Walt Disney World's Best Ride

Take a hang-gliding trip over California landscapes from Upper Yosemite Falls to Death Valley in Soarin', Epcot's high-flying attraction at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

I've spent the past month in central Florida researching a new Insight Guide, Step By Step Orlando. With so many fantastic theme parks in Orlando, it's hard to choose a favorite, but for my money Epcot's Soarin' is Walt Disney World's best ride.

Soarin' has long been a popular attraction at Disney's California Adventure park, and now it's a big hit at Epcot, too. It simulates a hang-glider ride over California, and the experience is amazingly real.

No special effects are necessary for this ride. All that's needed is a giant domed IMAX screen and the awesome beauty of California's landscape.

As the ride begins, the seats rise 45 feet into the air. With my feet dangling and a cool breeze blowing in my face, I had the terrifying sensation of being miles above ground with only a seatbelt holding me in.

That moment of vertigo soon turned to thrills as we began soarin' - up the Yosemite Valley above a river and over the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, across the tips of giant redwoods and above lush Napa Valley vineyards. Whenever it seemed we would crash into a mountain, we'd clear the peak and I'd find myself above the desert dunes of Death Valley, or gliding amidst a sky full of hot air balloons.

The sensation of flight was so realistic that I actually lifted my feet as we swooped low over the ocean. For the grand finale, we soared into the bursting fireworks display over the Magic Kingdom.

If you want to go Soarin', head straight for the ride when the park opens and get a Fastpass to avoid a long wait in line. The Fastpass slots are often gone by midday, but even if you have to queue, this is one ride worth waiting for.

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See my husband's Top Orlando Attractions.

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