We Did NOT Expect These Crowds for the NEW Soarin' Across America at EPCOT

Soarin’ Across America is officially open at EPCOT!

The crowds at Soarin’

This new version of Soarin’ flies riders over the East and West coasts, seeing the United States’ natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. While the ride was in a soft opening phase for a few days before its official opening, we wanted to stop by and see if there were any crowds on opening day!

When a new Disney World ride opens, lines can get loooong. And we mean two or more hours long! But luckily for you, Disney offers a skip-the-line service, because less waiting equals more rides! We created an easy-to-follow Lightning Lane guide to help you master Lightning Lanes and have an even easier Disney day!

We didn’t know what to expect regarding Soarin’ Across America’s wait times and crowds. Yes, the attraction is now officially open. However, the ride has technically been open for a short time due to its early soft opening four days before the scheduled opening date.

Soarin’ Across America

So, when we got to EPCOT, the crowds weren’t that bad at all. In fact, we were more shocked at the small number of people who were trying to get on the ride right away. Again, this could be because people did the ride for either Passholder previews, in which Passholders didn’t need a virtual queue and could just show up to ride, or people rode it when it soft-opened.

The crowds at Soarin’

When we got to Soarin’ Across America, the line was posted as 40 minutes, and then went up to 50 minutes after a couple of hours. Despite the new attraction, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Frozen Ever After, Test Track, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind were still the popular draws with higher wait times (no surprise there).

We’re headed to the new attraction!

The queue is different with some new signage as well as posters for new locations around the world. There’s even a NEW trivia game that was added to the queue. The Soarin’ Challenge Across America was made in collaboration with National Geographic and will have you and your crew answering trivia questions about the 50 states.

Queue updates!

The ride is a completely new experience, while keeping the exact same ride system. The beginning opens with a rocket on the screen as you’re being raised into the skies, getting ready to take flight. The transitions between each scene didn’t feel as dramatic as other iterations of the ride. Soarin’ Across America features scenes from New York Harbor, the New England coastline, and Grand Canyon West.

How gorgeous!

Plus, you even spot some gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore and the Hollywood sign!

Mount Rushmore in Soarin’ Across America

Of course, the ride still had its signature scents! During our rides through, we noticed a grass scent in the prairie scene, a strong water smell in Louisiana, and a tropical flower for the Hawaii section. We think it might be hibiscus.

We are in love!

We had so much fun riding Soarin’ Across America. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more Disney World news!

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Are you going to ride Soarin’ Across America? Comment below!