Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
Disney has revealed more of the U.S. scenery coming to Soarin’ Across America, the new version of Soarin’ opening soon at EPCOT and Disneyland Resort.
At Walt Disney World, Soarin’ Across America opens at EPCOT on May 26, 2026. Disneyland Resort follows on July 2, 2026. The updated film is part of Disney Celebrates America, the company’s larger celebration tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
New Soarin’ Across America Scenes Disney Has Revealed
The new film shifts the focus from a global flight to a U.S.-only journey. Disney has now shared several locations and themes guests can expect to see, including famous landmarks, coastlines, canyons, islands, and seasonal landscapes.
Confirmed or previewed scenes include:
- Mount Rushmore
- The rugged New England coastline
- New York Harbor
- The Grand Canyon
- Autumn scenery in the heartland
- Southern bayous
- Western plains
- Hawaii’s tropical island shores
That mix is important. A U.S.-only Soarin’ could have leaned too hard on familiar postcard landmarks, but Disney appears to be balancing recognizable places with natural scenery and regional variety.
What Changes At EPCOT?
Soarin’ Across America will replace the current Soarin’ film at EPCOT. The ride system stays familiar: guests lift into a large-screen flight simulator with motion, wind, scents, and sweeping visuals.
The soundtrack is also getting a fresh touch. Disney says composer Bruce Broughton created a new musical arrangement inspired by Jerry Goldsmith’s original Soarin’ themes. That is a nice detail for longtime fans, because the music is a huge part of why Soarin’ still feels special even after many repeat rides.
EPCOT’s queue is getting a new interactive layer too. The Soarin’ Challenge Across America, created with National Geographic, will add trivia and state-focused facts for guests waiting to board.
Will This Make Soarin’ A Bigger Priority?
Yes, at least for the opening stretch. Soarin’ is already one of EPCOT’s more reliable family-friendly headliners because it has a low height requirement compared with thrill rides, a broad age appeal, and a location inside The Land pavilion near food, restrooms, and Living with the Land.
A new film should push more guests back to the attraction, especially people who have skipped it on recent trips because they had already seen Soarin’ Around the World several times. Families visiting in late May or early summer should expect longer waits than a normal weekday Soarin’ visit.
If you are visiting during the first few days, consider making Soarin’ one of your morning priorities, especially if you are entering EPCOT from the front of the park. International Gateway guests may still find Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure more convenient as a first stop, depending on their plan.
How This Fits Into Disney World’s Summer
May 26 is becoming a busy date for Walt Disney World attraction news. Soarin’ Across America opens at EPCOT the same day Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Passholders also have earlier preview opportunities for both. We covered those dates in our guide to Passholder previews for Soarin’ Across America and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
For EPCOT specifically, this gives guests another reason to plan around The Land pavilion. If your day includes Soarin’, Living with the Land, and a meal at Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill, it may be worth building a chunk of your morning around that side of World Nature.
It also pairs with other EPCOT ride planning questions, including the ongoing anticipation around Test Track’s renovation and next version.
The Bottom Line
Soarin’ Across America sounds like a real refresh, not just a new title. The American scenery, updated score, and National Geographic queue game should make the attraction feel new again for repeat EPCOT guests.
If your trip lands near May 26, plan for extra attention at Soarin’. It probably will not change your entire EPCOT day, but it is worth treating like a fresh headliner for the first wave of summer visitors.
FAQ
When does Soarin’ Across America open at EPCOT?
Soarin’ Across America opens at EPCOT on May 26, 2026.
When does Soarin’ Across America open at Disneyland?
The Disneyland Resort version opens at Disney California Adventure on July 2, 2026.
What scenes are in Soarin’ Across America?
Disney has previewed scenes including Mount Rushmore, New England, New York Harbor, the Grand Canyon, Southern bayous, western plains, Hawaii, and seasonal heartland scenery.
Is Soarin’ Across America a new ride?
It is a new film and updated experience using the existing Soarin’ ride system. EPCOT’s queue also gets a National Geographic trivia experience.
Source credit: wdwinfo.com
About The Author
Follow Us on Mastodon