this is a pretty great ride. . .I love the footage they got, I love the wind and the pine scent, and the way you feel like your feet are going to hit the rafters.

but I wish they made the screen bigger so if you dont sit in the front row you have peoples feet dangnling in front fo you, or can see the side of the screen.

I am surprised more people dont absolutely love this ride. I rode it a couple years ago and was blown away. It is the best pure motion simulator, blowing away rides like Star Tours, Back to the Future, and the countless other stationary motion sims. I am not comparing this to Spiderman, which is not a motion simulator until the very end. Soarin makes you feel like you are flying, and the wind and scents add to the realism. I cant wait for this to be installed at EPCOT. Another winner for Disney. UPDATE: I am knocking this down to a 9 based on the fact that if you get the last row on one of the sides the ride sucks. See my Epcot Soarin review for more...

This is a simulator ride similar to Back to the Future / The Simpsons at Universal Studios, except very pleasant rather than rough. You ride in simulated hang gliders that suspend you in front of / over a giant screen that features more than a dozen scenes of California. This is that rare ride that is gentle yet very thrilling all at the same time. Some of my favorite scenes involve soaring toward Yosemite Falls, nearly landing on an aircraft carrier in San Diego, and gliding over the crashing waves off of the beach at dusk. The very first thing you see on the ride is the Golden Gate Bridge as you pull out of the clouds, which always gets several oooohs and aaaahs from the riders. The music is very nice, and the wind and scent effects add even more (though I find that the pine trees, orange grove, and ocean all smell strangely similar). You definetely want to try for a seat front row center. Seats in the second or third rows, or those to the side, do not offer quite as good a view, as you either see the dangling feet of the riders in front of you, or the screen starts to wrap around toward you, which just slightly distorts the image. Nevertheless, this is an outstanding experience, and one of the few rides I know of that consistently receives an ovation at the end. It does not sound like this ride will be affected at all by the California Adventure renovation, as well it should not. One of the original, unique, best attractions at the park is too good to change.

Soarin Over California was mediocre, because it just didnt do much. It was pretty much a big movie theatre with hang glider shaped chairs, and every once and a while the chairs would tild up or down or left or right. It was really quite boring. It was cool to get the nice views of California that you really never see, that is why I gave it a 7.

Clasic ride making its way into one of the best Lrides in theme parks. It actually makes you feel like you are hang gliding. I was impressed with this ride. Disey did a great job.

Fabulous ride... The breezes, the scents, the scenery, the music... Im certain Im not the only one whos misty-eyed at the end of it every time, am I? Yeah, Im just an old softy! :-)

Ho. Lee. &@#$. That was my reaction the first time I rode this, and the second...probably will be after my third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. time. The views of Californias greatest sights are breathtaking, and there are many, many moments where you feel as if your feet are going to skim the water or crash into the mountaintop. I have to counter Nebulae on his review: This is probably the best ride for people who _are_ acrophobic and want to get over it--it certainly did it for me! I would give this ride a ten except for two things: One, the shot of Tinkerbell at the end is INCREDIBLY corny, although the fireworks certainly make up for it; and Two: The flight attendant who gives you all of the safety rules is even cornier...I mean, is it possible to sound any more fake? Nonetheless, this is one HELLUVA ride. Absolutely recommended for EVERYBODY--even your 95-year-old great-grandmother, shell enjoy this too.

I have to agree with a few people here. This is teh best motion simulator ride out there. I loved the soundtrack (which I want). I loved the smells. I loved the themeing. I loved the idea. I love the magical ending. I love the scenes. I love the surprises. I think they should change out the film every four years...yeah its a California park but how about other places... but thats about it. This ride has endless possibilities. Make sure you get a fastpass for this one very early in the morning otherwise they run out!

Im absolutely shocked that more people dont love this ride. The first part in the clouds is cheesy, but the rest is jaw droppingly awesome! I feel that this is the best simulator out there, and also arguably the best Non Coaster Ride!

A really relaxing, inspiring ride. Its nice to see high tech technology to create a immersive experience rather than a rough, thrilling one. The huge IMAX screen, wind blowing through your hair and even smells pumped into the theatre make this a realistic ride. Even the soundtrack is wonderful. The only thing that jars is the sudden cuts to different parts of California. Also, the line is rather boring which is a shame, especially considering theres always a long line for this attraction. The best ride in DCA.