If you’ve never been on Soarin’ at Epcot, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Read on for everything you want to know about the most magical flight simulator on earth.

Imagine what it would be like to embark on an epic hang-gliding journey over some of the most remarkable parts of the globe.

Actually, you don’t have to imagine at all, because Disney has Imagineered it for us. 🙌 Take to the virtual skies on Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot, located on the ground level of The Land pavilion.

Is Soarin’ a ride you should book a Lightning Lane for? Is this the type of flight simulator that only thrill-seekers will enjoy? We have the answers to these questions and more. Here’s everything you need to know about Soarin’ Around the World!

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What Is Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot?

Soarin’ is a flight simulator attraction that first opened its Epcot gates in May 2005. With a show building comprised of three unique IMAX theaters, guests board a mechanized ride vehicle that lifts them about 80 feet in the air.

Mimicking a hang glider, you’ll be harnessed at the waist with your legs and feet dangling, positioned in front of a massive 80-foot, 180-degree dome screen. As your ride vehicle gently moves up, down, and side to side, 13 incredible show scenes are projected onto your theater’s IMAX screen.

The jaw-dropping cinematography covers locales across all six continents, including the Swiss Alps, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China, all culminating in a beautiful nighttime fireworks spectacle over Epcot. There are even a handful of 4D elements — including wind gusts and natural scents — that really help to sell the illusion of a true, globe-trotting flight.

Is Soarin’ at Epcot a Roller Coaster?

No, it isn’t. In fact, you won’t find any kind of conventional vehicle tracks on Soarin’. As mentioned, you and yours board a mechanized lift vehicle that cleverly emulates a stunning hang-glide experience with subtle up, down, and side-to-side movements.

How Intense is Soarin’ at Epcot?

While Soarin’ isn’t all that intense as an Epcot attraction, it may not be the best fit for guests with a fear of heights or those who suffer from conditions like vertigo. Once you’re strapped in, the ride vehicle ascends to a height of 30, 40, or 50 feet, depending on the row of lifts you’re assigned to. And don’t forget: You’ll also be staring out at an 80-foot-tall movie screen the entire time.

In our opinion, we actually think Soarin’ is one of the most serene attractions in all of Walt Disney World. The vehicle movements are smooth as can be, and neither the score nor the attraction audio is overly loud. (One of the only exceptions is the final fireworks scene.)

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Does Soarin’ Have a Long Wait?

Soarin’ can have a pretty long wait, but like any Disney Parks attraction, factors like time of day, day of the week, time of year, and even weather can all affect how long you’ll hang out in the Soarin’ standby queue. In our experience, we’ve seen wait times as long as 75 minutes to get on this Epcot ride, though waiting over an hour is certainly more of an exception than the rule.

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For standby riders on an average weekday at Epcot, you can probably expect to wait anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes for Soarin’. Fortunately, if you’ve purchased a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for your Epcot excursion, Soarin’ is one of several attractions you can book a Lightning Lane for.

Final Thoughts: Is Soarin’ at Epcot Worth It?

Soarin’ is an absolute must-do for us on every Walt Disney World trip. And chances are, if we’re going to Epcot more than once on a vacation, we’ll also be riding Soarin’ more than once, too! It’s also not an attraction that a Lightning Lane will be wasted on, as standby times can get fairly long for this one. 

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