ellie
13th September 2009, 03:08 PM
Does anyone else love this as much as me? It is one of my favourite attractions at Epcot (with Mission Space being my next favourite).
Even my husband, who doesn't go on much, and runs a mile from anything smacking of roller coaster (he usually gets the job of sitting with all the bags, cameras etc.) will come with us on it.
For those who have never experience this ride, which is actually a simulator, you sit in a multi-seated hang glider (not really, just a row of seats!) which rises 40 ft leaving your feet dangling in space. In front of you is a huge circular screen from which images of the Californian countryside appear before you. As you glide silently through puffy white clouds, with the wind in your face (yes, really!) nothing can prepare you for the vista before you as you emerge high above the Golden Gate Bridge.
This is followed by a flight over the varied topography of California - high over mountains and orange groves, up a river and swooping low over a desert, climbing high over rich farmlands and national parks, over a famous golf course and then almost getting your feet wet as you race over the waves. The finale is spectacular, over Disneyland at Anaheim, but I won't spoil it for you - suffice to say you should hang onto your hats!
There are even aromas of pine forests, orange groves and the sea to add to the delight. The musical score is by Gerry Goldsmith and adds totally to the experience.
This is probably the most popular ride at Epcot so queues can be very long - 2 hours sometimes, so go there first and make sure you pick up a fastpass at the same time so you can return to it and enjoy it again before you leave the park.
Even my husband, who doesn't go on much, and runs a mile from anything smacking of roller coaster (he usually gets the job of sitting with all the bags, cameras etc.) will come with us on it.
For those who have never experience this ride, which is actually a simulator, you sit in a multi-seated hang glider (not really, just a row of seats!) which rises 40 ft leaving your feet dangling in space. In front of you is a huge circular screen from which images of the Californian countryside appear before you. As you glide silently through puffy white clouds, with the wind in your face (yes, really!) nothing can prepare you for the vista before you as you emerge high above the Golden Gate Bridge.
This is followed by a flight over the varied topography of California - high over mountains and orange groves, up a river and swooping low over a desert, climbing high over rich farmlands and national parks, over a famous golf course and then almost getting your feet wet as you race over the waves. The finale is spectacular, over Disneyland at Anaheim, but I won't spoil it for you - suffice to say you should hang onto your hats!
There are even aromas of pine forests, orange groves and the sea to add to the delight. The musical score is by Gerry Goldsmith and adds totally to the experience.
This is probably the most popular ride at Epcot so queues can be very long - 2 hours sometimes, so go there first and make sure you pick up a fastpass at the same time so you can return to it and enjoy it again before you leave the park.