Soarin' Epcot

​In full disclosure, I am not a ride person.  Rollercoasters scare me.  But, I love Disney.  I think it's an easy balance.  So much to see and do, other than rides.  But, my family, well, they love to ride rides. Thus, I am sometimes asked (maybe coerced?) to go on a few.  One of these was... Soarin' Epcot.  I know, I can hear you now, it's such a tame ride... what's the fear from?

Honestly, not sure.  But, Soarin' Epcot is a ride you really must add to your must-do list when you are visiting Walt Disney World. Located in "The Land" Pavilion, it's easy to get to, but it's very popular so be sure to schedule a FastPass.  
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This isn't a ride for small kids, you have to be 40 inches or taller to ride.  But, it is a great ride for kids, tweens, and adults.  What's the concept of the ride?  Hang gliding over some of the most amazing places all over the world.  

Photo Credit: Disneyworld.disney.go.com

You enter the ride and feel like you are getting ready to board a plane.  There is a lot of airport-themed material around and like any ride at Disney, there is so much to see.  But, if you didn't get a FastPass, or have some time until you can ride, check out the Disney Play app.  You can pass the time, while in line, playing the Soarin' Challenge. It's a travel-themed trivia game that lets you play against others waiting in line. 

When you walk into the ride, you will have three rows of seats under a wing-like canopy.  There is room for 87 guests on each ride.  As the ride begins, your row will rise and move forward so you are perfectly positioned in front of the 180 degrees, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome.  Here, I must admit, is where my heart started to pound.....

I know in my mind I am not actually flying, but the ride is so realistic that you really feel like you are flying over the most amazing places in the world.  Your seat will tilt and shift in perfect timing with the film.  Plus, we all know about Disney magic, so you feel the wind AND smell the smells of the grass in Africa, waters over Fiji and so much more.  It was so real, that I kept pushing myself back into my seat.  Here's my pro tip.... if the ride gets a bit too much for you, just close your eyes.  That fear of heights will go away.  But, don't keep them closed too long... there so much to see on this ride.

What will you see???

• The clouds parting and you then fly over the Swiss Alps
• Polar bears in Greenland
• Sydney Harbor in Australia
• Fly over a herd of elephants heading towards Mount Kilimanjaro
• Great Wall of China
• Great Pyramids of Egypt
• The Taj Mahal in India
• Monument Valley
• Fiji's Lau Island
• Iguazu Falls in South America
• Eiffel Tower in Paris

Overall, this is a ride I will do again.  Don't forget to book your FastPass to ensure a quick take off on your flight!