Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT

7 December 2023 by Steve Bell and Erin Schreiver Leave a Comment

EPCOT’s Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating attraction that takes guests on a breathtaking journey across various iconic locations.

📍EPCOT | World  Nature | The Land

From the innovative ride vehicle to the stunning scenes and captivating technology, Soarin’ offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

The Ride

Neuschwanstein Castle

What makes Soarin’ Around the World a family favorite is that it is something that can be enjoyed by people young and old. While there is a height requirement of 40”, it can be enjoyed by most of the family. Most families won’t travel the world, and even if they do, those trips and experiences don’t typically span generations, but with Disney’s Soarin’ that can happen!

Monument Valley

The ride vehicle in Soarin’ Around the World is a state-of-the-art hang glider simulator. As guests enter the attraction, they are seated in a suspended row of seats, which are lifted off the ground and positioned in front of a massive curved screen. This unique design creates a sense of flight, immersing riders in the sensation of soaring through the air, but is accessible to most people, as the vehicle and ride are very smooth and inclusive.

The Show

The length of the show is approximately 5 minutes, but the experience feels much longer due to the immersive nature of the attraction. From the moment the ride begins, guests are transported to breathtaking landscapes and landmarks around the globe.

Isfjord Greenland

There are 2 US versions of the show, the first being the original Soarin’ Over California, which debuted at Disney’s California Adventure on opening day, 8 February 2001. This version debuted at EPCOT in 2005 with the name Soarin’. Both parks debuted Soarin’ Around the World in June 2017.

Kilimanjaro National Park

Soarin’ Over California makes periodic return engagements, in California during their Food and Wine Festival and for special events in Florida.

Soarin’ Over California ran at EPCOT for the 100 year celebration. Soarin’ Over California ended its run at EPCOT on 27 February 2024 and Soarin’ Around the World has returned.

The Matterhorn

As the journey commences in Soarin’ Around the World, riders are whisked away to stunning locations, including the majestic Iguazu Falls in South America, the Great Wall of China, the iconic Sydney Opera House, the African savannah with its wildlife, the stunning landscapes of Switzerland, and many more incredible destinations. Each scene is beautifully captured, offering panoramic views and a sense of awe.

The Great Wall of China

In Soarin’ Over California, as the name suggests the journey is limited to exploring the beauty of that huge state. You’ll fly over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Redwood Creek in Humboldt County, Napa Valley, Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Lake Tahoe and Heavenly Mountain Resort, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, PGA West Palmer Course in La Quinta, Valencia orange groves over unincorporated Ventura County, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Malibu Beach, Downtown Los Angeles and the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Big Finish with Spaceship Earth and Tink

One of the most remarkable aspects of Soarin’ is the advanced technology that brings an additional layer of immersion to the attraction: scent. As guests glide through each scene, the ride utilizes innovative scent machines strategically placed throughout the theater. These machines, called Smellitzers,  release scents that correspond to the locations featured in the ride, such as the fragrance of blossoming cherry blossoms in Japan or the refreshing aroma of ocean mist in the South Pacific. This multi-sensory experience enhances the realism and transports riders even further into the various destinations they are exploring.

Both US versions of Soarin’ are introduced in the pre-show by Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, Hercules TV Series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command TV Series, The Tick, Men In Black, and Rules of Engagement to name a few). Patrick gives a safety briefing as a Flight Attendant as if you were boarding an aircraft.

Fun Extras: More on the Smellitzer

The Smellitzer is a remarkable piece of technology created by Disney almost 50 years ago that has found its place in various attractions and places across Walt Disney World, including the iconic Soarin’ attractions. This innovative device is responsible for introducing scents into the immersive experiences, creating a multisensory journey for guests.

Have you ever noticed that as you walk past the Main Street Bakery you smell cinnamon rolls? Yeah, the ovens are not responsible for that scent (there aren’t any!). There are actually Smellitzer vents on the outside of the bakery to entice you in!

The Queue

The queue for Soarin’ Around the World is located in the Land building in EPCOT and is meant to remind you of an airport jetway. It can be very tight and dark, however. If you struggle with tight enclosed places that are dark and have only one way out, see a Cast Member for an alternative entrance.

The Wait

Despite Soarin’ Around the World not being a thrill ride in EPCOT, it is very popular. This attraction often sees a 45 minute wait. However, it is available on the Lightning Lane Multi Pass line up if you would prefer to skip the line.

During the queue wait, Soarin’ offers a trivia challenge that you can participate in actively via your My Disney Experience app or just to your self!

Story Behind the Attraction

Once upon a time, in a cozy suburban home, a passionate young aspiring Imagineer named Mark sat at the kitchen table on Thanksgiving Day. With a belly full of turkey and a mind brimming with creativity, Alex pondered the idea of designing a groundbreaking attraction that would take guests on a breathtaking journey around the world.

As the rest of the family enjoyed their post-feast conversations, Mark’s attention was fixated on the Erector Set gifted by a doting aunt. With a vision taking shape in his mind, Mark’s nimble fingers worked their magic, connecting the metal pieces to create a miniature structure resembling an aircraft.

Inspired by the exhilaration of flying, Mark envisioned guests being suspended in the air, soaring over majestic landscapes. But how could this dream become a reality? Determined to find a solution, Mark grabbed a handful of additional Erector Set pieces and meticulously crafted a seat that could be suspended in front of a curved screen.

The rest of the family watched in awe as Mark’s imagination came to life, even in the form of a humble Erector Set model. Encouraged by their support, Mark began to envision scenes from around the world, vividly picturing the iconic landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural treasures that could be showcased in the attraction.

And so, it was on that fateful Thanksgiving Day, fueled by passion, ingenuity, and the power of imagination, that an aspiring Imagineer named Mark Sumner used a kid’s Erector Set as the foundation for one of the most beloved attractions in the world. The legacy of his innovative spirit continues to soar, reminding us all that dreams, no matter how humble their beginnings, have the power to take us to extraordinary heights.

The combination of the ride vehicle, the stunning scenes, and the integration of scent technology makes Soarin’ Around the World an extraordinary attraction that captivates the imagination. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of our world, this unforgettable journey will leave you with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore more of the incredible destinations showcased throughout the ride. Soarin’ Around the World is the epitome of EPCOT. The combination of education and entertainment is something that Walt Disney loved and is the heart of EPCOT.

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