If you want to ride Soarin’ Around the World one last time, you have until May 12, 2026 — after that, the attraction closes for its transition to Soarin’ Across America, which opens on May 26. This is part of Disney Celebrates America and Cool Kids’ Summer 2026.
The beloved EPCOT attraction is getting a new film and a new destination. Instead of gliding over international landscapes, guests will take a simulated flight across the United States, from coast to coast, taking in the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes. Disney is framing the new experience as a limited-time journey tied directly to America’s 250th birthday celebration.
The attraction keeps everything that makes Soarin’ special — the 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome, the graceful motion, the scents, and the sweeping orchestral score — but swaps the global route for an all-American one. Disney describes it as an airborne adventure that honors the heart and spirit of the nation, with the same multi-sensory experience guests have come to love since the attraction first opened.
Height requirement remains 40 inches (102 cm), and the experience is located in World Nature at EPCOT, the same neighborhood Soarin’ has always called home.
Opening Day Hours and Early Entry
Soarin’ Across America officially opens Tuesday, May 26, 2026. On opening day, guests with Early Theme Park Entry access can board starting at 8:30 AM, with regular park hours running from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
If you are planning to be there for opening day, Early Entry is worth using — Soarin’ draws some of the park’s longest standby waits, and getting in before the general crowd opens up can make a real difference.
Our Take
Soarin’ Around the World has been a genuine crowd-pleaser since it replaced the original California-themed film, and saying goodbye to it will sting a little for fans who grew up with the global version. That said, tying a new American film to the country’s 250th anniversary is a smart creative choice — it gives the update real meaning rather than feeling like a change for its own sake. The fact that Disney kept the scents, the score, and the motion intact is a good sign that what makes Soarin’ Soarin’ is not going anywhere. We will be riding both versions and will have a full report on what the new film delivers. Stay with Fantasy Land News for everything Soarin’ Across America.
For more EPCOT coverage, visit our EPCOT Festival Guide. Join the Realm at fantasylandnews.com/the-realm.
