Soarin’ Across America officially opens in EPCOT on May 26th, and on July 2nd over at Disneyland Resort, but thanks to Cast Member previews, we’ve already gotten a chance to ride and share our thoughts with you.
Soarin’ Across America
Disney World Annual Passholder previews will take place soon on May 19th and 20th, so soon more guests will be able to experience the ride, but after sharing our experience on social media, we’ve already heard some things from fellow fans that we can’t help but agree with after riding. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that after riding only a few times, there are three major problems that have been unveiled with this new version of the ride.
The Transitions Are Incredibly Important
One of the biggest differences between Soarin’ Across America and the two prior versions, Soarin’ Around The World and Soarin’ Over California, is that the transitions aren’t as dramatic, so it means you don’t feel like you move as much in the ride vehicle. While that doesn’t sound like it would be a big issue, the truth is that many Disney fans are in agreement that the lack of transitions makes the ride feel less immersive.
Soarin’ Across America
This version of the ride is quieter and more peaceful by nature, which we think is totally fine, but the lack of transitions really throws us. If you’ve ridden Soarin’ Around the World, you’re likely used to things like a plane flying right by you to change the scenery, or a wave of the ocean coming up to wash us into the next scene. There isn’t as much of that in this version, and it made some Disney guests feel like the ride was a little disjointed at times.
The Smells Are Lacking
In this version of the ride, we only counted three smells: grass while in the prairie, the smell of the swamp in Louisiana, and a beautiful hibiscus floral scent in Hawaii. While these are wonderful, it’s a big step down from how many smells are in the other versions of the ride, and that’s another thing that some guests feel takes you out of the experience.
Mount Rushmore in Soarin’ Across America
The lack of smells helps to make this version the most lowkey, which again, if you’re expecting that going in, it won’t be as shocking, but if you want to be as impressed as you’ve been when seeing the other two versions, you may leave feeling a little let down. To be fully immersed in something, especially in Disney World, it needs to appeal to all of your senses, especially with how overstimulating the parks are in general. It needs to capture your attention in each way, and from a scent standpoint, many people feel this one falls a little flat.
Nothing Can Top Soarin’ Over California (Which Is A Little Concerning)
All across social media, we’re seeing Disney guests saying that they 100% believe that Soarin’ Over California still comes out on top as the best version of Soarin’. Normally, that wouldn’t be an issue at all, but when you realize that it was an opening day attraction in Disney California Adventure all the way back in 2001, 25 YEARS AGO, and yet more recent versions still can’t top it? Yeah, that’s where we throw a little side eye.
Soarin’ Across America
Now, this does come down to personal preference, of course, but we’ve yet to see a large number of people saying that Soarin’ Across America is their favorite, or even comes close to the other two. Considering technology has advanced so far in 25 years, especially in Disney theme parks, and yet this one still doesn’t come close? It makes us wonder just how much work went into this version.
We can’t wait to hear more guests’ opinions when the ride officially opens on May 26th, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news. Stay tuned to DFB!
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We were excited to ride Soarin Over California when we visited in 2024 and were totally disappointed by it. In fact, we didn’t even bother to ride twice. Soarin Around the World is our favorite for the best thrilling experience – each scene is so unique and the ride has so many dips and drops that coordinate perfectly. Hmmm… dreaming of my next trip.