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As PAP and DVC members we were able to take advantage of the special preview weekend (April 15-17) for the new "Soarin" ride that will
premiere officially at Epcot's The Land pavillion on May 5. It was a lot of fun to be a part of a Soarin' 'soft open' and exciting to
know that this will be a regular attraction at WDW!
The Land is still not open as of yet (May 5 is the official date) so the wall out front is still in place. Unlike a few weeks ago when I
rode Soarin and we entered through the back of the buliding for an unofficial 'soft open', this planned event allowed us to enter
through a door in the wall and into the main entrance of The Land. (As a side note, the food court has changed to look more like the
food court at the Value resorts....but I digress.....) Also different this time was that were able to take pictures. These are
being submitted to MFL so you too can get a sneak peek!
The ride area is downstairs. There are stairs, and ecalator and an elevator available. Once you are at the entrance, you can choose
Stand-by, FastPass, or Single Rider (an EXCELLENT way to avoid long lines- you are almost always able to ride at the same time as a
partner, just not sitting next to each other!) The height restriction is 40 inches.
The interior of the wait area and the wait areas of the ride (preshow, main ride) seem to now be complete- Unlike DCA's
version which takes place in an old 40's airplane hanger glorifying the history of aviation, this is a more
modern take- like a state-of-the-art airport terminal. There is not a lot to look at, and the queue is very long. There is one area that
does have pictures of nature with changing questions and answers. Nice, not enough to entertain during the long waits of peak season!
I don't want to give the experince away so I'll hold back sharing details. Disney does say that this ride is not for you if you have a
fear of heights.....again, there is nothing 'scary'....but you are lifted up in your seat. Unless your fear is a serious problem, I
would suggest giving it a try. It is lovely. It will leave you breathless not because of the height, but because the the sheer
magic of the experince!
Just like the DCA version, you get the whole package that makes this the best all 'round Disney attraction-start to finish- I've ever
been on.....AND every rider ohhed, ahhed, and applauded just like at DCA!!
This ride is for everyone. There are no scary dips, drops, or "thrills".....just a "thrilling" experience, in the best sense.
We took an 84 year old on it and he LOVED it! My 5 year old has been riding it (at DCA) since she hit 40 inches at 3 years old.....both
age spectrums can and will enjoy this experience.
One last note: The CM's shared with me that WDW's Soarin will indeed be changed after the Disneyland 50th is over next year. This is why
it is called simply "Soarin" with the "Over California" part dropped. No word on what film it will be replaced with, but
something fabulous I am sure! I wonder if the empty queue area will have more pictures on the walls once the new film is produced as to
reflect the theming......we will see!
Finally, Soarin will be open to the general public as of this Monday, April 18! Get in line and enjoy!
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