Soarin' isn't particularly scary, but the ride does try to add some excitement to the “flying” simulation. I wouldn't advise guests with a fear of heights to ride.

Whether "Soarin' Around the World" is considered scary depends largely on a person's sensitivity to heights and motion. The ride is categorized as a "gentle" flight simulator, but it features a dramatic "takeoff" where your row of seats is lifted roughly 40 feet into the air to face a massive 180-degree IMAX projection dome. For those with a severe fear of heights (acrophobia), the sensation of dangling feet and the perspective of gliding over high monuments like the Eiffel Tower or the Great Wall of China can be intense. However, there are no sudden drops, high speeds, or inversions. If the visual stimulation becomes overwhelming, closing your eyes immediately breaks the illusion of flight, as the mechanical movement of the seats is quite subtle. Most families find it to be a relaxing, multi-sensory experience (including scents like grass and ocean spray) rather than a frightening one, though children must meet the 40-inch height requirement to ride.