Soarin’ Across America Debuts at EPCOT May 26

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Soarin’ Across America will debut at EPCOT at Walt Disney World on May 26, 2026, bringing a refreshed flight experience that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States. The updated attraction replaces Soarin’ Around the World and will take guests on a breathtaking aerial journey over iconic American landscapes, national landmarks, and vibrant city skylines. The new version retains the beloved elements of the original Soarin’ experience, including sweeping music, immersive scents, and the sensation of flight, while focusing the adventure entirely on the beauty of the United States.

What to Expect with Soarin’ Across America

The refreshed attraction will take guests on a soaring adventure across the country, highlighting some of the most beautiful natural wonders and famous cityscapes in the United States.

While the destination is changing, the core elements that make Soarin’ a fan-favorite will remain the same. Guests will still experience the feeling of flight as they glide over breathtaking scenery accompanied by a sweeping musical score.

The attraction will also continue to include many of the immersive details that make the experience so memorable, including:

• The sensation of gliding flight
• Stunning aerial cinematography
• The iconic musical score
• Signature scents that match each location

These sensory elements combine to create a fully immersive experience that has made Soarin’ one of EPCOT’s most popular attractions for years.

A Stunning Journey Across America

On this breathtaking adventure, guests will soar above some of the most iconic and beautiful locations across the United States. From sweeping coastlines and bustling cityscapes to awe-inspiring natural wonders, the attraction celebrates the incredible diversity of America’s landscapes.

The updated experience features quintessentially American scenes including:

• The vibrant autumn colors of the heartland
• The tranquil beauty of the bayous
• The expansive plains of the American West
• The rugged northern wilderness
• Sunlit island shores

Each destination is designed to immerse guests in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the country while delivering that unforgettable feeling of flight.

Enhanced Music & Immersive Effects

Helping bring the experience to life is a brand-new musical arrangement by Bruce Broughton, inspired by the beloved Soarin’ themes originally created by Jerry Goldsmith.

Disney has also updated the attraction’s:

• Ride programming
• Wind effects
• Additional immersive elements

These enhancements work together to make the adventure feel even more realistic and emotionally impactful than ever before.

New Interactive Trivia Experience

While waiting to board at Walt Disney World, guests can now enjoy an all-new interactive experience called the Soarin’ Challenge Across America.

Created in collaboration with National Geographic, this trivia challenge invites guests to test their knowledge of the United States with fun and fascinating questions, including:

• Which state is “Most Likely to Reach for the Stars”
• Which state is “Most Likely to Lend an Ear”
• Which state is “Most Likely to Strike Gold”

The experience also features incredible photography and facts pulled from popular National Geographic titles like 50 States and 5,000 Ideas, making the queue experience even more engaging before guests take flight.

Disney California Adventure’s Version

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort will also get to experience the updated attraction.

Disney has announced that Soarin’ Across America will debut at Disney California Adventure on July 2, 2026, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

This timing makes the attraction a perfect addition to the nationwide celebrations honoring the United States’ milestone anniversary.

Soarin’ Around the World Closing at EPCOT

Before the new version of the attraction takes flight, guests will have a limited time to experience the current one. Soarin’ Around the World closed on May 13, 2026.

This version of the attraction has been taking guests on a global journey since 2016, soaring over breathtaking destinations across the globe. During the flight, riders glide past iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal in India, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Great Wall of China, the African savanna, and even Sydney Harbour in Australia.

For fans of this worldwide adventure, the coming months will be the final opportunity to experience the attraction.

Passholder Previews

Annual Passholders will have the opportunity to experience Soarin’ Across America before its official return with special preview dates on May 19 and 20 at EPCOT.

Unlike the preview event for Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, there’s no separate registration required. Passholders can simply join the regular standby queue during these dates to take part. It’s a great chance to revisit this classic attraction ahead of the general public and be among the first to take flight once again!

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