Walt Disney World has announced that the Soarin’ Around the World attraction at EPCOT will close on May 14, 2026, to prepare for a limited-time overlay called Soarin’ Across America. The new version, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, is set to open on May 26, 2026. This change will feature aerial views of American landscapes and cityscapes while retaining core elements like the flight simulation, score, and scents.
The update to Soarin’ at EPCOT forms part of Disney's broader celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary, known as Disney Celebrates America, which began on Veterans Day 2025 and extends through Independence Day 2026. Soarin’ Around the World, which has taken guests on a global journey since 2016, will operate through May 13, 2026, before closing the following day for the transition. The 12-day closure period at EPCOT contrasts with the seamless switch at Disney California Adventure, where Soarin’ Across America debuts on July 2, 2026, immediately after Soarin’ Over California ends on July 1.
Soarin’ Across America will showcase the natural beauty and iconic cityscapes of the United States, from coast to coast, using footage captured by helicopters and drones at real locations, including the Grand Canyon. The experience maintains familiar aspects of the ride, such as the gentle gliding mechanism, original musical score, and scent effects, while introducing new aerial cinematography focused on American destinations. Disney has emphasized that this is a temporary offering, though no specific end date or plans for returning to Soarin’ Around the World have been announced.
The announcement has sparked interest among fans, with some expressing excitement about the patriotic theme and real-world filming approach, which addresses past criticisms of heavy computer-generated imagery in the global version. As with previous iterations, the ride traces its origins to the original Soarin’ Over California from 2005. This update aligns with other 2026 changes at Walt Disney World, including reimaginings of attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
