There’s a big change coming for a fan-favorite attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
WASHINGTON — The Walt Disney Company is pulling back the curtain on its plans for America’s 250th anniversary, including big changes for one of its most beloved theme park attractions.
In Summer 2026, the Soarin’ rides at Walt Disney World and Disneyland will debut Soarin’ Across America.
According to Disney, the new flight experience “will take guests on a breathtaking journey from coast to coast, highlighting some of the country’s natural beauty and iconic cityscapes.”
The Soarin’ rides, located at Epcot in Florida and at California Adventure at Disneyland, raises guests high into the air in front of an immersive, 80-foot projection dome for show featuring aerial footage that simulates the motion of flight. Both rides currently feature Soarin’ Around the World.
Monday’s announcement featured actor Patrick Warburton once again donning his airline wings as the attraction’s chief flight attendant. He’s been part of the Soarin’ attraction since it first opened, providing safety tips to passengers in the queue.
Disney has yet to reveal which U.S. cities will be shown, but Tom Fitzgerald, Chief Storytelling Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, said said the goal was to “offer guests a sampling of the diversity of America’s beauty and urban wonders.”
Disney’s plans for America’s 250th
In addition to the Summer 2026 opening of Soarin’ Across America, Disney is launching a new initiative called “Disney Celebrating America” – From Veterans Day 2025 through the July 4, 2026, weekend.
During the July 4 weekend, Disney is planning a 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast, “Disney Celebrates America,” across Disney+, Hulu, ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, FX and National Geographic. The celebration will wrap up with a special fireworks broadcast from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.