 87 guests at a time on a simulated hang glider tour of California, flying over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, Napa Valley, Monterey, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park (including Yosemite Falls and Half Dome), the PGA West golf course in La Quinta (credited in the queue video presentation as Palm Springs), Camarillo, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Fresno, San Diego, Malibu, Los Angeles, and Disneyland itself during the Christmas season. The last few scenes transition from daytime to dusk and then to night, culminating in Disneyland's Holiday fireworks surrounding the riders in the nighttime sky. In addition to the state's various landscapes, the ride also highlights its diverse recreation, including snow skiing, river rafting, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and of course, hang gliding. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) at San Diego's Naval Air Station North Island are also featured. An original score by film composer Jerry Goldsmith accompanies the imagery, and appropriate scents (citrus, pine, sagebrush, ocean mist) fill the air as the ride vehicles themselves move gently to simulate the sensations of flight. read more

Pretty decent ride, we were lucky enough to come right before closing so the wait time was short. The ride gets loaded with pretty big groups so it does go through quickly. The ride itself does give you some beautiful views of places throughout the world which is in line with Epcot's theme. read more