Have you ever dreamt that you could fly like a bird?  Have you ever wanted to try hang-gliding but been too scared to actually go through with it?  Well now you can actually do just that, without any of the fear, from the comfort of your own seat on Walt Disney World’s newest ride in Epcot called Soarin’.

After a pre-flight briefing you enter the theatre, which includes a huge IMAX dome-shaped screen.  Guests are seated in rows of ten with your legs dangling beneath you (up to 87 guests can ride at any one time).  Fasten your seat belts, the canopy is lowered, the lights dim and your vehicle moves forward into the dome. The chairs are lifted by a cantilever system into the air.  Up, up and away flying over the most amazing sights of California.  Because you can only view the pictures being shown on the screen it gives the rider the feeling of flying.

To increase the feeling of being in flight, your seat will tip whilst turning, with small up and down movements, all of which are co-ordinated to be in synchronization with the film.  The music compliments the ride perfectly and with the wind in your hair and the smell of orange blossom from the orange groves beneath you, you could almost be there.

Soarin’ opened in May 2005 in the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World.  The ride originated in Disneyland California and was so popular that it has now been brought to Orlando, Florida as part of Disneyland’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations.  This new attraction flies guests over California taking in the famous landmarks including The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, the golf courses of Palm Springs and finishing up at Disneyland in Anaheim, California with an exciting finale of fireworks. 

Soarin’ is a Fastpass attraction which means you can book ahead and do not have to stand in long lines that sometimes can be in excess of two hours!  Soarin’ also features a single riders entrance.   However if you do not want to be parted from your friends and family for the ride this will not be the option for you. During the eighteen months of celebrating Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, “The Happiest Celebration on Earth”, Soaring’ will feature the California video.