Terrific Tuesdays: Soarin’

Up, up and away, in my beautiful balloon.  It’s a bird, it’s a plane. NO! It’s me, soaring high in the skies on Epcot’s Soarin’!

This is one of the most popular rides at Epcot, right along with Test Track.  Soarin’ is located in the Land Pavilion of Future World.  This attraction opened in 2001 and has been a major attraction ever since.  During busy days, if you don’t have a FastPass+, the wait can be an hour or longer.

Soarin’ is a peaceful, hang-glide over beautiful California landmarks.  The queue is set to resemble an airport terminal, where you will watch a debriefing video before you are seated in your glider.  When you are seated, PLEASE, make sure all loose belongings are in the basket below your seat, that wind can get rough that high in the sky and you wouldn’t want to lose anything.  Also, be mindful of flip-flops!  After you are safely fastened in, just sit back and enjoy the glide.  Though your chair is only lifted about 40 feet in the air, it seems as though you are miles high in the sky. 

The theater is an IMAX screen that wraps 180 degrees around you, so you can experience the full panoramic effect.  On your five minute tour of the California landmarks you will soar over the Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Tahoe, Malibu and beautiful Napa Valley.  You will think your toes are going to splash in the water above surfers, you will fly with a hot air balloon group and even  see a PGA golf tournament a little closer than you might expect.  Try not to flinch, as you may miss an opportunity to see a Hidden Mickey!   There is also a special surprise at the end, as night falls on the Disneyland Castle.  This attraction plays on more of your senses than just sight, as you feel the breezes blowing in your hair and smell the fresh pine scent of the evergreen forest. 

Now, I must admit, though I have ridden this ride many times, I only do so for my kids.  I am so scared of heights that I keep my eyes closed and my hands tight around the grip bar  most of the time.  I am a wimp, I know.  My kids remind me each time we are on it.  There are height restrictions, so be sure to check that for small children.  So, just because you are afraid of heights, doesn’t mean to avoid this ride.  There are many points in the “movie” that are amazing views and it is a quiet peaceful trip.

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Shannan is a mom that was born and raised in rural Tennessee. She tells us: “I live with my husband and 3 of our 5 children. Travis is 24 and is father to my grandbabies, Emma and baby Judson. I can’t wait to start sharing Disney with them. Dusty is 22, Clay 12, Zachary 10 and Erin is 8. I clean houses to make money to fund my magical trips. I went to Disney the first time as a teen and couldn’t wait to start introducing my own children to the magic. We took our 3 youngest in 2004 and that started it all. We have been 3 times since then and have our first Christmas trip planned for this December. Usually my parents accompany us on the trip and I have to research and plan for things that will suit various ages in our party of 7. Each time I go, I try new experiences in lodging and dining so I can share it with friends and family that seek my advice on trip planning! Disney is definitely my first choice in vacation destinations. Hopefully there is a Disney surf and turf vacation in our future!“

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