Although I've read on the web and the guidebooks, I wanted some more information about this ride. I have two sons with mild cerebral palsy, so I wanted to know a little about how the ride works.

Are there seats to sit on? Is it similar to other motion simulators like Star Tours? Do you really feel like a hangglider and support yourself with your arms?

Thanks for the information!

Wade

Hi!
Yes, on Soarin', each passenger has their own seat. The ride is very similar to Star Tours in many respects, as Soarin' is a motion simulator, however it is much smoother than Star Tours. Also, each passenger is well supported... they are sitting up rather than laying down (the normal position on a hang glider).
-- Someone who is afraid of hights definetely wants to skip this attraction.
-- As signs posted throughout the ride warn, those who have heart, neck, back, or other problems that may be aggrevated by Soarin' over California should not ride.
I hope that this was of some assistance.

Adding to what DisneyBob said, the seats are bench-type seats, with the seat belt mechanism between them. The restraint system is a lap belt. Smaller children must fasten the lap belt through a loop that comes up between the legs, to keep them from sliding under the belt.

I have a friend who has two kids with MD, and one of them can ride Soarin', while the other can not. The difference is in the amount of upper body strength the kids have. You must be able to hold or brace yourself into an upright position without external assistance, and one of her kids can not do that.

Enjoy your trip!
AVP

The only other thing I'd add is that while it is smoother than Star Tours, the seats you sit in go up in the air on Soarin'. They are raised up above the floor. I'm not sure if that has any impact on your decision, but it is different than the Star Tours bench seats in that respect.