Disney’s Soarin’ Around the World – What Should I Be Afraid Of?

Soarin’ Around the World at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World may be described as a must-do in Disney ride reviews, but how scary might it be – and what exactly might you be afraid of? Our Soarin’ Around the World ride review covers everything you need to know.

Soarin’ Around the World at the Disney California Adventure side of Disneyland Resort and EPCOT in Walt Disney World gives you the chance to fly around some of the most popular destinations on the globe. At the time it was built, its ride technology was groundbreaking. Today, it’s still an engineering marvel that makes guests really believe they’re gliding around the world.

Yes, I do believe this ride is a must-do. But what exactly might make it a scary ride? We’ve ridden Soarin’ Around the World countless times and understand the ins and outs of it like the back of our hands.

This is why we at MickeyVisit put together this comprehensive ride review of Soarin’ Around the World so you have a clear idea of what to expect when riding it.

Soarin’ Around the World Scare Rating

In an effort to clearly define just how scary a ride is, we developed an ultra-scientific backed-by-research rating system.

We call it the Mickey Visit Ride Rating System – MVRRS for short (pretty clever, huh?)

The MVRRS goes as follows:

• Wimp Proof: Not scary at all
• Wimp Proof-ish: Seems scary at first, but after, you feel it’s nothing to worry about
• Scary but Survivable: Moderately scary
• Scary: Definitely scary, but you’ll be able to sleep at night
• Bravest Riders Only: The scariest ride you’ll find in a theme park

Soarin’ Around the World Ride Overview

Soarin’ Around the World sends you on an a hang gliding flight over the wonders of the world.

This ride, described as a thrilling simulation ride with an IMAX screen, gives you a realistic feel of what it’s like to glide over sweeping landscapes from all over the world. Using a ride system developed inside Walt Disney Imagineering’s warehouse, you get a one-of-a-kind ride experience seen only at other Disney them parks around the world.

For those who have traveled to Walt Disney World before, you’ll find that the ride experience at Soarin’ Around the World is the same at EPCOT’s version as it is in Disney California Adventure’s version.

However, the main difference between these 2 rides is the show room and queue theming.

At Disney California Adventure, Soarin’s theming focuses on the spirit and history of flight, with a queue designed as an airplane hangar full of photos commemorating famous pilots. At EPCOT, Soarin’s theming focuses on an airport, featuring a queue that looks and feels like you’re about to board a commercial airplane.

Here’s some important information to review before riding Soarin’:

• Access: Disney Genie+, Single Rider, Rider Switch
• Height Requirements: Guests must be at least 40″ (102)
• Highest Speed: Not Applicable (movement is felt through the IMAX screen)
• Length: 5 minutes
• Highest Ride Height: 50 feet
• Loops: 0
• Other Features: IMAX Screen

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Soarin’ Around the World Queue: What You Need to Know

The standby queue, Genie+ Lightning Lane queue, and Single Rider queue for Soarin’ Around the World start right at the ride’s signage.

The merge point for both queues happens right before being directed toward 1 of 2 ride rooms. Part of the standby queue is shaded with misters but outdoors (and in the California heat), while majority of the Genie+ Lightning Lane queue is indoors.

Note that there is no signage for the Single Rider queue. To utilize this queue, you must ask a Cast Member at the ride’s entrance to enter the Single Ride queue. They will then send you down a line adjacent to the Genie+ Lightning Lane queue.

Once you enter the first half of the indoor portion of the queue, you get a lot to look at to pass the time waiting. In this well-lit part of the queue, there are photos and descriptions of famous pilots from history and items and memorabilia related to flying. Once you pass the merge point, you walk down a long, straight, and dimly-lit hallway with very little theming to keep you busy.

Once you make it to the boarding area, a Cast Member will direct you and your party to a numbered row. This where your pre-show and safety spiel happens, led by the lovable Patrick Warburton (who famously voiced Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove).

Lastly, it’s important to note that there is only 1 chicken exist available should you choose to skip the ride. However, it isn’t the most convenient: if you decide to sit this ride out while in the queue, you can simply turn around and walk back out the way you entered.

Soarin’ Around the World Ride Vehicle Information

The ride vehicle for Soarin’ is unlike any other – let’s review why.

After your ride pre-show, a Cast Member will direct you to your designated seating area. You’ll take a seat and put on your seatbelt. For the kiddos and shorter guests that need extra safety, you can place the seatbelt through the designated loop between the legs.

Keep in mind that this ride is entirely indoors.

As a simulated hang gliding experience, each ride vehicle features a row of between 7 and 11 seats that swing forward, up, and out toward a massive bowl-shaped IMAX screen. This means that during the ride, your feet are in the air and dangling. However, you do have small metal handles on either side of you to hold on to when riding.

Each ride vehicle also has its own “smellitzers” (more on this later) that add to the overall ride experience.

Soarin’ Around the World: Ride Experience

Although this ride is over 2 decades old, its ride experience makes it almost timeless.

Once you’re cleared for takeoff, your ride vehicle swings forward, up, and outward, lifting you off the ground and making you feel like the ground dropped away. In fact, you’re suspended up to 50 feet in the air with your legs dangling. It also puts you in a spot where the screen extends both above and below you, making you feel immersed into the ride. In fact, when I look around while riding, I still catch guests lifting their feet up or covering their face because they really feel like their feet will hit the Matterhorn or they’ll get hit with dust from an African elephant.

With the epic music of Jerry Goldsmith, you’ll visit the Matterhorn in Switzerland, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, the Sydney Opera House, and more. You’ll feel the breeze as you’re flying around the world. Thanks to Disney’s “smellitzers,” you’ll even smell some of the scents around the world, giving you a life-like experience.

Keep in mind though that depending on where you sit on the ride, your view may be distorted due to the curved IMAX screen.

Let’s review the aspects of the ride that that make Soarin’ thrilling and add to its MVRRS rating:

• Hang Gliding Simulator: As described earlier, this hang gliding simulator sends you up into the air with your feet dangling, giving the feeling of soaring around the world
• Height: Depending on which row you sit in, you’ll either be 30 feet, 40 feet, or 50 feet above the ground. Guests with a fear of heights should consider skipping this ride. Otherwise, you can request to sit in a lower row to accommodate for your fear of heights if you still want to ride this ride
• IMAX Domed Screen: The massive domed screen with speakers behind it make for an immersive experience. Combined with the ride vehicle, you feel totally immersed in the ride. It’s important to note again that depending on where you sit, your view may be distorted due to the curved screen. This may also make it unsuitable for guests that are sensitive to motion sickness.
• Startling Story Elements: There are a few elements of the ride that may startle guests. this includes feeling like you’ll hit the tippy-top of the Matterhorn, a seaplane almost colliding with you, a whale splashing a wave of water into you, and an African elephant throwing dust at you.
• Length: At about 5 minutes, Soarin’ Around the world is about the same length as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Space Mountain at Disneyland Park
• Smellitzers: Above you are devices that release scents specific to the scene you’re viewing. For example, you’ll smell the scent of grass as you fly over an African savanna or the tropical ocean breeze as you fly over Fiji

Every single effect adds up to a very fun ride.

Favorite Moment of Soarin’ Around the World

Here’s why you need to consider riding Soarin’ Around the World even with its different thrill elements.

I remember the first time I rode Soarin’ Around the World (when it first opened as Soarin’ Over California). I was a sophomore in high school and had absolutely no clue what I was about to experience. For better or for worse, I went all in.

Boy was I glad I did.

Soarin’ Around the World – even to this day, 2 decades later – does a fantastic job sweeping you off your feet, away from Disneyland Resort and taking you on a trip around the world. Every single time I experience this ride, I marvel at how realistic it feels to visit some of the wonders of the world and walk away with a sense of adventure and excitement.

Because of this, my favorite moment of Soarin’ Around the World is when your ride vehicle first swings up and out into the IMAX screen. The first few notes of Jerry Goldsmith’s epic soundtrack play, and before you know it, you’ve transported from Disneyland Resort straight to Switzerland’s famous Matterhorn.

All it takes is 2 seconds and I’m swept away by the Disney magic.

Soarin’ Around the World: Scary Verdict

So, how does our ride review of Soarin’ Around the World stack up against our MVRRS?

MVRRS VERDICT: Wimp Proof-ish: Seems scary at first, but after, you feel it’s nothing to worry about

Soarin’ Around the World certainly has elements that make it thrilling – its height and IMAX screen are 2 major elements that add to its thrill. With a maximum height of 50 feet, its ride vehicle that lets your feet dangle in the air, and a film that makes you feel like you’re much higher up than you really are, it’s completely understandable to be scared at first.

However, when considering these elements and its incredible soundtrack and special effects, you’re guaranteed to walk away from this ride just as I did – with a sense of adventure and excitement.

Besides, if you’re afraid of heights, you can do 1 of 2 things. First, you can ask to sit in a lower row to be closer to the ground. Second, while riding you can take a look to your left or right. While doing this takes away from the ride experience, it will give you a sense of feeling grounded because of the guests you see right next to you.

Barring sensitivity to motion sickness or extreme fear of heights, you will absolutely love Soarin’ Around the World.

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