Soarin’ Over California Ending at EPCOT in Florida
Soarin’ Over California is back at EPCOT in Walt Disney World for a limited run, replacing the ‘Around the World version of the ride temporarily. This occurred with the company’s 100th Anniversary celebration, which concluded its run at the end of last year. (Updated February 21, 2024.)
EPCOT was the center of the Disney100 celebration at Walt Disney World, which began last fall. The event nominally celebrated a century of magic and innovation, while also ushering in the future as the multi-year transformation of EPCOT wraps up. The 100 Years of Wonder festivities finished at the end of last year. All signs and such have been removed over the course of the last month.
For its part, Soarin’ Over California returned on September 22 with the start of Disney100 at EPCOT. At the time, Walt Disney World did not announce an end date, so we speculated that it could discontinue service on a few different dates. Perhaps New Year’s Eve, at the end of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, or after the finale of the 2024 EPCOT Festival of the Arts. All of those dates came and went, and Soarin’ Over California continues to take flight.
Walt Disney World has announced today (February 21) that Soarin’ Over California will once again be grounded after a few months of flights. Here’s the official announcement from Walt Disney World:
Soarin’ Over California – Closing Soon
Glide through the air on Soarin’ Over California through February 27, 2024. Then, enjoy Soarin’ Around the World—returning on February 28, 2024!
If you’re a diehard Walt Disney World fan who’s sad to see Soarin’ Over California go or disappointed that you missed this service, there’s a decent possibility that departures from EPCOT to the Golden State resume again in the future. The OG Soarin’ has returned to Disney California Adventure a few times.
It’s pretty much always been in an effort to draw people away from Disneyland–the first time was during the opening season of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, then when Magic Happens debuted. It now occurs annually for DCA’s Food & Wine Festival, which coincides with spring break.
It usually works. Locals love Soarin’ Over California–probably because it’s better. Trotting out the superior, Golden State-centric version of Soarin’ is the modern day version of bringing back the Main Street Electrical Parade, a time-tested tactic. I’m relieved that we’ll be able to experience it again, and that the strategy is finally being piloted in Florida.
As for when Soarin’ Over California could return to Walt Disney World again, the most obvious possibility in my view is during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. Disney could do a California-themed booth over by the Land pavilion, tie that with Soarin’ Over California, and have a nice draw for fans during the slower months of August and September.
For what it’s worth, such a scenario wouldn’t be a first for EPCOT. Back before work on the now-paused Play Pavilion began, the former Wonders of Life pavilion served as a festival center and showed the film ‘Seasons of the Vine,’ which was a film originally made for Disney California Adventure (the theater was converted to Blue Sky Cellar).
However, we wouldn’t expect this to occur for the 2024 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival. It’s probably too soon to bring Soarin’ Over California back again, and wouldn’t really move the needle as a draw. It’s also possible that Walt Disney World won’t ever bring it back, if guest satisfaction scores were markedly lower for the Golden State version. However, we doubt that’s the case–if it were, Walt Disney World would’ve ended Soarin’ Over California’s run on December 31 with all the other Disney100 stuff, not extended it until February 27, 2024.
(What follows is my standard commentary about why this is a good idea, even for Walt Disney World…)
This might seem silly. After all, the original is Soarin’ Over California and Walt Disney World is located in Florida. Moreover, Epcot is a park celebrating the various cultures of the world, not a particular state. Fair points, but I think there are a couple of worthwhile counterpoints.
First, Soarin’ at Epcot is located in World Nature/Future World, not World Showcase. Moreover, it’s shoehorned into the Land, a pavilion that is ostensibly dedicated to human civilization’s interaction with the Earth. California is not just the most biodiverse state, it’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world. With such a range of ecosystems, it’s hard to believe California is a single state. (What a place!)
This range of ecosystems is on full display in Soarin’ Over California, which primarily highlights the Golden State’s natural wonders (few of which scream “this is in California!”). This is what made Soarin’ a sensible location for the Land pavilion in the first place. Its farm, desert, coastal, mountain, etc. scenery makes it a natural counterpart to Living with the Land.
On this note, it’s worth pointing out that most guests visiting Epcot during the time it ran the original Soarin’ (with “Over California” dropped from the name) didn’t even realize the locations were exclusively in California. Unless you’ve visited Anza-Borrego, Yosemite National Park, Tahoe, Malibu, Camarillo, etc., you probably couldn’t identify where the footage was shot. You might’ve just assumed the desert, waterfall, rushing rapids, ocean, orange groves, etc. were simply generic–but stunning–locations.
Most of the places in Soarin’ Over California are not as readily identifiable as those in Soarin’ Around the World. Orange groves and coastline tend to blend together. The Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, and Great Wall of China…not so much. If Soarin’ returned to Epcot in exactly the same presentation as when it left, the overwhelming majority of first-time guests would simply assume it’s a flyover of the United States.
While Soarin’ Around the World highlights the natural world (or rather, a version of nature created by a computer), it focuses more on landmarks. There’s a reason distortion isn’t as pronounced in the original Soarin–because instead of architecture and linear elements, the attraction primarily features geography that can mask distortion better.
I’m not particularly averse to Soarin’ Around the World, but the CGI, cheesy animals, and distortion has worn on me over time. Moreover, I think Soarin’ Over California is not showing its age at all. If anything, it benefits from its footage being real, whereas the extensive CGI of the new version will inevitably date itself much sooner.
In addition, the return of OG Soarin’ to Epcot is a great “throwback” at Walt Disney World. Outside of merchandise and food, Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration didn’t contain nearly enough nods to the past. While this particular one would be the not-so-distant past (~5 years ago), it would likely be appreciated by many longtime Walt Disney World fans who still miss the original Soarin. It’s a great move to showcase the past, present, and future of EPCOT during Disney100.
That’s pretty much my ‘case’ for bringing OG Soarin’ back to Epcot. (There’s also the third option of running Soarin’ Over California in one theater, and figuring out a logistical way to let people choose.) Okay, let’s review: that is more on-theme to the Land pavilion, less distortion, no CGI, California > the World…anything else? Oh yeah, have a nice flight!
Personally, I hope Soarin’ Over California returns to EPCOT again in the future. The attraction itself is largely unchanged and still looks modern. The film was updated to a digital projection shortly before being retired, and it still looks crisp and clean. The scents, including a new one, are as delightful as ever.
The original Soarin’ is one film that stands the test of time, just like Impressions de France, which is still shown in Epcot 30+ years later. Actually, unlike Impressions de France, you never get an up-close look at any people (and their dated attire), so there’s not much to date the footage. Basically just the Los Angeles skyline, which has grown tremendously since ~2000. To my knowledge, almost everything else is virtually unchanged (actually, I think the particular orange grove is now a housing development–but you wouldn’t know from looking at it), which is the beauty of filming the natural world.
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Your Thoughts
Are you excited about the return of Soarin’ Over California at EPCOT? Do you hope that it returns indefinitely? Would you prefer to see Soarin’ or Soarin’ Around the World…or both? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
AHHH I’m so sad! Our trip is April 15th and I was really hoping to finally Soar around California again after all these years.
Hurray ! Bring back Soaring Around The World! Soaring Over California is past its prime . There are so many other great USA attractions that would make for a great “new” soaring movie !
OG California is so much better than Global Soarin. Every time I see the curved Eiffel Tower, I want to scream.
Saw the OG this past December at Epcot, looked great.
We visited in January and my teenager had a few choice comments about the video quality in Soarin’. I see her point. Technology has moved forward. I still love it, but it’s time for this ride to improve.
I think this is more of a problem with the presentation than it is the quality of the film or its age. OG Soarin’ still looks excellent at DCA (or at least it did, last time I saw it). I’d go as far as to say it looks less dated since it doesn’t have the cheesy CGI that has not aged well at all.
For whatever reason, the EPCOT presentation isn’t as crisp or clean–at least, not to my eye.
I think this isnt that much of a surprise timing wise. With California Adventure about to get Soaring over California again it makes sense to try to rotate them amongst the parks (although honestly I doubt the execs on the East and West Coast talk much about that stuff but still).
Now the precident has been set I agree I think Soaring over California could (and should!) go into a rotation with Soaring Around the World. I know there isnt really a ‘Off Season’ in Disney World with it more being off 2 week chunks but it would be a good thing to do as a locals draw for something different during those times. Particularly given the they dont care about locals and they all going to Universal narrative that has sprung up online.
Although I can see why they’d want a version of the film that has more global appeal, it didn’t have to be done so cynically. It was like they didn’t care how it was going to be presented or didn’t think we’d care how it looks. You can tell they know by now that it falls short because they keep bringing back the original for limited runs to attract crowds. I love the original in big part because the music so emotionally connects with the content. There was CGI in the original, too, but it was more skillfully and thoughtfully executed. This would have all been possible in an update had they cared enough to try. Hopefully those who produced and approved Soarin’ Around the World have either seen the error of their ways or have been condemned to a career full of half-baked re-themes of quick service restaurants.
Bummer. I really hope they do bring it back so that I can experience it! Fingers crossed it comes back before our December trip. Thanks for the update.
I’m even more happy I’ll be at Epcot Saturday and rope dropping this. California is so superior since it’s real footage, with no gimmicks. I told my cousins I didn’t know what they wanted to rope drop, but I was going to rope drop this. Now we’re all rope dropping Soarin.
Oh I’m jealous! Our trip is 3/4 and we’re just going to miss the OG version.
Last year at Epcot I discovered Soarin’ Around the World and rode it repeatedly. I loved the adaptation of Jerry Goldsmith’s sweeping theme, the scale of the global voyage, and the crescendo of Iguaza Falls, to the Eiffel Tower, to Spaceship Earth. I even like the cheesy transitions–they give me the vibes of a DK Eyewitness Science Book coming to life, all very utopian scholastic, in the tradition of 90’s Epcot. I recently saw the California version at Epcot. I absolutely respect it as the OG, but didn’t feel emotionally engaged, maybe because I’m an East Coaster. It also felt a bit “grainy” in spots. Really hoping they bring “World” back to Epcot soon!
The California version of Soaring is terrible ! It is very grainy and faded . And well BORING ! Napa is an overcrowded tourist trap and San Francisco is full of crime . The World version film is fabulous! Love the polar bear scene ! I am thinking maybe DISNEY lost the rights to show those “worldly” cities?!?! Or they are just honoring the 100th anniversary with Disneyland in CA being the first park ?
BRING BACK the World one or make a newer film !! Don’t cut corners DISNEY!
Soarin’ Around the World will be back at some point. It’s not a matter of rights, it’s that the original Soarin’ is popular with fans. They rotate between the two at DCA now, and I’d expect the same to happen at EPCOT, with Soarin’ Around the World returning soon.
Not sure what San Francisco’s crime rate has to do with an aerial flyover attraction–no crime is depicted in the attraction. Unless you’re going to take issue with other international locations for their poverty or human rights records, that seems irrelevant.
Not sure what San Francisco’s crime rate has to do with an aerial flyover attraction–no crime is depicted in the attraction. Unless you’re going to take issue with other international locations for their poverty or human rights records, that seems irrelevant. Hmmmmm Tom , we are all entitled to our opinions, but thinking you missed my point on my post entirely. My point is more how much California has gone down hill greatly tourist area wise over the years and that the film is outdated and as another post said “grainy” quality. I’m paying for a quality attraction with a film that’s also top quality . It’s 2024, time to upgrade you think ?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that doesn’t mean their opinion is correct or even valid. You are of course entitled to your opinion that cheesy CGI animals and monuments that bend and curve as you pass them (which completely snap you out of the suspension of disbelief and back to reality) is an “upgrade.” Many do not feel that way, myself included. Whether one thinks California is nice or not is really irrelevant to the ride itself.
OG soarin is so much worse it’s not even a competition. Whoever wrote this blog is for sure a California native. The video quality alone is very much noticeable between the two versions with the OG soarin being left in the dust
Original soaring is so bad I was glad to see the back of it. The world one is far superior and nostalgia can only go so far. So annoyed that they’ve done this for our next trip.
Sorry to say, but you are in the minority. The way the author described how the animals are cheesy, is 100% my sentiments, as well. I was impressed with the author’s writing as it captured a lot of feelings and thoughts I have on it. California is superior. I think it is comical that you are mad that the lesser version, with the terrible CGI animals and disjointed trip where you don’t even know (or care) where you are, and are there smells? I don’t recall any smells on around the world. If there are, they are quite unmemorable. I actually made an account just so I could reply to your super in the minority comical comment.
I am literally trying to make plans happen so I can catch it before it leaves. I hope it never does. Around the World BLIZOWS lol
This was the most exciting news for me! Epcot’s fireworks would have topped the list if I wasn’t leaving a few days before they debut. I love Soarin’ Around the World but every visit we mention the California one at least once, so it’ll be nice to enjoy it again.
I have the same feeling for Soarin’ Around the World that I do for Haunted Mansion Holiday. They are both fun, but I MUCH prefer the originals! Haunted Mansion is my absolute favorite. My daughter flew in from Hawaii the last few days of January 2023 to join us in Disneyland. When we decided on dates back in July, I was confident the Haunted Mansion overlay would be removed by then. Imagine our disappointment when they left it up until about the 28th of Jan! My daughter hates Nightmare Before Xmas! She hasn’t been able to hit the original mansion in about 10 years!
I’m glad this isn’t happening before I go this weekend! I like Soarin’ Over California, but the current iteration of Soarin’ is my favorite.
It put Iguazu Falls on my radar and every time I would ride Soarin’, I’d talk about how I wanted to go to the real life version. After years of dreaming about it, I finally got to travel there and see the falls on both the Argentina and Brazil sides. Truly magnificent!
Now I’m going to Epcot next weekend and I can’t wait to see the falls on the ride now that I have seen them in real life.
Never seen the California version and I’m going for Wine and Dine race weekend and am so excited to be able to compare!
We were supposed to go down the first weekend of October for a kids-free, Food & Wine weekend, but we had to cancel because of work schedules. Now that they announced this – I’m super bummed. I really hope they keep it through Festival of the Arts since we’re going down in late January. Having only experienced the original when we went in 2009 for our first adult trip, but then didn’t go back again until 2016 – when our Disney-crazy-fandom started (been over a dozen times since). Now I just want to see the original. Always jealous when I’ve seen them bring it back for a time at Disneyland and wish they’d bring it back at WDW. Now that they have, I’m afraid we’ll miss out.
Saw both Soarin movies and really prefer
the current one . It’s more varied with worldly locations rather than just the state of California, which isn’t such an awesome state anymore . Fires , droughts, floods, blizzards ,
Overpriced gas , and the wonderful city of San Francisco going downhill due to poor control over crime. Why doesn’t Disney make a brand new Soarin movie with all the USA national parks highlights and/or great cities of America.
I’ve always wanted to see the CA version but instead of being in FL this fall (like we normally are) we’re heading to CA in February -soooo will I get to see it there? I can’t chase it from coast to coast!
We’re not going to be able to make it back to WDW until January of 2025, but I wish like crazy that the OG Soarin’ could still be there. The original is just 1000x better than the newer version. The OG was exhilarating, magnificent, just gave you alllll the feels. And the score!! Still gives me goosebumps, every single time, from the moment I hear that first note. The new one? Eh… I have a whole playlist of music & videos called “Rides Disney Decimated for No Good Reason.” Soarin’ is definitely on there.
I was lucky to see the OG at Disneyland last February. Look for a few hidden Mickey’s.