Disney’s been on a roll lately with announcing loads of ride changes and refurbishments on the way. While many Disney guests enjoy these announcements and look forward to the new updates, that sentiment isn’t shared by all. Hey, we get it! While we’re usually excited about something new, that doesn’t mean we aren’t sad about what we’re losing.
Soarin’ Around the World
One of Disney’s most recent announcements was that the current version of Soarin’ in both Disney World and Disneyland will be replaced with a new version of the ride called Soarin’ Across America. This new version will fly you over iconic sights all around the United States, instead of all over the world like the current edition does. While some fans are looking forward to this, we can’t ignore the fact that some others are bringing up a really good point — will this new version be as beloved as its predecessor?
When we shared Disney’s announcement about the impending Soarin’ Across America change on social media, y’all did not hold back on your thoughts. One of our readers, Paul Atwell, left a comment that really struck us. It was simple, but its message was clear. He said, “Why ruin another ride?”
Soarin’ Around the World
Now, the beautiful part about Disney is that everyone has different experiences and opinions on what they’d like to do on their vacations. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just tips and tricks to make doing all you’d like to do easier. Soarin’ has been a moderately popular ride for many, many years, but this isn’t the first edition of the ride. Over in Disney California Adventure, Soarin’ Over California was an opening-day attraction on February 8th, 2001, and the same ride was copied and pasted into EPCOT as Soarin’ on May 5th, 2005.
Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure
The attractions in both Disneyland and Disney World changed to Soarin’ Around the World on June 17th, 2016, and while Disneyland sometimes reverts back to showing Soarin’ Over California at certain times of year, you’ll mostly find the version that takes you all around the world. So what does that all mean? Well, this isn’t the first time that this attraction has changed, and back then, too, not everyone was a fan of the change. In response to Paul’s comment, another one of our readers, Jennifer Walter Lanham, said, “They already did that when they changed to the film they currently show.”
The Land
Discourse around the changing of Disney rides isn’t new, but there’s another aspect of this change that has us a little concerned. 2026 is going to be a MASSIVE year for changes in the Disney World parks, and this change marks another potential closure that could affect guests. Already in 2026, two entire lands will be closed for reimagining in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Walt Disney Studios, taking the place of Animation Courtyard should be opening IN 2026 though), Dinoland, U.S.A. will be fully closed by early February 2026 to make way for Tropical Americas, and Magic Kingdom will be practically covered in construction walls thanks to the new Piston Peak and Villains Lands, not to mention the construction on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (both of which should be opening in 2026, but no set timeline has been announced).
Soarin’ Around the World Seating
Now, we do say potential closure because, as Soarin’ is a screen-based attraction, it’s possible that the majority of the work and testing can be done at night after the park has closed to guests. We’ll have to wait and see to be sure, but if this attraction does close, we could see lots of Disney guests irked, even if they aren’t opposed to the new version of the ride.
The Land is where you’ll find Soarin’ in EPCOT
For those of you who are already mourning the loss to come, we get it. Soarin’ Around the World is beyond gorgeous, and allows you to see some parts of the world you may never be able to travel to yourself. However, as we’ve seen Soarin’ Over California return to both parks previously, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Soarin’ Around the World return to the parks for special events or select times of year. It will rarely be EVERY year, but hey, we’ll take what we can get!
Soarin’ Over California
We know the Soarin’ Across America will arrive in both parks in Summer 2026, but that’s all we’ve got on the timeline right now. We’ll be sure to be on the lookout for all the latest to keep you in the know! Now you tell us — what are your thoughts on the new Soarin’ version? Excited? Sad? Tell us your opinions in the comments.
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How do you feel about this upcoming Soarin’ change? Tell us in the comments!
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Odd that they are upset about celebrating the United States’ birthday. 250 years is kinda a big deal. If you think images of the United States is ruining the ride, maybe you should visit a foreign country and learn to appreciate her again.
I think for the country’s 250th birthday, it’s appropriate as a temporary change. I do love Soarin’ Around the World, especially since the Eiffel Tower got fixed. Soarin’ Over California is great, too. Since I live in the Midwest, California is a very long trip. I hope they can easily change off all of the films occasionally.
Looking forward to soaring across America. Many of our landmarks don’t get the appreciation they deserve.
In EPCOT, Soarin’ has 3 “gates.” Soarin’ has 3 venues: World, California and America. Give guests a choice! Run one venue in each gate and let guests choose which flight they wish to experience.
The potential ‘demise’ of Soarin’ as we know it, is truly unfortunate. The attraction provides a real insight into many cultures and locales across the world, which is the best part of EPCOT. It will be a shame if Saorin’ becomes yet another fatality in Disney’s continued effort in trying to be inwardly focused rather than more inclusive of the world as a whole.
What is all this hysteria for? It’s clearly just for America’s 250th birthday like Disney said. I’m sure it will go back to Around the World.
Totally agree Ryan
I am sure it will be great. It’s not like they are scrapping the attraction and moving on like Honey I shrunk the audience …
I beginning to think some people just like to moan. It’s a TEMPORARY overlay as I understand it and even if it wasn’t, what’s wrong with some new scenery? It’s not as if the ride is changing a great deal. And it started out as Soarin’ over California, so it’s already changed once. Nostalgia is great, but most people want a new experience.
I am thrilled we will get yet another version of Soarin’. And If I got to go to Disney more often, I would be even more ready for a change of pace. I do hope they will bring back earlier versions now and then, but I’m guessing this new film will be so beautiful that we won’t mind if they don’t. I am also excited about the update to Buzz Lightyear…long overdue. Now for Tomorrowland Speedway?
I’m excited to see what parts of America are going to be shown.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Soarin’ – it’s my fave ride – have been riding it since it opened and used to love the Cali version which I’ve not seen for years as we only go to DisneyWorld but was in DisneyLand in March and got to see it again. Was fabulous (although I still like the World version the best). I was in DisneyWorld in September and rode Soarin’ 4 times on LL as I love it so much. Probably won’t be back to DisneyWorld until 2027 so will likely miss out on this temporary overlay and am GUTTED.
I do love it as it is. I took my 97 year old mother on it recently and she was absolutely thrilled. I d9 understand why they are changing it. America has some of the worlds greatest natural sights: imagine soaring over Grand Canyon. Monument Valley is a favourite of mine in the current film. No reason why it shouldn’t be as good as now. Fingers crossed!!!
I rode Soaring in October and it smelled like Soaring Over Lysol. No smells at all.
I think it’s great their showing some love for the 250th. I think Soarin should rotate shows through the year. To give us some variety. How about a holidays one during the festival of holidays.
I’m excited for the change. There are so many parts of this country I have never or will never see. Why not show off our country for this memorable birthday.