'Soarin' Across America' Coming to EPCOT and Disney California Adventure in Summer 2026

25 days ago in "Soarin'"

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Soarin' Across America

Posted: Monday October 20, 2025 9:05am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Soarin' is getting a brand-new flight plan. Disney announced today that an all-new version of the fan-favorite attraction will debut in Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World's EPCOT and Disney California Adventure Park.

Soarin' Across America

Titled Soarin' Across America, the new film will take guests on a coast-to-coast journey celebrating the nation's natural beauty and iconic skylines.

The new version will highlight more than a dozen locations across the United States - featuring everything from sweeping mountain ranges to bustling cityscapes. Disney says the experience will include all the familiar elements that make Soarin' a guest favorite: the gentle flight motion, the cinematic visuals, and the signature scents that bring each scene to life.

Walt Disney Imagineering is producing the new film for simultaneous rollout at both U.S. parks. Guests at EPCOT in Florida and Disney California Adventure in California will both take part in the same airborne adventure - making Soarin' Across America a true bi-coastal celebration.

Soarin' Across America

Soarin' first opened at EPCOT in 2005 as Soarin' Over California, adapted from the original attraction that debuted at Disney California Adventure in 2001. In 2016, it was replaced with Soarin' Around the World, which expanded the flight to global landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China. Since then, Soarin' Over California has returned for limited runs, most recently in 2023 as part of a limited-time offering for Walt Disney World's Disney100 celebration.

The new attraction film arrives just in time for the United States' 250th anniversary celebration. Disney describes Soarin' Across America as a tribute to "the heart and spirit of the nation," inviting guests to experience the diversity and beauty of the country from an entirely new perspective.

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easyrowrdw18 days ago

I said “of all 50 states” because I knew I’d miss something with the territories 😂 That is a very fun fact!

JohnD18 days ago

It's like EPCOT T-shirts of closed attractions.

Kamikaze18 days ago

Not all filming is complete. I do not know if that includes any potential National Park(s).

larryz19 days ago

Sure. If they're spinning tales about how they got the shots, filming is likely done.

Tha Realest19 days ago

I saw a story the other day that due to the current state of things in national parks there’s been a huge uptick in thrill-seeking basejumpers.

Kamikaze19 days ago

I don't think any of them are flying helicopters over the most recognizable landmarks of those Parks. Flying a drone in a National Park without a permit is illegal. Are they going to go after you? Probably not, unless you cause an issue. But Disney can't take that same risk that some two bit YouTuber can.

Kamikaze19 days ago

Absolutely was not. It's been in the works for at least over a year, but the belief was that it would get shelved if a certain thing happened, which it did and obviously it didn't get shelved, so I don't know what changed. I was just giving that person a reason why new footage isn't as easy as they seem to think.

DisneyCane19 days ago

I don't think this new film was a last second decision. There's a good chance they got the permits months ago. If they are using drones in a NP without a permit they could get in trouble with the FAA. You are definitely prohibited from flying a drone in NP airspace without a permit. For ground level filming for commercial purposes, I'm not sure if you need a permit if you are just filming with a cell phone or hand held equipment.

Baloo12419 days ago

Not the same thing as a big company like Disney, but YouTubers/vloggers are their own private enterprise. There are plenty of channels who do hiking, NP tours, family vacations, drone videos, etc etc and earn (sometimes BIG) money from NP properties. I doubt most of them don't go through the hassle of applying for a permit. (?)

larryz20 days ago

That said, one of the scenes MUST include a paddleboat steamer on some river somewhere... maybe Indiana. Disney will say "it's a tribute to Rivers of America." But we know it's a big middle finger from Bob...

Andrew C20 days ago

Now that scene would make me tear up.

larryz20 days ago

You can do that right here in America...

Robbiem20 days ago

If its ‘sea to shining sea’ will the ride be a linear trip from coast to coast rather than random locales? Maybe start at the Statue of Liberty and end up at the golden gate or maybe Hawaii? However it goes I suspect Disneyland will make an appearance