✈️ Soarin’ Across America Takes Flight at EPCOT Summer 2026
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Oct 21
- 5 min read
A Whole New Way to Soar
Big changes are coming to one of EPCOT’s most beloved attractions! Beginning summer 2026, Soarin’ Around the World will transform into Soarin’ Across America — an all-new film celebrating the beauty, spirit, and landmarks of the United States, from sea to shining sea.
The new experience will debut in honor of the United States Semiquincentennial, marking the nation’s 250th birthday. In true EPCOT fashion, this special edition invites guests to take flight across America’s most stunning natural wonders and vibrant cityscapes — blending Disney’s trademark innovation with a heartfelt tribute to the country’s milestone celebration.
Before we dive into what’s new, let’s look back at how this incredible attraction first took flight.
From Dream to Flight: The History of Soarin’
Soarin’s story actually begins on the other coast — at Disney California Adventure. In the mid-1990s, Walt Disney Imagineering began developing a revolutionary “flying theater” ride under the working title Ultra Flight.
The goal was simple yet ambitious: give guests the true sensation of flight without using a roller coaster. But engineering the concept proved challenging — until Imagineer Mark Sumner famously built a working prototype out of an Erector Set in his attic. His clever model demonstrated how rows of ride vehicles could lift smoothly into a massive domed screen, creating that awe-inspiring floating sensation we know today.
That breakthrough led to Soarin’ Over California, which officially opened on February 8, 2001, alongside Disney California Adventure. The ride quickly became the park’s signature attraction — an immersive journey over the Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, Monterey Bay, and more, complete with scents of pine, orange groves, and sea air.
🎥 Filming innovation: Crews used helicopters and custom camera rigs to capture sweeping aerial footage across California’s most scenic landscapes.
🌬️ Immersive design: The ride combined visuals with gentle motion, wind effects, and carefully timed scents to heighten the realism.
🎶 Iconic music: Composer Jerry Goldsmith wrote the soaring score that became one of Disney’s most recognizable ride themes.
The success of Soarin’ Over California led Disney to build a twin version at EPCOT. Disney chose it as part of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth,” a worldwide event marking Disneyland’s 50th anniversary that brought beloved attractions from one park to another. Opening on May 5, 2005, inside The Land Pavilion, the Florida installation used nearly the same ride system and film, re-themed as a “flight to California.” This helped balance the East and West Coast parks, giving both a major crowd-pleasing headliner.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you ever wondered why Soarin’ feels so different from any other Disney attraction — that’s by design! The entire experience was engineered from the ground up to replicate the calm, weightless wonder of gliding through the air.
The Soarin’ We Know Today
In 2016, the ride’s original film was replaced with Soarin’ Around the World, expanding the journey to global landmarks — from the (famously bendy) Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China. This update introduced stunning new visuals and digital projection while keeping the same ride vehicles and music structure.
Since then, Soarin’ Around the World has become one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions, known for its blend of technology and emotional storytelling. Guests board a glider-style seat, lift gracefully into the air, and soar through scenes enhanced with motion, wind, scent, and music — a perfect example of EPCOT’s blend of innovation and imagination.
From thrills to World Showcase classics, we’ve got your EPCOT day mapped out.👉 Explore our EPCOT Ride & Attraction Guide
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you’ve never experienced Soarin’ before, make sure to fly now — before the update arrives. Pay attention to your favorite scenes and scents, so you can compare them when Soarin’ Across America debuts next summer!
So What’s New for 2026?
Disney has announced that the attraction will debut an all-new film experience titled Soarin’ Across America, focusing on the beauty and diversity of the United States.
🛫 A Coast-to-Coast Adventure: Walt Disney Imagineering is filming over a dozen real-world locations, capturing majestic national parks, sparkling city skylines, and natural wonders from coast to coast.
🎶 Familiar Thrills, New Views: The signature flight motion, scents, and uplifting score will remain — but with brand-new visuals and music to match the all-American theme.
🎆 America 250 Celebration: This update ties directly into the 250th birthday of the United States, making Soarin’ Across America one of the flagship experiences for Disney’s “America 250” festivities.
🎟️ Flying on Both Coasts: The new version will debut at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure, giving both parks a matching patriotic adventure for a limited time.
Want to learn more about all the changes and new attractions coming to Walt Disney World? We got you boo, head over to What's Coming to Disney World in 2025 and Beyond for all the deets.
Behind the Scenes: How Imagineering Is Making It Happen
Disney has confirmed that Imagineers are using advanced aerial filming technology to bring the United States to life like never before — including helicopter shots, drone footage, and heavy-lift camera rigs. Each sequence is designed to immerse guests completely in the scenery while preserving the smooth, gliding sensation that made Soarin’ famous.
While the ride mechanics (the tiered theater, dome screen, and glider system) remain the same, the film and soundtrackare getting a full refresh to match the patriotic theme. The result: a brand-new way to rediscover America through flight.
What’s Staying the Same
Even with new visuals and music, many of the Soarin’ elements guests love aren’t going anywhere:
The three-level flying theater system and gentle gliding motion
The synchronized wind and scent effects that heighten immersion
Its home inside The Land Pavilion, maintaining that familiar EPCOT atmosphere
Planning a Disney Vacation and want to find out all about touring EPCOT? Take a look at our EPCOT planning hub for EPCOT Dining, Characters, Festival Details, and Cheat Sheets.
What We Don’t Know Yet
Exact Debut Date: Disney has only confirmed Summer 2026 — no official date yet.
Full List of Locations: Expect a mix of national treasures and recognizable landmarks, though details are still under wraps.
Limited-Time Run: Disney calls this a limited-time itinerary, suggesting Soarin’ Around the World may return later.
Why This Update Matters
This change marks a full-circle moment for Soarin’ — returning to its American roots while using the latest technology and artistry to showcase the country’s beauty. For EPCOT visitors in 2026, this will likely be one of the park’s top-tier attractions, complete with long standby lines and Lightning Lane demand.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: If you want to be among the first to experience Soarin’ Across America, plan to rope-drop The Land Pavilion when it opens. Early flights mean shorter waits and prime center-row seats for the most breathtaking view!
Final Boarding Call
Whether you’re gliding past the Golden Gate, soaring over the Grand Canyon, or drifting above city skylines, Soarin’ Across America promises to capture the same sense of wonder that made the original a classic — this time, through the lens of America’s heart and spirit.
Heading to Disney this summer to check out Soarin' Across America? Summer can be brutal in Florida, but with a little planning, smart choices, and a lot of water you can make it work. Our Beat the Heat at Disney Maps and Tips can help you make it a wonderful trip regardless of the temperature.
Keep following Practically Perfect Pixie Dust for updates and sneak peeks as Disney reveals more about this patriotic new flight at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure.
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
