Disney has provided some updates on Soarin’ Across America, coming soon to EPCOT (and Disney California Adventure).
Soarin’ Across America will be the third film in the Soarin’ series. The ride debuted with Soarin’ Over California at Disney California Adventure in 2001. Soarin’ Around the World debuted at EPCOT in 2005 and is now the regular film in California, too, though Over California still makes regular returns.
Soarin’ Across America Debuts May 26, 2026 at EPCOT
Disney has now confirmed Soarin’ Across America will debut on May 26, 2026 at EPCOT. Soarin’ Around The World closed beginning May 14 for the change to occur.
This is contrary to their earlier announcement that it would open by May 25 (Memorial Day), but we still have our fingers crossed for a soft open (of which Disney World has seen plenty recently).
Cast Member Previews for Soarin’ Across America will take place in May, and annual passholder previews will take place May 19 and 20.
Soarin’ Across America Debuts July 2, 2026 at Disney California Adventure
As part of the Disneyland 2026 calendar reveal, Disney announced that Soarin’ Across America will debut on July 2, 2026 at Disney California Adventure.
Soarin’ Across America Locations Previewed
Soarin’ Across America will visit…
Mount Rushmore
New England coastline
New York Harbor
The Grand Canyon
“the autumn colors of the heartland”
“the beauty of our bayous”
“the great plains of the west”
“the northern wilderness”
“sunlit island shores”
Soarin’ Across America Will Be Temporary
Here’s how Walt Disney World describes the attraction on its new page (emphasis added):
Buckle up and get ready for takeoff! The fan-favorite attraction Soarin’ is taking an all-new airborne adventure across the United States. Be part of this limited-time journey that honors the heart and spirit of the nation as it soars into its 250th birthday celebration.
Experience the iconic elements that make Soarin’ unforgettable: the flight, the sights, the score—even the scents!
This resolves the question of whether this would be a permanent update to Soarin’, and it makes a lot of sense. Keep in mind that over in California, Disney California Adventure’s Soarin’ already rotates between Soarin’ Over California and Soarin’ Around the World. This allows the park to draw in some additional crowds, and we mostly only ride Soarin’ on that coast when it is in California mode.
I highly doubt Soarin’ Across America will be gone forever once it closes the first time. Indeed, its theming makes it perfect to give Florida’s parks a boost during their most needy time—summer. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see it return every summer. My initial guess would be that Soarin’ Across America sticks around until September 2027 before switching to an annual revival.
(Disneyland does not yet have a page for Soarin’ Across America, but you can pretty clearly infer if Soarin’ Across America won’t be permanent in Florida, it won’t be permanent in California.)
Soarin’ Across America Will Be Part of Early Entry, Extended Evening Hours
There’s no surprise here, but Soarin’ Across America, like its predecessor, will be a part of Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours at EPCOT.
If you’re visiting EPCOT on May 26, all bets are off and I’m not about to tell you not to rope drop Soarin’. And I’ll evaluate May 27 plans once I see May 26 data.
But I will say—Soarin’ is generally an awful ride for rope drop at EPCOT. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to cycle and load and the theater location is remotely located within a building that is far from the other popular rides in the park. Depending on its Lightning Lane status (discussed next), I’m probably never going to consider it at rope drop…except maybe on May 26.
What Will Soarin’ Across America’s Lightning Lane Status BE?
Soarin’ Around the World is a Tier 2 Lightning Lane at EPCOT, and one of the most popular in that tier. The current Tier 1 rides at Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Test Track. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is on Lightning Lane Single Pass.
I don’t think a new film is enough to propel Soarin’ into a higher tier, let alone Lightning Lane Single Pass. Lightning Lane changes are usually a bigger deal, and a temporary boost in popularity (probably a big surge for a few days and a more moderate plateau over the summer) isn’t enough to justify changes.
Soarin’ Across America might see more surge than, say, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin over at Magic Kingdom, but it’s still not at the level of Frozen Ever After, Test Track, or even Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Add into this that summer crowds (typically low) will mitigate Lightning Lane demand overall, and I just don’t see cause for change. But, as always, keep your eye open—if change happens, we’ll be ready to give fresh advice!
Are you excited for Soarin’ Across America?
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