On my last trip to Disney World, I went on Soarin for the first time. I really wasn't all that impressed. I mean, it's ok, but it's no more than a once per trip kind of thing. I know a lot of people enjoy it, but I wasn't a huge fan. The finale is great, but other than that, I really don't get the hype. And the wait time for it is always around an hour and a half. I just don't get it.
What is your opinion on Soarin? Is it really worth a 90 minute wait? And if you're a Soarin fan, don't hate on me. Just giving an opinion.
There are a few reason why Soarin is as popular as it is in Epcot.
1) For most people it is a brand new experience and one that I don't recall or am aware of, exists anywhere but in Disney. It's is an attractions that doesn't take much imagination to get into the feel of. It's basic and stimulates the senses without scaring the stuff out of anyone. The only part of the ride that is truly specifically California is the Disneyland scene. The rest could be almost anywhere in this country. OK, the Golden Gate Bridge is a slight giveaway as well.
2) It is family friendly. Any of any age can be on it and have an equally good time. That is not common in Epcot. The seas is a very good pavilion but you can get the same (close) effect sitting in the waiting room of your dentist and looking at the aquarium.
3) It is in the same building as another equally family friendly attraction...Living with the Land.
4) What's left of Imagination is really just a figment (tee hee) of anyone's imagination that there is anything worth seeing there. And for the person that thought that Captain EO was terrific... well, for that person there is nothing I can say, it's to late to be saved.
5) Many people are still afraid of Mission: Space just because a couple of people bought the farm on the ride. Half the fun is looking death in the face and riding it to Mars (unfortunately, not back... you're kinda stuck there on the red planet.
6) TT is kinda fun but I drove way faster then that getting to Disney, so the thrill is minimal. They also seem to take the same road every time.
7) Ellen is great as far as I am concerned, I love it, but many feel that a 40 minute ride is too long, especially with young kids who lose interest shortly after the dinosaurs.
8) Spaceship Earth is a wonderful ride and the very top of it is spectacular. It is every bit as popular as Soarin, but it is also a people eater and there is no long line. As far as excitement goes it is about the same as watching grass grow. I think my heart rate actually dropped during the ride. Still love it though.
In short, it is pretty much the only attraction in Epcot that won't kill you or put you to sleep and that, my friends, is why it's sooooo popular.
I forgot to add, Soarin is the only ride I have ever been on in my life that had an ovation after it ended. People were clapping and whistling, I love it!
That's been my experience as well, almost every time, there is an ovation. I have also witnessed that at the American Adventure, but nowhere near as often.
