Stupid Guest Tricks

I prefer the DCA Soarin', but only because it has a singles line. But since I live by WDW, it's a moot point.

The irony of Soarin' is that it's not at all a new or unique or terribly innovative concept. It's simply an Imax film viewed from motion simulating seats. It's a bit hard to describe how the seats work, but there are three "rows," and they move and stack themselves at the start so that if you're in row 1, you're the highest (maye 30 feet?), second highest in row 2, and maybe only 10 feet up in row 1. In rows 2 and 3 you see dangling feet above you. Then the movie starts, and the seats do some motion in synch with the screen. The soundtrack is absolutely breathtaking, and in some of the scenes you'll smell scents like oranges in the orange grove.

That's it, really...an Imax movie with motion and smells. But at WDW it's so wildly popular that I've seen times over two hours posted. In the peak season, the FPs are gone by 11 a.m. I go at rope drop, ride the first ride of the day, then grab a FP when it's done.

I guess this ride proves Walt's original philosophy. He wasn't about thrill rides; he wanted things that parents and kids could enjoy together. Soarin' is a great example of a family ride.

Just remembered, I have a photo of the seats:



This is from our Adventure By Disney at DCA. Everyone ran to sit in row 1, but I wanted to sit in row 3 with no feet dangling because that was a more unique experience!

Syndrome wrote:but I wanted to sit in row 3 with no feet dangling because that was a more unique experience!

Yeah, that would be! How was it?

Big Wallaby wrote:Yeah, that would be! How was it?

It was awesome! Our group visited DCA before park opening and got to split up, with one group riding it while the other watched from behind the screen. Then we switched off so everyone got the "backstage" experience. It was one of my favorite parts of the whole ABD. Since I was alone in row 3, it's was like experiencing it in my own little world (although I'll confess I love riding it at WDW with first timers next to me so I can experience the wonderment through their eyes). We also got to see and handle the crystals that made the scent.

I spent most of our last afternoon at DCA running through the single riders line while Mr. Syndrome was off riding the Monsters ride.

Syndrome wrote:It was one of my favorite parts of the whole ABD. Since I was alone in row 3, it's was like experiencing it in my own little world (although I'll confess I love riding it at WDW with first timers next to me so I can experience the wonderment through their eyes). We also got to see and handle the crystals that made the scent.

On a trip to WDW, I rode next to a lady who grew up in California, so we talked quite a bit about SoCal and Disneyland. We both got uber-excited at the end, I won't spoil it for those who have not had the chance to ride :)

Its the best ride, based on an erector set, that I have ever had!

GRUMPY PIRATE wrote:Its the best ride, based on an erection set, that I have ever had!

Better than your honeymoon?

ktulu wrote:Better than your honeymoon?

Well, it WAS at WDW, where we got married!!


hehehehe

(the model for sorin' was made with an erector set!)

GRUMPY PIRATE wrote:Well, it WAS at WDW, where we got married!!


hehehehe

(the model for sorin' was made with an erector set!)

I know, I just couldn't resist doing some creative quoting ;)

Soarin' is one of my absolute favorite rides, too. The only thing I don't like about it is the scene cuts. They're just so abrupt. I wish there was a way to make a smoother transition (or use Tink throughout to magic us from place to place).

Minor complaint about an amazing ride though!