This ride was very impressive. I wasnt exactly sure how the ride was supposed to simulate gliding on such an epic proportion, so I was blown away. When entering the land pavillion, the Soarin entrance is located at the lower level. The entrance is themed as an airport terminal, and I think its very affective since the entrance is located in an indoor pavillion. The line was abstract, but very well done. It captured a great atmosphere and had giant pictures of different biomes on the wall in the main room where most of the line takes place. Trivia questions and cool facts relating to each specific biome flash across a high definition screen, which provides good entertainment and education while waiting in line. Once you reach the end of the line, you are placed on a number that corresponds to where you will sit on the ride. You get a pre-flight breifing and then you are taken into a huge room with three rows of gliders. Teh seats are very comfortable, and once everybody is strapped in the room turns completely dark and you feel yourself being raised off of the ground. Clouds appear on the screen, and the suddenly part displaying the Golden Gate Bridge and San Fransisco. When the clouds part the rush I felt was amazing. It was like I was suddenly hundreds of feet above San Fransisco, and I clutched on to my seat for dear life (Im afraid of heights). After the initial shock went away, the rest of the ride was incredible relaxing, I dont see why Disney puts it in the Thrill ride category, because aside from the openning I felt very relaxed and comfortable throughout the ride. The gliding sensation was extremely gentle and calming, and the scents gave a great atmosphere to the areas you would fly over. The ride ends by landing in Disneyland, which is stupid because the ride is from California Adventure (just advertising for Disneys 50th I suppose "Now arriving straight from Disneyland- Soarin!". A mild thrill is added to the end when the fireworks ignite with you still in the air, but it still wasnt frightening, more of just a pleasant surprise. One downpoint of the ride was how slowly it seemed to load, the line in the main terminal moved at a crawling pace, if it was even moving at all. The line was pretty long, but it was worth the experience. I think this ride is great for EPCOT because it ties in nicely with The Land Pavillion and its a ride that anyone can ride, from the most hardcore thrill seaker to a family with kids.
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