Soarin' over California: Imax with Wind
Written: Apr 29 '04 (Updated Jun 21 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful scenery, scents and wind
Cons: You can see all the feet dangling in front of you
The Bottom Line: A ride that everyone can enjoy. The experience is very pleasant but it lacks that "wow" factor so many Disney rides have.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Soarin' Over California - California Adventure |
Soarin' Over California consistently gets among the highest ratings for rides in Disney's California Adventure. So, the first time I got on this ride, I had high expectations. The "ride" was pretty good but I would classify it similar to an IMAX movie with a lot of extra detail.
THE RIDE
The concept of this ride is that you are in a hang glider soaring over California. When you first enter the attraction, you are directed to a seat in a long row. The seats are designed to look like a cross between a hang glider and an airline seat. There is a canopy over your head. The seats are bucket style. The floor of the attraction is made of cement - which continues the hangar theme - and there are blue takeoff lights embedded in the floor. Once you are seated, you have to fasten your seatbelt and stow your "carry-ons" in the basket below your seat.
After everyone is seated, the lights go off suddenly. This can startle younger children. Your hang glider "takes off" meaning that it is lifted in the air. Once your glider is in position, it no longer moves. This is the extent of the "ride" part of the attraction. The rest of the attraction is viewing an elaborate Imax movie.
In front of you is a gigantic IMAX screen. It occupies almost all of your view so you get the visual sense that you are actually flying. "Wind" also blows through the screen so you get the sensation of flying. Lastly, some of the scenes are scented. When you travel over evergreens, you can actually catch an evergreen scent. All of this is intended to make the experience as real as possible.
The main drawback of this ride is that, unless you are in the first row, you can see all the feet of the people over you dangling in your vision. Some of the feet cast shadows on the edges of the screen. This flaw detracts a lot from the visual experience of the ride.
The movie itself is pretty good. There is not much audio but you do see some wonderful scenery of California including forests, deserts, mountains, sea shore, golf courses, rivers and, of course, Disneyland itself.
I didn't really feel the sensation of flying although I did enjoy the brief movie and thought the wind and scent effects were pretty cool. Overall, I would say this experience tops a regular IMAX experience but not by much.
My kids also enjoyed the ride. They were not nearly excited on it as some other rides. I would describe Soarin' over California as pleasant but it lacks the "wow" you get from many other Disney attractions. After hearing all the accolades and then finally experiencing the ride myself, I was a little disappointed.
THE WAIT
The line snakes around just outside the building housing the attraction. The building is designed to look like an airline hangar and doesn't have much visual interest. Once inside, there is a little more theming and a lot more line. There is no place to sit in the line. The outside portion of the line is partly shaded but it can get hot since you are standing on concrete.
The best part of the wait is when you finally get to the doors of the ride. Once there, you watch a short, but entertaining, video of a smarmy flight attendant giving you the final directions for the ride with lots of aviation tips like how to buckle your seatbelt.
There are fastpasses available for this ride and on days when the wait is excessive, it makes sense to get the fastpass. We visited on a very busy day and they ran out of fastpasses, so consider getting to this ride early in the day.
THE LOCATION
Soarin' over California is located near the entrance of the park and, if you head right out of the entrance, it is the first major attraction you will see.
One fun part of the location is the huge "engine" just outside the ride that sprays mist. This is great for cooling off and the kids love it. Just across from the entrance to the ride is a gift shop and bathrooms. There is also an indoor restaurant nearby.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I liked Soarin' Over California and thought it was a pleasant experience. This is a great ride for someone who doesn't want to get bounced around and it appealed to all members of our family. I had higher expectations for a Disney attraction, especially one I had heard so many good things about, and was slightly disappointed after the ride was over. Still, I think it is worth seeing and recommend it.
MY REVIEWS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney’s Grand Californian
Marriott Suites Anaheim
Residence Inn Anaheim
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK RESTAURANTS
Storyteller’s Cafe
Blue Bayou
Wine Country Trattoria
Goofy’s Kitchen
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Grizzly River Run
The Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D
It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D
Princess Dot Puddle Park
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Misson Tortilla Factory Tour
Boudin Bakery Factory Tour
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones Adventure
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds
It’s a Small World
Tarzan’s Tree House
Aladdin’s Oasis
Splash Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Autotopia
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
Astro Orbitor
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
MY REVIEWS OF OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Legoland
SeaWorld San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Wild Animal Park
Balboa Park
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego’s Old Town
The Museum of Making Music
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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modernmarvel
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