It is hard to find an attraction that appeals to all age groups, but Disney World certainly has a winner when it comes to Soarin' at Epcot.  This hang gliding simulation provides gentle thrills that leave fans young and old walking away amazed and willing to wait in long lines to experience it again.



Walt Disney World Resort guests actually have Disney's California Adventure to thank as they debuted the attraction in 2001, and it's overwhelming success lead to the addition of the Epcot version to the Land Pavilion in 2005.


The ride places park guests in 3 rows of "Hang Gliders" that are raised into position in front of a projection screen.  The ride itself combines gentle movements in concert with the action on the screen to give the sensation of "gliding."  To enhance the experience there are fans generating gentle breezes and scents of pine trees and orange groves when you pass those items as part of your journey.


It would not be fair to call Soarin' a thrill ride per se, but the experience is extraordinary and one to be remembered.  You are taken on a tour of California including such sights as: the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, PGA West Golf Course in La Quinta, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego, Malibu, Los Angeles, and Disneyland.



Even if you are planning to get a FastPass you want to make sure that you obtain one early in the day, because they are routinely all distributed by early afternoon.


You are greeted by plenty of blue neon and polished metal surfaces as you enter the queue for Soarin'.  The long corridor takes you from the center of the Land Pavilion to the pre-show area for Soarin'.